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

Reference : Rasaratna Samuccaya, Visharpa-Kushta-Shvitra-Krimi Chikitsa, Verse 20/168

Abstract

Skin disorders such as Shvitra (vitiligo) and Kushta (chronic skin diseases) described in Ayurveda arise due to vitiation of Pitta (fire–heat element) and Rakta Doshas (blood-related humors), leading to impaired melanocyte function, loss of skin pigmentation, inflammation, discoloration, and accumulation of morbid doshas in Raktavaha Srotas (microchannels of blood circulation) and Mamsavaha Srotas (microchannels of skin and muscle tissues). Shvitrakushtari Rasa, a classical herbo-mineral formulation, is renowned for its potent Raktashodhaka (blood-purifying), Kushtaghna (anti-dermatotic), Krimighna (antimicrobial) and Varnya (complexion-restoring) properties. It primarily acts on Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue), Twak (skin), and Bhrajaka Pitta (skin-associated metabolic fire), cleansing the microchannels, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy melanin formation. By harmonizing aggravated Pitta (heat dosha) and supporting Rakta Dhatu (blood tissues), Shvitrakushtari Rasa serves as a comprehensive Ayurvedic remedy for Shvitra (vitiligo), Tvak-Vikaras (skin disorders), and a wide spectrum of Kushta Rogas (chronic dermatological conditions), ensuring detoxification, pigmentation restoration, and overall Pittaja–Raktaja Shamana (balance of heat and blood-related imbalances).

Introduction

Shvitrakushtari Rasa is a classical Rasoushadh (herbo-mineral formulation) cited in renowned Ayurvedic texts under Kustha Chikitsa Adhyaya (chapter on skin disorders). The name “Shvitrakushtari” reflects its targeted action in addressing Shvitra (vitiligo), Kushta (chronic skin diseases), and other Raktaja Twak Vikara (blood-related dermatological disorders). This unique formulation works as a potent Raktashodhaka (blood purifier), Kusthaghna (anti-dermatotic), Krimighna (antimicrobial), and Varnya (complexion-enhancing agent). By acting on Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue), Twak (skin), and Bhrajaka Pitta (skin-associated metabolic fire), it detoxifies microchannels, reduces inflammation, and supports healthy melanin formation. Regular use helps restore natural pigmentation, strengthen skin integrity, and maintain Pitta-Rakta Samya (balance of heat and blood-related humors). With its comprehensive effects, Shvitrakushtari Rasa offers a holistic approach to chronic and recurrent skin ailments, promoting dermal rejuvenation, immunity, and overall skin vitality.

Classical Indication

Shvitra (vitiligo) & Kustha (chronic skin diseases)

Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parad (Purified Mercury)
2. Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulfur)
3. Lauha Bhasma (Calcined Iron)
4. Abhraka Bhasma (Mica Calx)
5. Shuddha Hingula (Purified Cinnabar)
6. Rasmanikya (Arsenic Sulfide)
7. Amla (Emblica officinalis)
8. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
9. Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
10. Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)

Description Of The Ingredients

1. Shuddha Parad (Purified Mercury)

Shuddha Parad, purified mercury, is a potent Rasadravya (herbo-mineral therapeutic agent) with Yogavahi (catalytic) and Rasayana (rejuvenative) properties. It exhibits Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (bitter) Rasa, Snigdha (unctuous) and Sara (mobile) Guna, Ushna Virya (hot potency), and Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect). The elemental mercury acts as a carrier for other ingredients, enhancing tissue penetration, cellular regeneration, and detoxification of Raktavaha Srotas (blood microchannels). In Shvitrakushtari Rasa, it aids in balancing Pitta-Rakta Dosha, restoring melanocyte function, and supporting uniform skin pigmentation.

