Standardisation of pravala bhasma
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Standardisation of pravala bhasma
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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V. Nageshwar Rao, S.K Dixit
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Standardisation of pravala bhasma
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The research article discusses the standardization of temperature for the preparation of Pravala Bhasma using an Electric Muffle Furnace (EMF) instead of traditional heating methods. Pravala, derived from the calcareous skeleton of marine organisms, is known for its therapeutic properties in Ayurveda, particularly in treating various ailments and as a Rasayana (rejuvenating) agent. The study addresses the challenges posed by urbanization in utilizing traditional heating devices and aims to establish a consistent procedure for preparing a high-quality Pravala Bhasma through scientifically controlled processes.
Importance of Temperature in Bhasma Preparation
One key concept highlighted in the study is the significance of temperature in the Marana (incineration) process of Pravala Bhasma preparation. The authors emphasized that proper temperature is critical to achieving the desired characteristics of the Bhasma. Seven samples of purified Pravala were subjected to different temperatures ranging from 200°C to 800°C, with the final goal being the development of white-colored pravala bhasma. The findings indicated that only at 800°C did the pellets achieve the sought-after white color, softness, and the requisite physical properties indicating successful Bhasma formation (such as being able to float on water and fine powder). This standardization substantiates that a temperature of 800°C maintained for 30 minutes, along with three repetitions of the incineration process, is essential for producing high-quality Pravala Bhasma.
Conclusion
The study concludes that the preparation of effective Pravala Bhasma requires careful temperature regulation and multiple cycles of incineration. By utilizing an Electric Muffle Furnace, the researchers established a reproducible method that adheres to classical Ayurvedic texts, promoting both the scientific basis of traditional practices and the potential for more widespread application in modern Ayurvedic medicine. The results demonstrate that systematic temperature control is vital for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of Pravala Bhasma, ultimately contributing to the standardization and reliability of Ayurvedic pharmaceutical preparations.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Pravala Bhasma and its therapeutic uses?
Pravala Bhasma is a powder made from coral, primarily containing calcium carbonate. It's indicated for various ailments such as Timira, Yakshma, and Kasa, and is also used for Rasayana (rejuvenation) purposes.
What modern methods are used for preparing Pravala Bhasma?
The study standardized the preparation of Pravala Bhasma using an Electric Muffle Furnace (EMF) instead of traditional heating devices, aiming to ensure consistent temperature control and results in the incineration process.
What temperatures were tested for preparing Pravala Bhasma?
The study tested seven different temperatures: 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, and 800°C. Each temperature was maintained for thirty minutes to observe the resulting characteristics of the Pravala Bhasma.
What were the results of heating at 800°C?
At 800°C, the Pravala pellets became white and soft, showing desirable characteristics of bhasma pariksha, such as floating on water and very fine texture, confirming the effective transformation into Pravala Bhasma.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Standardisation of pravala bhasma”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Pravala (Pravāla):
Pravala refers to coral, the calcareous structure produced by marine organisms, primarily composed of calcium carbonate. It serves significant medicinal purposes in Ayurveda, specifically in the form of bhasma, used for treating various ailments and enhancing health through traditional practices. Its preparation and use reflect the blend of natural resources with ancient healing techniques.
2) Puta (Puṭa, Putā, Pūṭā):
Puta denotes a method of heating in Ayurvedic practices, traditionally executed in specific ways to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes. This term is significant as it encompasses a range of heating techniques described in ancient texts, critical for the incineration processes essential in the preparation of various herbal medicines, including pravala bhasma.
3) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma represents an ash-like preparation of mineral or vegetable materials in Ayurveda, characterized by fine particle size and specific therapeutic properties. It often serves as a potent remedy in treating diverse health conditions. The preparation process, including marana, is crucial to ensure effectiveness and safety in Ayurvedic formulations.
4) Marana (Maraṇa, Māraṇa):
Marana refers to the incineration process in Ayurvedic medicine, where substances are subjected to high temperatures to transform their properties into a medicinal form. This step is essential to eliminate impurities and enhance therapeutic efficacy. It guarantees the creation of bhasma, ensuring compliance with strict standards set forth in traditional texts.
5) Rasa (Rasā, Rasha):
Rasa means essence or flavor in Sanskrit, and it plays a critical role in Ayurvedic pharmacology, specifically in the context of rasa shastra. It often refers to the inherent qualities of substances, which define their medicinal value and effectiveness based on their specific characteristics and processing methods in creating bhasmas.
6) Shodhana (Śodhana, Sodhana):
Sodhana signifies the purification process in Ayurveda, fundamental in preparing raw materials before their medicinal use. This process enhances the properties of the substance by removing impurities and toxic elements. Through sodhana, substances like pravala acquire enhanced therapeutic potential, setting the stage for subsequent incineration and formulation of bhasma.
7) Pottali (Poṭṭalī, Poṭṭaḷi):
Pottali refers to a specific pouch or container used during the purification and incineration of substances in Ayurvedic practices. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the material's integrity while it undergoes heating processes, particularly during sodhana, ensuring that the correct herbal or mineral properties are retained throughout the preparation.
8) Purification:
Purification is a fundamental principle in Ayurvedic medicine, ensuring that all ingredients are free from impurities and toxins before use. This process, which includes techniques like sodhana, guarantees that ingredients, such as pravala, achieve optimal therapeutic effectiveness and safety, aligning with the holistic approach of Ayurvedic healing.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context reflects the systematic study and methodology behind Ayurvedic practices, particularly the preparation of medicinal substances such as bhasma. It encompasses empirical observations, experimentation, and the use of structured processes to establish effective healing practices grounded in ancient traditions, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding.
