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Mica, Abhrak
Muscovy Glass (Muscovite Mica)
Abhrak (Ayurveda)
Abrak Siyah (Unani)
Gser bye གསེར་བྱེ (Tibetan)
Abhrak (Ayurveda)
Abrak Siyah (Unani)
Gser bye གསེར་བྱེ (Tibetan)
Biotite Mica
(Calcutta Unani College, Adam, 2019)
(Calcutta Unani College, Adam, 2019)
A sample of Biotite Mica as used in Tibetan Medicine
(Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala, India. Adam, 2006)
(Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala, India. Adam, 2006)
Mineralogical Name:
Biotite Mica, a ferro-magnesium silicate. K (Mg Fe)3 X(Si3AlO11) X (OH)2
Parts used:
Biotite Mica.
Ayurveda recognises 4 different coloured Micas:
White: Shweta Abhrak (Muscovite)
Yellow (either Muscovite variety or Biotite variety)
Red (possibly Lepidolite)
Black: Vajra Abhrak (Biotite)
The Black (Biotite) is regarded as infinitely superior, and is most used in medicine, although the White (Muscovite) is used in one of the Bhasmas below, as is also used in Unani. Generally, however, the black is the only type used. The Black variety is also subdivided into 4 types:
1. Pinaka abhraka ‘Frog-like’: swells, cracks and jumps like a frog when heated.
(Causes stone diseases which are incurable except with operation)
2. Nagabhraka ‘Serpent-like’: hisses like a snake when held over a fire.
(Can cause a Leprosy-like condition if used)
3. Mandukabhraka ‘Arch-like’: bends when heated. (causes incurable constipation)
4. Vajrabhraka ‘Bolt-like’: when placed over a fire, does not change at all.
The last (‘Bolt-like’) being used in medicine, the others having adverse effects, and not being nearly as effective. The others are occasionally used in recipes, so the threat of the incurable diseases listed after them is undoubtedly related to the use of the unpurified product. Nevertheless, the ‘Bolt-like’ Mica should be used.
That which is soft, shining, full of layers, heavy and clean, having collyrium-like parts, and separating into scales is regarded as best.
Mica is a complex mineral, the main varieties being:
1. Biotite: K(Mg,Fe2+)3(Al,Fe3+)Si3O10 (OH)2 : ‘Black’; also Golden, Brown with Iron and Magnesium
2. Lepidolite: K2Li3Al3(AlSi3O10) (OH)4 : Reddish, pink, purple in color; rich in Lithium
3. Phlogopite: KMg3(AlSi3O10) (OH)2 : Brown, or various colors; Magnesium rich
4. Muscovite: KAl3Si3O10 (OH,F)2 : ‘White’; Colorless, Silvery, White or Yellow-White; there are several varieties
5. Fuchsite: Muscovite variety; similar composition to Muscovite, but with up to 5% Cr2O3.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral/Warm. Bitter, astringent, with a post-digestive Sweet taste
Properties:
Nature: Plates, separable
Color: black-green
Streak: black-green
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: Uneven
Luster: Splendent
Tenacity: Flexible
Transparency: Translucent
Hardness: 2.5–3
Specific Gravity: 2.6–3
A piece of Biotite Mica held over the outer zone of a flame will swell to almost double volume and turn from Black to Silvery.
Classifications:
3I. APHRODISIACS
3J. INCREASE SEMEN
Biotite Mica, a ferro-magnesium silicate. K (Mg Fe)3 X(Si3AlO11) X (OH)2
Parts used:
Biotite Mica.
