Bhasma
Definition
Calcined heavy-metal preparation in classical ayurvedic and siddha pharmacopoeia. Includes naga bhasma (lead), parad bhasma (mercury), tamra bhasma (copper). Heavy metals are present by design, not as contamination. Forensic relevance is high because chronic users present with metal poisoning that the treating physician often misses.
- Tradition
- Classical ayurvedic and siddha pharmacopoeia
- Preparation
- Calcined heavy-metal formulation
- Examples
- Naga bhasma (lead), parad bhasma (mercury), tamra bhasma (copper)
- Forensic concern
- Heavy metals present by formulation design
Common questions
Why is bhasma-related poisoning often missed clinically?+
The heavy metal content is an intentional part of the traditional formulation rather than contamination, so treating physicians unfamiliar with the patient's use of these preparations may not suspect heavy-metal poisoning as the cause of symptoms.
How does a toxicologist distinguish bhasma exposure from industrial poisoning?+
Patient history of ayurvedic or siddha medicine use, a metal profile matching the named preparation, and a chronic low-level exposure pattern rather than a single acute dose all point toward a bhasma source.
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