Critics on hingula
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Critics on hingula
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Dr. Gopi Krishna Maddikera and Dr. Ranjith B. M.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Critics on hingula
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20192-14053
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Hingula, known as cinnabar, is a significant substance in Ayurveda, particularly in the field of Rasashastra, which focuses on the use of metal and mineral preparations for therapeutic purposes. This review article examines the classification, properties, and various applications of Hingula, highlighting the lack of research despite its recognized benefits in managing a variety of diseases. The aim is to explore the important aspects of Hingula, its historical context, and its therapeutic roles as noted in classical texts.
Classification and Historical Context
Historically, Hingula has been referenced in ancient texts, emphasizing its use in tests for gold and its detrimental effects on the metal. It first appeared in "Koutilya Artha Shastra," with indications of its geographic origin being the northern regions of India. Cinnabar is noted for occurring naturally due to volcanic activity or near hot springs, found in locations like Spain, Italy, and the U.S.A. In Ayurveda, it is categorized under several classes, such as Maha rasa, Upa rasa, and Sadharana rasa. This classification hints at its versatility, but there remains a need for clear scientific discussion on the rationale behind these classifications in order to appropriately utilize Hingula for various therapeutic applications.
Pharmacological and Therapeutic Properties
Hingula possesses a range of pharmacological and therapeutic properties. It is characterized by its Rasa (taste) as Tikta (bitter) and Guna (quality) as Ushna (hot), which contribute to its action in promoting health. Its therapeutic roles include Deepana (appetizing), Rasayana (rejuvenating), and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) effects, making it applicable for various health conditions such as Prameha (diabetes), Kushta (skin diseases), and Hridaya roga (heart ailments). However, expert knowledge is vital when incorporating Hingula into treatments, particularly in determining appropriate dosages across different patient demographics, from infants to elderly persons.
Methods of Preparation and Extraction
The processes of preparing Hingula and extracting mercury from it are intricate and require specific techniques to ensure purity. For example, Shodhana (purification) is necessary to eliminate impurities from Hingula before use in therapies. Various methods like Urdhwapatana Vidhi and Adhahpatana Vidhi are employed for extracting mercury, utilizing Yantras (instruments) that highlight the technical sophistication involved in Ayurvedic practices. The aim is to produce high-quality Parada (mercury) that retains beneficial properties, ensuring that therapeutic preparations are both safe and effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hingula serves an essential role in Ayurveda as not only a therapeutic agent but also a focus of Rasashastra. Despite its medicinal applications and the historical significance of its use, there remains a gap in contemporary scientific research and detailed analysis. This calls for a concerted effort to study Hingula further, addressing its classification, optimizing its therapeutic use, and ensuring safe preparations. By exploring the multifaceted nature of Hingula, more can be understood about its potential as a wonder drug in the realm of traditional medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Hingula and its significance in Ayurveda?
Hingula is a unique drug with extensive therapeutic applications in Ayurveda, particularly valued in the field of Rasashastra for its properties and classifications under various categories such as maha rasa and sadharana rasa.
What are the historical references of Hingula?
Hingula was first mentioned in Kautilya's Arthashastra regarding gold tests. It has no references in Vedas or Samhitas and is believed to have originated from the Darada region of northern India, now unavailable.
How is Hingula classified according to various texts?
Hingula's classification varies among texts; some categorize it under maha rasa, while others list it as uparasa or sadharana rasa, indicating its multiple uses and interpretations in traditional Ayurvedic practices.
What are the methods of processing Hingula?
Hingula is subjected to shodhana to purify it using various media such as Ardraka or Nimbu swarasa. Different methods like Urdhwapatana, Adhahpatana, and Tiryak Patana are employed for extracting pure Parada.
What medicinal properties does Hingula possess?
Hingula has doshagna properties, addressing various conditions like Prameha, Jwara, and Hridroga. It is noted for its effects as a deepana, rasayana, and its potential to strengthen overall health.
What is Cinnabar and its connection to Hingula?
Cinnabar, also known as vermilion, is a bright red mineral primarily composed of mercury sulfide. It is closely linked to Hingula, serving as the main ore for extracting mercury utilized in various Ayurvedic formulations.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Critics on hingula”. 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) Hingula (Himgula):
Hingula, known in Ayurveda as cinnabar, is a mineral used extensively for its therapeutic properties. It serves as a fundamental resource in Rasashastra, particularly in the extraction of mercury (Parada). The complexities associated with its classification and therapeutic use suggest that Hingula may hold significant relevance for both Ayurvedic practices and modern pharmacology.
