Sutshekhar Ras is a classical Ayurvedic medicine widely used for treating acidity, gastritis, migraine, vomiting, heartburn, and other Pitta-related disorders. Known for its cooling and soothing action, this herbo-mineral formulation helps balance digestive fire, calm inflammation, and support the nervous system. It is commonly prescribed for people dealing with chronic indigestion, acid reflux, stress-related stomach issues, and heat-induced headaches.
This detailed guide explains what Sutshekhar Ras is, its ingredients, preparation method, benefits, dosage, side effects, precautions, and how it supports overall digestive and neurological health.
What Is Sutshekhar Ras?
Sutshekhar Ras is a classical Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in ancient texts such as Bhaishajya Ratnavali. It is a herbo-mineral compound (Rasaushadhi) primarily used to pacify Pitta and strengthen the stomach, heart, and nervous system.
Traditionally, Sutshekhar Ras is known for:
Cooling and soothing actions
Anti-inflammatory properties
Reducing acidity and nausea
Relieving headaches and stress
It is often prescribed in conditions like gastritis (Amlapitta), acid reflux, migraine, hyperacidity, vomiting, burning sensation, and heart palpitations caused by excess Pitta or stress.
Product Description Of Sutshekhar Ras
Sutshekhar Ras is a small tablet or powder-form medicine, usually pale yellowish, prepared from purified mercury, sulphur, minerals, herbs, and aromatic spices. It is widely available from leading Ayurvedic brands in bottles containing 10–60 tablets.
Its texture is smooth, soft, and easy to swallow. Because of its cooling nature, it is often taken with ghee, honey, or cold water, depending on the health condition.
Ingredients in Sutshekhar Ras
The formulation includes both herbs and minerals. Each ingredient is processed and purified as per classical methods to ensure efficacy and safety.
Major Ingredients
Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury)
Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur)
Tamra Bhasma (Copper Calx)
Abhrak Bhasma (Mica Calx)
Shankha Bhasma (Conch Shell Calx)
Muktashukti Bhasma (Pearl Oyster Shell Calx)
Suta (Mercury-Sulphur Compound)
Tankana Bhasma (Borax Calx)
Camphor (Karpur)
Jaiphal (Nutmeg)
Lavanga (Clove)
Maricha (Black Pepper)
Pippali (Long Pepper)
Dalchini (Cinnamon)
Liquid Media (Bhavana Dravyas)
Used for triturating the mixture:
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Juice
Dadhi Mastu (Buttermilk)
Aloe Vera Juice
Nimbu Swarasa (Lemon Juice)
Water or herbal decoctions, depending on the classical reference
Each mineral undergoes detoxification (Shodhana) to remove impurities and enhance potency. All herbs contribute to improved digestion, soothing inflammation, and balancing Pitta energy.
Method of Preparation
The preparation of Sutshekhar Ras follows traditional Ayurvedic Rasashastra methods:
Purify mercury and sulphur separately using herbal juices, then combine to form the soft, lustrous mixture called Kajjali.
Subject the minerals like copper, mica, conch shell, and coral, to multiple rounds of calcination to form fine, bioavailable bhasmas.
Purify the Kajjali blend with all bhasmas and powdered herbs.
Grind the mixture repeatedly with herbal juices such as amla or aloe vera until a fine, smooth paste forms.
Roll the paste into tablets of small size and dry in the shade.
Store the medicine in airtight containers to preserve freshness and potency.
This meticulous process enhances the therapeutic strength of the formulation and ensures easy absorption in the body.
Individual Health Benefits of Sutshekhar Ras Ingredients
Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury): Helps enhance digestion, absorb nutrients, and strengthen the metabolic system.
Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur): Supports detoxification, improves digestion, and balances excess Pitta.
Shankha Bhasma (Conch Shell Ash): Neutralises stomach acid and relieves hyperacidity and heartburn.
Pravala Bhasma (Coral Calcium): Cools internal heat, strengthens bones, and soothes burning sensations.
Mukta Bhasma (Pearl Calcium): Calms the mind, regulates Pitta, and reduces stress-related acidity.
Kapardika Bhasma (Cowrie Shell Ash): Aids digestion and effectively reduces acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
Tankana Bhasma (Purified Borax): Acts as a digestive stimulant that prevents bloating and gas formation.
Ela (Cardamom): Improves appetite and reduces nausea and vomiting.
Vasa (Adhatoda vasica): Supports respiratory health and reduces burning sensations in the chest.