Ayurveda recognises 4 different coloured Micas:
White: Shweta Abhrak (Muscovite)
Yellow (either Muscovite variety or Biotite variety)
Red (possibly Lepidolite)
Black: Vajra Abhrak (Biotite)
The Black (Biotite) is regarded as infinitely superior, and is most used in medicine, although the White (Muscovite) is used in one of the Bhasmas below, as is also used in Unani. Generally, however, the black is the only type used. The Black variety is also subdivided into 4 types:
1. Pinaka abhraka ‘Frog-like’: swells, cracks and jumps like a frog when heated.
(Causes stone diseases which are incurable except with operation)
2. Nagabhraka ‘Serpent-like’: hisses like a snake when held over a fire.
(Can cause a Leprosy-like condition if used)
3. Mandukabhraka ‘Arch-like’: bends when heated. (causes incurable constipation)
4. Vajrabhraka ‘Bolt-like’: when placed over a fire, does not change at all.
The last (‘Bolt-like’) being used in medicine, the others having adverse effects, and not being nearly as effective. The others are occasionally used in recipes, so the threat of the incurable diseases listed after them is undoubtedly related to the use of the unpurified product. Nevertheless, the ‘Bolt-like’ Mica should be used.
That which is soft, shining, full of layers, heavy and clean, having collyrium-like parts, and separating into scales is regarded as best.
Mica is a complex mineral, the main varieties being:
1. Biotite: K(Mg,Fe2+)3(Al,Fe3+)Si3O10 (OH)2 : ‘Black’; also Golden, Brown with Iron and Magnesium
2. Lepidolite: K2Li3Al3(AlSi3O10) (OH)4 : Reddish, pink, purple in color; rich in Lithium
3. Phlogopite: KMg3(AlSi3O10) (OH)2 : Brown, or various colors; Magnesium rich
4. Muscovite: KAl3Si3O10 (OH,F)2 : ‘White’; Colorless, Silvery, White or Yellow-White; there are several varieties
5. Fuchsite: Muscovite variety; similar composition to Muscovite, but with up to 5% Cr2O3.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral/Warm. Bitter, astringent, with a post-digestive Sweet taste
Properties:
Nature: Plates, separable
Color: black-green
Streak: black-green
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: Uneven
Luster: Splendent
Tenacity: Flexible
Transparency: Translucent
Hardness: 2.5–3
Specific Gravity: 2.6–3
A piece of Biotite Mica held over the outer zone of a flame will swell to almost double volume and turn from Black to Silvery.
Classifications:
3I. APHRODISIACS
3J. INCREASE SEMEN
Uses:
1. Tonifies the Kidneys, Retains the Essence:
-Sexual tonic and Aphrodisiac; Impotence, Sexual Debility, Azoospermia.
-promotes Intelligence, Longevity, Strength and Energy.
-regarded as one of the best Rejuvenants of Ayurveda.
-Rasayana, tonifying all 7 body Tissues, including Essence.
-Diabetes
-diseases associated with Bone Marrow (Ayurveda).
-Muscovite has been used in TCM to nourish the Essence and Sperm, make the body light and promote Longevity
2. Nourishes the Yin, Clears Deficient Heat:
-chronic diseases which damage the body Yin, especially chronic Fevers such as Tuberculosis,
-chronic Hepatitis, Lupus, and emaciation from hidden causes, Cachexia.
-bleeding of the Lungs, Uterus, or Anus (Avicenna)
-more recently HIV, Epstein Barr Virus and Cancer.
-auto-immune diseases, Rheumatism, Cystic Fibrosis, Leukemia.
-promotes immune function.
-Venereal diseases including Syphilis and Gonorrhea;
3. Nourishes the Liver Yin and Blood, Settles Wind:
-Anemia (pernicious and sickle cell)
-promotes complexion, and improves the quality of the skin and hair.
-Dizziness and Tinnitus associated with Blood deficiency.
-Paralysis, Bell’s Palsy, Stroke, nervous debility and degenerative nervous conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis
-"useful for sharpening the intellect and memory". (Avicenna)
4. Benefits the Heart and Blood:
-benefits the Heart and Circulation
-used in the treatment of Heart disorders including Heart disease
-The Bhasma is said to be one of the best Heart tonics
5. Stops Cough and Wheezing, Benefits the Lungs:
-Cough, Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia
-chronic Lung diseases including Tuberculosis
6. Yogavahi:
-enhances the effects of the medicines it is combined with.
7. Regulates 3 Humors:
-special effect of removing any deranged humor from the body
–helps establish a balance between the 3 Humors.
8. Alchemical Use:
-used in Alchemy to help solidify Mercury.