10) Coral (Cōral):
Coral, specifically referring to the material used in creating pravala, is a biologically derived mineral composed predominantly of calcium carbonate. Its therapeutic properties are celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is processed into bhasma to be used for various health-related applications, showcasing the significant role of natural sources in traditional medicine.
11) Milk:
Milk, particularly cow's milk, is utilized in the preparation of pravala bhasma to create a paste necessary for pellet formation. It acts as a binding agent, contributing to the proper consistency and texture necessary for the effective processing of the herb, making it an essential component in traditional Ayurvedic formulations.
12) Sharavasamputa (Śarāvasaṃpuṭa, Sharava-samputa):
Saravasamputa refers to the containers or vessels used to encapsulate the herbal or mineral mixtures before and during the heating processes. This term underscores its necessity in achieving the desired characteristics during preparation, such as ensuring proper exposure to heat while maintaining efficacy without contamination.
13) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasaśāstra):
Rasashastra encompasses the ancient Ayurvedic science dedicated to the preparation of medicines from minerals and metals, focused on understanding their properties and therapeutic potentials. This branch of Ayurveda not only includes bhasma preparation methods like pravala bhasma but also elaborates on processes, safety, and efficacy guidelines essential for practitioners.
14) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis and interpretation of results obtained from the experiments during the preparation and testing of pravala bhasma. It incorporates the comparison of outcomes, implications for Ayurvedic practices, and insights gained from variability in temperature application, highlighting the relevance of systematic study in optimizing traditional methods.
15) Gajaputa (Gajapuṭa, Gaja-puta):
Gaja-puta, literally meaning 'elephant furnace,' describes a traditional method of heating used in conjunction with more modern practices. Specifically, it involves layering materials in a particular structure to achieve consistent heating. Its significance lies in the historical context of heating methods within Ayurveda, emphasizing traditional techniques still relevant today.
16) Mahaputa (Mahāpuṭa, Maha-puta):
Maha-puta translates to 'great furnace' and refers to a more intensive heating method used in traditional Ayurvedic practices. This method is essential for specific drugs requiring higher temperatures or prolonged heating, providing a comparison point against electric heating's effectiveness and applicability in the context of preparing bhasmas.
17) Pariksha (Parīkṣā, Parikṣā):
Pariksha refers to the examination or testing of bhasma to confirm its quality and effectiveness. This critical assessment includes checks for desired characteristics such as color, texture, and other physical attributes, ensuring that the final product meets the high standards expected in Ayurvedic medicinal preparations.
18) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana, Rasāyana, Rāsāyana):
Rasayana is a branch of Ayurveda focused on rejuvenation and longevity, emphasizing the use of therapeutic substances to promote health and vitality. Pravala bhasma often fits within this category, being employed to enhance overall wellness and address various health issues through its unique properties derived from coral.
19) Varitara (Vāritara):
Varitara is one of the bhasma pariksha parameters indicating whether the preparation floats on water, signaling its fineness and proper processing. This characteristic is essential in evaluating the quality of bhasma, serving as a visual cue to assess the effectiveness of the marana process in Ayurvedic formulations.
20) Samhita (Saṃhitā, Saṃhita):
Samhita refers to the classical texts of Ayurveda, containing foundational knowledge, wisdom, and practices guiding practitioners in various medical contexts. It comprises various verses and insights, serving as critical reference points for processes like sodhana, marana, and the preparation of medicines, ensuring adherence to traditional methods.
21) Anupana (Anupāna):
Anupana signifies the vehicle or medium through which medicines are administered in Ayurveda. It is essential for enhancing the absorption and effectiveness of remedies like pravala bhasma, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail in treatment protocols designed to maximize therapeutic outcomes while catering to individual patient needs.
22) Kvatha (Kvātha):
Kvatha is a decoction made from herbal substances, typically used in Ayurvedic practices for both therapeutic preparations and purification. In the context of pravala bhasma preparation, kvatha acts as a medium during the sodhana process, facilitating the extraction of beneficial properties while aiding in the purification of the material.
23) Timira (Timirā):
Timira denotes a specific condition or ailment referred to as 'night blindness' in traditional Ayurvedic texts. It highlights the medicinal utility of pravala bhasma in addressing this issue, showcasing how materials derived from natural sources are employed within Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of health concerns effectively.
24) Reason:
Reason in this context pertains to the rationale behind weight loss or changes observed during the preparation and incineration processes of pravala bhasma. Understanding these reasons is critical for optimizing preparations, improving efficacy, and refining practices that ensure the highest quality and therapeutic standards.
25) Glass:
Glass refers to the material used to create laboratory instruments and containers that assist in various Ayurvedic preparations and observations. It is vital for maintaining the integrity of processes such as sodhana and marana, ensuring non-reactive, accurate results and facilitating meticulous preparation and handling of botanical and mineral materials.
26) Water:
Water is an essential medium in numerous Ayurvedic processes, particularly in the preparation of kvathas and the purification stages. Its role extends beyond mere use as a solvent; it acts as a critical component in traditional practices that ensure adequate preparation and absorption of herbal properties during incineration and formulation.
27) Gaja (Gajā):
Gaja refers to an elephant in Sanskrit and often symbolizes strength and stability in Ayurvedic texts. In the context of heating practices, it ties back to methods like gaja-puta, emphasizing ancient heating techniques employed for effective drug preparation, showcasing the interplay between traditional practices and symbolic representations in Ayurveda.
28) Kasa (Kasha, Kāsā, Kasā, Kāśa, Kāsa, Kaśa, Kaṣa, Kaṣā, Kāṣa):
Kasa, referred to as cough in Ayurvedic terminology, indicates one of the ailments addressed through the use of prawala bhasma. This reflects the broader therapeutic application of traditional preparations to manage respiratory issues, emphasizing how ancient healing systems utilize natural materials for contemporary health concerns.