Kasis Bhasma: Benefits, Evidence, Dosage & Safety

TL;DR

Kasis Bhasma is purified ferrous sulphate (green vitriol) processed by Ayurvedic incineration into an ash. Classical texts use it for anemia, weakness and spleen-liver enlargement; the formulary dose is 60–250 mg. No clinical trials or toxicity studies of Kasis Bhasma itself exist: the iron science concerns modern ferrous sulphate, a proven anemia treatment but not the same preparation. (59 words. Sources: Kapila et al., IJMPNP 2015; NHS iron deficiency anaemia guidance.)

What it is

Kasis Bhasma (also spelled Kasisa or Kashis Bhasma) is a calcined preparation of purified crystalline ferrous sulphate: known in English as green vitriol. In the Rasa Shastra tradition, the purified mineral is processed through repeated trituration and heating until a fine ash results. A peer-reviewed review of iron in Ayurveda lists Kasisa (ferrous sulphate) among the classical iron compounds used internally since the early centuries of the tradition (Kapila et al., Int J Med Plants Nat Prod 2015).

Traditional use

The same peer-reviewed review records the classical therapeutic uses of Kasisa: leucoderma, anemia, parasite infection, as a general tonic, to increase menstrual flow, and in eye disease (Kapila et al. 2015). These are traditional claims: the modern evidence is assessed separately below.

What modern research says

The honest gap: no studies on Kasis Bhasma itself

No published clinical trial, animal efficacy study, or toxicity study specifically on Kasis Bhasma could be found. Everything below concerns iron and ferrous sulphate in general medicine: relevant context, but not proof about this preparation.

Ferrous sulphate is a proven anemia treatment — in modern medicine

In modern medicine, ferrous sulphate is the most commonly prescribed iron supplement for iron-deficiency anaemia: it replaces the body's missing iron, is typically taken for about six months, and absorption is helped by vitamin C (e.g. orange juice) (NHS iron deficiency anaemia guidance). This is strong evidence for ferrous sulphate tablets: it does not automatically transfer to Kasis Bhasma, which is processed differently and has never been tested head-to-head.

Iron's side-effect profile is well known

Iron supplements commonly cause constipation or diarrhoea, tummy pain, heartburn, nausea and black stools; taking them with or soon after food reduces the chance of side effects (NHS). Any iron-containing bhasma would be expected to share at least some of this profile: another reason it needs practitioner supervision.

Dosage

A peer-reviewed review drawing on the Ayurvedic Formulary of India lists the classical dose of Kasisa (ferrous sulphate) as 60–250 mg for internal use (Kapila et al. 2015). Classical practice typically administers it with honey, ghee or Triphala decoction as the carrier (anupana). This is a formulary dose, not a trial-tested one: Kasis Bhasma should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, who will set the dose for the individual.

Safety & contraindications

Iron overload is the core risk: too much iron is toxic, and the 2015 review notes that excess iron intake can cause iron-overload syndrome (Kapila et al. 2015). Do not take any iron-containing preparation without a confirmed diagnosis: anaemia has many causes (iron, B12, folate deficiency and others), and the wrong treatment delays the right one (NHS). Keep all iron preparations out of reach of children: an overdose of iron in a young child can be fatal (NHS). There are no safety data for Kasis Bhasma in pregnancy or breastfeeding: use only if a qualified practitioner and your doctor agree it is appropriate. Because product quality varies across the bhasma market, only properly prepared, quality-tested material from reputable pharmacies should ever be considered.

FAQs

Is Kasis Bhasma the same as iron tablets?

Not exactly. Both deliver iron derived from ferrous sulphate, but Kasis Bhasma is purified and incinerated per Ayurvedic procedures, while iron tablets are standardised pharmaceutical ferrous sulphate. No study has compared them, so they cannot be treated as interchangeable (Kapila et al. 2015; NHS).

Does Kasis Bhasma treat anemia?

Classical texts list anemia among the uses of Kasisa, and it is traditionally given for weakness and low vitality (Kapila et al. 2015). But no clinical trial of Kasis Bhasma itself has ever been published. Modern ferrous sulphate tablets are proven for iron-deficiency anaemia (NHS): that is strong evidence for the tablets, not for the bhasma, which is processed differently and has never been tested head-to-head.

What is the dose of Kasis Bhasma?

A peer-reviewed review drawing on the Ayurvedic Formulary of India lists the classical dose of Kasisa (ferrous sulphate) as 60–250 mg for internal use, traditionally taken with honey, ghee or Triphala decoction as the carrier (Kapila et al. 2015). This is a formulary dose, not a trial-tested one: it must be set by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for the individual, never self-dosed.

What side effects should I expect?

Iron commonly causes constipation or diarrhoea, tummy pain, heartburn, nausea and black stools; taking iron with or soon after food reduces the chance of side effects (NHS). Kasis Bhasma would be expected to share at least some of this profile, though it has no studied side-effect profile of its own. Report anything severe to your practitioner and doctor.

Is Kasis Bhasma safe in pregnancy?

There are no safety data for the bhasma in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Iron requirements do rise in pregnancy, but supplementation must follow a confirmed diagnosis and medical supervision: anaemia has many causes, and the wrong treatment delays the right one (NHS). Do not self-treat suspected anaemia in pregnancy with any iron preparation.

Can children take Kasis Bhasma?

Iron overdose in a young child can be fatal, so every iron preparation, bhasmas included, must be kept securely out of children's reach (NHS). Children should never be given Kasis Bhasma except on explicit medical advice with a proper diagnosis and dose. If a child swallows iron tablets or bhasma, seek emergency care immediately.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Metal-based Ayurvedic preparations must never be self-prescribed or self-dosed. Talk to a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner — and your doctor, if you take prescription medicines — before considering any bhasma, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a medical condition.