Dose:
60–125mg of the Bhasma (125mg is a standard dose), up to 375mg with honey, ghee, Triphala or Ginger juice etc.
Vehicles used for taking Mica Bhasma:
According to traditional texts, Mica can cure all diseases, depending on its vehicle.
-as an Alterative, with Honey
-with Honey for Asthma and Lung diseases (Unani)
–with Milk, Cream, Butter or Ghee and a Rasayana and Aphrodisiac
-with Tumeric, Long Pepper, and Honey for the 20 types of Prameha (obstinate Urinary diseases, including Diabetes)
-with Gold Bhasma for Consumption and to increase the 7 Body Tissues.
-with Gold and Silver Bhasma as a Rasayana, to increase the 7 Tissues.
-with Molasses and Essence of Tinospora for Spermatorrhea.
-in Gonorrhea, with Honey, Long Pepper, and Tumeric.
-in Anemia and Chlorosis, with Iron Bhasma.
-for Fever, with Cinnabar.
-Dizziness, remittent Fever, and all chronic diseases; with Long Pepper and Honey.
-with Honey and Triphala to improve the Eyesight.
-Heart disease, with bark of Terminalia arjuna.
-Colitis and digestive disorders with Long Pepper, Black Pepper, and Ginger.
Purification:
Mica has to purified before it can be used in medicine or alchemy. It must have its natural glaze removed to eliminate the poison before the Bhasma or Essence are made. Use any of the following methods:
1. Mica may be purified with a variety of substances. It is heated, then quenched 7 times in any one of the following liquids:
i. Decoction of Zizyphus mauritiana
ii. Kanji (a type of Vinegar);
iii. Cow Urine
iv. a strong decoction of Triphala (the 3 Myrobalan fruit)
v. Cow milk
vi. the juice of Eclipta alba.
vii. Lime juice.
viii. decoction of Vitex negundo leaves
Any one of these may be used to purify Mica for Bhasma. Another source states that it should be quenched 7 times in either Kanji or Cow Urine, then heated a further 7 times, quenching each time in Triphala Decoction, then heated another 7 times, this time quenching in Cows Milk.
2. Mica may be heated and quenched in Milk several times. The layers are separated, then triturated with the juice of Amaranthus polygamus and a sour drug (such as Lemon or Lime juice).
3. Avicenna said Mica can be purified by being added to a cloth bag with pebbles, The bag is shaken and the powder which falls out is collected. This he says can be taken with water with Gum Arabic dissolved in.
Preparation of Bhasma:
1. MICA BHASMA (Ayurveda)
This has several stages: formation of ‘Paddy Mica’, the ‘Killing of Mica’ (formation of the Bhasma), and the ‘Nectarisation’ by which the properties of Killed Mica (Bhasma) are greatly enhanced. The preparation of Mica is generally more involved than any other commonly used mineral tonics in Ayurveda (with the exception of Mercury). But as Mica is regarded as potent in its effects, it is most worthwhile.
PADDY MICA.
(Dhany Abhram)
The Mica is mixed with one-quarter Paddy (Rice in the husk; some sources state Rice husks; Pulses may also be used), placed into a rag, and tied firmly. This is steeped in Kanji or water for 1-3 days, and then, when moistened, it is pressed with the hand so that the finest particles of the Mica enter into the water. The sediments are then taken out and dried in the Sun; this is what is called Dhanya Abhram. This is then used to make Mica Bhasma.
This is not essential in the preparation of Mica for Bhasma, but the Bhasma from such treated Mica is regarded as superior.
MICA BHASMA.
This stage may be performed by any of the following procedures:
1. The Paddy Mica is rubbed with the juice of the Betel leaf and formed into small discs which are dried in the Sun, then heated in Gaja Puta. This is repeated until Mica is killed, characterised by its lustrelessness, reddishness, fineness, softness and lightness, as it floats on water. It is subjected to heat from 20-100 times for curative purposes, and for 'Promotive' purposes, it is heated up to 1000 times.
2. The Paddy Mica is subjected to Putam for 10 times, each time being triturated with the juice of Cyperus rotundus or Amaranthus polygamus.
