Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sour (Amla), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Ferrous sulphate heptahydrate, impurities of copper/zinc sulphates
- Also Known As
- English: Green Vitriol, Ferrous Sulphate
Sanskrit: कासीस, पुष्पकासीस, धातुकासीस
Hindi: हीरा कासीस, कसीस
What is Iron Pyrites?
Not every remedy in the Ayurvedic pharmacy comes from a plant. Iron Pyrites (Kasisa) is a mineral, and despite its English name in Ayurvedic catalogues, the substance described is green vitriol: green crystals of ferrous sulphate, the same compound found in common iron tablets.
Its English names are Green Vitriol and Ferrous Sulphate, and in Hindi it is known as Hira Kasis. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7, describes several grades. The flower-like efflorescence (Pushpa Kasisa) is considered the best, alongside a second grade called Dhatu Kasisa.
Iron Pyrites matters to anyone curious about how Ayurveda uses minerals. Once properly processed into an ash (bhasma), it becomes a source of iron and is used in anemia, eye diseases, worm infestations and wound healing. It is always a practitioner's medicine, not a home remedy.
Benefits of Iron Pyrites
Anemia and Blood Health
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu says the ash of this mineral (Kasisa Bhasma) is used in anemia (Pandu Roga) and is a source of iron when properly processed. It is also listed as a blood purifier (Raktashodhaka), addressing the quality of the blood as well as its quantity.
Eye Health
Iron Pyrites is called Netrya, beneficial for the eyes. Classical practice uses it externally in eye preparations, made by specialists.
Wound Healing
As a Vranaropana substance, one that heals wounds, it is used externally in wound dressings. Its astringent taste and dry quality fit this drying, tightening role.
Worms and Parasites
It is also Krimighna, an anthelmintic, which links it to worm infestations (Krimi).
Skin Conditions
Through its blood-purifying and wound-healing actions, it is associated with skin disorders (Kushtha) in our knowledge graph.
How to Use Iron Pyrites
Iron Pyrites is never a do-it-yourself remedy. Internally it is used only as its processed ash, Kasisa Bhasma, made by qualified manufacturers. The raw crystals are used externally in classical eye preparations and wound dressings.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasisa Bhasma (ash) | Practitioner-dosed only | Iron-deficiency anemia | As prescribed |
| External eye preparation | Specialist preparation only | Eye diseases | As prescribed |
| Wound dressing | Specialist preparation only | Wound healing | As prescribed |
Our classical sources give no self-dose for Kasisa Bhasma, so we do not publish one. In Ayurvedic anemia care, iron sources are taken with Amla, rich in vitamin C, and kept at least an hour away from tea and coffee.
Safety & Side Effects
Iron Pyrites is a mineral medicine, and the safety rules are stricter than for most herbs.
- Never use the raw mineral internally. Classical medicine uses it internally only after processing into an ash.
- Confirm the need first. Never take any iron source without a confirmed iron-deficiency diagnosis. Iron can harm people with hemolytic anemia or iron overload.
- Buy tested products. Use only products from manufacturers that test for heavy metals and follow Good Manufacturing Practice. Raw Kasisa can carry copper and zinc sulphate impurities.
- Mind the heat. It is hot and dry in nature. Our anemia sources caution that in heat-driven Pitta anemia, aggressive iron can worsen inflammation.
Ferrous sulphate tablets often cause nausea and constipation, which is worth knowing since raw Kasisa is the same compound.
Recommended: Start Here
Iron Pyrites is a practitioner-prescribed mineral ash, not a self-start product. If you are reading about it because of low iron, the right first step is a blood test and a conversation with a practitioner.
While you arrange that, the safe foundation is the same one used throughout Ayurvedic anemia care: a teaspoon of Amla powder with your main meal and no tea or coffee within an hour of eating. If iron is confirmed as the issue, ask your practitioner about a balanced classical formula such as Punarnava Mandura.
Find Punarnava Mandura on Amazon ↗ Amla Powder ↗
Safety note: never take any iron source without a confirmed iron-deficiency diagnosis.
Iron Pyrites vs Other Herbs & Supplements
| Comparison | Iron Pyrites | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Pyrites vs Iron ash | Secondary iron mineral; heating | Iron ash (Loha Bhasma) is named the chief anemia remedy in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu; cooling | Iron ash is the primary choice, especially for Pitta-type anemia. |
| Iron Pyrites vs Iron slag | Sharp, hot, dry | Iron slag (Mandura) is lighter and easier to digest | Iron slag is the gentler option and the base of Punarnava Mandura. |
| Iron Pyrites vs ferrous sulphate tablets | Same compound, used only as a processed ash | Modern tablets, which often cause nausea and constipation | The difference is processing. Both need a confirmed diagnosis. |
Iron Pyrites for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources contain no safety data on Kasisa Bhasma in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Iron needs during pregnancy should be managed by your doctor; do not use this mineral without their approval.
Children
No child doses appear in our sources. Do not give Iron Pyrites in any form to children without a qualified practitioner.
Elderly
Anemia in older adults needs a medical workup to find its cause before any iron is given. Use only under supervision.
Athletes
Our sources describe no specific use for athletes. Iron should be taken only when a blood test shows a deficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iron Pyrites actually pyrite?
Not in the Ayurvedic sense. The substance Ayurveda calls Kasisa is green vitriol, a green crystalline ferrous sulphate, even though it is catalogued under the English name Iron Pyrites.
What is the best grade of Kasisa?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu considers the flower-like efflorescence (Pushpa Kasisa) the best grade, ahead of Dhatu Kasisa and others.
Can I use Iron Pyrites at home?
No. There is no safe home preparation. Take Kasisa Bhasma only if a qualified practitioner prescribes it.
What are its classical properties?
It tastes sour and astringent, is light and dry, has a heating potency and a pungent post-digestive effect. That profile leans toward the heavy Kapha pattern of illness.
How to Use Kasisa by Condition
Explore how Kasisa is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.