Sulphur or Gandhaka (गन्धकः) - Revision history

Fordharma: /* गन्धकखनिजानि ॥ Sulphur Minerals */ edited

2024-10-23T13:36:26Z

गन्धकखनिजानि ॥ Sulphur Minerals: edited

Fordharma at 14:35, 13 October 2024

2024-10-13T14:35:38Z

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2024-10-13T14:02:34Z

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Fordharma: /* Pharmacological Properties */

2024-10-13T13:11:17Z

Pharmacological Properties

Fordharma: /* Pharmacological Properties */

2024-10-09T16:59:01Z

Pharmacological Properties

Fordharma: /* Ayurvedic formulations from pure sulfur */

2024-10-09T15:49:14Z

Ayurvedic formulations from pure sulfur

Fordharma: /* Ayurvedic formulations from pure sulfur */

2024-10-09T15:48:20Z

Ayurvedic formulations from pure sulfur

Fordharma: /* Harmful effects of consuming impure Sulphur */

2024-10-08T16:10:03Z

Harmful effects of consuming impure Sulphur

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Fordharma: /* स्वरूपम् ॥ Appearance */

2024-10-08T11:20:17Z

स्वरूपम् ॥ Appearance

Fordharma: /* स्वरूपम् ॥ Appearance */

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स्वरूपम् ॥ Appearance

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 In Samudra manthan the menstruate of Goddess Parvati came out then its strong smell hypnotized all demons, so named as Gandhaka.<ref>Sharma Dharmanand (1999) ''Rasa Ratna Samuchhaya'' New Delhi: Motilal Banarasidas Publications (pp.39-41).</ref> According to Āyurveda Prakāśa when Devī Pārvatī was playing near Kṣīrābdhi,<ref name=":6">Shankarlal Harishankar, (2019) ed. ''[https://archive.org/details/rasa-ratna-samucchaya-of-vagbhatacharya-shankar-lal-hari-shankar/page/n79/mode/2up Rasaratna Sammuchhaya by Acharya Vagbhata]'' Bombay: Khemraj Srikrishnadas Prakashan</ref> she menstruated. The Raja was very fragrant and beautiful. The cloth which was wet with Raja was then washed in the ocean. That Raja when mixed with the water converted into Gandhaka. When Deva and Dānava started churning of ocean at that time Gandhaka came out along with nector and that Gandhaka having characteristic smell pleased Deva and Dānava. Hence Deva’s gave the name Gandhaka to it.<ref name=":4" />
-In other version, during Samudra manthana, on every pulling by Vasuki-naga exhaled poisonous and inflammable air, which caused the melting of demon King Bali’s vasa or fat. The fat was having peculiar smell, called as Gandhaka and hence called Bali Vasa. Due to the poisonous flames coming out of Vasuki serpent, Gandhaka became poisonous.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":7">Sekhar Reddy, P. A textbook of Rasashastra. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia (pp.219)</ref>
+In other version, during Samudra manthana, on every pulling by Vasuki-naga exhaled poisonous and inflammable air, which caused the melting of demon King Bali’s vasa or fat. The fat was having peculiar smell, called as Gandhaka and hence called Bali Vasa. Due to the poisonous flames coming out of Vasuki serpent, Gandhaka became poisonous.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":7">Sekhar Reddy, P. A textbook of Rasashastra. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia (pp.219-228)</ref>
 Mercury is considered an element of Shiva, whereas sulphur, an element of Parvati and the product that was created from their union in asafoetida was called ras sindur, which was considered the essence for longevity.<ref>Soni, Suresh. India's Glorious Scientific Tradition. </ref>
@@ Line 76: / Line 76: @@
 == गन्धकखनिजानि ॥ Sulphur Minerals ==
-Naturally Sulphur is available in the form of various minerals of sulphur. Gandhaka or Sulphur is extracted from these minerals. Some of the suphur minerals are listed below,<ref name=":1" />
+Naturally Sulphur is available in the form of various minerals of sulphur. Gandhaka or Sulphur is extracted from these minerals. Some of the suphur minerals are listed below,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":7" />
 * Sulphide - in Sulphide form
-# Iron Pyrite Iron Pyrite (Fe S2)
+# Iron Pyrite (Fe<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>)
-# Copper Pyrite Copper Pyrite (Cu,S Fe, S)
+# Copper Pyrite or Chalco Pyrite (Cu<sub>2</sub>S Fe<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>)
 # Galena (PbS)
-# Cinnabar (Hg S)
+# Cinnabar (HgS)
-# Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrogen Sulfide (H, S)
+# Hydrogen Sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S)
 * Sulphate - In the form of Sulphate.
-# Gypsum or calcium sulfate (Ca SO 2H, O)
+# Gypsum or calcium sulfate (Ca<sub>2</sub>SO 2H<sub>2</sub>O)
-# Heavy spar (Ba SO )
+# Heavy spar (BaSO<sub>4</sub>)
-# Ferrous Sulphate (FeSO, 7H, O)
+# Ferrous Sulphate or Green Vitriol (FeSO<sub>4</sub> 7H<sub>2</sub>O)
-# Copper Sulphate (Cu SO, SHO)
+# Copper Sulphate or Blue Vitriol (CuSO<sub>4</sub>, 5H<sub>2</sub>O)
 == गन्धकस्य नैसर्गिकस्त्रोताः ॥ Natural sources of Sulphur ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 13 October 2024
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	== References ==		== References ==
	[[Category:Ayurveda]]		[[Category:Ayurveda]]
		+	<references />
		+	[[Category:Shastras]]

