Abhrak (MICA – Double Silicate of Aluminium and Potassium or Sodium)
Introduction
Abhrak is Mica in English. It’s a mineral which is found in many parts of India and The Indian Mica is considered as the most superior one. The reference of Abhrak is that there are many Classical texts of Ayurveda and it has its importance as the major ingredient for many Ayurvedic preparations. In this Article there are necessary details regarding Abhrak and its uses as well.
अभ्रकं गगनं भृङ्गमभ्रं खं व्योमनामकम।
वज्रं घनश्च बहुपत्रंनन्तकम्।।
आकाम्म्ब्रं शुभ्रं त्वमलं गरजध्वजं।
मेघख्य मन्तरिक्षश्च तदेव परिकीर्तितं।। (रस तंत्र १० / १-२)
Synonyms
अभ्रकं, गगनं, भृङ्ग, खं, व्योम, वज्रं, घन, बहुपत्रं, आकाश, अम्बर, अमल, गरजध्वजं, मेघ, अन्तरिक्ष, गौरीतेज
Location of Mica in India / Out of India
In India
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar (Most superior one).
Out of India
Rome, America, Canada
Swaroopa Of Abraka (Shape of Mica)
Irregular, with white coating, Lustrous
Category
Maharas (By Rasa Ratna Samuchya)
Types Of Abhrak (MICA)
- On Basis of Colour: Rakta (Red), Peeta (Yellow), Neela (Blue), Krishna (Black – The best one)
- On Basis of Structure: Pinaka Abhrak, Naga Abhrak, Mandooka Abhrak, Vajra Abhrak
Abhrak Shodhana (MICA Purification)
After heating till red hot then dip in Triphala Decoction/Milk
Guna (Properties)
- Rasa (Taste) – Madhur (Sweet), Kshaya (Astringent)
- Guna (Inherent properties) – Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous)
- Veerya (Potency) – Sheeta (Cold)
- Vipaka (Post Digestion Effect) – Madhur (Sweet)
Karma (Qualities)
- बल्य – Strengthening
- नेत्र वर्धक – Enhance Vision
- बुद्धि वर्धक – Improves Intelligence
- स्तन्य जनन – Promote lactation
- वर्ण्य – Helps with complexion
- केश्य – Promote hair growth
- दीपन / रुच्य – Improve digestion / Appetite
- ज्वर – Helps in fever
- क्षय रोग – Effective in degenerative Disorders
- श्वास कास – Helps in Respiratory Disorders
Used In Diseases
Unmad (Insanity), Apasmar (Epilepsy), delusions, Respiratory Conditions, Heart conditions, Diabetes, Tuberculosis
Even in many International journals of innovative science and research technology it has been mentioned that Abhrak or Mica does show cytotoxic effects. It means it has an anticancer effect and it acts by increasing the interactions between tumour cells and antitumor immune cells. The Abhrak is known to have an impressive impact in Human Lung adenocarcinoma cancer.
Form Of Mineral Used
Bhasma (calx)
Dosage & Anupana
125 – 250 mg with Madhu (honey), Ghrit (Clarified Butter), Navneet (Butter)
Main Formulations Containing Abhrak
Arogyavardhini Vati, panchamrit Parpati, Gagan Parpati, Puran chander ras, Brihat shringarbhr ras, Yogender Ras, brihat kasturi bhairav ras, Brihat Vaat chintamani Ras, Vasant Kusmakar Ras, Shwas Kas chintamani Ras
Planet Ayurveda Formulations Containing Abhrak
Abhrak bhasma (sadharan), Abhrak bhasma (sahastraputi), Kamdudha ras, Shwas chintamani ras, Maha vatvidhwansan ras, Laxmibilas ras (nardiya), Prabhakar vati, Yogendra ras, Vasant kusumakar ras, Vishamjwarantak loha, Shukra vallabh ras, Trailokya chintamani ras, Yakrit plihari loha, Vrihat vatchintamani ras, Rasraj ras
Conclusion
Now we know that mineral preparation has its own advantages. These preparations are described under ras shastra in Ayurveda and the Ras shastra medications have their own perks. Though still it is not recommended to have the preparations without consulting an Ayurveda expert. For knowledge based queries you can visit our official website www.PlanetAyurveda.com