Ardraka (Ginger): Boosts digestion, controls nausea, and enhances metabolic fire without overheating the body.
Jatamansi: Calms the nervous system and helps reduce stress-induced stomach issues.
Shunthi (Dry Ginger): Promotes healthy digestion and prevents indigestion and heaviness.
Pippali (Long Pepper): Enhances nutrient absorption and supports gut health.
Dhataki Pushpa: Improves gastrointestinal functioning and helps control acidity.
Mulethi (Liquorice): Soothes the stomach lining and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Juice: Rich in vitamin C, amla juice enhances immunity, supports digestion, and boosts skin and hair health.
Dadhi Mastu (Buttermilk): Buttermilk promotes healthy digestion, cools the body, and helps maintain gut balance with natural probiotics.
Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice soothes the digestive tract, supports detoxification, and helps reduce inflammation naturally.
Nimbu Swarasa (Lemon Juice): Lemon juice aids digestion, boosts metabolism, and supports liver detoxification with its rich vitamin C content.
Medicinal Qualities (Guna) of Sutshekhar Ras
Deepana (Appetiser)
Pachana (Digestive)
Tridosha balancing (mainly Pitta-shamana)
Hridaya (Cardiac protection)
Rasayana (Rejuvenating)
Vatanulomana (Regulates Vata in the abdomen)
Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
Agnivardhak (Improves digestive fire without overheating)
These qualities make it beneficial in both acute and chronic digestive and neurological conditions.
Ayurvedic Properties Of Sutshekhar Ras
Rasa (Taste): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous), Mridu (soft)
Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling)
Vipaka (After digestion taste): Madhura (sweet)
Effect on Doshas:
Pacifies Pitta
Minimal effect on Kapha
Because of these properties, Sutshekhar Ras is particularly effective in conditions triggered by Pitta imbalance, such as acidity, irritation, burning sensation, and heat-induced headaches.
10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Sutshekhar Ras
Manages Hyperacidity
Sutshekhar Ras is one of the most effective Ayurvedic remedies for Amlapitta (acidity) and GERD. The cooling action of Shankha Bhasma and Pravala Bhasma helps neutralise excess stomach acid and provides quick relief from heartburn, burning in the chest, sour belching, nausea after meals, and acid reflux. By strengthening the stomach lining and preventing acid-induced damage, it ensures digestion becomes smoother without causing irritation or heat within the gut.
Also Read: GERD: 5 Unusual Symptoms Of This Digestive Disorder You Should Never Ignore
Effective for Chronic Gastritis
Chronic gastritis often leads to severe gastric inflammation, heaviness, nausea, and poor appetite. Sutshekhar Ras helps by reducing inflammation, increasing protective mucus secretion, and soothing the irritated stomach lining. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with stress-induced gastritis, commonly seen among students, professionals, and those dealing with emotional or work-related pressure.
Relieves Migraine
Ayurveda associates migraines with aggravated Pitta, digestive imbalance, and mental stress. Sutshekhar Ras works on all these triggers by reducing internal heat, calming the nervous system, and restoring the gut-brain connection. It helps reduce the frequency, severity, and discomfort associated with migraines, especially headaches that arise due to acidity, a surprisingly common yet overlooked cause.
Also Read: Headache: That Throbbing Pain Might Be A Warning Sign Of Various Underlying Conditions
Supports Heart Health
Some ingredients in Sutshekhar Ras help nourish and strengthen cardiac muscles, making it useful for managing stress-induced palpitations, Pitta-type tachycardia, and mild chest discomfort caused by acidity. Its cooling and stabilising nature pacifies aggravated Pitta in the cardiac region, promoting emotional balance, calmness, and improved heart stability.
Also Read: Heart Health: 5 Best Supplements To Optimise Cardiac Function And Overall Well-being
Remedies Nausea
With strong antiemetic, cooling, and digestive properties, Sutshekhar Ras offers relief from nausea and vomiting caused by acidity, indigestion, and motion sickness. It helps regulate the upward movement of Vata, preventing dizziness, uneasiness, and sudden bouts of vomiting. Under expert guidance, it may also be used for pregnancy-related morning sickness due to its gentle and soothing effect.
Also Read: Yoga For Nausea Relief: 5 Best Poses To Soothe An Upset Stomach Instantly
Soothes Burning Sensations in the Body
Burning sensations in the stomach, chest, hands, or feet often arise from aggravated Pitta, dehydration, heatstroke, or acidity. The mineral bhasmas and cooling herbs in Sutshekhar Ras help reduce heat accumulation in the body and provide quick relief from internal burning. Its cooling effect helps stabilise body temperature and promote comfort during episodes of excessive heat.