2. Shuddha Gandhak (Purified Sulfur)

Shuddha Gandhak is a classical Kusthaghna (anti-dermatotic) and Krimighna (antimicrobial) Rasadravya, with Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) Rasa, Ruksha (dry) and Laghu (light) property, Sheeta Virya (cold potency), and Katu Vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect). The sulphur compounds exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, helping eliminate pathogens in Twak (skin) and reduce inflammation in Raktaja Twak Vikara (blood related skin disorder). Gandhak (sulphur) facilitates detoxification of morbid Doshas and restores healthy pigmentation in vitiligo lesions.

3. Lauha Bhasma (Calcined Iron)

Lauha Bhasma is primarily Raktashodhaka (blood-purifying) and Varnya (complexion-enhancing), with Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) Rasa, Guru (heavy) and Ruksha (dry) property, Sheeta Virya (cold potency), and Katu Vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect). The iron content promotes hemoglobin synthesis and supports melanin formation in Twak, improving pigmentation in Shvitra and chronic Kustha. Lauha Bhasma purifies Rakta Dhatu, reduces dermal inflammation, and strengthens skin tissues.

4. Abhraka Bhasma (Mica Calx)

Abhraka Bhasma is a renowned Rasayana (rejuvenative) and skin-strengthening mineral, with Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (bitter) Rasa, Laghu (light) and Snigdha (unctuous) property, Ushna Virya (hot potency), and Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect). Its mica-derived silicates facilitate deep tissue penetration, enhancing delivery of active ingredients, reducing inflammation, and rejuvenating Bhrajaka Pitta (skin-associated metabolic fire) to restore natural skin tone and improve skin texture.

5. Shuddha Hingula (Purified Cinnabar)

Shuddha Hingula is a powerful Raktashodhaka (blood purifier) and Kusthaghna (anti-dermatotic) Rasadravya with Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (bitter) Rasa, Guru (heavy) and Snigdha (unctuous) property, Ushna Virya (hot potency), and Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect). Its mercuric sulfide content detoxifies Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue), reduces Pitta-Rakta aggravation, and supports melanin restoration, helping manage depigmentation and chronic skin lesions.

6. Rasmanikya (Arsenic Sulfide)

Rasmanikya is recognized for Kusthaghna (anti-dermatotic) and Krimighna (antimicrobial) action, with Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) Rasa, Ruksha (dry) and Laghu (light) property, Ushna Virya (hot potency), and Katu Vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect). Its arsenic sulfide content targets pathogens in skin microchannels, purifies Raktavaha Srotas (microchannels associated with blood), reduces inflammation, and promotes pigmentation recovery in Shvitra and chronic Kustha.

7. Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Amla is a potent Rasayana (rejuvenative), Varnya (complexion-restoring), and Pitta-Shamak (Pitta-pacifying) herb with Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour) Rasa, Laghu (light) and Snigdha (unctuous) property, Sheeta Virya (cold potency), and Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect). Its ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) content enhances antioxidant defenses, supports Rakta Dhatu detoxification, reduces oxidative stress in melanocytes, and aids in restoring natural skin color in vitiligo and chronic skin diseases.

8. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

Haritaki exhibits Raktashodhaka (blood-purifying) and mild Kusthaghna (anti-dermatotic) properties with Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) Rasa, Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry) Guna, Sheeta Virya (cold potency), and Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect). Its chebulinic acid and tannins detoxify Rakta Dhatu, reduce skin inflammation, and support Pitta-Rakta Samya, aiding in melanin restoration and skin rejuvenation.

9. Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)

Bibhitaki is an effective Twak Shodhaka (skin purifier) and mild Varnya (complexion enhancer) with Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) Rasa, Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry) property, Sheeta Virya (cold potency), and Katu Vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect). Its gallic acid and ellagic acid content aids in clearing morbid humors from Twak, reduces dermal oxidative stress, and promotes uniform pigmentation in vitiligo lesions.

10. Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)

Chitraka enhances Agni (digestive/metabolic fire) and facilitates removal of morbid Doshas from Raktavaha and Mamsavaha Srotas (microchannels of blood and muscle tissues). It exhibits Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) Rasa, Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry) properties, Ushna Virya (hot potency), and Katu Vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect). Its plumbagin content stimulates metabolic clearance of toxins, reduces inflammation, enhances delivery of other ingredients, and promotes melanin regeneration for improved skin pigmentation.