2) Parada:
Parada, or mercury, is a significant element in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly within Rasashastra. Derived from Hingula, it is noted for its numerous health benefits when used in carefully controlled doses. Its properties are essential in formulating preparations that aim to enhance vitality, treat ailments, and maintain health.
3) Yantra (Yamtra):
Yantra refers to a mechanical apparatus or device used in Ayurvedic practices, especially in the preparation and processing of medicinal substances. Each yantra serves as a tool to aid in various methods of herbal and mineral extraction, ensuring the efficacy and safety of the substances produced for therapeutic use.
4) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa translates to 'essence' or 'taste' in Sanskrit, embodying the fundamental principles of Ayurveda. In the context of medicinal substances, rasa signifies the flavor and therapeutic qualities that contribute to a drug's effects on the body, influencing its classification and application within Ayurvedic treatments.
5) Patana:
Patana denotes a method of purification or extraction used in Ayurveda, particularly in the context of minerals. It involves specific procedures that enhance the therapeutic properties of substances, ensuring that they are suitable for internal use. This approach highlights the importance of preparation methods in achieving desired health outcomes.
6) Vidhi:
Vidhi refers to the systematic procedures or rules governing practices in Ayurveda. In the preparation of drugs and medicines, vidhi outlines the steps necessary to ensure safety, effectiveness, and adherence to traditional standards. This framework is crucial for preserving the integrity of Ayurvedic treatments.
7) Drug:
Drugs in Ayurveda are broadly defined as any substance utilized for therapeutic purposes, encompassing herbs, minerals, and animal products. Their categorization and method of use are vital for appropriate treatment protocols, emphasizing a personalized approach to health.
8) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
Gandhaka, known as sulfur, is a mineral recognized in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. Like Hingula, it plays a role in various formulations and enhances the efficacy of therapies by contributing to the overall treatment process. Its use is intricate and highlights the synergy between minerals in Ayurveda.
9) Shukatunda (Sukatunda, Shukatumda):
Shukatunda refers to a specific variety of Hingula noted for its distinctive yellowish color. Recognized in classical texts, its unique properties contribute to its classification within the broader spectrum of medicinal minerals. Such classifications play a crucial role in determining the therapeutic applications of different varieties.
10) Hamsapada (Hamsa-pada):
Hamsapada is another variety of Hingula, recognized for its resemblance to the color of a swan's foot. This characterization aids in the classification and identification of different types of Hingula in Ayurvedic texts, reflecting the intricate understanding of mineral properties in traditional healing practices.
11) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes holistic health and well-being through natural remedies. It combines knowledge of herbs, minerals, and various therapeutic practices, advocating balance within the body for disease prevention and treatment, underscoring its relevance in contemporary health care.
12) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana is the process of purification undertaken in Ayurveda, particularly for minerals and metals. This method enhances the safety and efficacy of substances before they are used medicinally, highlighting the meticulous care taken in preparing drugs to ensure they are fit for therapeutic purposes.
13) Bhavana (Bha-vana):
Bhavana refers to the process of potentiating substances in Ayurveda, typically involving the incorporation of juices or extracts to enhance therapeutic potency. This method emphasizes the transformative quality of herbal and mineral preparations, ensuring they carry the desired medicinal properties effectively.
14) Darada (Dara-da):
Darada, related to the geographical origin of Hingula, denotes the source from which this mineral is historically derived. Understanding its origin adds depth to the study of Hingula, providing insight into the historical and geographical contexts of Ayurvedic practices and resource sourcing.
15) India:
India serves as the cradle of Ayurveda, where traditional knowledge of herbs and minerals has been preserved for centuries. The integration of local resources, like Hingula and Parada, reflects the rich historical lineage and ongoing relevance of Ayurvedic medicine in contemporary health practices.
16) Patanayantra (Patana-yantra):
Patana-yantra refers to a specific type of yantra designed for the process of extraction or purification in Ayurvedic practices. The utilization of such devices illustrates the technological sophistication embedded in traditional medicinal practices, allowing for more effective sourcing of essential minerals and compounds.
17) Adhahpatana (Adha-patana):
Adhahpatana is a method of extraction in Ayurveda that involves specific apparatus to facilitate the purification and collection of medicinal substances. This approach exemplifies the detailed and methodical practices in Ayurveda aimed at obtaining high-quality therapeutic ingredients from raw materials.
18) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
Rasa-shastra focuses on the study and application of alchemical principles related to metals and minerals in Ayurveda. It is essential for understanding how these substances are prepared and their roles in promoting health, ensuring that traditional practices are grounded in systematic knowledge.
19) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana denotes the characteristics or qualities used to identify and classify medicinal substances in Ayurveda. This concept is essential for determining the efficacy of drugs and their proper applications, reflecting the depth of knowledge embedded in traditional healing methodologies.
