Significance of Anupana
Anupana, according to Ayurveda, refers to supplementary substances or beverages taken alongside food or medicine that enhance nutritional benefits and aid in digestion. In Rasashastra, it specifically enhances the absorption and effectiveness of treatments involving minerals like mercury and mica. Science supports this by describing Anupana as a medium, such as lukewarm water or honey, that helps in improving the absorption and efficacy of primary drugs or medicinal formulations, ensuring the optimal therapeutic effect when consumed.
Synonyms: Vehicle, Carrier, Means of transport
In Dutch: Anupana; In Finnish: Anupana; In Spanish: Anupana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Anupana'
Anupana in Hinduism refers to substances that enhance the efficacy of medicinal preparations, such as Kanta iron, mercury, and mica, as well as supplementary beverages improving nutritional benefits and aiding digestion.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Substances taken alongside medicinal preparations to enhance their efficacy.[1] (2) A suitable substance used with Kanta iron that enhances its medicinal properties.[2] (3) The accompaniment or vehicle that is prescribed to take with a mineral drug for enhanced efficacy.[3]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) The accompanying substances or diet that enhance the absorption and effectiveness of mercury in treatments.[4] (2) Accompaniments that are combined with mercury for its therapeutic effectiveness.[5]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A suitable complementary substance to be taken with the essence of mica for effective treatment of diseases.[6]