Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Also Known As
- English: Bezoar Stone, Serpent Stone, Gali-stone
Sanskrit: गोरोचन
Hindi: गोरोचन
What is Bezoar Stone?
Few substances in the classical materia medica are as unusual as this one. Bezoar Stone (Gorochana) is not a plant at all but a calculus, a hard stone-like mass, taken from the stomach or gallbladder of animals.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes several types, classed by their origin, and treats it as a potent antidote. It is used in critical conditions of poisoning and high fever. In English it is also called Serpent Stone or Gali-stone.
Because its classical uses are emergencies, this page is for understanding, not self-treatment. Poisoning and high fever need urgent medical care.
Benefits of Bezoar Stone
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu gives Bezoar Stone two actions. Both concern serious, acute conditions.
Antidote to poisons
It is classed as antitoxic (Vishaghna), literally "destroyer of poison". The text calls it a potent antidote used in critical cases of poisoning.
Fever
It is also classed as antipyretic (Jvarahara), a remover of fever, and is used in high fever.
The properties behind it
Its taste is bitter (Tikta), its quality light (Laghu), its potency cold (Sheeta Virya) and its post-digestive effect pungent (Katu Vipaka). A cold potency fits its use against fever. We hold no modern research on it.
How to Use Bezoar Stone
Bezoar Stone is not something to use on your own. Its classical role is in critical poisoning and high fever, situations that call for emergency care. The table records what the Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes so you can recognise it, not so you can dose yourself.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal calculus (Gorochana) | Not given in our sources; practitioner only | Classically, poisoning and high fever | Only as prescribed, alongside emergency care |
Our sources give no preparation, vehicle (Anupana) or dose.
Safety & Side Effects
The biggest safety issue with Bezoar Stone is the situations it is linked to. Poisoning and high fever are medical emergencies, and no traditional remedy replaces urgent care.
What our sources say
Our sources record no contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for it. That is missing data, not evidence of safety.
Sensible precautions
- If you suspect poisoning, call emergency services or a poison control center first.
- Use Bezoar Stone only if a qualified practitioner prescribes it.
- It is an animal product, which matters if you avoid those for dietary or ethical reasons.
Recommended: Start Here
The best way to start with Bezoar Stone is not to buy it. Its classical uses, poisoning and high fever, are emergencies where the first step is always medical help.
One clear path: if you want to understand Gorochana, read how the Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it, and take any questions to a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. If a practitioner has prescribed a formula containing it, take it exactly as directed.
Find the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu ↗ Books on Ayurvedic Toxicology ↗
Safety note: suspected poisoning or a high fever needs emergency medical care first, whatever else you use.
Bezoar Stone vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Our sources do not compare Bezoar Stone with other remedies. The useful distinctions are about what it is.
| Comparison | Bezoar Stone | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bezoar Stone vs herbal remedies | An animal calculus from the stomach or gallbladder | Plant-based remedies | Not a herb; relevant if you avoid animal products |
| Bezoar Stone vs emergency treatment | Classical antidote and fever remedy | Modern emergency care | In poisoning or high fever, emergency care comes first |
Bezoar Stone for Specific Populations
Our sources give no population-specific guidance for Bezoar Stone. Given its role in critical illness, caution applies to everyone.
Pregnancy & Nursing
No guidance in our sources. Do not use it without your practitioner's approval, and seek urgent care for fever or suspected poisoning.
Children
A child with high fever or suspected poisoning needs emergency care. Do not give Bezoar Stone to a child without a practitioner's direction.
Elderly
No specific guidance. The same rule applies: emergency care first.
Athletes
No performance use is described.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gorochana?
Gorochana is the Sanskrit name for Bezoar Stone, a calculus obtained from the stomach or gallbladder of animals. It is also called Serpent Stone or Gali-stone.
Is Bezoar Stone vegetarian?
No. It comes from animals, so it is not suitable if you avoid animal products.
What does Ayurveda use it for?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classes it as antitoxic and antipyretic, used in critical poisoning and high fever.
Are there different kinds?
Yes. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes various types based on their origin, though our sources do not list them.
Can I use it at home for a fever?
No. High fever needs medical assessment, and our sources give no dose. Use it only if a practitioner prescribes it.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.