Analogy of modern chemistry with Ayurvedic 'rasa shastra' principles.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Analogy of modern chemical processes with principles of ‘rasa shastra' of ayurvedic medicine system
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Yadav Yadevendra*
Dept. of Ayurveda and Unani Sevices, Uttarakhand, Dehradun (UK).
Kumar Vipin
Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar (UK).
Sharma Usha
Dept. of Rasa-Shastra and Bhasajaya Kalpana, Rishikul Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Haridwar (UK)
Sharma Khem Chand
Dept. of Rasa-Shastra and Bhasajaya Kalpana, Rishikul Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Haridwar (UK)
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Analogy of modern chemical processes with principles of ‘rasa shastra' of ayurvedic medicine system
Year: 2018
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, integrates a wide array of scientific disciplines, including chemistry, metallurgy, and biology. The traditional texts of Ayurveda detail various formulations and therapeutic practices that parallel modern scientific principles. This article aims to draw analogies between the chemical processes outlined in Ayurveda's 'Rasa Shastra' and contemporary chemical methodologies. It highlights ancient Indian advancements in metallurgy and chemistry that reflect a sophisticated understanding of natural substances and their interactions.
Stoichiometry and Mole Concept
A significant aspect discussed is the concept of stoichiometry, which originates from the Greek terms meaning 'elements' and 'to measure.' In Ayurveda’s Rasa Shastra, traditional texts advocate specific ratios for chemical reactions, notably, the use of sulfur in sixfold quantity to mercury for complete reactions. This aligns closely with modern mole theory, where the relationship between reagents is quantified. For example, to create mercuric sulfide (HgS), the stoichiometric ratio confirms that six moles of sulfur should react with one mole of mercury, demonstrating a remarkable understanding of chemical reactions in ancient texts.
Properties of Bhasma and Particle Size Variations
Another essential concept explored is the variation in particle sizes of Bhasma (ashes of metals) and its effect on color, which is tied to the heating processes or 'Agni.' Different treatments yield Bhasmas of varying colors—from black to red to yellow—reflecting the principles of calcination and particle size reduction. Modern analytical techniques have confirmed that these variations in color correspond to differences in particle size, connecting traditional Ayurvedic practices with contemporary material science. The flotation test in water, known as 'Varitara,' is also highlighted as a method to determine the lightness and fineness of Bhasma, emphasizing the importance of particle characteristics in Ayurvedic formulations.
Conclusion
The exploration of ancient Indian scientific principles within Ayurveda reveals a wealth of knowledge that prefigures modern scientific understandings in areas such as chemistry and metallurgy. Despite significant advancements and rediscoveries, many ancient methods and theories remain underappreciated, largely because of the shift in interest and the challenges in accessing Sanskrit texts. The principles embedded in Ayurveda not only highlight the historical significance of ancient research but also suggest a broader applicability to contemporary science and health practices, reinforcing the value of integrating traditional knowledge with modern methodologies for holistic human welfare.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Rasa Shastra in Ayurveda?
Rasa Shastra is a branch of Ayurveda focusing on metallurgy and chemical processes. It encompasses the preparation of medicinal formulations using metals and minerals, highlighting the importance of chemical principles in traditional Ayurvedic practices.
How does stoichiometry relate to Ayurvedic medicine's Rasa Shastra?
Stoichiometry involves measuring the quantities of reactants and products in chemical reactions. In Rasa Shastra, authors reference specific ratios—like six parts sulfur to one part mercury—to achieve the desired chemical reactions in formulations.
What methods are used to assess the quality of Bhasma?
Various traditional methods are employed to evaluate Bhasma, including visual tests for color and lightness, as well as surface tension tests. These methods ensure that Bhasma particles are in the appropriate size range for efficacy.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Analogy of modern chemistry with Ayurvedic 'rasa shastra' principles.”. 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) Rasa (Rasha):
In Ayurveda, 'Rasa' refers to the essence or extract of a substance. It is especially significant in the context of Rasa-shastra, which involves the alchemical and medicinal uses of minerals and metals.
2) Bhasma (Bhasman):
'Bhasma' is a type of Ayurvedic formulation involving incinerated and purified preparations of various minerals and metals. These are used therapeutically and are evaluated for quality through traditional tests such as Varitara.
3) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
'Rasa-shastra' is a specialized branch of Ayurveda dealing with the preparation, properties, and therapeutic uses of minerals and metals, often involving complex chemical processes.
4) Shastra (Sastra):
In the context of Ayurveda, 'Shastra' refers to a body of knowledge or science. It is a suffix used in terms such as Rasa-Shastra, indicating a field of specialized study.
5) Medicine:
Ayurveda is a traditional system of Medicine that includes various branches like clinical medicine, surgery, and pharmacology. It incorporates principles of Rasa-shastra for therapeutic purposes.
6) Silver:
'Rajata,' or Silver, is one of the metals discussed in Rasa-shastra. It has historical significance and is categorized in groups similar to modern periodic tables.
7) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda and Rasa-shastra, with ancient scholars making significant contributions to the fields of medicine and metallurgy.
8) Metallurgy:
Metallurgy in ancient India involved advanced techniques for processing metals, as described in Rasa-shastra texts. This included smelting and rust-proofing methods.
9) Substance:
Several substances such as metals, minerals, and natural preservatives like salt and sugar are integral to Ayurvedic formulations and processes.
10) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine in India, comprising various branches and incorporating the principles and techniques of Rasa-shastra for holistic therapy.
11) Nature:
The term 'Nature' in Ayurveda often refers to the inherent qualities of substances used in medicinal preparations, including their physical and chemical properties.
12) Indian:
Indian scholars and ancient texts have greatly contributed to the fields of Ayurveda, Rasa-shastra, and metallurgy.
13) Civilization:
Ancient Indian civilization made significant advancements in various scientific fields, including metallurgy and medicine, as detailed in Ayurvedic texts.
14) Yantra (Yamtra):
'Yantra' refers to devices or instruments used in Rasa-kriya, like Baluka Yantra (sand bath) and Dola Yantra (indirect heating arrangement), essential for Ayurvedic medicinal preparations.
15) Varitara:
'Varitara' is an Ayurvedic test for evaluating the quality of Bhasma. Properly prepared Bhasma should float on water, indicating its fineness and lightness.
16) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient language in which most Ayurvedic and Rasa-shastra texts are written, containing the scientific knowledge of ancient India.
17) Mandura (Mamdura):
Mandura refers to the rust (Fe2O3.3H2O) used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is recommended in texts like Rasa Tarangani to use older Mandura for treatments.
18) Yashada (Yasada):
'Yashada Bhasma' refers to an Ayurvedic preparation of incinerated and purified zinc, which varies in color due to different heating treatments or 'Agni.'
19) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma typically refers to scholars or authors, such as Khem Chand Sharma, who contribute to Ayurvedic literature and research.
20) Varga:
'Varga' is used in Rasa-shastra to categorize metals and minerals, similar to groups in the modern periodic table.
21) Agni:
In Ayurvedic alchemy, 'Agni' refers to the heat treatment used in the preparation of Bhasma, which affects its physical properties, such as color and particle size.
22) Gold (Golden):
'Swarna,' or Gold, is a precious metal used in Ayurvedic formulations and is often mentioned in Rasa-shastra texts for its medicinal properties.
23) Salt (Salty):
Salt is one of the common preservatives used in ancient Ayurvedic medicines, known for its ability to preserve and enhance the therapeutic properties of formulations.
24) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation refers to the fundamental processes in Rasa-shastra, where raw metals and minerals are converted into therapeutic Bhasmas through various alchemical techniques.
25) Patanayantra (Patana-yantra):
'Tryak Patana yantra' or Patana-yantra is a distillation apparatus used in Rasa-shastra for the downward displacement of liquids during the preparation of medicinal compounds.
26) Dolayantra (Dola-yantra, Dolayamtra):
'Dola Yantra' is an indirect heating arrangement used in Rasa-shastra for processing medicinal substances without direct exposure to flames.
27) Apunarbhava (Apunar-bhava):
One of the traditional tests for Bhasma, 'Apunarbhava' signifies that the Bhasma does not re-form into its original substance under ordinary conditions.
28) Rasakriya (Rasa-kriya):
'Rasa Kriya' involves various alchemical processes in Rasa-shastra for transforming raw materials into therapeutic forms, like Bhasma.
29) Lohavarga (Loha-varga):
'Lohavarga' is a classification in Rasa-shastra for metals like tin and lead, analogous to groups in the modern periodic table.
