Raktapittantak Ras – Ingredients, Preparation, Ayurvedic Properties, Indications & Dosages
Raktapitta is a formidable hemorrhagic condition in Ayurveda where aggravated Pitta (heat) corrupts the Rakta Dhatu (blood), causing it to expand, liquefy, and erupt from the body’s orifices. This imbalance essentially “burns” the vascular network, leading to internal or external bleeding. This specialized Rasaushadhi—a potent blend of Abhrak, Lauh, Suvarnamakshik, Gandhak, and Hartal—serves as a definitive clinical solution. By leveraging the catalytic power of purified minerals processed with cooling herbs like Giloy and Yashtimadhu, the formulation achieves deep-seated Stambhana (hemostasis). It simultaneously cools systemic inflammation, replaces lost iron, and reinforces capillary integrity, offering a synergistic bridge between ancient mineralogy and modern vascular recovery. Let’s discuss it in detail!
Ingredients
- Abhrak Bhasma (Processed Mica)
- Lauh Bhasma (processed iron)
- Suvarnamakshik Bhasma (processed copper-iron pyrite)
- Shuddha Gandhak (Purified sulfur)
- Shuddha Hartal (purified orpiment)
Take equal parts of these five medicines
- Giloy Swaras
- Yashtimadhu Swaras
Ingredient Description
1. Abhrak Bhasma (Processed Mica)
Abhrak Bhasma is a premier Rasayana known for its “thousand-fold” potency after repeated incineration. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat Raktapitta because it is exceptionally cooling (Sheeta) and strengthens the Dhatus (tissues). It acts as a cellular regenerator. Scientifically, processed mica contains Magnesium, Potassium, and Iron silicates. It has been studied for its immunomodulatory and adaptogenic effects, helping the body manage the systemic stress of chronic bleeding while stabilizing the “micro-channel” membranes (Capillaries) to prevent leakage.
2. Lauh Bhasma (Processed Iron)
Lauh Bhasma is the quintessential Ayurvedic hematinic. Ayurveda views it as a “constructor” of blood that pacifies both Pitta and Kapha. It restores the “quality” of the blood, which becomes thin and pale in Raktapitta. From a modern medical perspective, it provides bioavailable elemental iron ($Fe$) necessary for hemoglobin synthesis. By addressing the anemia that inevitably follows hemorrhagic episodes, it improves the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and supports the coagulation proteins that require iron as a cofactor to function effectively.
3. Suvarnamakshik Bhasma (Processed Copper-Iron Pyrite)
This mineral ($CuFeS_{2}$) is specifically indicated in Ayurveda for Raktapitta and Pandu (anemia). It is considered Raktaprasadana—a blood purifier that “settles” the heat. Scientific analysis shows it contains iron, copper, and sulfur. Copper is crucial for the absorption of iron and the formation of elastin in blood vessel walls. By strengthening the “tunica media” (the muscular layer of vessels), it prevents the mechanical ruptures that lead to internal or external bleeding, essentially acting as a vascular sealer.
4. Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulfur)
Purified Sulfur is the “soul” of mineral medicine, used to detoxify the blood and enhance the potency of other minerals. In Ayurveda, it is Pitta-shamaka when properly processed, helping to dry up “morbid” secretions. Modern science recognizes sulfur for its vital role in creating disulfide bonds in proteins like collagen and keratin. In a bleeding context, sulfur helps maintain the structural “mesh” of the skin and mucosal linings, ensuring that the barriers between the blood vessels and the outside world remain intact and resilient.
5. Shuddha Hartal (Purified Orpiment)
Hartal is Arsenic Trisulfide ($As_{2}S_{3}$). In Ayurveda, it is used in very small, purified doses for its potent Stambhana (stopping) and Vishaghna (anti-toxic) properties. It is considered a “sharp” medicine that can quickly halt severe pathology. While modern medicine strictly regulates arsenic due to toxicity, low-dose arsenic compounds have been researched for their role in modulating cell signals and treating certain blood-related malignancies. In this formula, it provides a powerful “braking” force to stop the rapid, aggressive flow of blood characteristic of acute Raktapitta.
6. Giloy Swaras (Tinospora cordifolia Juice)
Giloy is known as “Heart-leaved Moonseed” and is considered the ultimate protector of the blood. Ayurveda uses its juice to balance all three Doshas and “purify” the Rakta Dhatu. Scientifically, Giloy is rich in alkaloids and lactones that boost the production of platelets and white blood cells. It acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, reducing the “vascular fire” (cytokine storms or heat) that causes blood vessels to dilate and leak during a Pitta flare-up.
7. Yashtimadhu Swaras (Licorice Root Juice/Decoction)
Yashtimadhu (Licorice) is highly valued in Ayurveda for its Madhura (sweet) taste and Sheeta (cold) potency, making it an ideal “anti-acid” and “anti-heat” herb. It is exceptionally soothing to the mucous membranes. Modern pharmacology identifies Glycyrrhizin and flavonoids as its active components, which have a “corticosteroid-like” effect. It helps reduce systemic inflammation and acts as a demulcent, coating the internal linings of the stomach and respiratory tract to prevent the “erosion” that leads to bleeding.
Method Of Preparation
- First, prepare a Kajjali (black sulfide of mercury) by mixing Mercury (Parad) and Sulfur (Gandhak),
- Then add the Hartal. Next, mix in the Bhasmas and grind the mixture for 3 days each with a decoction of Mulethi (Licorice) and Giloy juice.
- Form into tablets weighing 1 Ratti (approximately 125 mg) each.
Indications and Clinical use
- Raktapittantak Ras cures severe Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), fever, burning sensations, chest injuries (Kshataksheen), excessive thirst, inflammation (Shoth), and loss of appetite (Aruchi). If fever accompanies Raktapitta, that is also eliminated.
- In cases of Tridoshaj Raktapitta (referred to here as Purpura), fever often rises to 100°F, and occasionally headaches or diarrhea occur. Spots appear on the throat, hands, feet, and sometimes the face, and bleeding may occur from the mucous membranes. Consumption of Raktapittantak Ras is highly beneficial for this condition. The patient recovers quickly if kept on a diet of milk, sweet lime (Mosambi), oranges, and sweet pomegranate. The patient should take complete rest. Habits such as smoking cigarettes, drinking hot tea, or consuming alcohol must be discontinued.
- Beyond Tridoshaj Raktapitta, this medicine works well for Ur-Kshata (chest lesions/pulmonary injury). In such cases, it should be administered with Vasa Swaras (Malabar Nut juice) and Goat’s milk as an Anupana (vehicle).
- In the present day, blood disorders and the aggravation of Raktapitta are caused by foreign medicines, injections, and undisciplined lifestyle habits. By administering Raktapittantak Ras along with a prescribed diet (Pathya), the body becomes healthy and strong within a few days.
Dosage
Take 1 to 2 tablets twice a day with Honey or Mishri (Sugar candy).
Conclusion
At last we can say that this advanced herbo-mineral complex offers a multi-dimensional therapeutic strategy for managing the complexities of Raktapitta. While the Bhasmas of Iron, Mica, and Copper-Iron Pyrite work to replenish the blood’s vital constituents and reinforce the structural integrity of the vascular walls, the addition of Shuddha Hartal provides a potent acute response to active hemorrhaging. When processed through the cooling, anti-inflammatory medium of Giloy and Yashtimadhu, these minerals lose their harshness and become highly bioavailable. This synergy effectively “quenches” the systemic heat of Pitta, transforming a state of fragile, bleeding vessels into one of resilient, purified, and stable circulation.