20) Shastra (Sastra):
Shastra translates to 'scripture' or 'systematic knowledge,' typically referring to the sacred texts that guide various disciplines, including Ayurveda. The authoritative nature of shastra underscores the importance of these ancient teachings in preserving and transmitting medicinal knowledge across generations.
21) Mardana:
Mardana is a term used for the process of grinding or triturating herbal and mineral substances in Ayurveda. This technique enhances the potency and effectiveness of the materials, allowing for improved therapeutic applications, and reflecting the significance of preparation methods in Ayurvedic practices.
22) Prameha:
Prameha refers to a group of metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes, in Ayurveda. Its classification emphasizes the role of lifestyle and dietary factors in these diseases, highlighting the comprehensive understanding of health issues within traditional medical frameworks and the importance of individualized treatment plans.
23) Mineral:
Minerals, such as Hingula and Parada, are inorganic substances extensively utilized in Ayurveda for their therapeutic properties. These minerals are critical in Rasashastra and contribute to various formulations aimed at treating diverse health conditions, underscoring the value of earth-derived materials in traditional medicine.
24) Varga:
Varga represents a classification system in Ayurvedic texts, indicating the grouping of substances based on shared properties or characteristics. This methodical classification facilitates deeper understanding and systematic application of various medicinal compounds, ensuring they are used effectively in treatment protocols.
25) Table:
The term table, in this context, often refers to organized data presented for easier understanding. It summarizes classifications, properties, and methods associated with Hingula and other Ayurvedic substances, thus enhancing comprehension and aiding practitioners in their medicinal applications.
26) Gold (Golden):
Gold, while not directly addressed as a therapeutic substance in this context, is mentioned concerning its testing with Hingula. The historical significance of gold in Ayurvedic texts reflects the dual role of metals in both wealth and medicinal properties, highlighting the interconnectedness of these elements in traditional practices.
27) Sadharanarasa (Sadharana-rasa):
Sadharanarasa categorizes common substances in Ayurvedic texts and signifies those substances deemed broadly applicable for therapeutic use. This classification is essential for establishing a foundational understanding of various medicinal components and their implications within treatment protocols.
28) Tiryakpatana (Tiryak-patana):
Tiryakpatana describes a specific extraction method focusing on the horizontal movement of substances during purification in Ayurveda. Such techniques underscore the importance of methodical approaches in the intricate processes of preparing effective medicinal formulations.
29) Paribhadra:
Paribhadra refers to a specific type of plant or herb used in conjunction with raw materials during extraction processes in Ayurveda. Its inclusion highlights the integration of botanical resources in enhancing the therapeutic properties of medicinal compounds derived from minerals.
30) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaishajya signifies medicinal formulations or preparations in Ayurveda. This term encompasses various substances and their specific uses in treating ailments, emphasizing the diversity and complexity of Ayurvedic healing practices based on natural ingredients and traditional knowledge.
31) Sadharana:
Sadharana refers to general or common types of substances in Ayurvedic texts. This classification is significant in understanding the broader categories that encompass various medicinal elements, facilitating a clearer organization of materials used for therapeutic interventions.
32) Maharasa (Maha-rasa):
Maharasa denotes highly esteemed and potent substances in Rasashastra. Their unique properties make them critical in specific therapeutic applications, reflecting the depth of knowledge embedded in traditional healing methodologies regarding the classification and utilization of minerals and metals.
33) Uparasa (Upa-rasa):
Uparasa denotes a classification of secondary substances in Ayurvedic texts, often derived from minerals. Understanding the role of uparasa helps practitioners expand their therapeutic repertoire, integrating these supplementary resources effectively into treatment strategies.
34) Activity:
Activity refers to the various functions or therapeutic actions performed by medicinal substances in Ayurveda. Understanding the specific activities associated with each drug is essential for tailoring treatments to individual health needs and improving the overall therapeutic efficacy of Ayurvedic practices.
35) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda is perceived as a disturbance in the body’s natural balance. Understanding the nature, causes, and symptoms of diseases is vital for developing suitable treatment strategies that prioritize holistic well-being and personalized healthcare.
36) Pravala:
Pravala, referring to a specific coral or mineral source utilized in Ayurveda, highlights the diversity of substances that can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. It emphasizes the importance of variety within natural resources that practitioners can leverage to treat health conditions.
37) Ardraka:
Ardraka, or ginger, is a well-known herb in Ayurveda appreciated for its numerous health benefits. Often included in formulations, it enhances the flavor and therapeutic properties of remedies, illustrating the integration of culinary and medicinal practices within Ayurvedic healing.