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 In History of Hindu Chemistry, Sulphur has been mentioned as one of the eight uparasas, useful in operations of mercury.<ref>Ray, Prafulla Chandra. (1903) ''A history of Hindu Chemistry, from the earliest times to the middle of the sixteenth century A.D., Vol. 1''. Calcutta: The Bengal Chemical & Pharmaceutical Works, Ltd</ref> Mercury is one of the metals which attracted wide attention of ayurvedic chemists and physicians. Indeed the documentation of chemical and physical processes involving mercury is truly enormous in ancient texts of which classics by Vagabhatta and Nagarjuna are noteworthy. Among the various procedures which utilize mercury, we became interested in the one that involves mercury and sulfur.
-=== Legends about Gandhak ===
+=== Legends about Gandhaka ===
 In Samudra manthan the menstruate of Goddess Parvati came out then its strong smell hypnotized all demons, so named as Gandhaka.<ref>Sharma Dharmanand (1999) ''Rasa Ratna Samuchhaya'' New Delhi: Motilal Banarasidas Publications (pp.39-41).</ref> According to Āyurveda Prakāśa when Devī Pārvatī was playing near Kṣīrābdhi,<ref name=":6">Shankarlal Harishankar, (2019) ed. ''[https://archive.org/details/rasa-ratna-samucchaya-of-vagbhatacharya-shankar-lal-hari-shankar/page/n79/mode/2up Rasaratna Sammuchhaya by Acharya Vagbhata]'' Bombay: Khemraj Srikrishnadas Prakashan</ref> she menstruated. The Raja was very fragrant and beautiful. The cloth which was wet with Raja was then washed in the ocean. That Raja when mixed with the water converted into Gandhaka. When Deva and Dānava started churning of ocean at that time Gandhaka came out along with nector and that Gandhaka having characteristic smell pleased Deva and Dānava. Hence Deva’s gave the name Gandhaka to it.<ref name=":4" />
@@ Line 75: / Line 75: @@
 Gandhaka is available in both free and bound forms. Sulfur mixed with metals is available in pure form near volcanic mountains and at other places. Sulfur is found in the form of both sulphide and sulphate compounds.<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>निमेलस्तु रजनीसमप्रभो दीप्तिमांश्च नबनीतकोमलः । कीर्तितो ह्यमलसारसंज्ञको गन्धको रसरसायने वरः ॥|४।।  nimēlastu rajanīsamaprabhō dīptimāṁśca nabanītakōmalaḥ | kīrtitō hyamalasārasaṁjñakō gandhakō rasarasāyanē varaḥ |||4|| (Rasa. Tara. 8.4)<ref name=":5">Kashinath Shastri (1986 reprint) ed., ''Ras Tarangini Of Sadananda Sharma With Prasadani Explanation Of Haridatt Shastri And Ras Vigyan Hindi Tika Of Dharmanand Shastri''. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidas (pp. 174-177)</ref> </blockquote>In Rasatarangini, the qualities of gandhaka are: it should have nirmal (clean without physical impurities), Rajanisamaprabha (yellow colour as Haridra), Deeptimamscha (lustrous) and Navneetkomalah (soft like butter). Only Amalasara Gandhaka has these properties, so used for many medicinal preparations.<ref name=":3" />
-== गन्धकखनिजानि ॥ Sulfur Minerals ==
+== गन्धकखनिजानि ॥ Sulphur Minerals ==
 Naturally Sulphur is available in the form of various minerals of sulphur. Gandhaka or Sulphur is extracted from these minerals. Some of the suphur minerals are listed below,<ref name=":1" />
 * Sulphide - in Sulphide form
@@ Line 124: / Line 124: @@
 * gem-shaped sulfur is superior.
-== Physical Properties of Sulphur ==
+== Properties of Sulphur ==
 Pure sulfur is a tasteless, odourless, brittle solid that is pale yellow in colour, a poor conductor of electricity, and insoluble in water. It reacts with all metals except gold and platinum, forming sulfides; it also forms compounds with several nonmetallic elements.<ref name=":0" />
@@ Line 178: / Line 180: @@
 '''Colloidal or d-sulphur'''
 == Uses of Sulphur ==
@@ Line 214: / Line 219: @@
 === Shodhana Process ===
