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Rasashastra (Samskrit रसशास्त्रम्) is one of the most popular sections of Ayurveda medicine which deals with use of mineral and animal sourced medicinal substances. Rasashastra offers knowledge about methods for design, preparation, purification of these substances, their formulation methods and ways to make them bio-compatible, safe and effective as medicines. The term 'Rasa-shastra' literally means “Science of Mercury” since the purified and extensively processed mercury is one of the majorly used substance in Rasashastra. Various plant and animal derived substances are used in specific processing techniques in order to carry out desired changes in raw drugs. The medicinal substances obtained in this classical way have extensive therapeutic utility, safety and instantaneous efficacy with smaller dosage.  

Rasashastra (Samskrit रसशास्त्रम्) is one of the most popular pharmaceutical branch of Ayurveda medicine which deals with preparation of medicinal formulations containing mineral and animal sourced substances. It is also called as Iatrochemistry of Ayurveda. The branch of Rasashastra offers knowledge on methods of design, preparation, purification of these substances, their formulation methods and ways to make them bio-compatible, safe and effective as medicines. The term 'Rasa-shastra' literally means “Science of Mercury” since the purified and extensively processed mercury is one of the majorly used substance in Rasashastra. Entire science of Rasaashastra deals with use of processing techniques and methods to modify the bio-chemical and physical properties of the metal, mineral or animal origin  substances. These alchemy methods make Rasashastra exclusive pharmaceutical branch and attract many people towards it. The medicinal substances obtained in classical way as described in Rasashastra have extensive therapeutic utility, safety and instantaneous efficacy even with smaller dosage.  

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== रसशास्त्रे संस्काराः॥ Samskaras in Rasashastra ==

== रसशास्त्रे संस्काराः॥ Samskaras in Rasashastra ==

In the context of pharmacology in Ayurveda, Samskaras refer to the processing methods employed to transform the properties of the substances. Such sanskaras are performed specifically to remove undesired properties and enhance desirable qualities of the raw drugs used in formulations. Thus, sanskaras represent one of the extremely important aspects in pharmacology of Ayurveda since this step facilitates safe and simple administration, metabolism, absorption and assimilation of even those inorganic metals, minerals or poisonous substances in the body which work as medicines.

In the context of pharmacology in Ayurveda, Samskaras refer to the processing methods employed to transform the properties of the substances. Such samskaras are performed specifically to remove undesired properties and enhance desirable qualities of the raw drugs used in formulations. Thus, samskaras represent one of the extremely important aspects in pharmacology of Ayurveda since this step facilitates safe and simple administration, metabolism, absorption and assimilation of even those inorganic metals, minerals or poisonous substances in the body which work as medicines.

In treatises on Rasashastra, various samskaras are described for purification of Mercury and other metals or minerals. It is believed that, metals have natural impurities called as ‘ Doshas’. Here, doshas literally mean fault/defect/harmful elements in the substance. Therefore, it becomes necessary to remove doshas of metals and minerals before their oral administration. In order to address these concerns most of the Rasashastra advise 2 common sanskaras (processes) to be conducted on all these inorganic substances use din medicines. These are Shodhana and Marana. Shodhana sanskara is primarily employed for purification or cleansing of the material while Marana sanskara is carried out using heat or fire after shodhana to make the purified substances suitable for oral consumption.

In treatises on Rasashastra, various samskaras are described for purification of Mercury and other metals or minerals. It is believed that, metals have natural impurities called as ‘ Doshas’. Here, doshas literally mean fault/defect/harmful elements in the substance. Therefore, it becomes necessary to remove doshas of metals and minerals before their oral administration. In order to address these concerns most of the Rasashastra advise 2 common sanskaras (processes) to be conducted on all these inorganic substances used in medicines. These are Shodhana and Marana. Shodhana sanskara is primarily employed for purification or cleansing of the material while Marana sanskara is carried out using heat or fire after shodhana to make the purified substances suitable for oral consumption.

# Shodhana- Purification/cleansing and

# Shodhana- Purification/cleansing and

# Marana- process by which metals and minerals are grinded with liquids and then dried and made into fine ash using heat/ Incineration process

# Marana- process by which metals and minerals are grinded with liquids and then dried and made into fine ash using heat/ Incineration process