30) Gurukula (Guru-kula):
Gurukula refers to traditional educational institutions in India where knowledge of Ayurveda and Rasa-shastra, among other subjects, was imparted.
31) Hathagni:
In Ayurvedic alchemy, 'Hathagni' refers to a specific type of heating treatment that results in a green color in Bhasma preparations.
32) Kharagni:
In Rasa-shastra, 'Kharagni' is a type of heat treatment that produces a yellow color in certain Bhasma preparations, such as Yashada Bhasma.
33) Abhraka:
'Abhraka' is a mineral, commonly referred to as mica, used in various Ayurvedic formulations. It is characterized by a foliated or monoclinic crystal system.
34) Sindura (Simdura):
'Rasa sindura' is a type of Bhasma used in Ayurveda, typically identified by its red color, which is influenced by particle size and heating processes.
35) Kalpana:
'Bhasajaya Kalpana' refers to the pharmaceutical preparations in Ayurveda, which include various dosage forms derived from Rasa-shastra.
36) Samagni (Sama-agni):
'Samagni' represents a balanced heating process in Rasa-shastra that produces white or pale yellow Bhasma.
37) Rajata:
See 'Silver'.
38) Vaidya:
'Rasa Vaidya' is a practitioner or physician specialized in the field of Rasa-shastra, adept at using metallic and mineral-based formulations for treatments.
39) Patana:
See 'Patana-yantra'.
40) Kriya:
See 'Rasa-kriya'.
41) Sutra:
'Sutra' refers to a codified form of writing used in ancient Indian texts, including Ayurvedic and Rasa-shastra literature, that contain scientific principles and methodologies.
42) Putta:
'Putta' is a basic type of furnace used in Rasa-shastra for the calcination process during the preparation of Bhasma.
43) Tamra:
'Tamra,' or copper, is one of the metals frequently discussed in Rasa-shastra, known for its therapeutic properties and alchemical significance.
44) Pandu (Pamdu, Pamde):
In the context of 'Samagni,' 'Pandu' signifies a pale or white color produced through a balanced heating process in Bhasma preparation.
45) Gupta:
The Gupta period is significant in Indian history for advancements in science and technology, including the metallurgy evidenced by the iron pillar in Delhi.
46) Campu:
'Rishikul Campus' is a part of Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, where research in Ayurveda and Rasa-shastra is conducted.
47) Delhi:
Delhi is home to the Qutub Minar and the adjacent Iron Pillar, which serves as evidence of ancient India's advanced knowledge in rust-proof iron metallurgy.
48) Varna:
'Varna' is used in Ayurvedic testing methods to describe the color of Bhasma, which is an indicator of its quality and the process used to make it.
49) Kumar:
Vipin Kumar is one of the authors contributing to the research article on the analogy of modern chemical processes with Rasa-shastra principles.
50) Chand:
Khem Chand Sharma is an author who has contributed to the study of Rasa-shastra and Ayurveda.
51) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, which are traditional medicine systems practiced in India.
52) Pushpa (Puspa):
See 'Puspa Kasis'.
53) Sugar:
Sugar is mentioned as one of the natural preservatives used in ancient Ayurvedic formulations, much known for its preservative properties.
54) Borax:
Borax is one of the chemicals used in ancient Ayurvedic practices, known for its utility in various formulations and processes.
55) Loha:
See 'Lohavarga'.
56) Usa (Usha):
Usha Sharma is one of the authors of the research article exploring the principles of Rasa-shastra.
57) Shada (Sada, Sadas):
'Sada-GunarasabaliJarana' refers to a specific process in Rasa-shastra involving the purification and preparation of substances like mercury (Parada).
58) Yogi (Yogin):
Acharya Barvanand Yogi described the 'Jwala Parikasha' or flame test in his book ‘Rasanva’, identifying the presence of metal ions based on flame color.
59) Kashi (Kasi):
See 'Puspa Kasis'.
60) Pita:
In Rasa-shastra, 'Pita' refers to a yellow color resulting from a specific type of heating treatment known as 'Kharagni'.
61) Wind:
The iron pillar in Delhi has withstood wind and weather for 1500 years, showcasing ancient India's advanced rust-proof iron technology.
62) Tola:
See 'Dola-yantra'.
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