Sootshekhar Ras
Reference – Yogaratnakar, Amlapittarogadhikar, verses 57–60 to 64.
Abstract
The digestive imbalances, like acid reflux, hyperacidity, and gastritis, are becoming increasingly common due to irregular eating habits, stress, and excessive intake of spicy or processed foods. These conditions, categorized under Amlapitta (hyperacidity) in Ayurveda, can lead to chronic discomfort, burning sensation, indigestion, headache, and disturbed sleep. The modern antacids often offer only symptomatic relief with potential side effects, and many are now turning to Ayurvedic solutions for deeper, sustainable healing. Sootshekhar Ras, a classical herbomineral formulation, is renowned for its powerful Pitta-pacifying action. It is enriched with ingredients that not only neutralize excess acid but also strengthen the digestive fire (Agni) without aggravating Pitta. Its neuro-calming and Rasayana (rejuvenating) benefits make it highly effective in managing migraines, vomiting, and stress-related digestive issues. Let’s explore this revered formulation in detail!
Introduction
Sootshekhar Ras is a classical Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation primarily indicated for disorders arising from aggravated Pitta Dosha, especially Amlapitta (hyperacidity). The name is derived from “Soot,” meaning purified mercury (Parada), and “Shekhar,” meaning crown or supreme, symbolizing its status as a crown jewel among mercurial preparations in Rasashastra. Soothshekhar Ras is renowned for its cooling, stabilizing, and neuro-calming effects, making it a holistic remedy not only for gastritis and acid reflux but also for associated symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. This formulation exemplifies the delicate balance of tradition and therapeutic precision in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics.
Classical Reference
Yogaratnakar Chapter 57 (Amlapittarogadhikar) Verse- 60 to 64
Ingredients
- Shuddha Suta (Parada) (Purified Mercury)- 1 part
- Swarna Bhasma (Incinerated Gold) -1 part
- Shuddha Tankana (Purified Borax) – 1 part
- Vatsanabha Shuddha (Purified Aconitum ferox) – 1 part
- Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur) – 1 part
- Tamra Bhasma (Incinerated Copper) – 1 part
- Shankha Bhasma (Incinerated Conch Shell) – 1 part
- Gairika (Red Ochre) – 1 part
- Shuddha Dhattura Seed (Purified Datura metel) – 1 part
- Sunthi (Zingiber officinale – Dried Ginger) – 1 part
- Maricha (Piper nigrum – Black Pepper) – 1 part
- Pippali (Piper longum – Long Pepper) – 1 part
- Ela (Elettaria cardamomum – Green Cardamom) – 1 part
- Tejapatra (Cinnamomum tamala – Bay Leaf) – 1 part
- Tvak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum – Cinnamon Bark) – 1 part
- Nagkeshar (Mesua ferrea – Ironwood Stamen) – 1 part
- Bilva Majja (Aegle marmelos – Bael Fruit Pulp) – 1 part
- Kachur (Curcuma zedoaria – White Turmeric Rhizome) – 1 part
- Bhringraj Swarasa (Eclipta alba Juice – for Bhavana (trituration)) – Q.S.
Description of Ingredients
1. Shuddha Suta (Purified Mercury – Parada
Shuddha Suta is mercury that has undergone classical purification to eliminate toxicity. It acts as a Yogavahi (catalyst), enhancing the bioavailability of all ingredients. In Amlapitta (hyperacidity), it helps balance all three doshas, especially Pitta, and ensures deep systemic action of the formulation without increasing heat, making it suitable for Pitta-related gastric issues.
2. Swarna Bhasma (Incinerated Gold – Swarna)
Swarna Bhasma is purified gold calx prepared through repeated incineration. It is a potent Rasayana (rejuvenator) and Medhya (neuro-tonic). In Amlapitta, it strengthens the gastrointestinal mucosa, reduces the recurrence of hyperacidity caused by stress, and supports mental calmness—helpful in psychosomatic acidity.
3. Shuddha Tankana (Purified Borax – Sodium Bicarbonate)
Shuddha Tankana is known for its alkaline, antacid, and digestive stimulant properties. It neutralizes excess gastric acid, reducing symptoms like sour belching, heartburn, and hiccups (Hikka). It is light (Laghu), dry (Ruksha), and hot (Ushna) in potency, making it ideal in Pitta-Kapha dominant Amlapitta.
Shuddha Tankana (Borax – Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O) also reacts with gastric HCl to yield:
Na2B4O7⋅10H2O+2HCl⟶4H3BO3+2NaCl+5H2O
Further, this enhances its antacid and digestive stabilizing effects.