3. Paddy Mica is burnt in Putam 6 times, having been rubbed each time with Orpiment, Emblic Myrobalan juice and Borax. This makes a Bhasma as red as Cinnabar. Used for Consumption and various other diseases.
4. The Paddy Mica can be burnt in Putam for 20 times, each time being triturated with the following: juices of Alternanthera sessilis or Momordica charantia.
5. Paddy Mica may be triturated with Radish or Onion juice for 2 days. The paste is then made into small discs and covered with the leaves of Ficus bengalensis, then burnt in Gajaput. This is repeated 21 times.
6. It is heated in Putam 3 times, each time being rubbed with the juice of Castor leaves mixed with Molasses and made into discs. Some sources state that these should then be covered with Fig leaves before being fired 21 times. This Mica Bhasma is especially useful to increase appetite and cures various other diseases.
7. One part of Paddy Mica is rubbed with 2 parts of Borax, then heated in a blind crucible with a strong fire. When cooled by itself, the Mica is collected, powdered, and used for various diseases.
8. It may be subjected to Trituration with Cow’s Urine for 1000 times, each time being fired in Putam.
NECTARISATION.
(Amrti Karana)
The Killed Mica may then be mixed with equal quantities of Ghee and heated over a mild fire by which its properties are greatly enhanced.
Mica Bhasma has been shown to have a Normalising effect on the Metabolism, is a Blood Tonic, and Diuretic; it promotes Strength and improves Immunity and Resistance to disease.
2. MICA KUSHTA. (Unani)
This is a type of Bhasma prepared in Unani medicine. While the use of Mica has been obviously derived from Ayurveda, it is a unique preparation. It may be prepared from either White or Black Mica, however, the latter is recognised as stronger.
250 grams of broken Mica is put in a cloth bag with an equal weight of rice. The bag is sealed, then sumerged in a pot of water, and rubbed with the hands so that the finest powder of mica is released to settle at the bottom. After as much Mica has been recovered as possible, the water is left to settle, the superfluous water is poured off, and the powder dried.
Now 60 grams of Saltpetre is dissolved in sufficient Aloe juice and rubbed until a thick liquid forms. The Mica powder is mixed in, and then it is dried. Then it is burned with 15kg of Cow dung in a sealed flask. The Mica is then taken out, powdered, and dissolved in water, then left to sit so that the Mica sits on the bottom. The excess water is poured off the settled Mica powder. The Mica is then triturated with 125mls of Aloe juice and formed into tablets of 10 grams each, then burned with 15kg of Cow dung cakes. The process of triturating the Mica with Aloe and burning is repeated 7 times in all.
Used for Asthma and Bronchitis, as a general Tonic, and as an Aphrodisiac.
Note on Mica Bhasma
Mica which is incinerated from 10-100 times is used in the treatment of disease; but that burnt from 100-1000 times is used to prevent and cure old age and physical decay.
Another source says Mica burnt 18 times eliminates Vata/Wind disease; that burnt 36 times pacifies Pitta/Bile diseases; while that burnt for 54 times pacifies Kapha/Phlegm disorders. Mica which is burnt more than 100 times increases Semen and Vitality, Complexion and Strength.
Traditionally it was recommended to take Pills with Mica Bhasma every day for a year in a dose equivalent to 6 Barley kernels along with an equal amount of Trikatu, Emblic Myrobalan and Embelia ribes. In the second year, twice this amount is taken, being raised to 3 pills daily during the third year, continuing this regimen. When this has been continued for a prolonged period, the person is very strong, with a very strong constitution. If Mica is taken this way for 3 months, one is free from all disease including Consumption, the 5 types of Cough, Heart disease, chronic Diarrhea, Piles, Rheumatism, Jaundice, and the 18 types of Leprosy.
60–125mg of the Bhasma (125mg is a standard dose), up to 375mg with honey, ghee, Triphala or Ginger juice etc.
Vehicles used for taking Mica Bhasma:
According to traditional texts, Mica can cure all diseases, depending on its vehicle.
