Changes

Development of branch of Rasashastra   

Development of branch of Rasashastra   

‘Rasashastra’ deals with study of minerals and metals with reference to their identification, processing and formulations methods for their use as medicinal substances. This branch of knowledge is termed after 'Rasa' i.e. mercury since it is the extensively discussed substance among all the mineral and metallic substances. The other substances studied under Rasashstra include sulfur, mica, arsenic, gems like pearls, metals like gold, silver, copper and many other substances. Treatment of minerals with herbs, animal products and other minerals or metals was carried out to make them suitable for use in alchemy and pharmaco-therapeutics. In ancient times, this knowledge was predominantly practiced by 'Tantra' sampradaya (community) who were the followers and devotees of 'Shiva'. Later the physicians started use of ‘Rasaushadhi’ in the management of disease and such physicians were known as ‘Rasa-vaidya’ (Vaidyas using chiefly Rasa-aushadhis). <ref name=":0" />

‘Rasashastra’ comprises study of minerals and metals with reference to their identification, processing and formulations methods for their use as medicinal substances. This segment of Ayurveda is termed after name of 'Rasa' i.e. mercury since it is the most extensively discussed substance among all the mineral and metallic substances used in Rasashastra. Other substances studied under Rasashstra include sulfur, mica, arsenic, gems like pearls, metals like gold, silver, copper and many other substances. Treatment of minerals with herbs, animal products and other minerals or metals was carried out to make them suitable for use in alchemy and pharmaco-therapeutics. In ancient times, this knowledge was predominantly practiced by 'Tantra' sampradaya (community) who were the followers and devotees of 'Shiva'.{{NeedCitation}} Later the physicians started use of ‘Rasaushadhi’ in the management of disease and such physicians were became popular as ‘Rasa-vaidya’ (Vaidyas using chiefly Rasa-aushadhis). <ref name=":0" />

== Medicinal substances used in Rasashastra ==

== Medicinal substances used in Rasashastra ==

== Samskaras in Rasashastra ==

== Samskaras in Rasashastra ==

(TBE) Samskaras are the processing methods employed to transform the properties of the substances specifically to remove undesired properties and enhance desirable qualities.  

In the context of pharmacology in Ayurveda, Samskaras refer to the processing methods employed to transform the properties of the substances. Such sanskaras are performed specifically to remove undesired properties and enhance desirable qualities of the raw drugs used in formulations. Thus, sanskaras represent one of the extremely important aspects in pharmacology of Ayurveda since this step facilitates safe and simple administration, metabolism, absorption and assimilation of even those inorganic metals, minerals or poisonous substances in the body which work as medicines.  

Extremely important aspect in formulations since this allows the administration, metabolism, assimilation, assimilation of inorganic metals and minerals in the body.

In treatises on Rasashastra, various samskaras are described for purification of Mercury and other metals or minerals. It is believed that, metals have natural impurities called as ‘ Doshas’. Here, doshas literally mean fault/defect/harmful elements in the substance. Therefore, it becomes necessary to remove doshas of metals and minerals before their oral administration. In order to address these concerns most of the Rasashastra advise 2 common sanskaras (processes) to be conducted on all these inorganic substances use din medicines. These are Shodhana and Marana. Shodhana sanskara is primarily employed for purification or cleansing of the material while Marana sanskara is carried out using heat or fire after shodhana to make the purified substances suitable for oral consumption.

 

# Shodhana- Purification/cleansing and

Various samskaras involved in purification process of Mercury and other metals. metals believed to have natural impurities called as ‘ Doshas’ (Fault/defect/harmful element).

# Marana- process by which metals and minerals are grinded with liquids and then dried and made into fine ash using heat/ Incineration process

 

Remove doshas for oral administration

 

Methods (In general applicable to all)

 

1 Shodhana (Purification/cleansing) and

 

2 Marana- process by which metals and minerals are grinded with liquids and then dried and made into fine ash form by heat/ Incineration

Mercury is utilized in Medicine and Alchemy.  

Mercury is utilized in Medicine and Alchemy.  

In medicine mercury is used (a) as a general medicine in diseased states and (b) as a ‘Rasayana’ (Rejuvenator) drug.  

In medicine mercury is used (a) as a general medicine in diseased states and (b) as a ‘Rasayana’ (Rejuvenator) drug.  

Purification procedure of mercury depends on its intended use.  

Purification procedure of mercury depends on its intended use.  

Simple procedures such as washing and grinding with plant juices like betel leaf juice, garlic paste and lime water are prescribed when mercury is to be used as a drug in diseased state.  

Simple procedures such as washing and grinding with plant juices like betel leaf juice, garlic paste and lime water are prescribed when mercury is to be used as a drug in diseased state. However intensive and complex processing is required when mercury is to be used as a ‘Rasayana’ (Rejuvenator medicinal substance) or it is to be used for the purpose of ‘Alchemy’.  

 

However intensive and complex processing is required when mercury is to be used as a ‘Rasayana’ (Rejuvenator medicinal substance) or it is to be used for the purpose of ‘Alchemy’.  

Eight and eighteen independent procedures have to be carried out respectively for ‘Rasayana’ and ‘Alchemy’.  

Eight and eighteen independent procedures have to be carried out respectively for ‘Rasayana’ and ‘Alchemy’.  

These procedures are grouped as ‘Ashtasanskara’ comprising eight and ‘Ashtaadasha sanskara’ comprising eighteen independent procedures.

These procedures are grouped as ‘Ashtasanskara’ comprising eight and ‘Ashtaadasha sanskara’ comprising eighteen independent procedures.

Ashta – 8

Ashtasanskara : Ashta – 8

 

 

== Safety of Rasa-aushasdhi (Rasashastra medicines) ==

== Safety of Rasa-aushasdhi (Rasashastra medicines) ==

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]