4. Vatsanabha Shuddha (Purified Aconitum ferox – Indian Aconite)
Shuddha Vatsanabha(Purified Aconitum ferox), after purification, becomes a potent Deepana-Pachana (digestive stimulant) and helps regulate sluggish digestion. It counters Ama (toxic undigested material) formation and relieves colicky pain associated with Amlapitta, especially in cases of Mandagni (weak digestive fire).
5. Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur – Sulphur Sublimate)
Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur) is a traditional Tridosha-balancing agent with strong anti-inflammatory, digestive, and rejuvenative properties. In Amlapitta, it detoxifies the gut, promotes tissue healing, and reduces Pitta-induced burning and intestinal irritation.
6. Tamra Bhasma (Incinerated Copper – Copper Calx)
Tamra Bhasma (Incinerated Copper) acts on Yakrit (liver) and Pachak Pitta, promoting bile flow and metabolism. It improves digestion and reduces sour belching and bloating, common features in chronic hyperacidity. Its supportive role in correcting Pittaja Agnidushti (digestive imbalance related to pitta dosha vitiation) makes it essential in this formulation.
7. Shankha Bhasma (Incinerated Conch Shell – Calcium-rich Shell Calx)
Shankha Bhasma (Incinerated Conch Shell) is a natural antacid with Sheeta Virya (cooling potency) and rich in bioavailable calcium carbonate. It soothes the gastric mucosa, protects against ulcers, and rapidly relieves acid reflux and burning sensations in the upper abdomen and chest. Shankha Bhasma (Calcium carbonate) acts as a natural antacid. It reacts directly with hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach:
CaCO3 + HCl = H2O + CO2 + CaCl2
This neutralization provides fast relief from heartburn, sour belching, and gastric irritation.
8. Gairika (Red Ochre – Anjan/Red Ferric Oxide)
Gairika (Red Ochre) has astringent (Kashaya) and cooling (Sheeta) properties. It helps arrest acid secretion, soothes mucosal inflammation, and controls Pitta-driven diarrhea, belching, and vomiting in Amlapitta. It is especially beneficial when burning is accompanied by bleeding.
Gairika (Red Ochre), though not classically mentioned in all versions, when present, reacts similarly:
Fe + 2HCl = FeCl2 + H2
This neutralizes gastric acidity and improves hemoglobin levels, indirectly supporting digestive strength.
9. Shuddha Dhattura Seed (Purified Datura metel – Thorn Apple)
Dhattura (Datura metel) seeds, once purified, are effective antispasmodic and anodyne agents. In Amlapitta, they alleviate gastric spasms, retching, and nausea triggered by excessive acid. They also help calm Pitta-aggravated Vata and associated gut hyperreactivity.
Shuddha Dhattura (Datura metel) contains atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which are potent anticholinergic agents. These block muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, thereby inhibiting vagal stimulation of gastric acid secretion. This reduces HCl production in the stomach, addressing the root cause of Amlapitta.
10. Sunthi (Dried Ginger – Zingiber officinale)
Sunthi (Dried Ginger) is a classical Deepana-Pachana (digestive stimulant) herb with Katu Rasa (pungent taste) and Ushna Virya (hot potency). It boosts Agni without allowing Kapha stagnation and relieves bloating, nausea, and heaviness in Amlapitta, especially when Ama is involved.
11. Maricha (Black Pepper – Piper nigrum)
Maricha (Black Pepper) is a potent bioenhancer, carminative, and Agni stimulant. It helps clear digestive obstructions, relieves flatulence, and enhances the action of Parada and other herbs. In Amlapitta, it reduces Kapha-induced indigestion without overstimulating Pitta due to balancing ingredients.
12. Pippali (Long Pepper – Piper longum)
Pippali (Long Pepper) is Rasayana (rejuvinator), Medhya (neuro-tonic), and Deepana (appetizer) in action. It improves digestion, reduces acidic gas, and supports gut-brain harmony, useful in stress-induced acidity. It also prevents Ama (endotoxins created from undigested food) accumulation, a common root of chronic hyperacidity.
13. Ela (Green Cardamom– Elettaria cardamomum)
Ela (Green Cardamom) is a gentle digestive, carminative, and cooling aromatic. It relieves burning sensation, vomiting, and acidic breath in Amlapitta (hyperacidity). It’s Madhura and Katu Rasa (Sweet and pungent taste), along with Sheeta Virya (cool potency), that make it especially suited for calming irritated gastric mucosa.
14. Tejapatra (Bay Leaf – Cinnamomum tamala)
Tejapatra (Bay Leaf) has a mild stimulating effect on digestive fire and relieves bloating and cramping. In Amlapitta (hyperacidity), it assists in Agni-balancing and synergizes with ingredients like Sunthi and Tvak to prevent Kapha dominance without aggravating Pitta.
