Copper for Hiccups: Does It Work?
Does Copper (Tamra) help with hiccups (Hikka)? The classical record links them only thinly, and copper is not something you should ever take yourself. Internal copper is a practitioner-only medicine, and improperly prepared copper is toxic.
The one direct trace in our sources is in the Charaka Samhita's chapter on hiccups and breathing difficulty (Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 17). There, copper (tamra) is named in a list of ingredients alongside green cardamom, rock salt, iron, silver and nutmeg. Our excerpt does not give the full formula, its dose or exactly which presentation it was meant for.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 7) uses Copper Bhasma, a calcined medicinal ash, mainly for liver disorders, spleen enlargement, skin diseases, piles, anemia and abdominal diseases. It also warns that improperly prepared copper causes severe vomiting, burning and toxicity. For everyday hiccups, breathing techniques and warming kitchen spices such as Ajwain are the safe place to start.
How Copper Helps with Hiccups
The Charaka Samhita pairs hiccups with breathing difficulty in a single chapter, which tells you the tradition sees hiccups as a disturbance of the breath and chest. All three doshas can be involved: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Our sources describe two main patterns. In one, Vata's downward flow is blocked by gas, constipation or held-back burps, and pressure pushes upward. In the other, thick Kapha phlegm obstructs the breathing channels, and classical therapy uses oil and sweating to loosen it.
What the classical record says about copper
Classically, processed copper is bitter, astringent and sour in taste (Tikta, Kashaya, Amla Rasa), light and dry (Laghu, Ruksha), hot in potency (Ushna Virya) and sweet after digestion (Madhura Vipaka). Its recorded actions include worm-destroying (Krimighna), liver stimulating (Yakrituttejaka) and blood purifying (Raktashodhaka), and it is described as pacifying Kapha.
Light, dry and hot qualities are the opposite of heavy, wet Kapha congestion, which may be why copper turns up in a hiccup and breathing formula. Our sources do not spell out that reasoning, and none of copper's listed actions is specific to spasm or the breath, so treat this as context rather than a mechanism.
Why the warning matters for hiccups
Its hot potency makes copper a poor fit when hiccups come with Pitta signs such as burning or heavy sweating. The classical warning is also relevant here: badly prepared copper causes severe vomiting, and the Sharangadhara Samhita lists hiccups among the effects of excessive vomiting.
How to Use Copper for Hiccups
Do not take copper internally on your own for hiccups. Raw or improperly prepared copper causes severe vomiting, burning and toxicity. This section gives no home doses on purpose.
The only internal form: Tamra Bhasma
Copper is used internally only as Tamra Bhasma, a fine ash made through purification (Shodhana) and calcination (Marana). The Sharangadhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11) begins the process by heating metal sheets of gold, silver, copper and iron until red-hot.
| Form | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw copper, copper salts, home-made preparations | Never | Classically linked to severe vomiting, burning and toxicity |
| Tamra Bhasma (properly processed) | Set by a qualified Vaidya only | Our sources give no hiccup-specific dose or formula; verified pharmacy and supervision required |
What to do instead
Start with the breath. Take a deep breath, hold it behind the belly button, then exhale slowly, or breathe into a paper bag for 1 to 2 minutes.
If hiccups persist, the home-remedy tradition mixes 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon castor oil and licks a fingertip of it every 2 to 3 minutes. Modified alternate nostril breathing (Pranayama), with a swallow after each inhale, can be practised for 5 minutes.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and children should never be given copper preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take copper or Tamra Bhasma for hiccups?
No. Copper taken internally is a practitioner-only medicine, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu warns that improperly prepared copper causes severe vomiting, burning and toxicity. Our sources give no hiccup-specific dose.
Is there any classical basis for copper in hiccups?
A thin one. The Charaka Samhita's chapter on hiccups and breathing difficulty names copper in a list of ingredients, but our excerpt does not include the full formula or its intended use.
What should I use instead for hiccups?
Breathing techniques come first. Ajwain is a warming digestive described as relieving spasm and correcting the downward flow of Vata. Long Pepper is used when hiccups come with phlegm in the chest, and Green Cardamom appears in the same Charaka ingredient list as copper.
When are hiccups serious?
See a doctor if hiccups last more than about two days, or if you have heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease. Hiccups after poisoning, a bite or severe vomiting also need medical care.
Recommended: Start Copper for Hiccups
If you want to stop hiccups today, Copper is not the place to begin. Internal copper is a practitioner-only medicine, and badly prepared copper is toxic.
Best starting point: your breath. Take a deep breath, hold it behind the belly button, then exhale slowly, or breathe into a paper bag for 1 to 2 minutes.
Kitchen version: if hiccups persist, mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon castor oil and lick a fingertip of it every 2 to 3 minutes.
Pattern fork: if your hiccups come with gas and bloating, Ajwain is the warming spice traditionally used. If they come with cough or a heavy, phlegmy chest, Long Pepper fits better.
Find Ajwain on Amazon ↗ Long Pepper Powder ↗
Never give copper preparations to children or use them in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and see a doctor if hiccups last more than about 48 hours.
