Haratala Bhasma (Orpiment Ash): An Arsenic Preparation with No Modern Trials

TL;DR

Haratala bhasma is the calcined ash of Haratala, or orpiment (arsenic trisulfide). Ayurveda classifies it as a Dhatu Visha, a mineral poison, and it is listed under Schedule E(I) of poisonous drugs in the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules 1945. Classical texts use it for skin diseases after purification, but no animal or human efficacy study exists.

What it is

Haratala is identified as arsenic trisulfide (As2S3), known as orpiment or yellow sulfide, a yellow solid opaque mass. In Rasa Shastra it is one of the seven Upadhatu under the Uparasa category, and the texts describe two types, Patra (flaky) and Pinda (nodular). The bhasma is prepared by Shodhana (purification, typically sweating in lemon juice or other media) followed by Marana (incineration).

Traditional use

Traditionally, Haratala bhasma is used for Kushtha (skin diseases), Pama (scabies), Kandu (itching), Kotha (urticaria), and blood disorders. Charaka Samhita used it externally for skin disorders; Sushruta Samhita applied it for wound cleansing, piles, nodules, and worms. A separate preparation, Rasamanikya, is the form most commonly used in practice.

What modern research says

No modern efficacy studies identified (critical review)

A 2019 critical review in the Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences surveyed the classical literature on Haratala. It records that earlier research found purification may enhance the synergistic effect of Haratala in cellular apoptosis for leukemia treatment. Its conclusion is modest: further studies should be conducted to observe efficacy in healthy individuals as a rejuvenative and in leukemia patients as an adjuvant. No completed animal or human efficacy study was reported.

What the evidence does not support (yet)

The review's therapeutic claims are classical citations (Kushtha, Sannipata, Vataroga, Prameha), not trial results. There is no evidence that properly purified Haratala bhasma is effective for any condition.

Safety & contraindications

Haratala is arsenic trisulfide. The review states plainly that arsenic may cause acute or chronic heavy-metal toxicity if Shodhana and Marana are not conducted properly. It is listed as a poisonous drug under Schedule E(I) of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules 1945, which means it is regulated as a poison in India.

Arsenic poisoning causes gastrointestinal damage, skin lesions, nerve damage, cardiovascular collapse, and cancer with chronic exposure. There are no human safety data for Haratala bhasma, no data for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers, and no antidote-specific guidance. This preparation must never be made, bought from an unverified source, or taken without qualified practitioner supervision. Chronic skin disease, respiratory symptoms, and anything else it is classically used for require medical diagnosis first.

FAQs

What is Haratala bhasma?

It is the calcined ash of orpiment, arsenic trisulfide (As2S3), a mineral Ayurveda itself classifies as a poison (Dhatu Visha).

Is it safe because purification makes it safe?

That is the classical claim, not a demonstrated fact. The review stresses that safety depends entirely on proper Shodhana and Marana, and there is no modern safety study verifying any preparation method.

Is there any clinical evidence it works?

No. The 2019 review found no completed efficacy studies and only recommended that studies be conducted.

Why is this article short?

Because there is nothing else verified to say. One critical review is the entire modern literature.

This article omits dosage because no pharmacopoeial or clinical-trial citation supports one.

Can it be used in pregnancy or for children?

Absolutely not based on any evidence. No safety data exist; avoid entirely without qualified supervision.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Haratala bhasma contains arsenic, is classified as a poison under Indian drug law, and has no human efficacy or safety evidence. Do not make, buy from unverified sources, or take this preparation without qualified practitioner supervision.