15. Tvak (Cinnamon Bark – Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Tvak (Cinnamon Bark) is aromatic, carminative, and antispasmodic, useful in indigestion and gastric spasms. It warms the stomach mildly and helps in appetite stimulation without intensifying Pitta. It also contributes to the pleasant palatability of the formulation.
16. Nagkeshar (Ironwood Stamen – Mesua ferrea)
Nagkeshar (Ironwood Stamen) is astringent, cooling, and anti-inflammatory. It is beneficial in Pitta-type bleeding, burning sensations, and acidic mouth ulcers. In Amlapitta (hyperacidity), it strengthens the gut mucosa and reduces Pitta-induced inflammation.
17. Bilva Majja (Bael Fruit Pulp – Aegle marmelos)
Bilva Majja (Bael Fruit Pulp) is Grahi (absorbent) and Pachana (digestive). It strengthens the colon, relieves loose motions, and pacifies colic pain. In Amlapitta (hyperacidity), it helps when acid reflux is accompanied by diarrhea, flatulence, or abdominal heaviness.
18. Kachur (White Turmeric Rhizome – Curcuma zedoaria)
Kachur (White Turmeric Rhizome) is a bitter-aromatic herb that stimulates digestion and reduces Kapha-Pitta imbalance in the gut. In Amlapitta (hyperacidity), it reduces flatulence, heaviness, and inflammatory responses in the intestinal mucosa.
19. Bhringraj Swarasa (Juice of Eclipta alba – for Bhavana)
Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) is a Pitta-pacifying, liver-protective, and rejuvenative herb. Bhringraj Swarasa (Juice of Eclipta alba), when used as Bhavana Dravya (trituration medium), enhances the formulation’s cooling, detoxifying, and healing effects. In Amlapitta (hyperacidity), it supports the liver, regulates Pachak Pitta, and helps reduce the recurrence of symptoms.
Method Of Preparation
- Parada (purified mercury) and Gandhaka (purified Sulphur) are triturated to form black Kajjali (combined form of mercury sulfide).
- Then, in the next step, the remaining mineral and herbal powders are added gradually and triturated.
- The whole mixture is levigated with fresh Bhringraj Swarasa (Juice of Eclipta alba) until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
- This step is followed by the tablet-making step. 125–250 mg pills are prepared and dried in the shade.
Medicinal Properties
This formulation, based upon its anupaan (adjuvant), can be used:
- With cold cow milk – Best for acid reflux, burning chest, and heartburn.
- With ghee – Beneficial in migraine, Pitta-Vata headache, and vertigo.
- With honey – Useful in nausea, bilious vomiting, and post-meal heaviness.
- With lukewarm water – Supports treatment of indigestion, Ama, and Grahani (IBS).
- With sugar water (Mishri Jala) – Relieves gastric ulcers, burning, and dryness in the mouth.
- With buttermilk – Effective in loose stools, post-infective dyspepsia, and Pitta-Kapha type Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome)
Dosha Impact
- Vata- Slightly balancing
- Pitta- Strongly pacifies
- Kapha- Neutral
Therapeutic Indications
As per Yogaratnakar and AFI, Sootshekhar Ras is indicated in:
- Acid reflux, Gastritis (Amlapitta)
- Vomiting (Chhardi)
- Abdominal colic (Shula)
- Abdominal mass / Gas disorders (Gulma)
- Cough (Kasa)
- Diarrhea due to vitiated Tridosha (Tridoshajatisara)
- Breathlessness (Shvasa)
- Low digestive fire (Mandagni)
- Hiccups (Hikka)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD (Urdhvag Amlapitta)
- Tuberculosis – as an adjuvant (Rajayakshma)
- Abdominal disorders (Udar Vikara)
- Insomnia due to Pitta aggravation (Anidra)
Dosage
Dosage: 125–250 mg once or twice daily.
Contraindications
- Not suitable for children below 5 years
- Avoid during pregnancy and lactation
- Should be avoided in Pitta-kshaya (Pitta deficiency)
- Not for long-term unsupervised use
Conclusion
Sootshekhar Ras, as prescribed in Yogaratnakar and validated by AFI, is a multi-dimensional Ayurvedic formulation addressing both digestive and neurogenic Pitta disorders. Its action on Amlapitta (hyperacidity) is fast-acting, effective, and rejuvenating. Whether in daily acidity, migraine, or serious conditions like Rajayakshma (Tuberculosis), its use under physician guidance can bring significant symptomatic relief and systemic healing.