38) Kalpana:
Kalpana encompasses the concept of formulation in Ayurveda, referring to the processes of combining various ingredients to create effective medicines. This concept underlines the necessity of careful preparation and consideration of components for achieving desired therapeutic outcomes.
39) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna references a colored variant or category in Ayurvedic texts, which is important for identifying different forms of minerals or substances. The significance of color in classification can aid practitioners in selecting appropriate remedies based on their physical characteristics and therapeutic attributes.
40) Heating:
Heating refers to the thermal processes applied during the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. It is crucial for enhancing the bioavailability of medicinal substances, ensuring that they release their therapeutic properties effectively when administered to patients.
41) Damaru:
Damaru refers to a double-headed drum often used in rituals and symbolizes the cosmic sound of creation. In Ayurveda, references to Damaru highlight the spiritual aspects of healing practices, linking sound and rhythm with health and wellness philosophies.
42) Parrot:
The parrot is referenced in the context of color (like that of Shukatunda) in Ayurvedic texts. Such symbolic associations enhance the understanding of different varieties of minerals, indicating how color is indicative of certain properties and uses within traditional medicinal practices.
43) Cotton:
Cotton plays a role in the filtration processes used during the preparation of Ayurvedic substances. Its use exemplifies the interplay between natural materials and therapeutic preparations in ensuring purity and quality in medicinal formulations.
44) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three fundamental biological energies in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These energies are essential for understanding an individual’s constitution and the pathophysiology of diseases, guiding personalized treatment strategies towards restoring balance and health.
45) Rakta:
Rakta, translating to blood, signifies a vital component in both anatomy and Ayurveda. The quality and balance of Rakta are considered essential for maintaining health, influencing various physiological processes, and informing treatment approaches for related conditions.
46) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna conveys the concept of heat or warmth in Ayurveda, often used to describe the properties of certain drugs or formulations. The alignment of Ushna with therapeutic activities illustrates the significance of temperature and energy dynamics in Ayurvedic medicine.
47) Desha (Desa):
Desha pertains to the geographical or local context within which Ayurvedic practices are situated. Understanding the regional variations in resources, climate, and cultural practices is crucial for tailoring Ayurvedic treatments to meet local health needs and traditions.
48) Roman (Roma):
Roman references are found within historical contexts of Ayurvedic texts, indicating the influence of different cultures on medicinal practices. These interactions underscore the shared knowledge across civilizations and the global nature of health and healing traditions.
49) Water:
Water is a fundamental element in Ayurvedic practices, serving as the medium for various processes, including extraction, purification, and preparing medicines. Its medicinal significance underscores the importance of hydration and the role of fluids in maintaining health.
50) Blood:
Blood is a critical element in Ayurveda, deeply associated with vitality and health. Its quality is believed to affect overall well-being, dictating the approach to treatments aimed at enhancing blood health and addressing related disorders.
51) Maha (Maha°):
Maha indicates greatness or prominence in Sanskrit, often associated with exalted elements in Ayurveda. In formulations, the classification of Maha signifies substances revered for their superior efficacy and importance in therapeutic practices.
52) Gopi:
Gopi generally refers to the cowherd maidens in Hindu tradition, often symbolizing devotion. In the Ayurvedic context, names like Gopi affix an aspect of spirituality and cultural reverence intertwined with health practices and traditional medications.
53) Loha:
Loha stands for metal in Ayurveda and plays a central role in Rasashastra. Understanding the characteristics and properties of various metals is imperative for their use in therapeutic formulations, signifying the significance of elemental knowledge in traditional healing.
54) Tiryakpatanayantra (Tiryakpatana-yantra):
Tiryakpatana-yantra is a specialized device utilized for the extraction of medicinal properties in Ayurveda. Its application underscores the importance of technology and instrumentation in optimizing the preparation of herbal and mineral substances for therapeutic use.
55) Saindhavalavana (Saindhava-lavana, Saimdhavalavana):
Saindhava-lavana represents rock salt in Ayurveda, recognized for its numerous health benefits. It is commonly used as a seasoning in medicinal preparations, marking the integration of dietary elements within therapeutic practices to enhance overall efficacy.
56) Samdhibandhana (Sandhibandhana, Sandhi-bandhana, Samdhi-bandhana):
Sandhi-bandhana refers to the method of connecting or sealing components during Ayurvedic procedures. This process ensures proper containment and efficacy of preparations, showcasing the technical expertise involved in the crafting of medicinal substances.
57) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. In Ayurveda, this concept emphasizes the investigation into the active properties of medicinal substances, ensuring their safe and effective deployment in therapeutic contexts.