-as an Alterative, with Honey
-with Honey for Asthma and Lung diseases (Unani)
–with Milk, Cream, Butter or Ghee and a Rasayana and Aphrodisiac
-with Tumeric, Long Pepper, and Honey for the 20 types of Prameha (obstinate Urinary diseases, including Diabetes)
-with Gold Bhasma for Consumption and to increase the 7 Body Tissues.
-with Gold and Silver Bhasma as a Rasayana, to increase the 7 Tissues.
-with Molasses and Essence of Tinospora for Spermatorrhea.
-in Gonorrhea, with Honey, Long Pepper, and Tumeric.
-in Anemia and Chlorosis, with Iron Bhasma.
-for Fever, with Cinnabar.
-Dizziness, remittent Fever, and all chronic diseases; with Long Pepper and Honey.
-with Honey and Triphala to improve the Eyesight.
-Heart disease, with bark of Terminalia arjuna.
-Colitis and digestive disorders with Long Pepper, Black Pepper, and Ginger.
Purification:
Mica has to purified before it can be used in medicine or alchemy. It must have its natural glaze removed to eliminate the poison before the Bhasma or Essence are made. Use any of the following methods:
1. Mica may be purified with a variety of substances. It is heated, then quenched 7 times in any one of the following liquids:
i. Decoction of Zizyphus mauritiana
ii. Kanji (a type of Vinegar);
iii. Cow Urine
iv. a strong decoction of Triphala (the 3 Myrobalan fruit)
v. Cow milk
vi. the juice of Eclipta alba.
vii. Lime juice.
viii. decoction of Vitex negundo leaves
Any one of these may be used to purify Mica for Bhasma. Another source states that it should be quenched 7 times in either Kanji or Cow Urine, then heated a further 7 times, quenching each time in Triphala Decoction, then heated another 7 times, this time quenching in Cows Milk.
2. Mica may be heated and quenched in Milk several times. The layers are separated, then triturated with the juice of Amaranthus polygamus and a sour drug (such as Lemon or Lime juice).
3. Avicenna said Mica can be purified by being added to a cloth bag with pebbles, The bag is shaken and the powder which falls out is collected. This he says can be taken with water with Gum Arabic dissolved in.
Preparation of Bhasma:
1. MICA BHASMA (Ayurveda)
This has several stages: formation of ‘Paddy Mica’, the ‘Killing of Mica’ (formation of the Bhasma), and the ‘Nectarisation’ by which the properties of Killed Mica (Bhasma) are greatly enhanced. The preparation of Mica is generally more involved than any other commonly used mineral tonics in Ayurveda (with the exception of Mercury). But as Mica is regarded as potent in its effects, it is most worthwhile.
PADDY MICA.
(Dhany Abhram)
The Mica is mixed with one-quarter Paddy (Rice in the husk; some sources state Rice husks; Pulses may also be used), placed into a rag, and tied firmly. This is steeped in Kanji or water for 1-3 days, and then, when moistened, it is pressed with the hand so that the finest particles of the Mica enter into the water. The sediments are then taken out and dried in the Sun; this is what is called Dhanya Abhram. This is then used to make Mica Bhasma.
This is not essential in the preparation of Mica for Bhasma, but the Bhasma from such treated Mica is regarded as superior.
MICA BHASMA.
This stage may be performed by any of the following procedures:
1. The Paddy Mica is rubbed with the juice of the Betel leaf and formed into small discs which are dried in the Sun, then heated in Gaja Puta. This is repeated until Mica is killed, characterised by its lustrelessness, reddishness, fineness, softness and lightness, as it floats on water. It is subjected to heat from 20-100 times for curative purposes, and for 'Promotive' purposes, it is heated up to 1000 times.
2. The Paddy Mica is subjected to Putam for 10 times, each time being triturated with the juice of Cyperus rotundus or Amaranthus polygamus.
3. Paddy Mica is burnt in Putam 6 times, having been rubbed each time with Orpiment, Emblic Myrobalan juice and Borax. This makes a Bhasma as red as Cinnabar. Used for Consumption and various other diseases.
4. The Paddy Mica can be burnt in Putam for 20 times, each time being triturated with the following: juices of Alternanthera sessilis or Momordica charantia.