Method Of Preparation

1. Triturate Shuddha Parad (purified Mercury) and Shuddha Gandhaka (purified Sulfur) together until the mixture turns completely black and attains a smooth, homogeneous texture.
2. Incorporate Nilatuttha (Blue Vitriol / Copper Sulfate, purified) and Tamra Bhasma (calcined Copper) into the Kajjali.
3. Triturate the combined mixture continuously for one full day to ensure uniform blending.
4. Add Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia) decoction to the mixture and continue Mardana (trituration) for an additional day, allowing thorough integration of mineral and herbal components.
5. Transfer the final, well-blended formulation into a glass container and store in a cool, dry place for medicinal use.

Medicinal Properties

1. Vitiligo (Shvitra)

• Shvitrakushtari Rasa with Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia) Churna, Amla (Emblica officinalis) Rasayana, and Kumari (Aloe vera) Gel.
• Anupaan (Adjuvant): Ghee or Madhu (honey) enhances absorption and promotes skin pigmentation.

2. All Types Of Chronic Skin Diseases (Kushta)

• Shvitrakushtari Rasa + Triphala decoction internally + Neem (Azadirachta indica) Oil externally.
• Anupaan (Adjuvant): Warm Milk or Ghee internally aids Rasadravya bioavailability.

3. Erysipelas / Inflamed Skin Conditions (Visharpa)

• Shvitrakushtari Rasa + Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) decoction internally + Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Paste topically.
• Anupaan (Adjuvant): Warm water or Ghee internally improves absorption of medicines.

4. Skin Discolorations (Tvak-Dosha)

• Shvitrakushtari Rasa + Haridra (Curcuma longa) powder internally + Amla Rasayana externally.
• Anupaan (Adjuvant): Ghee or Honey enhances Rasadravya penetration into Twak (skin).

5. Chronic Pruritus / Microbial Skin Infections

• Shvitrakushtari Rasa + Haridra (Curcuma longa) + Neem (Azadirachta indica) Paste externally + Triphala decoction internally.
• Anupaan (Adjuvant): Ghee internally; Sesame oil externally.

6. Hypopigmented Patches

• Shvitrakushtari Rasa + Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia) + Amla + Karela (Momordica charantia) Extract internally.
• Anupaan (Adjuvant): Ghee or Madhu improves tissue absorption and supports melanin synthesis.

Impact On Dosha

• Reduces vitiated Pitta in skin tissues.
• Purifies Rakta Dhatu (blood tissues), removing deep-seated impurities.
• Scrapes Kapha-Dushti (vitiation of Kapha), which blocks channels in leukoderma.

Indications

• Vitiligo (Shvitra)
• All types of chronic skin diseases (Kushta)
• Erysipelas / inflamed skin conditions (Visharpa)
• Skin discolorations (Tvak-Dosha)
• Blood related skin disorders
• Chronic pruritus, microbial skin infections
• Hypopigmented patches

Dosage

62.5 mg – 125 mg once or twice daily.
With Bakuchi Taila or Rakta-Chandana decoction.

Precautions

• Should be taken only under Ayurvedic physician supervision.

Conclusion

Shvitrakushtari Rasa is a classical herbo-mineral formulation renowned for its Kusthaghna (anti-dermatotic), Raktashodhaka (blood-purifying), Varnya (complexion-restoring), and Krimighna (antimicrobial) properties. Acting primarily on Raktavaha Srotas (blood microchannels), Mamsavaha Srotas (skin and muscle channels), and Bhrajaka Pitta (skin-associated metabolic fire), it detoxifies blood, reduces inflammation, and promotes melanin restoration. By harmonizing Pitta-Rakta Dosha and rejuvenating Twak (skin), Shvitrakushtari Rasa effectively manages Shvitra (vitiligo), Kushta (chronic skin diseases), and other complex dermatological disorders, ensuring skin detoxification, pigmentation restoration, and overall dermal health.