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Development of branch of Rasashastra
Development of branch of Rasashastra
‘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" />
‘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'.{{Citation needed}} 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 ==
The mineral and metallic substances used in Rasashastra as medicinal substances are classified in different ways. Generally they are grouped in to four distinct classes as below,
The mineral and metallic substances used in Rasashastra as medicinal substances are classified in different ways. Generally they are grouped in to four distinct classes as below,
# Rasa : The class of ‘Rasa’ is predominantly possessing ‘Rasaayana’ (adaptogenic effect) effect.
# Rasa : The class of ‘Rasa’ is predominantly possessing ‘Rasayana’ (adaptogenic effect) effect.
# Dhaatu : Dhatus are grouped together on account of their capacity to provide structural strength to the body.
# Dhaatu : Dhatus are grouped together on account of their capacity to provide structural strength to the body.
# Ratna : The minerals possessing gem quality are grouped as Ratna
# Ratna : The minerals possessing gem quality are grouped as Ratna
=== Metals and Minerals ===
=== Metals and Minerals ===
Rasa
Following are the metallic and mineral substances used in Rasashstra medicines.<ref name=":0" /> Ancient Rasavaidyas and Ayurveda scholars were successful in purifying and transforming all these substances into safe derivatives which could be administered easily in an oral dosage form. All of these are subjected to specific sanskaras before using them in medicinal formulations.
{| class="wikitable"
Uparasa
|+
!Sr No
!Class of drugs
!Metals or minerals included in class
Dhatu
|-
|1
Upadhatu
|Rasa
|The chief substance used in Rasashastra medicines. Rasa means Mercury. It is subjected to step-wise 8 different sanskaras before using in the medicinal formulation.
Ratna
|-
|2
Uparatna
|Maharasa
|This groups consists of Abhraka (Mica), Vaikranta (Tourmaline), Makshika (Copper Pyrite), Vimala (Iron Pyrite), Shilajit (Asphalt), Sasyaka (Blue Vitriol), Chapala (Bismuth), Rasaka (Calamine - Zinc ore)
Vishas and Upavishas
|-
|3
|Uparasa
|Gandhaka (Sulphur), Gairika (Haematite), Kaasis (Green Vitriol), Kankshi (Alum), Haritala (Orpiment), Manasila (Realgar), Anjana (Stibnite's), Kamkusta (Gum exudates of Garcinia cambogia (Gaertn.) Desr)
|-
|4
|Sadharana Rasa
|Kampillaka (Glands and hairs of Mallotus philippinensis), Somala (Arsenic), Navasagara (Ammonium Chloride), Kapardika (Cowri), Agnijara (Amber), Girisindoora (Red Oxide of Mercury), Hingula (Cinnabar), Muddarashringa (Litharge)
|-
|5
|Dhatu
|Suvarna (Gold), Raupya (Silver), Tamra (Copper), Loha (Iron), Naga (Lead), Vanga (Tin), Yashada (Zinc)
|-
|6
|Upadhatu
|Suvarna Makshika (Copper Pyrite), Raupya Makshika (Iron Pyrite), Sasyaka (Blue Vitriol), Mandura (Iron Slag), Sindura (Red Lead Oxide), Rasaka (Calamine), Kamkusta (Gum exudates of Gambose tree)
|-
|7
|Ratna
|Manikya (Ruby), Mukta (Pearl), Prawala (Coral), Tarkshya (Emerald), Pusparaga (Topaz), Hiraka (Diamond), Neela (Sapphire), Gomeda (Zircon), Waidurya (Cat's Eye).
|-
|8
|Uparatna
|Vaikrant (Tourmaline), Suryakant (Sun stone), Candrakant (Moon stone), Rajawarta (Lapis Lazuli), Peroja (Turquoise) etc.
|-
|9
|Vishas and Upavishas
|Vatsanabha (Aconite or Aconitum ferox), Arka (Calatropis procera), Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia) , Dhatura (Datura stramonium), Langali (Gloriosa superba), Karaveera (Neerium indicum), Gunja (Abrus precatorioius), Ahiphena (Papaver somniferum) etc.
|}
=== Animal origin substances ===
=== Animal origin substances ===
== Safety of Rasa-aushasdhi (Rasashastra medicines) ==
== Safety of Rasa-aushasdhi (Rasashastra medicines) ==
== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Ayurveda]]
[[Category:Ayurveda]]