-Before making any pharmaceutical preparations, sulphur is exposed to a ''‘shodhana’'' procedure and there are multiple methods of ''‘shodhana’'' as described in different classics. The ''‘shodhana’'' process described in Ayurveda is not merely a purification step, but also a mechanism of transforming the physical structure of a material into a drug by aiding it to adsorb organic and inorganic substances. In the Indian context, the ''‘shodhana’'' process with ghee and cow's milk is the most common method performed for sulphur. Research involving the use of plant extracts such as Eclipta alba in the ''shodhana'' process were undertaken in one study along with a comparison to the laboratory purification method. The authors reported that although the laboratory purification method separates the sulphur from chemical impurities, the Ayurveda ‘''shodhana''’ process converts the sulphur into a state where it is more suitable as a pharmaceutical material by enhancing porosity, fragility as these qualities support to disintegration and blend with other materials during the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.<ref>Gunaratna, T. A. N. R., Prajapati, P. K., de Silva, K. M. N., & de Silva, W. R. M. (2023). Comparision of traditional and laboratory methods of sulphur processing. ''Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine'', ''14''(4), 100751. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100751</nowiki></ref> Shodhana or the purification process thus removes the physical as well as chemical impurities.<ref name=":3" />
+Before making any pharmaceutical preparations, sulphur is exposed to a ''‘shodhana’'' procedure and there are multiple methods of ''‘shodhana’'' as described in different classics. The ''‘shodhana’'' process described in Ayurveda is not merely a purification step, but also a mechanism of transforming the physical structure of a material into a drug by aiding it to adsorb organic and inorganic substances. Rasaratna Samucchaya<ref name=":7" /> describes seven methods of ''gandhaka shodhana'', using materials such as cow ghee, bhringaraja swarasa, milk, Sarshapa taila, Tila taila, Kaushumba oil, and purification by using heat. In the Indian context, the ''‘shodhana’'' process with ghee and cow's milk is the most common method performed for sulphur. Research involving the use of plant extracts such as Eclipta alba in the ''shodhana'' process were undertaken in one study along with a comparison to the laboratory purification method. The authors reported that although the laboratory purification method separates the sulphur from chemical impurities, the Ayurveda ‘''shodhana''’ process converts the sulphur into a state where it is more suitable as a pharmaceutical material by enhancing porosity, fragility as these qualities support to disintegration and blend with other materials during the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.<ref>Gunaratna, T. A. N. R., Prajapati, P. K., de Silva, K. M. N., & de Silva, W. R. M. (2023). Comparision of traditional and laboratory methods of sulphur processing. ''Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine'', ''14''(4), 100751. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100751</nowiki></ref> Shodhana or the purification process thus removes the physical as well as chemical impurities.<ref name=":3" />
-[[File:Different procedures of purification of Sulphur.png|thumb|394x394px|Different procedures of purification of Sulphur]]
+[[File:Different procedures of purification of Sulphur.png|thumb|394x394px|Purification of Sulphur]]
-Following is a methods of purification<ref name=":3" />
+Following are some methods of purification.<ref name=":3" />
 # Swedana with milk for1/2 hr then melted in Ghrit and filtered with a cloth.
@@ Line 222: / Line 227: @@
