Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
by Bhudeb Mookerjee | 1938 | 28,803 words | ISBN-10: 8170305829 | ISBN-13: 9788170305828
This second volume of the Rasa-jala-nidhi deals with the purification, incineration and medicinal uses of various minerals (uparasa), as well as preventing faults due to misuse. It is continued in the third volume which deals with the various metals. The Rasa-jala-nidhi (“the ocean of Iatrochemistry, or, chemical medicine) is a compendium of Sansk...
Part 1 - Characteristics of Girisindura (mineral red vermilion)
This is found in small quantities inside rocks in big mountains. It is dry and red. This is a compound of lead and other things. It has all the properties possessed by lead; but it possesses other qualities also on account of its containing a little of mercury and sulphur.
Properties of girisindura (1)
It is a pacifier of the three doshas, laxative, good solidifier of mercury, and is beneficial to eye-sight. It makes the body as strong as iron.
Properties of girisindura (2)
Both kinds of red vermilion (viz, girisindura which is a natural product, and artificial red vermilion manufactured in the laboratory. For the process of preparing the latter, see under lead), are efficacious in erysipelas, leprosy, itches, and poison. They help the joining of broken limbs, are disinfectants, and heal boils and carbuncles.
Red vermilion fit for use.
Red vermilion is considered pure, and fit for use in medicines, if it is well-coloured, able to stand the heat of fire, fine, soothing, transparent, heavy, soft, and is obtained from a gold mine.
Conclusion:
This concludes ‘Characteristics of Girisindura (mineral red vermilion)’ included in Bhudeb Mookerjee Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory. The text includes treatments, recipes and remedies and is categorised as Rasa Shastra: an important branch of Ayurveda that specialises in medicinal/ herbal chemistry, alchemy and mineralogy, for the purpose of prolonging and preserving life.