Changes

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.

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, 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.<ref name=":4" />

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 fat. The fat was having peculiar smell, called as Gandhaka and also called Bali Vasa.<ref name=":3" /> 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.219-228)</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>

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।। (Rasa. Tara. 8.4)  

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 ॥ 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" /><ref name=":7" />

== गन्धकखनिजानि ॥ Sulfur 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

* Sulphide - in Sulphide form

# Iron Pyrite Iron Pyrite (Fe S2)

# Iron Pyrite (Fe₂S₃)

# Copper Pyrite Copper Pyrite (Cu,S Fe, S)

# Copper Pyrite or Chalco Pyrite (Cu₂S Fe₂S₃)

# Galena (PbS)

# Galena (PbS)

# Cinnabar (Hg S)

# Cinnabar (HgS)

# Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrogen Sulfide (H, S)

# Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)

# Zinc blend (ZnS)

* Sulphate - In the form of Sulphate.  

* Sulphate - In the form of Sulphate.  

# Gypsum or calcium sulfate (Ca SO 2H, O)

# Gypsum or calcium sulfate (Ca₂SO 2H₂O)

# Heavy spar (Ba SO )  

# Heavy spar (BaSO₄)

# Ferrous Sulphate (FeSO, 7H, O)

# Ferrous Sulphate or Green Vitriol (FeSO₄ 7H₂O)

# Copper Sulphate (Cu SO, SHO)  

# Copper Sulphate or Blue Vitriol (CuSO₄, 5H₂O)

== गन्धकस्य नैसर्गिकस्त्रोताः ॥ Natural sources of Sulphur ==

== गन्धकस्य नैसर्गिकस्त्रोताः ॥ Natural sources of Sulphur ==

# '''कृष्णवर्णः ॥''' '''Krshna''' - It is said to be the rarest type of Gandhaka. It can ward off senility and death.

# '''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,  

* Yellowish-green in color like parrot's tail,  

* gem-shaped sulfur is superior.

* gem-shaped sulfur is superior.

== Physical Properties of Sulphur ==

== Properties of Sulphur ==

 

=== Physical Properties ===

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" />

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" />

|1''s''²2''s''²2''p''⁶3''s''²3''p''⁴

|1''s''²2''s''²2''p''⁶3''s''²3''p''⁴

|}

|}

== Uses of Sulphur ==

== Uses of Sulphur ==

== Doshas / Impurities in Sulphur ==

== Doshas / Impurities in Sulphur ==

गन्धे मलद्वयं दृष्टं शिलाचूर्णं विषं तथा । शोधितव्यस्ततो यत्नादभिज्ञेन यथाविधि॥<ref name=":2" />

 

गन्धे मलद्वयं दृष्टं शिलाचूर्णं विषं तथा । शोधितव्यस्ततो यत्नादभिज्ञेन यथाविधि॥ (Rasa. Jala. 2.8)<ref name=":2" />

 

There are two types of impurities in sulphur

There are two types of impurities in sulphur

# विषम् ॥ Visha Dosha (chemical impurities like arsenic, lead etc)

# 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 subjected to shodhana or purification by a skilled physician with care.

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.

Impure Gandhaka produces many disorders such as Jwara, Bhrama, Twak-vikar, Rakta-vikar, vitiate Roop, Virya, Bala and Sukra.<ref name=":3" /> Consuming 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।।

प्रसन्नतां सरूपतां शरीरबन्धचारुताम्‌ | प्रभां  बलञ्च  नाशयत्यतो विशोधयेत्तु  तम्‌ ॥६॥ (Rasa. Tara.8.5-6)<ref name=":5" />

Ayurveda advocates use of any mineral or metal only after its thorough purification known as Shodhana. It is applicable for Gandhaka as well. Rasashastra branch of Ayurveda provides various methods to purify and process Gandhaka before using it in the medicinal formulations. If the appropriate methods of processing Gandhaka are not used or they are skipped and such Gandhaka/Sulphur is used in the medicinal formulations then it can certainly cause some ill effects. Ayurveda acharyas have deeply studied these effects and described those to make people aware and cautious. 

