Sankheshwara Rasa – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Reference : RasrattanSamucchya/ Rajyakshma Rogadhikar section (14/18-19)

Abstract

Chronic respiratory disorders and wasting conditions pose a major challenge to systemic vitality, often resulting in persistent Kasa (cough), Jwara (fever), gradual Dhatukshaya (tissue depletion), and diminished strength. In Ayurveda (science of life), such conditions are understood under the umbrella of Rajyakshma (tuberculosis), arising from the simultaneous aggravation of multiple Doshas (biological humors) and impairment of Rasavaha Srotas (circulatory fluids channels) and Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels). These disturbances lead to compromised Dhatu-Poshana (tissue nourishment), reduced Agni (digestive and metabolic power), and systemic weakness. To address these deep-seated imbalances, classical Ayurvedic texts recommend Sankheshwara Rasa, a herbo-mineral formulation revered for its Rasayana (rejuvenative), Balya (strength-promoting), and Shwasahara (respiratory-supporting) properties. By pacifying aggravated Doshas (humors), enhancing tissue regeneration, and supporting immunity, Sankheshwara Rasa provides a holistic approach to restoring strength, mitigating chronic cough and fever, and promoting overall vitality and resilience in conditions of Rajyakshma (tuberculosis).

Introduction

Sankheshwara Rasa (herbo-mineral formulation) is a classical Rasoushadh (herbo-mineral medicine) described in authoritative Ayurvedic texts. The name “Sankheshwara” (conch shell lord) is derived from its key ingredient, Shankh (conch shell), and signifies its strength-giving, rejuvenative, and Dosha-balancing (balancing bodily humors) properties, tailored to address the complex manifestations of Rajyakshma (tuberculosis). It is indicated in conditions such as chronic cough, fever, tissue depletion, recurrent respiratory infections, and progressive weakness due to the deterioration of vital Dhatus (tissues) and Srotas (microchannels). This formulation acts as a potent Rasayana (rejuvenative), Balya (strength-giving), and Shwasahara (respiratory-supporting) agent, offering nourishment, immune support, and restoration of systemic vitality. Through replenishing weakened Dhatus (tissues), enhancing digestion and assimilation, and pacifying aggravated Doshas (body humors), Sankheshwara Rasa (conch-shell-based medicine) helps arrest the progression of Rajyakshama (tuberculosis), supports convalescence, and strengthens both respiratory and nutritional pathways, ensuring comprehensive rejuvenation and long-term resilience.

Classical Indication

Rajyakshama (tuberculosis).

Ingredients

1. Shuddha Shankh Bhasma (Conch shell ash)
2. Shuddha Varatika Bhasma (cowrie shell ash)
3. Shuddha Neel Tutia (Blue vitriol)
4. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified sulfur)
5. Shuddha Nag Bhasma (Lead ash)
6. Mrita Ras (Purified mercury)
7. Suhaga (Borax)

Description Of The Ingredients

1. Shuddha Shankh Bhasma (Conch Shell Ash)

Shuddha Shankha Bhasma, derived from Shankha (conch shell), is rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) as its active compound. It exhibits Sheeta (cooling) potency, Madhura (sweet) taste, and Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous) qualities. The calcium content provides structural support to bones and muscles while improving digestion and nutrient absorption. In Sankheshwara Rasa, it pacifies excess Pitta and Kapha, reduces burning sensation, and corrects impaired Agni (digestive fire). This helps in building strength and nourishing depleted Dhatus (tissues) affected during Rajyakshama (tuberculosis).

2. Shuddha Varatika Bhasma (Purified Cowrie Shell Ash)

Shuddha Varatika Bhasma, prepared from Varatika (cowrie shells), contains calcium oxide (CaO) and trace minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. It has Madhura and Sheeta attributes with a mild alkaline nature. The high calcium bioavailability enhances Rasa Dhatu (circulatory fluid) production and counters hyperacidity. In Sankheshwara Rasa, it strengthens digestion, ensures better assimilation, and contributes to tissue restoration, supporting convalescence in Rajyakshama (tuberculosis), where nutritional depletion is severe.

3. Shuddha Neel Tutia (Purified Blue Vitriol)

Shuddha Neel Tutia contains copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄•5H₂O) as the primary active compound. It is Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) in taste, Laghu and Ruksha in quality, and Ushna (hot) in potency. Copper possesses potent antimicrobial and enzymatic co-factor functions, influencing oxidative metabolism. In Sankheshwara Rasa, it acts as an expectorant and tissue purifier, aiding clearance of mucus and toxins from Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channels). This prevents infection recurrence and supports respiratory tissue regeneration in Rajyakshama (tuberculosis).

4. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified Sulfur)

Shuddha Gandhak is primarily composed of elemental sulfur (S₈). It is Snigdha (unctuous) and Ushna (hot) in Guna, with Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect). Sulfur acts as an antibacterial, antiviral, and detoxifying agent. It improves oxygen transport and supports amino acid metabolism. In Sankheshwara Rasa, it enhances immunity, eliminates toxins, promotes Ojas (vital strength), and assists in the recovery from chronic infections and weakness seen in Rajyakshama (tuberculosis).