5. Paddy Mica may be triturated with Radish or Onion juice for 2 days. The paste is then made into small discs and covered with the leaves of Ficus bengalensis, then burnt in Gajaput. This is repeated 21 times.
6. It is heated in Putam 3 times, each time being rubbed with the juice of Castor leaves mixed with Molasses and made into discs. Some sources state that these should then be covered with Fig leaves before being fired 21 times. This Mica Bhasma is especially useful to increase appetite and cures various other diseases.
7. One part of Paddy Mica is rubbed with 2 parts of Borax, then heated in a blind crucible with a strong fire. When cooled by itself, the Mica is collected, powdered, and used for various diseases.
8. It may be subjected to Trituration with Cow’s Urine for 1000 times, each time being fired in Putam.
NECTARISATION.
(Amrti Karana)
The Killed Mica may then be mixed with equal quantities of Ghee and heated over a mild fire by which its properties are greatly enhanced.
Mica Bhasma has been shown to have a Normalising effect on the Metabolism, is a Blood Tonic, and Diuretic; it promotes Strength and improves Immunity and Resistance to disease.
2. MICA KUSHTA. (Unani)
This is a type of Bhasma prepared in Unani medicine. While the use of Mica has been obviously derived from Ayurveda, it is a unique preparation. It may be prepared from either White or Black Mica, however, the latter is recognised as stronger.
250 grams of broken Mica is put in a cloth bag with an equal weight of rice. The bag is sealed, then sumerged in a pot of water, and rubbed with the hands so that the finest powder of mica is released to settle at the bottom. After as much Mica has been recovered as possible, the water is left to settle, the superfluous water is poured off, and the powder dried.
Now 60 grams of Saltpetre is dissolved in sufficient Aloe juice and rubbed until a thick liquid forms. The Mica powder is mixed in, and then it is dried. Then it is burned with 15kg of Cow dung in a sealed flask. The Mica is then taken out, powdered, and dissolved in water, then left to sit so that the Mica sits on the bottom. The excess water is poured off the settled Mica powder. The Mica is then triturated with 125mls of Aloe juice and formed into tablets of 10 grams each, then burned with 15kg of Cow dung cakes. The process of triturating the Mica with Aloe and burning is repeated 7 times in all.
Used for Asthma and Bronchitis, as a general Tonic, and as an Aphrodisiac.
Note on Mica Bhasma
Mica which is incinerated from 10-100 times is used in the treatment of disease; but that burnt from 100-1000 times is used to prevent and cure old age and physical decay.
Another source says Mica burnt 18 times eliminates Vata/Wind disease; that burnt 36 times pacifies Pitta/Bile diseases; while that burnt for 54 times pacifies Kapha/Phlegm disorders. Mica which is burnt more than 100 times increases Semen and Vitality, Complexion and Strength.
Traditionally it was recommended to take Pills with Mica Bhasma every day for a year in a dose equivalent to 6 Barley kernels along with an equal amount of Trikatu, Emblic Myrobalan and Embelia ribes. In the second year, twice this amount is taken, being raised to 3 pills daily during the third year, continuing this regimen. When this has been continued for a prolonged period, the person is very strong, with a very strong constitution. If Mica is taken this way for 3 months, one is free from all disease including Consumption, the 5 types of Cough, Heart disease, chronic Diarrhea, Piles, Rheumatism, Jaundice, and the 18 types of Leprosy.
