Review of Mineral Identification in Ayurvedic Rasa Dravyasa
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A Review of Mineralogical Identification of Ayurvedic Rasa Dravyasa in Modern Context
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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Kumar Pankaj
PG Scholar, RSBK Dept, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Patna, Bihar, India.
Dwivedi Prabhat Kumar
Professor, RSBK Dept, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Patna, Bihar, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A Review of Mineralogical Identification of Ayurvedic Rasa Dravyasa in Modern Context
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i2.1523
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study of Rasashastra, a branch of Ayurveda, focuses on the therapeutic application of metals and minerals, alongside the preparation of herbo-mineral formulations. In this discipline, raw materials are meticulously classified based on their properties and therapeutic efficacy, highlighting the significance of their identification for safe and effective medical use. Historically, sensory characteristics such as color and texture were employed for this purpose. However, these methods have proven inadequate for establishing universal identification standards or detecting adulteration, prompting a shift toward modern scientific techniques for mineral identification. The study compiles contemporary methodologies and insights to support the effective identification of Rasa Dravyasa (metals and minerals) in the context of Ayurveda.
Modern Tools and Techniques for Identification
One of the crucial advancements in the identification of Rasa Dravyasa is the introduction of modern tools and techniques. This includes methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), chemical assays, and various physical property evaluations. The application of these techniques aids in determining the unique properties of mineral substances, including crystal structure, density, streak, and cleavage. By utilizing these advanced methods, discrepancies that exist when relying solely on traditional sensory evaluations can be effectively addressed. The convergence of classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific validation provides a robust framework for ensuring the authenticity and safety of Ayurvedic medicinal preparations.
The Classification of Rasa Dravyasa
The classification system of Rasa Dravyasa encompasses various categories such as Maharasa, Uparasa, Sadharana Rasa, Dhatu, Ratna, and Upratna. Each category comprises specific minerals distinguished by their origin and properties, which is critical for their application in therapeutics. For instance, Maharasa, considered the most potent category, includes substances like Abhraka (biotite mica) and Vaikranta (tourmaline), each possessing unique therapeutic traits. Conversely, Uparasa, while useful, contains minerals that exhibit fewer beneficial properties compared to mercury. Understanding these classifications and the corresponding chemical compositions grants practitioners insights into selecting appropriate materials, enhancing their therapeutic efficacy in Ayurvedic practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of modern scientific methodologies with Ayurvedic principles represents a significant advancement in the identification and standardization of Rasa Dravyasa. This review emphasizes the necessity for rigorous identification protocols to mitigate the challenges posed by adulteration and ambiguous origins of Ayurvedic materials. By establishing a comprehensive framework that combines ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary mineralogical insights, the study aims to foster improved practices in the selection and application of mineral drugs. Such an approach not only enhances the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments but also bolsters the field's credibility in modern healthcare environments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of Rasashastra in Ayurveda?
Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with metals, minerals, and herbomineral preparations, focusing on their therapeutic use, selection, processing, and formulation into medicines.
How were raw drugs identified in ancient Ayurvedic practices?
In ancient times, raw drugs were primarily identified using sensory factors such as color, smell, texture, and taste, but this method lacked universal standards for identification and adulteration detection.
What modern techniques are used for identifying Rasa dravyasa?
Modern techniques for identifying Rasa dravyasa include X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), chemical assays, and various physical tests like streak, cleavage, and hardness measurements.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review of Mineral Identification in Ayurvedic Rasa Dravyasa”. 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) Mineral:
A mineral is a naturally occurring substance formed in the Earth with a specific chemical composition, consistent physical traits, and a recognizable crystalline structure. Minerals can be metallic or non-metallic, and they are used in Ayurveda for their therapeutic properties.
2) Rasa (Rasha):
In Rasashastra, 'Rasa' primarily refers to mercury, a metal known for its unique properties like liquefaction and absorption of other metals. Mercury is considered primary among 'Rasa Dravya' due to its ability to eliminate aging problems and cure diseases.
3) Drug:
Ayurvedic drugs, particularly those covered in Rasashastra, include metals, minerals, and herbomineral preparations. These drugs often have high therapeutic efficacy in minute doses and extended shelf lives, making them superior to purely herbal drugs.
