what is tankan bhasma - #44195

Tankan Bhasma is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation made from Purified Borax, it’s a white powdery substance. Usually, it’s used to balance Vata and Kapha doshas and has been consider helpful in addressing various digestive issues. Your friend is refers likely to its digestive benefits, as it’s reputed to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and ease gas.

However, while tankan bhasma can have potential benefits for stomach issues, it isn’t a ‘magic remedy.’ Its application should be tailored to your specific doshic imbalance, and since your symptoms suggest Vata or Pitta aggravation, tankan bhasma might actually need careful use. It commonly helps conditions like indigestion, but if incorrectly used, like overly sctimulating the stomach, it might irritate a sensitive system.

It’s typically taken in small doses, around 125 to 250mg, usually mixed with honey or warm water. Since you’ve experienced heartburn, which can indicate excess Pitta, you should use it cautiously. Overstimulation can worsen heartburn if there’s an underlying acidity issue.

Regarding side effects, tankan bhasma should be used under guidance, particularly as you mentioned your sensetive stomach. Improper use might cause digestive distress. If you’re considering it, it’s advised to consult an ayurvedic practicioner for personalized guidance based on your unique constitution and current symptoms.

Also, considering dietary choices to pacify Vata and Pitta might provide relief - emphasize warm, mildly spiced foods, avoid raw and processed foods. Ayurvedic practices also include lifestyle modifications like yoga and meditation, which you already seem involved in through your yoga class, to support well-being.

Avoid self-prescribing, especially with bhasmas, as their potency requires precise understanding of your body’s needs, aligned with Ayurvedic insights.

Tankan Bhasma is indeed a traditional Ayurvedic preparation, and your curiosity about it connecting to digestive issues isn’t unfounded. It’s essentially a type of calcined borax (sodium borate) used in Ayurveda. Tankan Bhasma is known traditionally for its potential to aid digestion, support metabolism, and balance the aggravated doshas, especially to address vata and kapha imbalances which might be contributing to your bloating and gas issues.

It’s crucial though to approach this remedy with a bit of caution, given your sensitive stomach. In Ayurveda, Tankan Bhasma is often mixed with other ingredients, and sometimes used in very small doses, typically in powder form. Usually, it’s administrated in a small pinch - literally less than half a gram - and often combined with honey or ghee to help with specific conditions like indigestion or to facilitate the expulsion of gas. Issues like heartburn would require understanding which dosha might be more imbalanced, as incorrect usage could exacerbate symptoms.

However, self-medicating isn’t advised, especially when you’re already dealing with discomfort. It’s possible for side effects to occur, particularly irritations or further digestive upset, if it’s not used properly or if your body reacts unpredictably to it. So, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner before using Tankan Bhasma would be wise. They can assess your prakriti (personal body constitution) to determine the ideal course and dosage for you.

Your ongoing symptoms suggest there might be deeper underlying imbalances that need attention beyond just symptomatic relief. Think about not only your diet and lifestyle but also stress levels and emotional health, as these can affect digestion significantly. Meanwhile, sticking with gentle lifestyle adjustments, like maintaining regular meal times, consuming warm cooked foods, and ensuring adequate hydration, would support your digestion without risk.