Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras – Ingredients, Uses, and Dosage

In the realm of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras stands as a revered formulation, hailed for its potent therapeutic properties. Rooted in ancient wisdom and enriched with a blend of rare ingredients, this Ras is celebrated for its multifaceted benefits. From its meticulous preparation to its diverse applications, understanding the essence of Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras unveils a treasure trove of insights into Ayurvedic pharmacology. This article embarks on a journey to explore the nuances of Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras, delving into its introduction, ingredients, preparation methods, uses, indications, and precautions.

Introduction to Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras:

Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras is a classical Ayurvedic formulation renowned for its therapeutic efficacy. It belongs to the category of Ras Aushadhi, which denotes medicinal preparations containing purified and calcined metals and minerals. This Ras is a revered creation attributed to the ancient Ayurvedic texts, where it finds mention for its ability to address a spectrum of health concerns.

Ingredients of Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras:

The formulation of Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras encompasses a precise selection of ingredients, each chosen for its therapeutic significance. The primary components include:

1. Kankolaka (Piper cubeba) – 0.003g
2. Sasi (Cinnamomum comphora) – 0.003g
3. Surya (Copper) – 0.003g
4. Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) – 0.003g
5. Sukasimbi (Mucuna pruriens) – 0.003g
6. Rajata (Silver) – 0.003g
7. Kanaka (Gold) – 0.003g
8. Mukta (Pearl) – 0.003g
9. Vidruma (Coral) – 0.003g
10. Loha (Iron) – 0.003g
11. Patha (Cyclea peltata) – 0.003g
12. Krimiripu (Embelia ribes) – 0.003g
13. Ghana (Cyperus rotundus) – 0.003g
14. Viswa (Zingiber officinale) – 0.003g
15. Vari (Plectranthus vettiveroides) – 0.003g
16. Tala (Arsenic) – 0.003g
17. Abhra (Mica) – 0.003g
18. Dhatri (Phyllanthus emblica) – 0.003g
19. Ravidalarasam (Calotropis gigantea) – Q.S

Preparation of Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras:

The preparation of Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras adheres to stringent guidelines outlined in classical Ayurvedic texts. It involves a series of intricate steps.

Fine powder of ingredients 1-18 are mixed in a mortar and triturated. Then, the juice of the leaf of Arka is added and once again triturated for one day continuously. The pill of the required size is prepared and dried under shade. 

Uses and Indications of Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras:

Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras encompasses a wide array of therapeutic applications, owing to its holistic approach towards health restoration. Some of its key uses and indications include:

• Sannipataja jwara (tridoshaja fever)
• Vishama jwara (intermittent fevers)
• Dhatugata jwara (fever associated with dhatus)
• Amatisaara (diarrhea caused due to indigestion)
• Samgrahani (fever associated with digestive disorders)
• Jvaraatisaara (fever associated with diarrhea)
• Sarva jwara (all types of fever)
• Jeerna jwara (chronic fever)
• Kasa (cough)
• Halimaka (chronic obstructive jaundice)
• Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome)
• Prameha (diabetes)

Beneficial in pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), fever with chills, fever with convulsions, and fever with respiratory diseases.

Precautions and Contraindications:

While Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras offers manifold therapeutic benefits, its usage must be approached with caution. Some precautions and contraindications include:

1. Dosage: It is imperative to adhere to the prescribed dosage under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to avoid adverse effects.
2. Pregnancy and Lactation: The use of Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation due to potential risks to maternal and fetal health.
3. Children: This Ras is typically not administered to children unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
4. Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and liver disorders should exercise caution and seek medical advice before using Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras.
5. Allergic Reactions: Individuals with known allergies to any of the ingredients in the formulation should refrain from using Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras to prevent allergic reactions.

Mode of use, Dosage, and Adjuvants

The general dose is 1-3 ratti (125 – 250 mg) once or twice daily along with ardraka swarasa (juice of ginger)/ tulasi swarasa (juice of tulasi)/ Nagavalli swarasa (juice of beetle leaves/ vilwa choorna/ jeeraka chorna or homey, etc as adjuvants or as advised by an Ayurvedic Doctor.

In conclusion, Brihat Kasturi Bhairav Ras stands as a testament to the profound wisdom of Ayurveda, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being. Its meticulous preparation, potent ingredients, diverse applications, and nuanced precautions underscore its significance in the realm of traditional medicine. However, it is essential to approach its usage with prudence, under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals, to harness its therapeutic benefits effectively while ensuring safety and well-being.