4) Kumar:
Kumar Pankaj, listed as the first author, is a PG Scholar who contributed to the article 'A Review of Mineralogical Identification of Ayurvedic Rasa Dravyasa in Modern Context' along with Dwivedi Prabhat Kumar, a Professor in the RSBK Dept at Govt. Ayurvedic College, Patna.
5) Substance:
In the context of Rasashastra and Ayurvedic medicine, a substance (Dravya) generally refers to any material used in medicinal preparations, including elements like metals, minerals, and gem-quality stones.
6) Nature:
The nature of minerals and metals, as described in the article, includes their physical properties such as state of aggregation, crystal habit, color, and magnetic properties, which are essential for identification and therapeutic use.
7) Mica:
Mica, also known as Abhraka, is a mineral with therapeutic qualities in Rasashastra. It is characterized by its smooth and thick layers, good colors, heaviness, and the ease with which its layers can be separated.
8) Gold (Golden):
Golden color is commonly associated with precious metals like gold in Rasashastra, and it is an important identifying characteristic for various therapeutic minerals and formulations.
9) Maharasa (Maha-rasa):
Maharasa is a group of eight minerals in Ayurveda known for their potency and utility in potentiating the properties of mercury. These minerals include Abhraka, Vaikrant, Makshika, Vimal, Adrija, Sasyaka, Chapala, and Rasaka.
10) Silver:
Silver, or Rajata, is another Dhatu in Ayurveda. Found in forms such as granules, nuggets, and feathers, silver is described as having a white color, metallic luster, and specific properties like being sectile, ductile, and malleable.
11) Ratna:
Ratna refers to precious gemstones in Ayurveda. These include ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, topaz, diamond, sapphire, zircon, and cat's eye. They are valued for their therapeutic properties, beauty, and rarity.
12) Dhatu:
Dhatu in Rasashastra pertains to metals like gold, silver, copper, and iron, which are valued for their disease-fighting properties and longevity-promoting effects. They are also differentiated into pure and mixed categories.
13) Horse:
The term 'Horse' here refers to horse-shoe magnets used in identifying magnetic properties of substances. Minerals that deflect a compass needle when brought near are considered magnetic.
14) Loha:
Loha denotes metals such as iron in Ayurveda. Known for their curative properties, these metals are essential in medicinal formulations. They may be pure or alloyed, like in the case of Mishra Loha.
15) Grahya:
Grahya Lakshana are the acceptable qualities and characteristics of substances as described in Ayurvedic texts for identification and therapeutic efficacy. These characteristics include traits like color, weight, and separation ease.
16) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
Rasashastra is the Ayurvedic science dedicated to metals, minerals, and their medicinal formulations. It deals with various processes like purification, incineration, and combination with herbs for therapeutic purposes.
17) Science (Scientific):
The article discusses modern scientific tools and techniques used alongside traditional Ayurvedic methods for identifying and standardizing metal and mineral drugs. Techniques like X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are highlighted.
18) Kankushtha (Kankustha, Kamkushtha):
Kankustha, or ruhbarb, is one of the Uparasa in Rasashastra. It is described with specific characteristics such as being yellow in color and heavy, used for medicinal purposes.
19) Makshika (Maksika):
Makshika refers to copper pyrite in Rasashastra. Characterized by its snigdha (unctuous), heavy, shyamal (blackish) appearance, and golden streak upon rubbing, it is one of the Maharasa minerals.
20) Shastra (Sastra):
Shastra in Ayurveda refers to the traditional scientific texts that guide the medicinal preparation and use of substances like metals and minerals, particularly in Rasashastra.
21) Uparasa (Upa-rasa):
Uparasa are minerals not equivalent to mercury but possessing lesser properties. These include Gandhak, Gairik, Kasis, Kangshi, Hartal, Manashila, Anjan, and Kankustha. They are valuable in certain formulations.
22) Abhraka:
Abhraka is mica, noted for its smooth, thick layers, significant weight, and ease of separation. It is one of the Maharasa minerals, highly valued in Ayurvedic treatments.
23) Sasyaka (Shasyaka):
Sasyaka, or copper sulfate, in Rasashastra is characterized by its peacock neck color and significant weight. It is one of the Maharasa minerals used in therapeutic applications.