58) Damaruyantra (Damaru-yantra):
Damaru-yantra is a mechanical device symbolically linked to rituals and processes in Ayurveda. Its name reflects the characteristics of sound and rhythm associated with healing practices, illustrating the intersecting roles of spirituality and science in traditional medicine.
59) Valukayantra (Valuka-yantra):
Valuka-yantra is a type of apparatus used in the heating or processing of medicinal substances within Ayurveda. The utilization of such tools demonstrates the methodical approaches adopted in creating and refining formulations to ensure optimal therapeutic use.
60) Arthashastra (Arthasastra, Artha-shastra):
Artha-shastra denotes ancient Indian texts that explore political theory and economics, indirectly influencing the trade and distribution of medicinal materials, including herbs and metals essential within Ayurvedic practices, showcasing a broader cultural context.
61) Urdhvapatana (Urdhva-patana):
Urdhvapatana refers to an upward extraction technique utilized in Ayurveda for purifying minerals. This method highlights the precision in process required to obtain high-quality therapeutic materials, ensuring that wellness practices are rooted in strict procedural adherence.
62) Nimbapatra (Nimba-patra):
Nimba-patra, or neem leaves, are widely recognized in Ayurveda for their medicinal properties. Their use in various formulations illustrates the integration of herbal resources and contributes significantly to enhancing the effectiveness of therapeutic preparations.
63) Kaphapitta (Kapha-pitta):
Kapha-pitta refers to the specific dosha balance concerning bodily energies in Ayurveda. Understanding these classifications aids in formulating personalized approaches to health and treatment strategies based on individual constitution and imbalances.
64) Vajikarana:
Vajikarana espouses the rejuvenative practices within Ayurveda, aiming to enhance vitality and reproductive health. These principles operate on balancing bodily energies, reflecting the comprehensive approach Ayurveda adopts towards health and wellness.
65) Pittahara (Pitta-hara):
Pitta-hara refers to treatments specific for balancing the Pitta dosha in Ayurveda, often addressing issues related to heat, digestion, and inflammation. This targeted approach is vital in navigating individual health challenges based on elemental imbalances.
66) Rasavarga (Rasa-varga):
Rasa-varga signifies the classification of medicinal substances based on their mineral content within Ayurvedic texts. This classification is vital for understanding the therapeutic roles of metals and minerals in treatment frameworks, supporting traditional healing methodologies.
67) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the critical analysis and examination of Ayurvedic concepts and practices. It highlights the continuous exploration and assessment of traditional practices against contemporary understandings, ensuring that Ayurvedic medicine remains relevant and scientifically validated.
68) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
Saindhava, or rock salt, is notable for its mineral content and health benefits in Ayurvedic medicine. Its usage reflects the holistic approach of Ayurveda, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of common dietary components in the maintenance of health.
69) Amlapitta (Amla-pitta):
Amlapitta refers to acid dyspepsia or hyperacidity in Ayurveda. Understanding this condition enables practitioners to develop targeted treatment strategies that address digestive imbalances, showcasing the depth of diagnostic methods within Ayurvedic frameworks.
70) Garavisha (Garavisa, Gara-visha):
Garavisha represents toxic agents or harmful substances in Ayurveda. The understanding and management of garavisha underscore Ayurveda’s comprehensive approach to health, focusing on detoxification and restoring bodily balance in the face of exposures to harmful elements.
71) Blindness:
Blindness in Ayurveda refers to an eye disorder that may be attributed to various imbalances or excessive exposure to certain substances. Understanding its causes from an Ayurvedic perspective allows for targeted treatments aimed at restoring vision and correcting underlying imbalances.
72) Bandhana (Bamdhana):
Bandhana denotes the practice of tying or binding in Ayurvedic preparations. The significance of this technique lies in ensuring the integrity of formulations, particularly in the creation of medicines that require careful handling and application.
73) Kritrima (Krtrima, Kritrama):
Kritrima refers to artificial substances created for therapeutic properties, especially within the realm of mineral-based medicines. This aspect emphasizes the versatility and adaptability of Ayurvedic practices in harnessing diverse resources for health applications.
74) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana exemplifies the rejuvenation processes in Ayurveda, focusing on therapies designed to restore health and vitality. It emphasizes holistic approaches to health optimization and longevity, illustrating the richness of Ayurvedic practices aimed at revitalization.
75) Mandagni (Manda-agni, Mamdagni):
Mandagni signifies low digestive fire in Ayurveda, often leading to various health issues related to metabolism and absorption. Alongside treatment strategies addressing mandagni, Ayurveda emphasizes dietary modifications and lifestyle changes for holistic healing.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 157]
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