Diamond (हीरकम्)

Diamond known as Heeraka(हीरकम्) or Vajra (वज्रम्) in Samskrit is used as a medicine in Rasashastra branch of Ayurveda. It is included in the group of ratna varga (Precious stones/ Gemstones). It is one among 9 precious stones used in Ayurveda medicine.

Chemical formula

C (Carbon) is the chemical formula for Diamond

History

There are multiple references of Diamond in Shreemad Bhagawata and Mahabharata. In Charaka Samhita, at multiple places diamond is mentioned for its therapeutic properties. It is one of the costliest gemstone.

Appearance

The majority of mined diamonds are white and pale yellow or colourless and transparent stone which is extremely shiny. Diamonds are the earth's hardest natural substance. Diamonds are composed of just carbon.

Types of diamond as per Rasashastra

Male, Female and third gender are the 3 types of Diamonds described in Rasaratnasamucchaya on the basis of their shape and other physical characteristics. As per the color, the diamonds are said to be of 4 types, Shveta (White), Rakta (Red), Peeta (Yellow) and Krishna (Black).

Other details about diamond

In various rasashastra treatises, other details like what are the signs of a good/ therapeutically beneficial diamond, what a re the 5 doshas (defect types) of diamond, what type of a diamond should be discarded and what type of a diamond should be used are also described in depth.

Uses of Diamond

It is typically used as a gemstone in ornaments but along with this, Ayurveda rasashastra describes processes of purification and transformation of it inot a medicine and then its therapeutic uses. Multiple uses of Diamond are described below,

• It is used to reduce the ill effects of Shukra graha badha (Astrological concept from Jyotish).
• One can achieve stability and strength of Shukra dhatu by wearing diamonds.
• Wearing diamonds is considered auspicious and giving prosperity.
• It is used in polishing other gemstones and cutting mirrors.
• It is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Harmful effects of consuming unpurified diamond

If unpurified and unprocessed diamond or Heeraka bhasma or Heeraka is consumed it can lead to lot of harmful effects as described below,

• Kushtha (Skin diseases)
• Pandu (Blood disorders like anemia)
• Parshwashoola (Pleurisy like chest pain)
• Heaviness in body

Shodhana of Diamond

The diamonds are purified using specific techniques before using them in medicinal formulations known as Shodhana of Heeraka.

Heeraka (diamonds) are purified using the decoction of Kodo millet or Horse gram decoction. The procedure is known as Swedana.

Marana of Heeraka

After purification or Shodhana diamonds are passed through a specific procedure wherein their physical properties change and due to whihc those become suitable for oral consumption.

This is called as Marana of heeraka. It is done using a specific procedure witht the help of Parada (Mercury). The detail procedure of Heeraka marana can be found in various rasashastra treatises like Rasaratnasamucchaya, Rasatarangini etc.

Dose of Heeraka bhasma

The acceptable range of dose of Heeraka bhasma is said to be between 1/32 ratti (1 ratti=125 mg) to 1/16 ratti. Minor variation in dose can be found on the basis of disease, strength, season, experience of the physician etc

Therapeutic properties of Heeraka bhasma

Various Rasashastra treatises have described the therapeutic properties of Heeraka bhasma extensively.

आयुष्प्रदं झटिति सद्गुणदञ्च वृष्यं दोषत्रयप्रशमनं सकलामयघ्नम्।

........तदम्रुतोपममेव वज्रम् ॥ (Rasa. Samu. 4.32)

वज्रं समीरकफपित्तगदान्निहन्याद्वज्रोपमं च कुरुते वपुरुत्तमश्रि।

शोषक्षयभगन्दरमेहमेदः पाण्डूदरश्वयथुहारि च षड्रसाढ्यम् ॥ (Aayu, Prak. 5.73)

According to these references, Heeraka bhasma has following benefits,

1. Increases longevity
2. Endows one with good and noble qualities
3. Aphrodisiac, useful in treatment of impotency
4. Balances all 3 doshas
5. Helps cure any and all types of diseases originating from any dosha
6. It makes body strong and hard like a diamond
7. Helps cure diseases like bhagandara (Fistula), Kshaya (Cachexia), Meha (Polyurea), Meda (Obesity), Pandu, Udara (Ascites), Shwayathu (swellings) etc
8. It is believed to tbe the best Rasayana (Immunomodulator and adaptogenic)
9. Works as an tonic for eye health
10. Helps build Strength
11. Improves skin tone and complexion
12. Boosts mental faculties like memory and intellect

In this way the broad spectrum and vitalizing nature of Heeraka makes it a wonderful medicine and thus has been called as an Amrt (elixir) on the earth.

Adjuvants for Heeraka bhasma

Various food items that are given along with heeraka when it is given as a medicine are known as adjuvants. Honey or herbal juices of specific medicial herbs are usually given along with this.

Various Ayurvedic formulations of Heeraka

There are certain medicinal formulations where purified an dprocessed heeraka is used. The popular formulations are,

1. Trilokyachintamani rasa
2. Navaratnarajamruganka rasa
3. Mahamruganka rasa
4. Mahalakshmivilasa rasa
5. Vasantakusumakara rasa
6. Panchamruta rasa
7. Kamadeva rasa
8. Kandarpasundarasa
9. Ratnaprabha rasa