Improves Digestion
Unlike many digestive formulations that may overheat the body, Sutshekhar Ras supports digestion while maintaining a cooling balance. It boosts appetite, reduces bloating, prevents gas formation, promotes smoother digestion, and prevents heaviness after meals. This makes it especially suitable for people with hypersensitive stomachs or those who frequently struggle with acidity and indigestion.
Calms Stress
Stress and digestion are closely interconnected, and modern lifestyles often disrupt this balance. Sutshekhar Ras helps regulate Pitta in the nervous system, cool the mind, and reduce anxiety-related digestive issues. By supporting mental clarity and emotional balance, it restores harmony in the gut-brain axis, making it highly beneficial for individuals with stress-triggered gastritis or anxiety-linked digestive discomfort.
Also Read: 5 Best Natural Antidepressants: Unravel Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
Strengthens Immunity
The Rasayana (rejuvenative) properties of Sutshekhar Ras help enhance overall vitality and immunity. It supports healthy cell repair, nourishes body tissues, strengthens metabolism, and boosts immunity against digestive infections. With regular supervised use, it promotes long-term gastrointestinal and neurological wellness, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally.
Also Read: Top 8 Ayurvedic Formulations That Can Bolster Your Immunity
Treats IBS
Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Pitta dominance often experience symptoms like cramping, loose motions, acidity, anxiety, and irregular digestion. Sutshekhar Ras helps calm aggravated Pitta, regulate digestion, reduce abdominal cramps, and support overall intestinal health. It brings balance to the digestive system while easing discomfort, making it beneficial for managing IBS flare-ups naturally.
Dosage of Sutshekhar Ras
General recommended dosage:
125 mg to 250 mg, once or twice daily
Taken preferably after meals
Adjuvants (Anupana)
Depending on the condition, it may be taken with:
Ghee: for migraine and burning sensation
Honey: for acidity and nausea
Cold water: for hyperacidity
Buttermilk: for gastritis
Amla juice: for Pitta pacification
Note: Always follow an Ayurvedic practitioner’s guidance for personalised dosage.
Side Effects of Sutshekhar Ras
When taken in prescribed doses, Sutshekhar Ras is generally safe. But excessive or unsupervised use may cause:
Metallic taste
Stomach discomfort
Burning sensation (rare)
Aggravation of Pitta if overdosed
Weakness due to improper digestion
Potential long-term toxicity (if abused)
Pregnant women must take it only under strict medical supervision.
Precautions Before Using SutShekhar Ras
Avoid self-medication; always take it under Ayurvedic supervision.
Follow the correct dosage strictly; do not exceed prescribed limits.
Not suitable for individuals with severe liver or kidney disease unless advised by a doctor.
Avoid consuming spicy, sour, or deep-fried foods during treatment.
Keep out of reach of children.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women must consult an Ayurvedic physician.
Ensure you purchase from reputable Ayurvedic brands to avoid adulteration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sutshekhar Ras used for?
Sutshekhar Ras is mainly used to manage acidity, gastritis, nausea, and various Pitta-related disorders.
Is Sutshekhar Ras safe for daily use?
It can be taken daily under medical supervision, as long-term use should be guided by an Ayurvedic doctor.
Does Sutshekhar Ras help with hyperacidity?
Yes, Sutshekhar Ras is highly effective in reducing hyperacidity and calming the digestive system.
Can Sutshekhar Ras be taken during pregnancy?
No, it is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless advised by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Does Sutshekhar Ras help with migraines?
Yes, it is traditionally used to manage migraines triggered by acidity and Pitta imbalance.
Conclusion
Sutshekhar Ras is a powerful and time-tested Ayurvedic formulation known for its cooling, soothing, digestive, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating benefits. Whether you are struggling with acidity, digestive weakness, chronic gastritis, headaches, migraine, nausea, or stress-related gastric issues, this formulation offers holistic relief by balancing Pitta and stabilising the gut-nervous system connection.
While it is safe when used responsibly, Sutshekhar Ras contains potent minerals and should always be taken under expert guidance. With the right dosage and dietary discipline, it can significantly improve digestive health, calm the mind, and enhance overall well-being.
References:
1. https://www.wjpmr.com/download/article/133032025/1746782549.pdf
2. https://ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/2144_pdf.pdf
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11530780/
4. https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2024/2/17617.pdf
Previous