5. Shuddha Nag Bhasma (Purified Lead Ash)

Shuddha Nag Bhasma, derived from Naga (lead), contains lead oxide (PbO) in micro and stable non-toxic form after proper purification. It is hot in potency and Madhura-Kashaya (sweet-astringent) in taste. Purified Lead Ash exhibits trophorestorative, nervine, and anabolic effects by promoting Dhatu Pushti (tissue nourishment). In Sankheshwara Rasa, it helps regain strength, balance hormonal and metabolic pathways, and restore the vital force. This combats the catabolic state of Rajyakshama (tuberculosis) characterized by weight loss and tissue decay.

6. Mrita Ras (Purified Mercury)

Shuddha Parad (Purified Mercury) contains red mercuric sulfide (HgS) in a highly stable and bio-assimilable form. It exhibits Madhura and Tikta Rasa (sweet & bitter taste), with Snigdha (unctuous), and rejuvenating potency. Mercury acts as a biocatalyst enhancing the absorption, potency, and synergistic effect of all other metallic and mineral components. In Sankheshwara Rasa, it promotes cell regeneration, regulates metabolism, and balances Tridosha, making it crucial for reversing tissue wasting and metabolic derangement seen in Rajyakshama (tuberculosis).

7. Suhaga (Borax)

Borax, known as Tankan in Sanskrit, contains sodium borate (Na₂B₄O₇•10H₂O) as its active ingredient. It is Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), and Ushna (hot) in nature. It acts as an alkalizer, antimicrobial, and respiratory stimulant. In Sankheshwara Rasa, it helps liquefy phlegm, clear Kapha obstructions in the lungs, and enhance drug bioavailability by stimulating tissue permeability. This supports respiration, improves appetite, and reverses emaciation in Rajyakshama (tuberculosis).

Method Of Preparation

• All ingredients should be finely triturated and blended into a uniform powder.
• The powder is then filled into purified cowrie shells and sealed with a paste of wheat flour mixed with goat’s milk.
• The sealed shells are placed inside a small earthen pot, which is then smeared with clay and dried.
• This pot is placed inside a Gajaputa (a traditional pit furnace) for heating.
• After cooling, the medicated mass is taken out and processed to separate the final product.
• The final extract is then called Sankheshwara Rasa.

Medicinal Properties

1. Tuberculosis (Rajyakshma)

Sankheshwara Rasa acts as Rasayana, Kshayaghna, Balya and works best with Pippali + Honey, Sitopaladi, Vasavaleha.

2. Rajyakshma With Fever And Infection

Sankheshwara Rasa works best with Guduchi Ghana, Sudarshan, Tribhuvan Kirti Ras, and warm water in Rajyakshma.

3. Severe Debility & Wasting Disorders

Sankheshwara Rasa is combined best with Ashwagandha Lehyam, Drakshasava, Amritarishta, Ghee + Honey.

4. Loss Of Appetite & Poor Digestion

Sankheshwara Rasa works best with Pippali, Shunthi, Jeerakarishta, Warm water/Honey.

5. Anemia With Weakness

Sankheshwara Rasa is combined best with Punarnava Mandur, Drakshavaleha, Lohasava, Cow ghee.

6. Recurrent Infections

Sankheshwara Rasa works best with Guduchi + Tulsi, Amalaki Rasayan, Sitopaladi, Chitrak Haritaki.

7. Post-TB Convalescence

Sankheshwara Rasa combines best with Chyawanprash, Ashwagandha + Milk, Pippali Rasayan, Drakshasava.

8. Immunity Depletion (Ojas Kshaya)

Sankheshwara Rasa works best with Brahma Rasayana, Amrit Ghrita, Guduchi Satva, Warm milk + Ghee.

Impact On Dosha

Vata — (Strongly pacifies Vata — main action)

Kapha — (Moderately reduces Kapha)

Pitta — (Neutral to mildly balancing; does not aggravate Pitta)

Indications

• Tuberculosis (Rajyakshma)
• Chronic cough & respiratory weakness
• Low-grade chronic fever
• Severe debility & wasting disorders
• Loss of appetite & poor digestion
• Anemia with weakness
• Recurrent infections
• Post-TB convalescence
• Immunity depletion (Ojas Kshaya)

Dosage

125 mg to 500 mg (1–4 ratti)

To be taken with:

• Pippali churna – 500 mg
• Honey or ghee – 500 mg

Contraindications

• Unsupervised Long-Term Use
• Acute High Fever (Teevra Jwara)
• Severe Gastritis / Active Peptic Ulcer
• Pitta-Prakriti with High Pitta Symptoms
• Not suitable in high-grade fever with Pitta dominance or dehydration.

Conclusion

Sankheshwara Rasa is a potent classical herbo-mineral formulation indicated in Rajyakshma and chronic respiratory-wasting disorders, offering strong Vata-Kapha pacifying, Rasayana, Balya, Jvarahara, and Kshayaghna actions. Its combination with suitable adjuvants enhances tissue nourishment, immunity, and respiratory strength, making it highly effective in chronic cough, low-grade fever, debility, anemia, poor digestion, recurrent infections, and post-TB convalescence. When used in proper dosage under medical supervision, it restores Ojas, strength, appetite, and overall vitality.