 # Melted in Ghrit and poured in milk and allow to cool then wash with hot water. Repeat this for three times.
 # Melted and poured in to Bhringraaja Swarasa. Repeat for seven times.
-# In Swedani yantra, Gandhaka purified in first time.
+# In Swedani yantra, Gandhaka purified the first time.
 # Urdhawapatana of Gandhaka makes it best and pure.
-# Heated with limewater, then after cooling, Lavanadravaka is added drop by drop then whole Gandhaka precipitate in the bottom.
+# Heated with limewater, then after cooling, Lavanadravaka is added drop by drop then whole Gandhaka precipitates at the bottom.
 # Gandhaka and ¼ Tankana, pasted with Bijpurak swarasa and bhawana with Erand oil, then dried in excessive sun light.
 == Properties of Pure Sulfur ==
-Gandhaka stands next to [[Mercury (पारद)]] in the field of Rasa-śāstra. It is considered as Rasāyana, Rakta Śodhaka and Twaka-roganāśaka. Here, the term Rasāyana stands for longevity. Blood is always a symbol of life and being Rakta Śodhaka, definitely Gandhaka and its properties give fortune. It is a unique concept of Ayurveda, which promotes the defense mechanism of the body and helps in the prevention of disease as well as their earlier cure. Gandhaka has also Guṇa-dharma like Kṛmighna, Kuṣṭhaghna, Kaṇḍughna.<ref name=":4" />
+Gandhaka stands next to [[Mercury or Parada (पारद)]] in the field of Rasa-śāstra. It is considered as Rasāyana, Rakta Śodhaka and Twaka-roganāśaka. Here, the term Rasāyana stands for longevity. Blood is always a symbol of life and being Rakta Śodhaka, definitely Gandhaka and its properties give fortune. It is a unique concept of Ayurveda, which promotes the defense mechanism of the body and helps in the prevention of disease as well as their earlier cure. Gandhaka has also Guṇa-dharma like Kṛmighna, Kuṣṭhaghna, Kaṇḍughna.<ref name=":4" />
 Ancient classics mention the therapeutic use of Gandhaka in treating various disorders in different therapeutic dosage forms like Rasāyana, Druti, and Taila for both internal and external uses especially in skin diseases like Kaṇḍu, Visarpa and Dadru. It is indicated in all types of Kuṣṭha (skin diseases), Nadivrana (sinuses) and Koṣṭhagata Roga (GIT disorders). It reduces and dries up the undigested food in GIT and so reduces the chance of poisoning.<ref name=":4" />
@@ Line 247: / Line 252: @@
 āmōnmōcanaśōṣaṇō viṣaharaḥ sutēṁdra vīryapradaḥ | plīhādhmānavināśanaḥ kr̥miharaḥ sattvātmākaḥ sūtajit ||</blockquote>Gandhaka is a best rejuvenator, having madhura rasa, katu vipaka and ushna veerya. Apart from acting as a good appetizer and digestive, it is able of curing Kandu, Kushta, Visharpa and Dadru Kustha. It reduces and dries up the undigested food and eradicates the disorders resulting out of poisoning. It overcomes the disorders like Pleeha roga, Adhmana and acts against Krimis (anti-bacterial). It is in the form of satva and capable of performing Parada bandhana, or binding of mercury.<ref name=":7" />
-A summary of the properties of sulphur is as follows.<ref name=":3" />
+A summary of the pharmacological properties of sulphur as per Rasaratna Samucchaya, Ayurveda Prakasa and Rasatarangini is as follows.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
 # Rasa – Madhura, Katu, Tikta.
@@ Line 255: / Line 260: @@
 # Dosha Karma – Vata Shamaka, kapha Shamaka, Pitta vardhaka.
 # Systemic Karma– Deepan, Pachana, Vishaghna, Pleehaghna, Drishti Karaka, Amadoshanashaka, Vrishya, Balya, Rasayana, Yogvahi, Shoshan, Krimighna.
-# Therapeutic uses– Kushtha, Kandu, Visarpa, Dadru, Krimi, Jwara, Kasa, Shwasa, Kshaya, Amajeerna, Garvisha-har.
+# Therapeutic uses– Kushtha, Kandu, Visarpa, Adhmana, Dadru, Krimirogahara, Krishta and Phiharoga nakshaka, Twagrogahara, Jwara, Kasa, Shwasa, Kshaya, Amajeerna, Garvisha-har.
 == Dosage and Diet ==

