Sheetari Ras – Ingredients, Preparation, Indications, Benefits, Dosage & More
Classical Reference – Ras Tantra Saar and Siddha Prayog Sangreha
Classical Indication – Jwara (Fever)
Introduction
Ayurveda views disease as an imbalance of doshas, agni, and dhatus, and therefore emphasizes restoring harmony rather than merely suppressing symptoms. Ayurvedic formulations are designed on precise principles of rasa, guna, virya, vipaka, and prabhava, ensuring a holistic and individualized approach to health. By combining herbs, minerals, and supportive carriers, these formulations work synergistically to correct digestion, eliminate ama, and strengthen the body’s innate resilience. Rooted in centuries of experiential knowledge, Ayurvedic medicines reflect a deep understanding of nature and human physiology, offering a time-tested, integrative framework that continues to remain relevant in contemporary health traditions. Today we will talk about a classical formulation i.e Sheetari ras.
Ingredients
- Purified Mercury (Shuddha Parada) – 1 Tola
- Purified Sulfur (Shuddha Gandhaka) – 1 Tola
- Sohaga (Borax) – 1 Tola
- Purified Jamalgota (Croton tiglium) – 2 tola
- Saindhav (Rock salt) – 1 tola
- Black Pepper (Kalimirch) – 1 tola
- Ash of Tamarind Bark (Imli ki chall ki Rakh) – 1 tola
- Sugar – 1 tola
Description Of Ingredients
1. Purified Mercury (Shuddha Parada)
Shuddha Parada is Yogavahi, meaning it enhances the efficacy of associated drugs. It helps balance all three doshas and supports Agnideepana, aiding in breaking the pathogenesis of stubborn and chronic fevers.
2. Purified Sulfur (Shuddha Gandhaka)
Shuddha Gandhaka possesses Ushna Virya and Krimighna properties. It supports metabolic correction, helps clear Ama, and assists in fevers associated with sluggish digestion and toxin accumulation.
3. Sohaga (Borax)
Sohaga is Tikshna and Ushna in nature, helping to liquefy and expel aggravated Kapha. It supports channel cleansing (Srotoshodhana), making it useful in Kapha- and Vata-dominant fevers.
4. Purified Jamalgota (Croton tiglium)
In minute purified form, Jamalgota acts as a strong Ama-pachaka and Virechaka. It helps eliminate deeply seated toxins that sustain chronic or intermittent fevers.
5. Saindhava Lavana (Rock Salt)
Saindhava is Laghu, Snigdha, and Tridoshaghna, especially balancing Vata and Kapha. It supports digestion, improves drug absorption, and helps relieve fever-related heaviness.
6. Black Pepper (Maricha)
Maricha is Ushna, Tikshna, and Deepana-Pachana in action. It helps digest Ama, stimulates digestive fire, and is traditionally useful in fevers with chills and congestion.
7. Ash of Tamarind Bark (Imli ki Chhaal ki Rakh)
This alkaline ash helps pacify aggravated Pitta and supports internal cooling while aiding detoxification. It is traditionally used in fevers associated with acidity and internal heat imbalance.
8. Sugar (Sharkara)
Sharkara has Madhura Rasa and Sheeta Virya, helping to soothe Pitta and prevent excessive heat. It supports strength and reduces dryness or weakness during prolonged fever.
Method Of Preparation
- Triturate purified mercury and sulfur thoroughly to prepare Kajjali.
- Add fine powders of the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Levigate the mixture with lemon juice for three days, then prepare pills of 1–1 ratti each.
Indications And Clinical Use
This formulation alleviates Sheetaja Jwara (fever due to cold), Vata–Kapha predominant fever, irregular or intermittent fever, and chronic fever.
Dosage
1-1 ratti, twice daily, to be taken with lukewarm water.
Conclusion
Sheetari Rasa represents a classical Ayurvedic formulation developed to address fevers arising from Vata–Kapha imbalance and cold predominance. Prepared through precise purification and processing methods, it reflects the Ayurvedic emphasis on enhancing agni, digesting ama, and restoring doshic balance at the root level. The synergistic combination of mineral and herbal ingredients supports metabolic correction while maintaining equilibrium within the body. When used judiciously under proper guidance, Sheetari Rasa exemplifies the depth of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, where formulation design, dosage, and anupana together play a vital role in managing fever in a holistic and principle-based manner.
