How to take chuna for calcium deficiency safely

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Traditional Ayurvedic texts have long cited the use of edible limestone, or chuna, as a natural source of calcium for strengthening bones and addressing mineral deficiencies. Before considering this ancient remedy, it is crucial to understand the proper and safe ways to take chuna for calcium deficiency, including the correct preparation to avoid potential health risks.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the traditional methods for using edible chuna as a calcium supplement. It covers preparation steps and mixing with carriers like curd or juice. Emphasis is placed on safety and consulting a healthcare professional before use, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Modern dietary sources are also explored as safer alternatives.

Key Points

Consult a Doctor: Always seek medical advice before taking chuna, especially if you have existing health conditions or are pregnant.
Use with Caution: The amount consumed should be very small, as recommended by a healthcare professional.
Mix with Carriers: Chuna should never be consumed directly. Mix it with curd, sugarcane juice, or pomegranate juice for safer ingestion.
Prioritize Food Sources: Safe and reliable alternatives for calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods.
Avoid If Prone to Stones: Individuals with a history of kidney stones should not take chuna due to the risk of exacerbating the condition.
Identify Edible Grade: Ensure you only use purified, food-grade chuna from a reputable source, not the industrial version.
Understand Risks: Overconsumption can lead to hypercalcemia, which can damage the kidneys and cause other severe side effects.

What is Chuna and Its Traditional Use?

Chuna, also known as edible limestone or calcium hydroxide, is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries in traditional remedies, particularly in Ayurvedic practices. As a rich source of calcium carbonate, it has historically been used to treat a variety of health issues, including bone and joint problems, digestive complaints, and memory concerns. In India, it is famously consumed as part of the betel leaf (paan) ritual.

However, it is essential to distinguish between edible-grade, purified chuna and industrial-grade lime, which can be highly caustic and dangerous to ingest. For therapeutic use, only pure, edible-grade chuna should ever be considered, and even then, its consumption requires extreme caution due to its potency.

Safe Methods for Taking Chuna for Calcium Deficiency

Ayurvedic tradition and modern proponents stress the importance of combining chuna with other substances to enhance absorption and mitigate potential side effects. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate amount for your individual needs. Never take chuna directly or in large quantities, as it is highly alkaline and corrosive.

Methods of Consumption

Mixed with Curd: Mix a small amount of chuna, as recommended by a healthcare provider, with a cup of curd. The probiotics and mild acidity of the curd help to balance the chuna and may aid in digestion and absorption.
In Sugarcane Juice: This is a popular method recommended in Ayurveda. A small quantity of chuna is dissolved in a glass of sugarcane juice. The natural sugars and minerals in the juice are thought to complement the chuna's properties.
With Pomegranate Juice: For pregnant women, a specific traditional recommendation is to mix a tiny pinch of limestone with pomegranate juice daily to support fetal bone development. Always consult a doctor before doing this.
With Pulses or Lentils: For general bone health, some practices suggest adding a pinch of chuna to cooked pulses or lentils in the morning.

Proper Preparation

To ensure safety, chuna must be slaked before ingestion, which is typically already done for edible-grade products. Always purchase from a reputable source that specifies 'edible' or 'food-grade' chuna. Before mixing, it is recommended to test a very small amount first. Always consume it with food or a beverage, and never on an empty stomach unless specifically advised by an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Chuna vs. Modern Calcium Sources: A Comparison

Traditional remedies, while historically significant, must be considered alongside modern medical understanding and safer, more reliable options. This table highlights key differences between edible chuna and other common calcium sources.


Feature	Edible Chuna (Calcium Hydroxide)	Calcium-Fortified Foods	Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese)
Source	Purified sedimentary rock (limestone)	Plant-based drinks, cereals, bread	Milk from mammals (cows, goats)
Bioavailability	Variable; often low absorption, especially if improperly prepared	Good; specifically added to be easily absorbed	Excellent; a very bioavailable source of calcium
Side Effects	Hypercalcemia, kidney stones, digestive issues, toxicity with high amounts	Minimal, typically well-tolerated	Lactose intolerance issues for some individuals
Medical Approval	Lacks robust modern clinical trials; advised with caution	Widely endorsed by health organizations	Widely endorsed by health organizations

Risks and Precautions

Despite its traditional use, consuming chuna carries significant health risks. Excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition of too much calcium in the blood, which can harm the kidneys. Misidentifying edible chuna and ingesting an industrial version can cause severe internal burns. Those with kidney stones or a history of kidney disease should strictly avoid chuna, as it can exacerbate the condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or Ayurvedic expert before beginning any supplement regimen involving chuna, especially if pregnant, lactating, or dealing with pre-existing health issues.

Conclusion: Informed Choices for Calcium Intake

While edible chuna has a long history in traditional medicine as a potential remedy for calcium deficiency, its use is not without considerable risks. The preparation is precise and the potential for severe side effects, particularly for those with kidney issues, is a major concern. For most people, a well-balanced diet rich in conventional calcium sources like dairy products, leafy greens (excluding spinach), and fortified foods remains the safest and most reliable method for meeting calcium needs. For those interested in traditional remedies, careful consultation with a healthcare professional is non-negotiable. Modern medicine and a varied diet provide the most straightforward and risk-free path to maintaining strong bones and overall health.

Explore alternative calcium sources endorsed by the NHS

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditionally, a very small quantity of chuna is mixed with substances like curd, sugarcane juice, or pomegranate juice before consumption.

Yes, a tiny amount of edible chuna, as advised by a healthcare provider, can be thoroughly mixed into a glass of warm water and consumed, traditionally on an empty stomach in the morning.

No, if you have a history of kidney stones or kidney problems, you should not consume chuna. Excessive calcium intake can increase the risk of stone formation.

Excessive or unregulated consumption can cause side effects including nausea, bloating, gas, stomach pain, and, in severe cases, damage to the kidneys due to hypercalcemia.

Modern calcium supplements are often more standardized and have higher, more reliable bioavailability than chuna. Chuna's absorption can be inconsistent and it carries more risk due to its potency.

Chuna is highly alkaline and should never be consumed directly. Mixing it with a carrier like curd or juice helps to buffer its potency and aids in safer digestion and absorption.

Excellent, safe alternatives include dairy products like milk and cheese, leafy greens such as kale and broccoli, and fortified foods like cereals and plant-based milks.

Some traditional recommendations exist for pregnant women, but this is highly risky. It is critical to consult a qualified physician, not just an Ayurvedic practitioner, before considering it.