Ayurmed Info

Kapardika Bhasma (Varatika): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Kapardika Bhasma  is an Ayurvedic medicine, prepared from Cowries. It is used in Ayurvedic treatment of indigestion, boils,  Pitta diseases etc.  This medicine should only be taken strictly under medical supervision. 

Uses

It is used in the treatment of digestive impairment, Malabsorption syndrome, Asthma, bronchitis, Fever, Tuberculosis, Chronic bronchial diseases, eye diseases, Oligospermia  etc.

Medicinal properties


Rasa (taste) – Katu – Pungent
Guna (qualities) – Rooksha – dryness, Teekshna – strong, piercing
Vipaka (taste conversion after digestion) – Katu – pungent
Veerya (potency) – Ushna – hot
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Pitta Dosha

Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Dosage


125 mg – 250 mg once or twice a day before or after food or as directed by Ayurvedic doctor.
It is traditionally administered along with Vasa decoction, Lemon juice, Trikatu decoction and Udumbara juice extract.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then, after a gap of 15 – 30 minutes, take Ayurvedic medicine or as directed by the physician.

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

With supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

Kaparda Varatika Cowries

Side Effects

  • This medicine should only be taken under strict medical supervision.
  • Self medication with this medicine may prove to be dangerous.
  • Over-dosage may cause severe side effects.
  • It should be very carefully used during pregnancy, lactation and in children, only if found very necessary by the prescribing doctor.
  • Take this medicine in precise dose and for limited period of time, as advised by doctor.
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children. Store in a dry cool place.

Method Of Preparation


Shuddha Varatika   – Purified Cowries – 100 g.
Purified Cowries is triturated with aloe vera juice, extracts, made into thin disc shaped cakes, and subjected to degree celcius heat. The end product will be a very fie powder.

Reference and Vernacular Names

 Ayurveda Prakasha 3/100

Vernacular names of Varatika: 
Sanskrit name – Varatika
Hindi name – Kowdi
English name – Cowrie
Kannada name – Kavade
Malayalam name – Kavadi
Gujarathi name – Kowdi

Sanskrit Synonyms


Kapardika, Kapardi, Varati, Varatika, Varataka, Varata
Balakridanaka – toy for children.

Types of Varatika


According to Rasa Tarangini –
Peeta – yellow
Shweta – white
Dhoosara – brown

According to Rasa Ratna Samucchaya –
Ardha Nishka Bhara –  one and half Nishka
Nishka Bhara – 3 grams
Padona Nishka Bhara – a quarter part less to Nishka

According to Ayurveda Prakasha –
Shweta – white
Shona – brown
Peeta – yellow

Suitable Qualities

Grahya Lakshanas of Varatika
Cowrie which is long (deerghavritta), golden in color (swarna), which has small nodule in his back(Prashte cha granthika), which is heavy (Guru), one which is 1 ½ shana in length

Unsuitable Qualities

Tyajya Lakshanas of Varatika
One which is pale in color (pandu), Grayish(Dhoosara), Light(nirbhara), one which is ½ shana in length and  ¼ nishka in weight

Varatika shodana


1. Swedana of Varatika in kanji for 3 hours in dolayantra  and then washed with lukewarm water and dried
2. Swedana in dolayantra media being kulattha kwatha for 3 hours.
3. Swedana in dolayantra media being amla varga dravya for 3 hours.
4. Swedana in dolayantra media being nimbukamla and water for 3 hours

Varatika marana


Shodita Varatika is taken sharava, sandhibandhana is made dried in sun light made into samputa and heated in gajaputa  then allowed for swangusheetata. Whole procedure is repeated for 2 to 3 times. Then taken in khalva finely powdered and used for internal purpose.

Adjuvants

Various adjuvants to Kaparda Bhasma for different diseases:
Pooyasrava – wound with pus discharge – Varatika Bhasm is administered along with samudra phena
Agnimandya – low digestion strength – along with Trikatu choorna
Visphota – boils, burn injuries – Along with Mriddara Shrunga Bhasma
Grahani – IBS – Along with Shankha Bhasma and Trikatu churna
Raktapitta – Bleeding disorders – along with Vasa swarasa – Juice extract of Adhatoda vasica

Formulations

Ayurvedic medicine list with  Bhasma as ingredient:
Meditab Anti cough tablet  (J&J Duchane), Alsarex Tablet (Charak),
Agnikumar Ras
Kapardika rasa
Grahani kapata rasa
Krimi kashtanala rasa
Chandra sooryatmaka rasa
Pradarantaka rasa
Pravala panchamrata rasa
Pranavallabha rasa
Pleeha shardoola rasa
Bhaskara rasa
Yogeshwara rasa
Ratnagarbhapottali rasa
Raja mriganka rasa
Laghu lankeshwara rasa
Lavangadi vati
Lokanaya rasa
Lokeshwara pottali

Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This article is written by Dr. Janardhana V Hebbar BAMS, MD (Ayu), PGDPSM, Managing Director, Easy Ayurveda Hospital.
It is reviewed by Dr. Raviganesh Mogra BAMS, MD (Ayu), Chief Medical Officer, Easy Ayurveda Hospital

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