 

Leprosy by consuming impure sulphur- Anger

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" />

And produces gall disease. Destroys form, semen, strength and happiness. Pure sulfur should always be used.

Antidote for consuming Ashuddha Gandhaka: Goghruta and Godugdha sevana.<ref name=":7" />

If sulfur is not purified properly while consuming it, etc. Halahal kills a person like using poison. Because sulfur originated at the time of Gandhak Utpa time (according to the context of earlier reading, sulfur was generated at the time of churning of the ocean; had been found in sulfur. Therefore, improper use works like poison.

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|Purification of Sulphur]]

Following are some methods of purification.<ref name=":3" />

By looking at Amlasar Gandhak, its toxicity etc. defects are not visible, these defects are visible in the form of poison on the person's body after use. That's why it is known as poisoning. which is experiential. Sulfur

# Melted in Mustard/Til/Kausumbh oil, poured in milk and allowed to cool, then wash with hot water and dried well.

# Melted in Ghrit and poured in milk and allow to cool then wash with hot water. Repeat this for three times.

# 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 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 ==

== 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 Āyurveda, 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" />

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" />

Pure sulfur is leprosy killer. Makes immortal. Yet old age and death are destroyers. There is a fire lamp, it is very hot. increase in body semen

Pure sulfur is very chemical, it is sweet but it is bitter and hot in cooking. Gandhaka is known to have the property of killing Kandu, Leprosy, Visarp, Dadru and Jathragni is illuminating, digestive, common killer and absorbent, antidote, gives power to mercury,  and anthelmintic.<ref name=":1" />

 

 

 

 

आमोन्मोचनशोषणो विषहरः सुतेंद्र वीर्यप्रदः । प्लीहाध्मानविनाशनः कृमिहरः सत्त्वात्माकः सूतजित् ॥ (Rasa. Ratn. 3.16)<ref name=":6" />

 

It is Rata. ,

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" />

Pure sulfur is very chemical, it is sweet but it is bitter and hot in cooking. Kandu, Leprosy, Visarp, Dadru killer and Jathragni is illuminating, digestive, common killer and absorbent, antidote, gives power to mercury, anthelmintic. Kimdhikan-Rasoparsa There is no other substance greater than sulfur in ordinary juices. ,

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" />

Pure sulfur should be given from 1 Ratti to 8 Ratti. ,

# Systemic Karma– Deepan, Pachana, Vishaghna, Pleehaghna, Drishti Karaka, Amadoshanashaka, Vrishya, Balya, Rasayana, Yogvahi, Shoshan, Krimighna.

# Therapeutic uses– Kushtha, Kandu, Visarpa, Adhmana, Dadru, Krimirogahara, Krishta and Phiharoga nakshaka, Twagrogahara, Jwara, Kasa, Shwasa, Kshaya, Amajeerna, Garvisha-har.

== Remedy for Sulfur disorder ==

== Dosage and Diet ==

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.

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>

raktikātaḥ samārabhya raktikāṣṭakasammitam | prāṇācāryaḥ prayuñjīta gandhakaṁ tu viśōdhitam ||</blockquote>'''Anupana''': Milk, Ghee, Honey, Bhringaraja swarasa, Dhatri (Amla) swarasa, Triphala Kwath etc.<ref name=":3" />

wild animals-birds and Chaag meat. Cow's milk, cow's ghee, wheat, rice, sandhav, sugar candy, clean and pure cool water are the diet.

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  sulphur disorder.

Excessive salt, acid, bitter, diarrhea, vegetable, (leaf vegetable) bidal (pulse)

Kshar and Kanji should not be consumed. One should not board a fast-moving vehicle and consume women.

'''Diet''': 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.  

== Some of the main formulations of Ayurvedic medicine made from pure sulfur- ==

'''Apathya''': 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" />

# Arshakuthar ras

# Arshakuthar ras

# Rasparpati

# Rasparpati

# Mahajvarankusharas

# Mahajvarankusharas

# Hanspotli

# Hanspotli

== Sulpha allergies ==

== 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 ==

== References ==

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]