Changes

== Purification ==

== Purification ==

The minerals or metals are invariably subjected to purification processes in Ayurvedic preparations and the processes are complicated ones. Though these processes are meant for ‘purifying’ the substances, more often than naught, some extraneous material is added onto them. In general, purification means, according to the rasasastra texts, removal of the deleterious principles present in the naturally occurring substances, so that they become fit for internal use.<ref name=":8" /> Examples include

The detoxification or purification process of any toxic material used for medicinal purposes is termed as “''Śodhana''”. The process is specially designed for the drugs from mineral origin; however, it is recommended for all kinds of drugs to remove their ''doṣās'' (impurities or toxic content).  The concept of ''Śodhana'' in Ayurveda not only covers the process of purification/detoxifcation of physical as well as chemical impurities but also covers the minimization of side effects and improving the potency/therapeutic efficacy of the purified drugs.<ref>Maurya, S. K., Seth, A., Laloo, D., Singh, N. K., Singh Gautam, D. N., & Singh, A. K. (2015). Śodhana: An Ayurvedic process for detoxification and modification of therapeutic activities of poisonous medicinal plants. ''Ancient Science of Life'', ''34''(4), 188. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.4103/0257-7941.160862</nowiki></ref> The minerals or metals are invariably subjected to purification processes in Ayurvedic preparations and the processes are complicated ones. Though these processes are meant for ‘purifying’ the substances, more often than naught, some extraneous material is added onto them. In general, purification means, according to the rasasastra texts, removal of the deleterious principles present in the naturally occurring substances, so that they become fit for internal use.<ref name=":8" /> Examples include

# '''Sulphur''' is purified by melting it in the medium of cow’s ghee and straining the molten mass through a cloth into milk or the juice of Bhrhgaraja kept in a pot. It is then washed with warm water and the process is repeated several times. Purification of sulphur is considered necessary as otherwise the impure sulphur, when taken in, would produce harmful effects such as loss of beauty, strength and vision. There are many methods for purification of sulphur using various materials.

# '''Sulphur''' is purified by melting it in the medium of cow’s ghee and straining the molten mass through a cloth into milk or the juice of Bhrhgaraja kept in a pot. It is then washed with warm water and the process is repeated several times. Purification of sulphur is considered necessary as otherwise the impure sulphur, when taken in, would produce harmful effects such as loss of beauty, strength and vision. There are many methods for purification of sulphur using various materials.

# Purification of '''mercury''' involves eight to eighteen methods. Mercury is purified by rubbing it for three days with the decoction of certain plants like kuman (Aloe indica), citraka (Plumbago zeylanica) and red mustard, or by rubbing it with lime and filtering through a cloth. Thereafter it is again rubbed with some quantity of garlic and common salt, and washed.

# Purification of '''mercury''' involves eight to eighteen methods. Mercury is purified by rubbing it for three days with the decoction of certain plants like kuman (Aloe indica), citraka (Plumbago zeylanica) and red mustard, or by rubbing it with lime and filtering through a cloth. Thereafter it is again rubbed with some quantity of garlic and common salt, and washed.

# The '''gems''' are purified by subjecting them to the action of the ‘vapours’ of a plant called jayanti.

# The '''gems''' are purified by subjecting them to the action of the ‘vapours’ of a plant called jayanti.

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Shastras]]

[[Category:Shastras]]

<references />

<references />