@@ Line 161: / Line 161: @@
 |1''s''<sup>2</sup>2''s''<sup>2</sup>2''p''<sup>6</sup>3''s''<sup>2</sup>3''p''<sup>4</sup>
 |}
 == Uses of Sulphur ==
@@ Line 199: / Line 216: @@
 Before making any pharmaceutical preparations, sulphur is exposed to a ''‘shodhana’'' procedure and there are multiple methods of ''‘shodhana’'' as described in different classics. The ''‘shodhana’'' process described in Ayurveda is not merely a purification step, but also a mechanism of transforming the physical structure of a material into a drug by aiding it to adsorb organic and inorganic substances. In the Indian context, the ''‘shodhana’'' process with ghee and cow's milk is the most common method performed for sulphur. Research involving the use of plant extracts such as Eclipta alba in the ''shodhana'' process were undertaken in one study along with a comparison to the laboratory purification method. The authors reported that although the laboratory purification method separates the sulphur from chemical impurities, the Ayurveda ‘''shodhana''’ process converts the sulphur into a state where it is more suitable as a pharmaceutical material by enhancing porosity, fragility as these qualities support to disintegration and blend with other materials during the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.<ref>Gunaratna, T. A. N. R., Prajapati, P. K., de Silva, K. M. N., & de Silva, W. R. M. (2023). Comparision of traditional and laboratory methods of sulphur processing. ''Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine'', ''14''(4), 100751. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100751</nowiki></ref> Shodhana or the purification process thus removes the physical as well as chemical impurities.<ref name=":3" />
 [[File:Different procedures of purification of Sulphur.png|thumb|394x394px|Different procedures of purification of Sulphur]]
-Following is a methods of purification
+Following is a methods of purification<ref name=":3" />
 # Swedana with milk for1/2 hr then melted in Ghrit and filtered with a cloth.
@@ Line 211: / Line 228: @@
 == Properties of Pure Sulfur ==
-Gandhaka stands next to Pārada (mercury) in the field of Rasa-śāstra. It is considered as Rasāyana, Rakta Śodhaka and Twaka-roganāśaka. Here, the term Rasāyana stands for longevity. Blood is always a symbol of life and being Rakta Śodhaka, definitely Gandhaka and its properties give fortune. It is a unique concept of Ayurveda, which promotes the defense mechanism of the body and helps in the prevention of disease as well as their earlier cure. Gandhaka has also Guṇa-dharma like Kṛmighna, Kuṣṭhaghna, Kaṇḍughna.<ref name=":4" />
+Gandhaka stands next to [[Mercury (पारद)]] in the field of Rasa-śāstra. It is considered as Rasāyana, Rakta Śodhaka and Twaka-roganāśaka. Here, the term Rasāyana stands for longevity. Blood is always a symbol of life and being Rakta Śodhaka, definitely Gandhaka and its properties give fortune. It is a unique concept of Ayurveda, which promotes the defense mechanism of the body and helps in the prevention of disease as well as their earlier cure. Gandhaka has also Guṇa-dharma like Kṛmighna, Kuṣṭhaghna, Kaṇḍughna.<ref name=":4" />
 Ancient classics mention the therapeutic use of Gandhaka in treating various disorders in different therapeutic dosage forms like Rasāyana, Druti, and Taila for both internal and external uses especially in skin diseases like Kaṇḍu, Visarpa and Dadru. It is indicated in all types of Kuṣṭha (skin diseases), Nadivrana (sinuses) and Koṣṭhagata Roga (GIT disorders). It reduces and dries up the undigested food in GIT and so reduces the chance of poisoning.<ref name=":4" />
@@ Line 218: / Line 235: @@
 === Pharmacological Properties ===
-According to Rasaratna Samucchaya,<ref name=":6" /> Gandhaka gunas are as follows
+According to Rasaratna Samucchaya,<ref name=":6" /> Gandhaka gunas are as follows<blockquote>शुद्धगन्धो हरेद्रोगान् कुष्ठमृत्युजरादिकान् । अग्निकारी महानुष्णो वीर्यवृद्धिं करोति च ॥ (Rasa. Ratn. 3.45)
