Tamra (Copper) in Ayurveda – Classical Types, Purification & Bhasma Preparation

Introduction

Tamra (Copper) is described in classical Ayurvedic texts as having two varieties:

1. Nepali Tamra – considered superior and suitable for Bhasma preparation.

2. Mlechchha Tamra – considered inferior and not suitable for medicinal calcination.

Tamra has a specific gravity of 8 and melts at approximately 1030°C. In terms of heat and electrical conductivity, it is described as second only to silver.

Characteristics of Nepali Tamra

Nepali Tamra is described as:

• Smooth

• Heavy

• Reddish in color

• Soft

• When struck, it does not powder but expands

This variety is considered suitable for preparing Bhasma.

Characteristics of Mlechchha Tamra

Mlechchha Tamra is described as:

• White, black, or slightly reddish

• Very hard

• Remains black even after cleaning

It is not recommended for Bhasma preparation.

Alternative Sources of Superior Copper

For higher quality Tamra:

• Copper may be extracted from Tutia (zinc ore)

• Copper electrical wires may be cleaned and used

• Old Nepali copper coins were also traditionally used

Method for Extracting Copper from Tutia

• 2½ seer Tutia is powdered and placed in a small iron pan.

• This pan is placed inside a larger iron vessel.

• The larger vessel is filled with:

  • 10 seer coarsely powdered Triphala

  • 1 mann water

• The vessel is kept in open space for two months where sunlight and moonlight fall continuously.

• After two months:

  • The liquid is filtered (traditionally used for ink making).

  • Pure copper powder deposited at the bottom is scraped out.

  • Approximately 40 tola pure copper is obtained.

This copper is described as superior even to Nepali copper.

Shodhana (Purification) Methods

Method 1

Copper extracted from Tutia or electrical wires is:

• Heated until red-hot.

• Quenched 7 times in the juice of Aak leaves.

• Tamarind leaves (2 seer) are boiled in 10 seer water until 5 seer remains.

• Add:

  • ½ seer rock salt

  • ½ seer copper

• Heated for 4 prahar.

• If liquid evaporates, cow urine is added (water may be used if unavailable).

This process is considered sufficient purification.

Method 2 (For Nepali Copper Sheets)

Copper sheets are:

• Heated red-hot.

• Quenched 2–3 times in:

  • Oil

  • Buttermilk

  • Cow urine

  • Kanji (fermented sour gruel)

  • Kulthi decoction

This completes purification.

Tamra Bhasma Preparation (Classical Method)

• Hingulottha Parada (1 tola) and purified Gandhaka (2 tola) are made into Kajjali.

• Triturated with lemon juice.

• Applied over purified copper sheets.

• Dried and sealed in Sharava Samputa.

• Subjected to mild Puta (Ardha Gajaputa).

After cooling:

• Equal part Gandhaka is mixed.

• Triturated again with lemon juice.

• Made into tablets and given second Puta.

After two Puta:

• Bhasma is soaked in lemon juice for 24 hours.

• If no green coloration appears, Bhasma is considered proper.

• If green color appears, one more mild Puta is given.

Maximum batch size: ½ seer at a time.

Alternative Bhasma Method

• Purified copper wires are mixed with equal rock salt and Gandhaka.

• Triturated with lemon or tamarind juice.

• Given 3–4 Puta.

• Thoroughly washed until no green color or unpleasant taste remains.

• If defects remain, sour curd is mixed for 3 days, then washed again.

• Finally, a small amount (1/8th part) of sweet oil is added and mildly heated.

• Finely powdered and stored in glass or porcelain containers.

Note:
Each Puta must include proper trituration. Heat should remain mild to prevent fusion of copper lumps.

Somnathi Tamra Bhasma

Prepared using:

• Purified Parada – 2 tola

• Purified Gandhaka – 2 tola

• Hartala – 1 tola

• Manashila – 6 masha

• Purified fine Tamra powder – 2 tola

Layered in a Garbha Yantra and heated for four prahar. After cooling, the Bhasma is powdered and stored.

Some texts describe preparation via Karpi Pakva method as well.

Dosage & Anupan

Dose: ½ ratti to 4 ratti, twice daily.
Anupan: Honey or as directed.

Classical Properties & Uses

Tamra Bhasma is described in classical texts for use in:

• Abdominal disorders

• Prameha

• Indigestion

• Irregular fever

• Sannipata

• Ascites

• Splenic enlargement

• Liver disorders

• Colicky pain

• Hiccup

• Flatulence

• Diarrhea

• Grahani

• Pandu

• Gulma

• Skin disorders

• Worm infestation

• Cholera

• Hyperacidity

• Plague

It is described as strengthening and stimulant in nature. Many Ras-Rasayana formulations include Tamra.

Liver & Gallbladder Conditions (Classical Reference)

Tamra Bhasma is described as particularly acting on:

• Liver

• Gallbladder

Used in cases where:

• Bile secretion is reduced

• Gallbladder dysfunction is present

• Stone formation is described

Various classical combinations are listed in the text for such conditions.

Combinations Mentioned in Text

The source describes combinations with:

• Kapardak Bhasma

• Shankha Bhasma

• Mooli Kshar

• Fitkari Bhasma

• Kutki

• Punarnava

• Makoy

• Suvarna Makshik Bhasma

• Navayas Lauh

• Vayavidang

• Bakuchi

• Trikatu

• Pippali

• Bel Giri

• Guruch Satva

Each combination is mentioned for specific classical indications.

Caution & Testing

Tamra Bhasma is described as:

• Ugra (intense)

• Tikshna (sharp)

• Bhedi (penetrating)

• Pittasravi (stimulating bile secretion)

Therefore, it should be used cautiously.

Tamra may possess vomiting and dizziness-related defects if improperly prepared.

Classical Tests for Purity

• No shine under sunlight.

• When placed in curd for 2 hours, no blue or green coloration should appear.

If impure:

• Triturate with Aloe vera juice.

• Make tablets and subject to further Puta to remove defects.

Important Disclaimer

This article presents information strictly based on classical Ayurvedic references provided in the source text. It reflects traditional preparation methods and historical uses.

Tamra Bhasma is a potent mineral preparation and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.