Kushta-E-Sadaf: Medicinal aspect

Abstract

Kushta Sadaf (Calcined of Mother of Pearl or Calcined Oyester Shell) is non-lustrous, grayish white, fine powder, prepared from various shells that are obtained from both fresh and saline water resources as rivers, ponds seas and oceans etc. Kushta sadaf is being used in unani system of medicine from ancient period. It is also used in other systems of medicine. Most of unani physicians described it as cold and dry in temperament. It has various medicinal properties like mughalliz (impuissant), habis (styptic), muqawwi (tonic) etc. Chemically it is composed of calcium carbonate and a very small amount of calcium oxide.