Yashad Bhasma (Zinc Ash)

Yashad Bhasma is not a food or dietary supplement in the conventional sense but a classical Ayurvedic mineral preparation (Bhasma) derived from purified zinc (Yashad/Jasad) subjected to repeated calcination (Shodhana and Marana processes). Its primary bioactive constituent is zinc oxide (ZnO), typically comprising 70–85% of the final ash, with trace amounts of other metal oxides depending on the source material and processing. Approximate composition per 100 mg of properly prepared Bhasma: Zinc (as zinc oxide): ~55–70 mg elemental zinc equivalent; Iron oxide (Fe₂O₃): trace amounts, typically <2%; Calcium oxide (CaO): trace, <1–3%; Silica (SiO₂): trace, <1–2%; Magnesium oxide (MgO): trace, <0.5%. The repeated incineration process (Puta system, often 7–21 cycles with herbal juices such as Nimbu Swarasa/lemon juice, Kumari Swarasa/aloe vera juice, or Triphala Kashaya) converts metallic zinc into nano-sized zinc oxide particles (typically 30–90 nm range as confirmed by modern XRD and TEM analyses). This nano-particulate form significantly enhances bioavailability compared to crude zinc metal or standard zinc supplements. The particle size reduction to the nanoscale increases the surface-area-to-volume ratio, facilitating better gastrointestinal absorption. Bioavailability notes: The traditional Anupana (vehicle/adjuvant) used for administration—commonly honey, ghee, or specific herbal decoctions—further enhances absorption. Studies suggest bioavailability of zinc from properly prepared Bhasma may be comparable to or exceed that of modern zinc salts (zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate) due to nano-sizing. Therapeutic dose is very small, typically 125–250 mg (1–2 Ratti), meaning elemental zinc intake per dose is approximately 70–175 mg. Contains no macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber) and no vitamins. Caloric value is nil. The preparation must meet classical quality standards: it should be Varitara (floats on water), Rekhapurna (fills finger creases), Niśchandratva (lusterless), and Apunarbhava (irreversible to metallic form), ensuring safety and absence of free metallic zinc.