24) Disease:
In Rasashastra, metals and minerals are used to prepare 'Rasa Aushadhis' that address various diseases. Their specific properties are believed to make them superior to herbal drugs in disease treatment.
25) Rasaka:
Rasaka, identified as zinc ore, is another Maharasa mineral. It is used for Satva Patina and other therapeutic applications, characterized by its specific attributes such as color and weight.
26) Parada:
Parada, or mercury, is central to Rasashastra, known for its unique properties like liquefaction and absorption of other metals. It is pivotal in many formulations aimed at curing and rejuvenating the body.
27) Mahara:
Mahara likely refers to the group Maharasa, which includes potent Ayurveda minerals like Abhraka and Vaikrant, considered highly effective for their therapeutic properties.
28) Sadharanarasa (Sadharana-rasa):
Sadharanarasa refers to simpler, commonly used minerals in Rasashastra, such as Campillaka and Girisindura. They have specific roles in formulations.
29) Gauripashana (Gauripasana, Gauri-pashana):
Gauripashana or arsenic oxide is one of the Sadharana-rasa minerals. It has unique characteristics like being sphatikabha (resembling crystal) and is used in various formulations.
30) Sadharana:
Sadharana minerals in Rasashastra are those commonly used in formulations, not as potent as Maharasa but essential for specific applications. Examples include Kampillaka and Navsadara.
31) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine that uses holistic approaches, including herbomineral preparations described in texts like Rasashastra for treating various ailments.
32) Capala:
Chapala, identified as bismuth ore, is a Maharasa mineral described as white, having six edges, with smooth and heavy properties, used in Ayurvedic formulations.
33) Dravya:
Dravya in Ayurveda refers to substances used in medications, including metals, minerals, and herbs. In Rasashastra, these dravyasa have defined therapeutic roles and qualities.
34) Kasisa (Kashisha):
Kasisa, or ferrous sulfate, is an Uparasa mineral in Rasashastra. It comes in two varieties, Churna kasisa (white, slightly yellow) and PushpaKasisa (green), used for therapeutic benefits.
35) Powder:
Powder refers to the fine state in which many Ayurvedic minerals and metals, like Kasisa and Swarnamakshika, are prepared for medicinal use. This form aids in better absorption and efficacy.
36) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. It represents traditional Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and Rasashastra.
37) Glass:
Glass is mentioned in the context of modern scientific techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), which are used to analyze crystalline structures in various substances, including Ayurveda minerals.
38) Topaz:
Topaz is one of the precious stones in the Ratna classification of Rasashastra. It is valued for its therapeutic properties and is categorized alongside other important gems like ruby and sapphire.
39) Precious stone:
Precious stones like ruby, emerald, and diamond (Ratna) are highly valued in Rasashastra for their therapeutic properties, rarity, and beauty. Their identification is crucial for medicinal use.
40) Sauviranjana (Sauvira-anjana, Sauviramjana):
Sauviranjana, a variety of collyrium, is one of several forms of Anjan in Ayurveda. It is characterized by properties like smokiness and internal shine, used medically for eye conditions.
41) Transmission:
Transmission refers to light passing through materials, which aids in the identification of minerals in Rasashastra. Materials may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
42) Girisindura:
Girisindura, or red oxide of mercury, is one of the Sadharana-rasa substances. It is known for its fine texture, heavy weight, and shiny appearance, used in various Ayurvedic formulations.
43) Kampillaka:
Kampillaka (Mallatus Phillippinensis) is one of the Sadharana-rasa minerals. It is used in specific Ayurvedic formulations, valued for its unique properties.
44) Vaikranta (Vaikramta):
Vaikranta, identified as tourmaline in modern classifications, is a Maharasa mineral. It is known for its crystalline prismatic nature and is used in specialized Ayurvedic treatments.
45) Shilajatu (Silajatu, Shila-jatu):
Shilajatu, or Adrija, is a mineral pitch considered a Maharasa. It is used in Rasashastra for its potent therapeutic properties and ability to enhance the efficacy of other metals.
46) Agnijara:
Agnijara, or ambergris, is one of the Sadharana-rasa substances. It is used in particular Ayurvedic formulations, valued for its unique properties and applications.
47) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to identifying characteristics or marks of substances described in Ayurvedic texts. These include visual, tactile, and olfactory traits used for ensuring quality and authenticity.
