Significance of Foreign matter

Foreign matter refers to any unwanted substances or contaminants that can affect the quality and purity of food grains and herbal products. This includes visible signs of contamination such as mold, stones, dust, and rodent excreta, which must be absent or limited to a maximum of 2% during examinations. Various standards across Ayurveda, Purana, and scientific evaluations emphasize the need for purity, highlighting the adverse effects these substances can have on health and the healing process.

Synonyms: Impurity, Extraneous substance, Foreign substance, Pollution, Addition, Adulterant, Interloper, Impurities, Contaminants

In Dutch: Vreemde materie; In Finnish: Vieras aine; In Spanish: Materia extraña; In German: Fremdkörper

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Foreign matter'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "foreign matter" encompasses unwanted substances within the body or materials designated for purification, affecting health and drug quality, and should remain under 2% to ensure purity according to Ayurvedic standards.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

(1) Foreign matter is a standard for identity and purity, and should not exceed 2.0%, according to the text.[1] (2) This is a parameter where the value is less and negligible in Shuddha Bhallataka after the Shodhana process, indicating the effectiveness of purification.[2] (3) Foreign matter refers to the presence of any unwanted substances in the sample, such as dust or other plant materials, which are evaluated to ensure the purity of the bark.[3] (4) Foreign matter is defined as any substance that does not form part of the drug as defined in the monograph, and its percentage is calculated after separation and weighing.[4] (5) This is any material not covered by the drug's description, including parts of organs not named in the definition, and is determined by weighing and calculating a percentage.[5]

(1) This is a substance that is not part of the body, and the physician must ascertain its presence and remove it.[6] (2) Substances like dust and bone particles that can irritate an uncovered ulcer and impede the healing process.[7]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

(1) Impurities present in mercury that originate from external substances.[8] (2) Impurities that affect the quality of mercury, which can be removed through the application of specific natural elements.[9]

(1) Substances found within the alkaline soil that are not originally part of the soil's composition.[10] (2) Unwanted substances mixed with the metallic dust that need to be separated for purity.[11]

(1) Impurities present in sulphur, specifically particles of stone and poison, that necessitate careful purification.[12] (2) Contaminants such as dirt and impurities that need to be removed from shilajatu during purification.[13]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Plural form: Foreign matters.