-गन्धाश्मातिरसायनः सुमधुरः पाके कटू shna
+आमोन्मोचनशोषणो विषहरः सुतेंद्र वीर्यप्रदः । प्लीहाध्मानविनाशनः कृमिहरः सत्त्वात्माकः सूतजित् ॥ (Rasa. Ratn. 3.16)<ref name=":6" />
 == Dosage and Diet ==
-Pure sulfur should be given from 1 Ratti to 8 Ratti. If any disorder arises in the body after consuming Sulphur, then drinking 100 grams of Ghoghrit and Mishri in 1 liter of milk for 2 weeks calms down the pain caused by Sulfur disorder. At the time of consumption of gandhak, one should eat diet consisting of wild animals-birds and Chaag meat. Cow's milk, cow's ghee, wheat, rice, sandhava, sugar candy, clean and pure cool water should be included in the diet. Excessive salt, acid, bitter foods, vegetable, (leaf vegetable) and pulses are unhealthy. Kshar and Kanji should not be consumed. One should not board a fast-moving vehicle and be with women.<ref name=":1" />
+Pure sulfur should be given from 1 Ratti to 8 Rattis as mentioned in Rasatarangini.<blockquote>रक्तिकातः समारभ्य रक्तिकाष्टकसम्मितम् । प्राणाचार्यः प्रयुञ्जीत गन्धकं तु विशोधितम् ॥ (Rasa. Tara. 8.39)<ref>Kashinath Shastri (1986 reprint) ed., ''Ras Tarangini Of Sadananda Sharma With Prasadani Explanation Of Haridatt Shastri And Ras Vigyan Hindi Tika Of Dharmanand Shastri''. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidas (pp. 182)</ref>
 == Ayurvedic formulations from pure sulfur ==
-{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|style=width: 800px; font-style: italic;|
+Gandhak has most important role in the preparation of mercurial formulations. It enhances the qualities and reduces the toxicity of Parada (mercury). Amlasar Gandhak having yellow colour is the best among four types. Rasa-Sindoor, Makardhwaj are the most popular prepations of Gandhak. Pure sulphur has no effect on skin, but when mixed with greasy substances, it converts into sulphide form, and is probably responsible for the therapeutic effects.<ref name=":3" />{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|style=width: 800px; font-style: italic;|
 # Arshakuthar ras
 # Rasparpati
@@ Line 243: / Line 286: @@
 == Sulpha allergies ==
-Modern medicine has brought a new revolution in the medical world by inventing medicines called "Sulfadrug" in "Allopathy".
+Modern medicine has brought a new revolution in the medical world by inventing medicines called "Sulfadrug" in "Allopathy". Sulfur is useful in killing bacteria and destroying fungus. As one of the earliest developed antimicrobial classes, '''sulfonamides''' remain important therapeutic options for the empiric and definitive treatment of various infectious diseases. In the general population, approximately 3–8% of patients are reported to experience a sulfonamide allergy. Sulfonamide allergies can result in various physical manifestations; however, rash is reported as the most frequently observed. Sulfonamides are associated with various side effects, such as nausea, hematopoietic disorders, porphyria, and hypersensitivity reactions. Only some of these side effects are mediated by specific immune responses and can be classified as true allergic reactions.
-Sulfur is useful in killing bacteria and destroying fungus.
+Whether caused by a true allergy or drug intolerance, sulfa reactions happen at a rate similar to other types of antibiotics, including penicillin. Sulfonamides treat conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections of the skin, eye, and vagina, burns, and malaria. The most common sulfa drug associated with sulfa allergy is sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, and others). Certain people may develop anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening, whole-body allergy that can lead to shock, coma, respiratory or heart failure, and death if left untreated. On the other hand, '''sulfites''' are compounds containing sulfuric acid used as preservatives in packaged foods and wine. They can cause reactions in some people but are not related to sulfonamides.
 == References ==
 [[Category:Ayurveda]]

