Abstract : Ayurveda is the ancient traditional wisdom that describes the medicinal uses of herbs, metals, minerals, and animal products. It is divided in to eight branches and hence termed as Ashtanga Ayurveda. Most of the formulations explained in Ayurveda samhitas were containing herbal drugs predominantly. The practice of using metals and minerals extensively in therapeutics were observed after the emergence of Rasashastra in the Sangraha period ie around 8th century. The detailed explanations of processing techniques involved in the conversion of a dhatu to its bhasma form is seen in the Rasashastra text books. The subject matter is vivid and exclusively a new idea that a hard metal or mineral can be transformed in to a bhasma form having micro to nano level particle size. The various equipments and heating arrangements used in this transformation were also an innovative thought process during that period. The different kalpanas were explained which involve unique method of preparations like Kharaleeya rasayana, Parpati rasayana, Pottali rasayana and Koopipakwa rasayana. Even though, they possess greater therapeutic benefits, there is a threat of serious adverse reactions if improperly used.
Keywords : Rasashastra, Pharmacotherapeutics, Ayurveda, Rasayana, Metals and Minerals
Cite : P, S., & Rajan, R. (2024). A Brief Overview Of Rasashastra – The Science Of Pharmacotherapeutics Of Metals And Minerals (1st ed., pp. 117-122). Noble Science Press. https://doi.org/10.52458/9788196830069.nsp.2024.eb.ch-19
References :
Caraka Samhita- Sri Satya Narayana Shastri (Vidyotani hindi commentary) Pt. Kashi Nath
Shastri and Dr. Gorakh Nath Chaturvedi, Chaukhambha bharati academy, Varanasi, 2009
Rasa Tarangini- Pandit Kashinath Shastri edited by Motilal Banarasi das
Rasa Ratna Samuccaya (Vigyan vodhini) 1st part Prof. Dattatreya Anantakulakarni Meharadas Lacchaman das publication, 2010