Main Combinations:
1. As a strengthening tonic:
i. Mica Bhasma, Triphala, Trikatu
ii. Mica Bhasma, Trikatu, Emblic Myrobalan, Embelia ribes
iii. Mica Bhasma, Shilajit, Withania
iv. Mica Bhasma, Shilajit, Gold Bhasma, Withania, Licorice
2. Obstinate Urinary diseases including Diabetes:
i. Mica Bhasma with Gymnema
ii. Mica Bhasma, Tumeric, Long Pepper
iii. Mica Bhasma, Shilajit, Triphala, Long Pepper
iv. Mica Bhasma with Shilajit
v. Mica Bhasma with Triphala, Shilajit, Iron Bhasma
3. Anemia:
i. Mica Bhasma, Iron Bhasma, Triphala, Long Pepper
ii. Mica Bhasma, Dang Gui, Asparagus Shatavari
4. Strengthen Immunity:
i. Mica Bhasma, Withania
ii. Mica Bhasma, Astragalus
5. Longevity tonic, Mica Bhasma, Gold Bhasma, Sesame seed, Triphala, Withania, Ghee, Honey
6. Yin deficiency and for old age, Mica Bhasma, Asparagus root, Sesame seed, Withania, Licorice
7. Dizziness from Wind and Yin deficiency, Mica Bhasma, Peony, root, Asaparagus root
8. To help regulate and harmonise the Humors, Mica Bhasma with Triphala, Pepper, Cinnamon
9. Chronic Heart disease:
i. Mica Bhasma (1000 putum), Arjuna
ii. Mica Bhasma, Chalcopyrite Bhasma, Iron Bhasma, Shilajit, Tabasheer, equal parts (this is called Prabhakara Vati)
10. Chronic Cough and Wheezing, Mica Bhasma, Tabasheer, Raisins, Almonds, Licorice
Major Formula:
Betel nut 28 (Go yu nyer brgyad) (Tibetan)
Chebula 18 (A Ru 18) (Tibetan)
Chebula 18 for Urinary Incontinence (Gcin snyi a ru 18) (Tibetan)
Great Cold Compound Precious Black Pill
Great Precious Hot Compound (Rin chen tsha sbyor chen mo)
Greater Salt Combination (Tshwa sbyor chen mo) (Tibetan)
Pearl 25 (Mu tig nyer lnga) (Tibetan)
Pomegranate Water Transformer (Se bru chu bsgyur) (Tibetan)
Precious and Great Multi-Jewel Compound Pill (Rin chen mang sbyor chen mo)
Precious Wish Fulfilling Jewel (Rin chen ratna bsam 'phel)
Wish-fulfilling Jewel (Bsam phel nor bu) (Tibetan)
Shi Xiang Fan Sheng Wan (TCM)
Bo Ying Compound (TCM)
Cautions:
It must be correctly prepared before it is used internally. According to Ayurveda, improperly purified and ashed Mica (ie. if it still has a glaze upon it) may cause various obstinate diseases, even death. However, one is freed from the Evil effects of impure Mica if Emblic Myrobalan fruit is taken, rubbed in water, for 3 days.
Main Preparations used:
It must be correctly prepared before it is used internally. According to Ayurveda, improperly purified and ashed Mica (ie. if it still has a glaze upon it) may cause various obstinate diseases, even death. However, one is freed from the Evil effects of impure Mica if Emblic Myrobalan fruit is taken, rubbed in water, for 3 days.
Main Preparations used:
Click the Tabs above for more information on this Medicine
In Indian mythology, Mica is associated with the reproductive energy of Goddess Parvati and because of this has great affinity with Mercury which is associated with the reprodutive energy of Lord Shiva. It is therefore used in Alchemy in the preparation of Mercury.
1. PREPARATION OF BHASMA:
Modern research from Rasa Sastra departments of Ayurvedic Universities has made various studies on the preparation of the most effective Bhasma. It has been found that when Mica is heated to 700˚C for 1 hour after triturating with the specified herbal juices, and this is repeated, an adequate Bhasma is formed within 20 Putams (firings). The red colour formed is believed to be due to the formation of Iron oxide. Further, it has been noted that the more times Mica is burned, the deeper red the colour, indicating a larger percentage of Iron oxide.