@@ Line 192: / Line 192: @@
 aśōdhitaḥ sugandhikastanau tanōti tāpakam‌ | bhruśañca cittavibhramaṁ karōti raktajān‌ gadān‌ ||5||
-prasannatāṁ sarūpatāṁ śarīrabandhacārutām‌ | prabhāṁ balañca nāśayatyatō viśōdhayēttu tam‌ ||6||</blockquote>If these impurities are not removed before use Gandhaka is likely to produce following diseases - Tāpa (fever), Raktajanya Vikṛti (blood related disorders), Cittavibhrama (vertigo), Kuṣṭha (leprosy), Pittaja vyādhi (Pitta associated disorders), Śukrahāni (seminal loss), Kāmalā (jaundice) so must be purified before use.<ref name=":3" /> It promotes anger and produces gall disease. It destroys the form, semen, strength and happiness. Impure sulphur is said to kill a person as it works like poison. By visual inspection of Amlasara Gandhaka, its toxicity etc. defects are not perceived, these defects are visible in the form of poison on the person's body after use, i.e., experiential. <blockquote>अशुद्धगन्धः कुरुते च कुष्ठं तापं भ्रमं पित्तरुजं तथैव । रूपं सुखं वीर्यबलं निहन्ति तस्माद्विशुद्धो विनियोजनीयः ॥ (Ayur. Prak. 2.18)
+prasannatāṁ sarūpatāṁ śarīrabandhacārutām‌ | prabhāṁ balañca nāśayatyatō viśōdhayēttu tam‌ ||6||</blockquote>If these impurities are not removed before use Gandhaka is likely to produce following diseases - Tāpa (fever), Raktajanya Vikṛti (blood related disorders), Cittavibhrama (vertigo), Kuṣṭha (leprosy), Pittaja vyādhi (Pitta associated disorders), Śukrahāni (seminal loss), Kāmalā (jaundice) so must be purified before use.<ref name=":3" /> It promotes anger and produces gall disease. It destroys the form, semen, strength and happiness. Impure sulphur is said to kill a person as it works like poison. By visual inspection of Amlasara Gandhaka, its toxicity etc. defects are not perceived, these defects are visible in the form of poison on the person's body after use, i.e., experiential. <blockquote>अशुद्धगन्धः कुरुते च कुष्ठं तापं भ्रमं पित्तरुजं तथैव । रूपं सुखं वीर्यबलं निहन्ति तस्माद्विशुद्धो विनियोजनीयः ॥ (Ayur. Prak. 2.18) aśuddhagandhaḥ kurutē ca kuṣṭhaṁ tāpaṁ bhramaṁ pittarujaṁ tathaiva | rūpaṁ sukhaṁ vīryabalaṁ nihanti tasmādviśuddhō viniyōjanīyaḥ ||</blockquote>By consuming ashuddha gandhaka, a person gets kustha (leprosy), shareera tapa (fever), bhrama (giddiness/vertigo), pittarogas (pitta associated diseases) etc.<ref name=":7" />
 Antidote for consuming Ashuddha Gandhaka: Goghruta and Godugdha sevana.<ref name=":7" />
 === Shodhana Process ===
-Shodhana or the purification process removes the physical as well as chemical impurities. <ref name=":3" />
+Before making any pharmaceutical preparations, sulphur is exposed to a ''‘shodhana’'' procedure and there are multiple methods of ''‘shodhana’'' as described in different classics. The ''‘shodhana’'' process described in Ayurveda is not merely a purification step, but also a mechanism of transforming the physical structure of a material into a drug by aiding it to adsorb organic and inorganic substances. In the Indian context, the ''‘shodhana’'' process with ghee and cow's milk is the most common method performed for sulphur. Research involving the use of plant extracts such as Eclipta alba in the ''shodhana'' process were undertaken in one study along with a comparison to the laboratory purification method. The authors reported that although the laboratory purification method separates the sulphur from chemical impurities, the Ayurveda ‘''shodhana''’ process converts the sulphur into a state where it is more suitable as a pharmaceutical material by enhancing porosity, fragility as these qualities support to disintegration and blend with other materials during the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.<ref>Gunaratna, T. A. N. R., Prajapati, P. K., de Silva, K. M. N., & de Silva, W. R. M. (2023). Comparision of traditional and laboratory methods of sulphur processing. ''Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine'', ''14''(4), 100751. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100751</nowiki></ref> Shodhana or the purification process thus removes the physical as well as chemical impurities.<ref name=":3" />
 [[File:Different procedures of purification of Sulphur.png|thumb|394x394px|Different procedures of purification of Sulphur]]
 Following is a methods of purification
@@ Line 221: / Line 219: @@
 === Pharmacological Properties ===
 According to Rasaratna Samucchaya,<ref name=":6" /> Gandhaka gunas are as follows
 == Dosage and Diet ==