Safety & Precautions
Copper is the clearest case on this site where caution comes first. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 7) warns that improperly prepared copper ash (Tamra Bhasma) can cause severe vomiting, burning and toxicity. Classical pharmacy treats purification and calcination as essential steps for exactly this reason.
What this means for you
- Never self-dose a copper preparation. Take copper ash or copper water only if a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner has assessed you and prescribed it.
- Never make copper medicine at home. The purification and calcination procedures in the Sharangadhara Samhita are specialist processes.
- Know the warning signs. Vomiting and burning are the effects the classical text names for badly prepared copper. If they appear, stop and seek medical care.
- Heating nature. Copper is heating in potency (Ushna Virya), so it is generally a poor fit for someone already running hot.
What our sources do not cover
Our sources do not list specific drug interactions, a maximum safe dose, or guidance for pregnancy, nursing or children. Treat that silence as a reason for more caution, not less, and tell your doctor about any copper preparation you take.
Other Herbs for Hiccups
See all herbs for hiccups on the Hiccups page.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
लेखने ता ी For Lekhana Anjana, the Shalaka should be made of copper रोपणे काललोहजा अ गुल च For Ropana, it should be made of iron or finger itself can be used.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Aschotana Anjana Vidhi
13 Putpaka Dravyas भूशय सहानूपमेदोम जवसा मषैः नेहनं पयसा प टैःजीवनीयै च क पयेत ् Snehana Putapaka is done by making use of fat, marrow, muscle fat and juice of meat of animals which live in burrows (Bhushaya), which bite (Prasaha) – cut their food, cow, horse, ass etc, and those which live in Marshy lands (Anupa), or with drugs of Jivaneeya gana- (chapter 15) macerated with milk- 14 म ृगप य ु मांसमु ताय ता सै धवैः ोतोजराश खफेन आलैलखानं म तक ु ि कतैः Lekhana Putapaka is by making use of M
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Tarpana Putpaka Vidhi
12 ता ी शलाका वमुखी मुखे कु बकाकृ तः ल गनाशं तथा व येत ् 15, Shalaka – rod made of copper, with two edges on either side shaped like the bud of Kurabaka, meant for piercing the lens in Linganasa- Cataract couching.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastra Vidhi
wounds which have more of fat and Kapha, should be covered with thin sheets of copper, iron, zinc, or lead;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastrakarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Aschotana Anjana Vidhi; Tarpana Putpaka Vidhi; Shastra Vidhi; Shastrakarma Vidhi
Appearing of copper colored papules with acute pain from which pus oozes out is known as alajī.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
), sukshmaila (Elettaria cardomum Maton), lavana dvayam (sauvarchala and saindhava), tamra (copper), ayas (iron), rajata (silver), saugandhika (variety of manikya, ruby), jatiphala (Myristica fragrans Houtt), seeds of shana, apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा)
Dhuma, shirovirechana, measures described to break the gulma in Gulma Chikitsa chapter, as well as iron, salt, stone, gold and copper should be used for prapidana (compression) of granthi.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
Fine powder of copper mixed with honey is shall be administered first for hrid shodhana.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Similarly, bhurjagranthi (nodes in the tree of Butea utilis), asmakasisa (copper sulphate), purgatives, guggulu and excrement of sparrow and pigeon should be used for depressing the wounds.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 25: Wound Management (Dwivraniya Chikitsa / द्विव्रणीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 25: Wound Management (Dwivraniya Chikitsa / द्विव्रणीयचिकित्सा)
The fourth is Tamra (the copper-colored one), the site of Kilasa and Shvitra (types of leukoderma).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 5: Kaladikakhyanam (Description of Kalas etc.)
Place the preparation in a copper vessel (Tamra Kataha) and add eight Palas (approx.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
The method of purifying metals (Dhatu Shodhana Vidhi): Heat the metal sheets of Svarna (gold), Tara (silver), Tamra (copper), and Ayas/Loha (iron) until red-hot.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
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)
The planetary associations of metals: Tamra (copper) is governed by Surya (Sun);
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 5: Kaladikakhyanam (Description of Kalas etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
A copper-colored, thin, round swelling with burning and pain, arising from blood, is known as parvani.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 2: Sandhigata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of the Eye Junctions)
A copper-colored nodule in the eyelid with burning and pricking pain, soft, mildly painful, and fine — this is known as anjana-namika.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 3: Vartmagata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of the Eyelids)
If the eyelid is soft, mildly painful, and copper-colored.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 3: Vartmagata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of the Eyelids)
Shukla (white growth) is described as soft in the white of the eye, flesh-colored and copper-red.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 4: Shuklagata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of the Sclera/White of the Eye)
Copper-colored tears, redness of the eye, blood-red streaks all around, and the signs of pitta — these occur in the eye afflicted by rakta (blood).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 6: Sarvagata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases Affecting the Whole Eye)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 2: Sandhigata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of the Eye Junctions); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 3: Vartmagata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of the Eyelids); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 4: Shuklagata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases of the Sclera/White of the Eye); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 6: Sarvagata Roga Vijnaniya Adhyaya (Chapter on Diseases Affecting the Whole Eye)
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.