According to Dr. Damodar Joshi, when Mica is purified using Zizyphus jujuba juice, then triturated with Cassia occidentalis juice and burned at 700˚C for 1 hour, an effective Bhasma is produced within 10 putums (firings). (Rasamritam)
1. HEPATOPROTECTIVE: Abhrak Bhasma was able to protect laboratory rats from the hepatotoxic effects of a single dose of carbon tetrachloride (3ml/kg), in doses as low as 10mg/kg. Necrosis was prevented at 10mg/kg., while liver histology was protected at twice the dose (20mg/kg). Abhrak Bhasma also counteracted the change in liver enzyme function by a single dose of carbon tetrachloride. (Buwa, Patil, Kulkarni et. Kanase, Indian Journ. of Exp. Biol., Oct. 2001)
2. Significant increase in HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS was noted after taking Mica Bhasma for 15 days. (Joshi, PhD Thesis, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 1973)
3. The Bhasma of Mica may act similar to other Silicates (such as Aluminium Silicate) in PROTECTING THE STOMACH MUCOSA. Aluminium silicate has been used for dyspepsia and gastric ulcers with success, and the Bhasma of Mica has likewise been used in these types of conditions with success.
4. In one study, patients with HYPERACIDITY Mica Bhasma showed marked efficacy after just 7-10 days administration (Joshi, PhD Thesis, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 1973). Other resrahc demonstrated Muscovite variety of Mica to be more effective (89%) than the Biotite variety (66%).
5. Mica Bhasma (with 100 putums–burnt 100 times) was used in 4 cases of DIABETES MELLITUS, in doses of 2-6 grains, morning and evening, with a little Honey. In all cases there was a gradual lessening of the amount of sugar in the urine and the patients became stronger. (Indian Materia Medica, Nadkarni, 1982)
6. Said to STIMULATE THYMUS GLAND to increase production of T-cells.
7. Has also been said to help PROTECT THE MYELIN SHEATH on the nerves.
8. Oral administration of the Bhasma to cats showed NO HYPERTENSIVE effect, while IV administration showed a lowering of Blood pressure and blocking of Adrenaline.
Modern research from Rasa Sastra departments of Ayurvedic Universities has made various studies on the preparation of the most effective Bhasma. It has been found that when Mica is heated to 700˚C for 1 hour after triturating with the specified herbal juices, and this is repeated, an adequate Bhasma is formed within 20 Putams (firings). The red colour formed is believed to be due to the formation of Iron oxide. Further, it has been noted that the more times Mica is burned, the deeper red the colour, indicating a larger percentage of Iron oxide.
According to Dr. Damodar Joshi, when Mica is purified using Zizyphus jujuba juice, then triturated with Cassia occidentalis juice and burned at 700˚C for 1 hour, an effective Bhasma is produced within 10 putums (firings). (Rasamritam)
1. HEPATOPROTECTIVE: Abhrak Bhasma was able to protect laboratory rats from the hepatotoxic effects of a single dose of carbon tetrachloride (3ml/kg), in doses as low as 10mg/kg. Necrosis was prevented at 10mg/kg., while liver histology was protected at twice the dose (20mg/kg). Abhrak Bhasma also counteracted the change in liver enzyme function by a single dose of carbon tetrachloride. (Buwa, Patil, Kulkarni et. Kanase, Indian Journ. of Exp. Biol., Oct. 2001)
2. Significant increase in HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS was noted after taking Mica Bhasma for 15 days. (Joshi, PhD Thesis, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 1973)
3. The Bhasma of Mica may act similar to other Silicates (such as Aluminium Silicate) in PROTECTING THE STOMACH MUCOSA. Aluminium silicate has been used for dyspepsia and gastric ulcers with success, and the Bhasma of Mica has likewise been used in these types of conditions with success.
4. In one study, patients with HYPERACIDITY Mica Bhasma showed marked efficacy after just 7-10 days administration (Joshi, PhD Thesis, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 1973). Other resrahc demonstrated Muscovite variety of Mica to be more effective (89%) than the Biotite variety (66%).
5. Mica Bhasma (with 100 putums–burnt 100 times) was used in 4 cases of DIABETES MELLITUS, in doses of 2-6 grains, morning and evening, with a little Honey. In all cases there was a gradual lessening of the amount of sugar in the urine and the patients became stronger. (Indian Materia Medica, Nadkarni, 1982)
6. Said to STIMULATE THYMUS GLAND to increase production of T-cells.
7. Has also been said to help PROTECT THE MYELIN SHEATH on the nerves.
8. Oral administration of the Bhasma to cats showed NO HYPERTENSIVE effect, while IV administration showed a lowering of Blood pressure and blocking of Adrenaline.