Rasashastra (रसशास्त्रम्)

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Rasashastra (Samskrit रसशास्त्रम्) deals with Indian alchemy. The term literally means the “Science of Mercury”. It is one of the most popular sections of Ayurveda medicine which offers knowledge regarding use of mineral and animal sourced medicinal substances. Rasashstra provides knowledge of methods to purify and modify these substances using various herbs and processing techniques to make these substances biocompatible, safe and efficient to treat multiple diseases. The medicinal substances obtained in this way have extensive therapeutic utility, instantaneous efficacy with smaller dosage.

Introduction

History of Rasashstra

Medicinal substances used in Rasashastra

Metals and Minerals

Animal origin substances

Samskaras in Rasashastra

Safety of Rasa-aushasdhi (Rasashastra medicines)