48) Sapphire:
Sapphire, or Nilam, is one of the Ratna (precious stones) in Rasashastra. It is highly valued for its therapeutic properties and is characterized by its blue color and high transparency.
49) Kaparda:
Kaparda, or cowrie, is listed under Sadharana-rasa. It is used in specific Ayurvedic formulations for its unique properties and is often prepared as a finely powdered substance.
50) Hingula (Himgula):
Hingula, or cinnabar, is one of the Sadharana-rasa minerals. Known for its red color like Hibiscus flower, it is heavy, shiny, and used in various Ayurvedic formulations.
51) Emerald:
Emerald, or Panna, is one of the precious gemstones classified as Ratna in Rasashastra. It is valued for its therapeutic properties and distinctive green color.
52) Rajata:
Rajata, or silver, is a Dhatu in Ayurveda. It is characterized by its silver-white color, metallic luster, and specific therapeutic properties, including being malleable and ductile.
53) Gomeda (Go-meda):
Gomeda, identified as zircon or hessonite, is one of the Ratnas in Rasashastra. It is valued for its therapeutic properties and reddish-brown color, which make it distinctive.
54) Zircon:
Zircon, also known as Gomeda, is a precious stone classified under Ratna in Ayurveda. It is recognized for its reddish-brown color and therapeutic properties in the traditional medicinal system.
55) Tamra:
Tamra, or copper, is a Dhatu in Rasashastra. It is recognized for its red color and therapeutic properties. Copper is malleable, ductile, and forms an important part of Ayurvedic formulations.
56) Pearl:
Pearl, or Mukta, is a precious gemstone classified under Ratna in Rasashastra. It is valued for its therapeutic uses and unique luster, often included in various Ayurvedic remedies.
57) Earth:
The term 'Earth' in Rasashastra often refers to the natural origin of many therapeutic minerals and metals. These substances are collected from the earth and processed for medicinal use.
58) Coral:
Coral, or Pravala, is a precious gemstone known as Ratna in Rasashastra. It is used for its therapeutic benefits and is characterized by its beautiful red or pink color.
59) Kashi (Kasi):
Kasi in Rasashastra likely refers to Kasis, also known as ferrous sulfate. It is one of the Uparasa minerals, described with specific colors and textures for therapeutic uses.
60) Ruby:
Ruby, or Manikya, is one of the precious stones in the Ratna classification of Rasashastra. Recognized for its deep red color, it is used for its therapeutic properties.
61) Samudralavana:
Samudra-lavana, or common salt (NaCl), is used in Ayurvedic formulations. It is described as having coarse crystalline aggregates, which are translucent and white or off-white in color.
62) Rasaushadhi (Rasa-aushadhi, Rasausadhi):
Rasa-aushadhi refers to medicinal formulations in Rasashastra that primarily utilize metals and minerals. These drugs are known for their potency and are used to treat various ailments.
63) Pushpakasisa (Puspakasisa, Pushpa-kasisa, Pushpakasisha):
Pushpakasisa, or green vitriol, is one variety of Kasis (ferrous sulfate). It is characterized by its green color and is used in specific Ayurvedic treatments.
64) Mishraloha (Misraloha, Mishra-loha):
Mishra-loha refers to alloys in Rasashastra such as Kasya, Pital, and Varta. These are combined metals used for specific therapeutic advantages in Ayurvedic formulations.
65) Pushpanjana (Puspanjana, Pushpa-anjana, Pushpamjana):
Pushpanjana is one variety of Anjan, or collyrium, in Ayurveda. It is characterized by its white color and is used for specific eye treatments.
66) Kantalauha (Kanta-lauha):
Kanta-lauha, or iron ore, is used in Rasashastra. It is characterized by a greyish-black color and reddish-black streak, known for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine.
67) Pushparaga (Pusparaga, Pushpa-raga):
Pushparaga refers to topaz, classified under Ratna in Rasashastra. It is a precious stone valued for its therapeutic benefits and distinct yellow color.
68) Discussion:
The Discussion section of the article emphasizes the challenges and modern techniques in identifying Ayurvedic Rasa Dravyasa. It compares ancient sensory methods with modern scientific tools for better standardization.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 124]