Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Copper-zinc alloy
- Also Known As
- English: Brass
Sanskrit: रीति, रीतिका, आरकूट
Hindi: पीतल
What is Brass?
Most people know brass as the warm, golden metal of old water pots, lamps and temple bells. Fewer know that Ayurveda also lists it among its medicinal substances, though never as raw metal and always as a carefully processed preparation.
Brass (Riti, also called Pittala; Hindi: Pital) is an alloy of copper and zinc. Classical texts class it as a secondary metal (Upadhatu), a group of substances related to, but milder than, the primary metals. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes its properties as similar to copper (Tamra), only gentler.
In medicine, brass is used in the form of a bhasma (Bhasma), a fine ash made by purifying and calcining the metal through classical procedures. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records this bhasma for eye diseases and for worm infestations. It is a practitioner's medicine, not a home remedy.
Benefits of Brass
The classical record for brass is short, and so is this list. Every use below refers to properly prepared brass bhasma given by a qualified practitioner, never to raw metal.
Worm Infestations
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists brass as anthelmintic (Krimighna), meaning it acts against intestinal worms. This is the basis for its link to parasites and worms in Ayurveda.
Its bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kashaya) tastes, light quality (Laghu) and hot potency (Ushna Virya) fit this action in Ayurvedic reasoning, since these qualities oppose the heavy, moist conditions in which worms are said to thrive.
Eye Health
Brass is described as beneficial for the eyes (Netrya). The Bhavaprakash Nighantu specifically notes the use of its bhasma in eye diseases.
Balancing Kapha
Brass pacifies Kapha (Kaphashamaka), the dosha of earth and water that governs structure and heaviness. Its light, hot and bitter nature counters Kapha's cool, heavy, oily qualities.
Riti is an alloy of copper and zinc, classified as an Upadhatu. Its Bhasma is used in eye diseases and worm infestations. It has properties similar to Tamra (copper) but milder.
Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7
How to Use Brass
Brass is not something you prepare or take on your own. Classical medicine uses it only after purification (Shodhana) and calcination (Marana), the processes that turn a metal into bhasma. The Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11, sets out these procedures for brass (Pittala) alongside other metals.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass bhasma (Riti Bhasma) | Set only by a qualified practitioner | Eye diseases, worm infestations (classical use) | As prescribed |
| Raw brass, filings or homemade ash | Never | Not used | Not used |
Our sources give no standard dose or vehicle (Anupana) for brass bhasma, so we do not suggest one. Dosing belongs entirely to the practitioner who prescribes it.
Brass in the kitchen
Brass vessels are a traditional household item. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu warns that brass should not be used for cooking acidic or sour foods, as it can become toxic.
Safety & Side Effects
Brass is a metal, and the safety rules are simple and strict.
- Never ingest raw brass, filings, scrapings or any homemade ash. Classical texts use only bhasma prepared through formal purification and calcination.
- Use brass bhasma only under a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, who decides whether it suits you and in what amount.
- Do not cook acidic or sour foods in brass. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu warns that brass can become toxic when used this way.
Our classical sources do not list specific drug interactions, overdose signs or other contraindications for brass bhasma. That gap is a reason for caution, not reassurance. Tell your doctor and practitioner about any metal-based preparation you take.
Recommended: Start Here
The simplest, safest way to bring brass into your life is the traditional one: as a vessel, not a medicine. Brass medicine itself, the bhasma, is something only a qualified practitioner should prescribe.
If you buy a brass vessel, use it for water or other non-acidic foods. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu cautions against cooking acidic or sour foods in brass, since it can become toxic.
If you want to understand how classical Ayurveda treats metals, a good reference on the classical texts is the better next step than any supplement.
Find a Brass Water Vessel on Amazon ↗ Classical Ayurveda Reference Book ↗
Safety note: never ingest raw brass or make your own metal preparations; brass bhasma is given only under a qualified practitioner.
Brass vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Brass is best compared with the other metals it is grouped with in the classical texts, not with everyday herbs.
| Comparison | Brass | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass vs Copper (Tamra) | Copper-zinc alloy, a secondary metal (Upadhatu) | A primary metal | The Bhavaprakash Nighantu says brass has properties similar to copper but milder. Choice between them is a practitioner's decision. |
| Brass vs Zinc (Yashada) | Contains zinc as part of the alloy | The pure metal | Both appear in the Sharangadhara Samhita's chapter on purifying and calcining metals. Our sources do not compare their actions directly. |
| Brass vs Bell-metal (Kamsya) | Copper and zinc | A separate alloy listed in the same chapter | Both are processed by classical purification and calcination. Our sources give no head-to-head verdict. |
In every case, these are bhasma preparations used under a qualified practitioner, not interchangeable supplements.
Brass for Specific Populations
Our classical sources give no population-specific guidance for brass bhasma. Because it is a metal-based preparation, the cautious default applies to everyone: use it only when a qualified practitioner prescribes it.
Pregnancy & Nursing
No classical guidance is recorded in our sources. Do not take brass bhasma while pregnant or nursing unless a qualified practitioner, working with your doctor, specifically advises it.
Children
No classical guidance is recorded in our sources. Do not give brass preparations to children without a qualified practitioner's direction.
Elderly
No specific guidance is recorded. Older adults, especially those taking other medicines, should involve both their doctor and practitioner.
Athletes
No specific guidance is recorded, and brass has no classical role as a performance aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brass really used in Ayurveda?
Yes. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists brass (Riti) as a secondary metal (Upadhatu) and records its bhasma for eye diseases and worm infestations. It is used only in processed bhasma form.
What is brass bhasma?
It is brass that has gone through classical purification (Shodhana) and calcination (Marana) to become a fine ash. The Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11, describes these procedures for brass and other metals. It should never be made at home.
Can I cook in brass utensils?
Brass vessels are traditional, but the Bhavaprakash Nighantu warns against cooking acidic or sour foods in brass, as it can become toxic. Keep sour foods out of brass cookware.
Which dosha does brass balance?
Classical sources describe brass as pacifying Kapha. Its bitter and astringent taste, light quality and hot potency work against Kapha's heavy, cool nature.
How is brass different from copper in Ayurveda?
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes its properties as similar to copper but milder.
How to Use Brass by Condition
Explore how Brass is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Verses 10 through 104 describe detailed procedures for the purification (Shodhana) and calcination (Marana) of various metals, minerals, and gems including: Rajata (silver), Tamra (copper), Lauha/Ayas (iron), Naga (lead), Vanga (tin), Yashada (zinc), Mandura (iron oxide/rust), Kamsya (bell-metal), Pittala (brass), Makshika (iron/copper pyrite), Vimala, Tuttha (copper sulphate), Kasisa (green vitriol/iron sulphate), Shilajatu (mineral pitch), Srotanjana, Sphatika (alum), Tankana (borax), Abhraka
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
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.