@@ Line 226: / Line 226: @@
 == Ayurvedic formulations from pure sulfur ==
+{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|style=width: 600px; font-style: italic;|
 # Arshakuthar ras
 # Rasparpati
@@ Line 240: / Line 240: @@
 # Mahajvarankusharas
 # Hanspotli
 == Sulpha allergies ==

@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 Mercury is considered an element of Shiva, whereas sulphur, an element of Parvati and the product that was created from their union in asafoetida was called ras sindur, which was considered the essence for longevity.<ref>Soni, Suresh. India's Glorious Scientific Tradition. </ref>
-== स्वरूपम् ॥ Appearance ==
+== स्वरूपम् ॥ Characteristics ==
-Gandhaka is available in both free and bound forms. Sulfur mixed with metals is available in pure form near volcanic mountains and at other places. Sulfur is found in the form of both sulphide and sulphate compounds.<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>निमेलस्तु रजनीसमप्रभो दीप्तिमांश्च नबनीतकोमलः । कीर्तितो ह्यमलसारसंज्ञको गन्धको रसरसायने वरः ॥|४।।  nimēlastu rajanīsamaprabhō dīptimāṁśca nabanītakōmalaḥ | kīrtitō hyamalasārasaṁjñakō gandhakō rasarasāyanē varaḥ |||4|| (Rasa. Tara. 8.4)<ref>Kashinath Shastri (1986 reprint) ed., ''Ras Tarangini Of Sadananda Sharma With Prasadani Explanation Of Haridatt Shastri And Ras Vigyan Hindi Tika Of Dharmanand Shastri''. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidas (pp. 175)</ref> </blockquote>In Rasatarangini, the qualities of gandhaka are: it should have nirmal (clean without physical impurities), Rajanisamaprabha (yellow colour as Haridra), Deeptimamscha (lustrous) and Navneetkomalah (soft like butter). Only Amalasara Gandhaka has these properties, so used for many medicinal preparations.
+Gandhaka is available in both free and bound forms. Sulfur mixed with metals is available in pure form near volcanic mountains and at other places. Sulfur is found in the form of both sulphide and sulphate compounds.<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>निमेलस्तु रजनीसमप्रभो दीप्तिमांश्च नबनीतकोमलः । कीर्तितो ह्यमलसारसंज्ञको गन्धको रसरसायने वरः ॥|४।।  nimēlastu rajanīsamaprabhō dīptimāṁśca nabanītakōmalaḥ | kīrtitō hyamalasārasaṁjñakō gandhakō rasarasāyanē varaḥ |||4|| (Rasa. Tara. 8.4)<ref name=":5">Kashinath Shastri (1986 reprint) ed., ''Ras Tarangini Of Sadananda Sharma With Prasadani Explanation Of Haridatt Shastri And Ras Vigyan Hindi Tika Of Dharmanand Shastri''. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidas (pp. 174-177)</ref> </blockquote>In Rasatarangini, the qualities of gandhaka are: it should have nirmal (clean without physical impurities), Rajanisamaprabha (yellow colour as Haridra), Deeptimamscha (lustrous) and Navneetkomalah (soft like butter). Only Amalasara Gandhaka has these properties, so used for many medicinal preparations.<ref name=":3" />
 == गन्धकखनिजानि ॥ Sulfur Minerals ==
@@ Line 117: / Line 117: @@
 # '''कृष्णवर्णः ॥''' '''Krshna''' - It is said to be the rarest type of Gandhaka. It can ward off senility and death.
-Form of Gandhaka which is considered best for use in Medicine
+Form of Gandhaka, Amlasaara, is considered best for use in Medicine
 * Yellowish-green in color like parrot's tail,
@@ Line 171: / Line 171: @@
 == Doshas / Impurities in Sulphur ==
-गन्धे मलद्वयं दृष्टं शिलाचूर्णं विषं तथा । शोधितव्यस्ततो यत्नादभिज्ञेन यथाविधि॥<ref name=":2" />
+According to Rasajalanidhi
 There are two types of impurities in sulphur
@@ Line 178: / Line 182: @@
 # विषम् ॥ Visha Dosha (chemical impurities like arsenic, lead etc)
-Therefore, it should be purified by a skilled physician with care. Impure sulphur gives rise to leprosy, giddiness, diseases due to an excess of pitta, loss of beauty, happiness, strength and semen.<ref name=":1" />
+Therefore, it should be purified by a skilled physician with care. Impure sulphur gives rise to leprosy, giddiness, diseases due to an excess of pitta, loss of beauty, happiness, strength and semen.<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>अशोधितः सुगन्धिकस्तनौ तनोति तापकम्‌ | भ्रुशञ्च चित्तविभ्रमं करोति रक्तजान्‌ गदान्‌ ।।५।। (Rasa. Tara.8.5)<ref name=":5" /> </blockquote>If these impurities are not removed before use Gandhaka is likely to produce following diseases - Tāpa (fever), Raktajanya Vikṛti (blood related disorders), Cittavibhrama (vertigo), Kuṣṭha (leprosy), Pittaja vyādhi (Pitta associated disorders), Śukrahāni (seminal loss), Kāmalā (jaundice) so must be purified before use.<ref name=":3" />
 === Harmful effects of consuming impure Sulphur ===