Overview
Abhrak is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for weakness & debility. Abhrak (Mica) is one of the most important minerals in Rasa Shastra. Four types are described based on color: Shveta (white), Rakta (red), Peeta (yellow), and Krishna (black). Krishna Abhrak is considered the best. Abhrak Bhasma is prepared through extensive Puta processes (up to 1000 Putas for Sahasraputi Abhrak Bhasma). It is a supreme Rasayana used in tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, chronic fevers, diabetes, anemia, and general debility. Higher quality Bhasma (more Putas) is more effective and safer. It is considered the 'Amrita' among minerals. Verses: 94-100.
How Abhrak Helps with Weakness & Debility
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Abhrak has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing weakness & debility:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
- Taste (Rasa): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Potassium aluminium silicate, iron, magnesium, traces of various minerals
- Also Known As
- English: Mica
Sanskrit: अभ्रक, गगनसत्त्व, गिरिज, वज्र, बहुपत्रक, अम्बरीष
Hindi: अभ्रक
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
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)
Mahabhravatika (mica-based) and Kandarparasa (mercurial) formulations recommended.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 16: Secondary Urinary Disorders (Aupasargika Meha)
Mahabhravatika (mica-based) and Kandarparasa (mercurial) formulations recommended.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 15: Secondary Urinary Disorders (Aupasargika Meha)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals); Parishishtam, Chapter 16: Secondary Urinary Disorders (Aupasargika Meha); Parishishtam, Chapter 15: Secondary Urinary Disorders (Aupasargika Meha)
Gundra, rice, shaivala (aquatic moss), shailabheda, daruharidra (tree turmeric), ela (cardamom), utpala (blue lotus), rodhra, abhra (mica), lotus petal, sugar, darbha (sacred grass), tala (palmyra), rodhra, vetasa (cane), and padmaka.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Other Herbs for Weakness & Debility
See all herbs for weakness & debility on the Weakness & Debility page.
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.