Tamra is Sanskrit name of Copper, and Tamra Bhasma is its Ayurvedic preparation to be used as a medicine. To make Copper fit for therapeutic use, processing is done according to the classical pharmaceutical processes known as Shodhana (purification), Marana (incineration), and Amritikarana.
Tamra (copper) when properly processed, and detoxified is useful in many diseases. Tamra Bhasma is useful in the treatment of Udara (ascites), Pandu (anemia), Shvasa (bronchial asthma), and Amlapitta (hyperacidity), etc.
In modern clinical studies, Tamra Bhasma has shown efficacy in asthma, difficulty breathing, cough, enlargement of the liver, and spleen, malabsorption syndrome, etc. The intake of Tamra Bhasma decreases the intensity of signs, and symptoms of the disease. Also, when given in clinical safe doses, no adverse effects were reported in any of these studies.
Tamra Bhasma is a metallic preparation. In therapeutic dose, it is medicine but a higher dose can be harmful. One should be cautious while using Tamra Bhasma, and this medicine should only be taken strictly under medical supervision.
Uses of Tamra Bhasma
Tamra Bhasma or incinerated copper contains copper in its oxide form, and used therapeutically as a source of copper.
It is widely used in the treatment of Kushtha (Skin disorders), Kshaya (General debility), Pandu (Anemia), Sthaulya (Obesity), Netrarogas (eye diseases), Hridrogas (cardiac disorders), painful dyspepsia, and anemia, etc.
- Abdominal distention
- Abdominal pain
- Ailments of the liver, and spleen
- Anemia
- Ascites
- Bronchial asthma
- Chronic respiratory conditions (bronchial asthma, cough, cold, and tuberculosis, etc.)
- Colitis
- Dropsy
- Eye problems
- Food poisoning
- Gall bladder stones
- Heart disease
- Hyperlipidemia
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Liver diseases
- Loss of appetite
- Spleen or the liver enlargement
- Tuberculosis
- Tumors
Health Benefits of Tamra Bhasma
Tamra Bhasma has a wide range of therapeutic utilities, and is useful in on Shvasa (bronchial asthma), Kasa (cough), and Yakrit-Pliha Vriddhi (hepato-spleenomegaly).
Tamra Bhasma is reported to contain approximately 37% Cu, and traces of arsenic (80 ppm).
Effective in Asthma
In one study, Tamra Bhasma was administered in five clinically diagnosed cases of Shvasa for 30 consecutive days in a dose of 65 mg. along with Talisadi churna, and Madhu. The result shows a significant decrease in the signs, and symptoms of Shvasa.
Reduces Cough
Tamra Bhasma reduces the sign, and symptoms of Kaphaja Kasa.
Helps in Yakrit Pliha Vriddhi
The study show Tamra Bhasma has promising results in Yakrit Pliha Vriddhi.
In one study, Tamra Parpati was administered to the patients of Yakrit Pliha Vridhhi, and Grahani in a dose of 65-250 mg twice a day with Madhu, and other suitable adjuvants like Takra (Chhach Buttermilk) for 30 days. The size of the enlarged the liver, and spleen was found to be reduced up to 65% with the administration of Tamra Parpati. Relief was also reported by the patients of Grahani.
Helps in Hyperlipidemia
Tamra (copper) has been described as Medopaha (destroyer of fat/lipids), Lekhana (scraps excessive fat), Sthaulyapaha (destroyer of obesity) in different texts of Rasashastra.
Hyperlipidemia or presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood is a metabolic derangement that can lead to many diseases, most notably cardiovascular diseases.
The anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Tamra Bhasma is be attributed to the involvement of one or more mechanisms. It interferes with the absorption of the cholesterol from dietary sources. It also interferes with the formation of endogenous triglycerides in the tissues by inhibiting the enzyme diacylglycerol transferase.
Ayurvedic Properties of Tamra Bhasma
- Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
- Vipaka (Resultant): Katu (Pungent)
- Guna (Main Quality): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Tikshna (Sharp)
- Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter), Amal (Sour)
The dosage of Tamra Bhasma
Note: Take only under strict medical supervision.
Tamra Bhasma should be administered in a very low dose. Clinical dose of Tamra Bhasma is 30 mg twice a day (60 mg per day) along with honey milk, sugar or other herbal powders such as Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Wild.), and Amalki (Phyllanthus Emblica Linn.).
What Acute, and subchronic toxicity study of Tamra Bhasma Say
Acute, and subchronic toxicity study of Tamra Bhasma showed that it did not produce any sign, and symptoms of toxicity at therapeutic dose level (5.5 mg/kg), and therapeutic equivalent dose (TED) × 5 (27.5 mg/kg).
At a higher dose of therapeutic equivalent dose × 10 (55 mg/kg) TB has mild toxicity in the liver, kidney, heart, and thymus on repeated administration for 28 days in rats.
The sample without Amritikarana has more magnitude of toxicity than the sample with Amritikarana.
Tamra Bhasma Side Effects | Precautions
Buy only Tamra Bhasma prepared by well-known Ayurvedic pharmacy. When not prepared properly copper is dangerous to life. Its toxic nature in improperly purified or incinerated state has been described as Ashtamahadoshas (eight blemishes or eight major ill effects) in Ayurvedic classics. If it is not prepared properly or Shodhana procedure is not done; it acts as a poison.
The dose should not exceed the recommended dose as it can result in severe poisonous side effects. At tenfold dose, it can cause hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity, gastric mucosal damage.
It is suitable for short duration only.
Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding
- It has Emmenagogue action.
- It must not be used during pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Contraindications
- Anal fissure
- Bleeding disorders
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Kidney impairment
Copper toxicity (copperiedus, the excess of copper in the body from eating acidic foods cooked in uncoated copper cookware, or from exposure to excess copper in drinking water or other environmental sources; extra copper can kill the liver cells, and cause nerve damage)