"Evaluation of Yashada bhasma using Namburi Phased Spot Test"
Journal name: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Original article title: Evaluation of market samples of ‘Yashada bhasma’ using ‘Namburi Phased Spot Test′
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is an open-access publication promoting collaboration between Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and biomedicine, publishing research on integrative health sciences
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Santhosh Bhojashettar, B.T. Poornima, P.G. Jadar
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:
(A monthly peer-reviewed publication)
Full text available for: Evaluation of market samples of ‘Yashada bhasma’ using ‘Namburi Phased Spot Test′
Year: 2011 | Doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.82524
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
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Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “"Evaluation of Yashada bhasma using Namburi Phased Spot Test"”. 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) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to the calx of metals, specifically in Ayurveda, where it represents an ash-like substance derived from the incineration of metals. The quality and preparation of bhasma are crucial in Ayurvedic treatments, with specific bhasmas being prescribed for various ailments, thus highlighting their therapeutic significance.
2) Yashada (Yaśada):
Yashada is the Sanskrit term for Zinc, known for its therapeutic applications in Ayurveda, particularly in the treatment of Prameha (Diabetes) and various other disorders. Its bhasma is derived from Zinc through a specific incineration process, indicating its utility in health and wellness contexts.
3) Quality:
Quality in this context pertains to the efficacy and standardization of Ayurvedic preparations, particularly bhasma. High-quality bhasma is essential for effective treatment outcomes. Evaluating quality ensures that the bhasma meets established safety and efficacy standards in Ayurvedic practice.
4) Pariksha (Parīkṣā, Parikṣā):
Pariksha means examination or testing in Sanskrit, particularly in Ayurveda. It signifies the systematic evaluation of herbal medicines or mineral preparations like bhasma to ascertain their quality, purity, and therapeutic potential, ensuring that they are suitable for patient use.
5) Parada (Pārādā, Pārada, Pāradā, Parādā):
Parada refers to Mercury in Ayurveda, known for its unique properties and role in the preparation of various bhasmas. In traditional practices, Parada is combined with metals like Yashada to enhance their therapeutic efficacy, emphasizing its vital role in Rasashastra.
6) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasaśāstra):
Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda focused on the study and use of metals, minerals, and herbs for therapeutic purposes. It encompasses the preparation of bhasmas, stressing the importance of quality control and the scientific methodologies involved in the formulation of these substances.
7) Shodhana (Śodhana, Sodhana):
Shodhana means purification, a fundamental concept in Ayurveda that involves cleansing raw materials to eliminate impurities. In the context of metals like Yashada, different purification techniques ensure that only the beneficial aspects remain, contributing to the safety and effectiveness of the final bhasma.
8) Prameha:
Prameha is the Ayurvedic term for Diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive urination and thirst. The preparation of specific bhasmas like Yashada is aimed at managing this condition, showcasing the relevance of traditional Ayurvedic formulations in modern health challenges.
9) Dhalana (Dhālana):
Dhalana signifies the liquefying and pouring method used for the purification of metals in Ayurveda. This technique is applied to Yashada to enhance its properties, ensuring it becomes more suitable for therapeutic use by making the metal less contaminated.
10) Marana (Maraṇa, Māraṇa):
Marana refers to the incineration process where purified metals are subjected to high temperatures along with other substances like Parada and Gandhaka. This results in bhasma formation and is crucial for activating the therapeutic properties of the metal in Ayurvedic treatments.
11) Powder:
In the context of bhasma preparation, 'powder' refers to the final form of the substance after incineration. The fineness and consistency of the powder are vital factors that influence its efficacy and absorption, impacting its therapeutic outcomes in Ayurveda.
12) Table:
Table refers to the organized presentation of data, particularly in the results and observations sections. In scientific studies, tables are essential for summarizing complex information for clear understanding and comparison, vital for presenting findings in research on bhasma.
13) Purification:
Purification in Ayurveda is the process of cleansing raw materials to remove impurities, ensuring that the substances used in treatments are safe and effective. This process is critical in the preparation of Yashada bhasma to secure its therapeutic qualities.
14) Observation:
Observation in this study reflects the process of carefully noting the changes and outcomes during various tests conducted on Yashada bhasma. Accurate observations are fundamental for the analysis of results, contributing to the understanding of the bhasma's characteristics and efficacy.
15) Substance:
Substance in this context refers to the various preparations, particularly bhasmas, that are employed in Ayurvedic therapy. Understanding the properties and interactions of these substances is key to assessing their use in treatment protocols.
16) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that focuses on balancing physical, mental, and spiritual health through natural remedies, including herbs and metals. The study of bhasma in Ayurveda showcases its heritage and ongoing relevance in healthcare.
17) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
Gandhaka, or Sulphur, is an important component in the preparation of Yashada bhasma. Its addition during the incineration process enhances the therapeutic properties of the bhasma, showcasing its role in Ayurvedic formulations for their efficacy in treating diseases.
18) Gajaputa (Gajapuṭa, Gaja-puta):
Gajaputa is a traditional process in Ayurvedic metallurgy where the prepared bhasma is subjected to high temperature using cow dung cakes for prolonged periods. This method is believed to enhance the potency of the bhasma, ensuring it is fit for therapeutic use.
19) Nirdhuma (Nirdhūma, Nir-dhuma):
Nirdhuma is a classical bhasma pariksha (quality test) assessing the presence of fumes or smoke during the burning process. A negative result indicates a well-prepared bhasma, signifying its complete transformation and absence of unreacted metals, ensuring therapeutic safety.
20) Varitara (Vāritara):
Varitara is a quality assessment test in Ayurveda that checks the density of bhasma when placed in water. An optimal bhasma should float, indicating purity and proper preparation, which is critical for its medicinal use.
21) Shuddha (Śuddhā, Śuddha, Suddha):
Shuddha signifies purity in Sanskrit, often used to describe high-quality materials used in Ayurvedic formulations. It denotes that substances like Parada and Gandhaka are refined thoroughly to ensure safety and effectiveness in medicinal applications.
22) Disease:
In Ayurveda, 'disease' covers various health ailments addressed through holistic treatments. The purpose of preparing bhasmas like Yashada is to create therapeutic agents targeting specific diseases such as Prameha, combining traditional wisdom and modern needs.
23) Vikara (Vikāra, Vikārā):
Vikara means disorder or disease in Sanskrit. It is a concept in Ayurveda that emphasizes imbalances in the body, highlighting the need for targeted treatments, such as bhasmas, to restore health and harmony.
24) Jarana (Jāraṇa, Jaraṇa):
Jarana refers to the roasting process applied to metals within Ayurvedic practices, aimed at altering their properties for medicinal use. This step in bhasma preparation is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness and bioavailability of the metal in therapeutic applications.
25) Netra:
Netra means eye in Sanskrit, and in Ayurveda, it represents a category of disorders associated with vision. The therapeutic properties of Yashada bhasma are extended to address eye-related conditions, showcasing its versatility within Ayurvedic treatments.
26) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation into the preparation and quality assessment of Yashada bhasma. It emphasizes the scientific approach in Ayurveda, aiming to document findings and ensure rigorous standards in herbal and mineral medicine.
27) Cow urine (Cow's urine):
Cow's urine, or Gomutra, is a purifying agent used in Ayurvedic practices. It is involved in the shodhana process for metals like Yashada, underlining its traditional significance as a detoxifying agent with potential therapeutic properties.
28) Butter milk (Buttermilk):
Butter milk, or Takra, is one of the mediums used for the purification of metals in Ayurveda. Its role in the shodhana process helps ensure that the metal is adequately cleansed, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the resulting bhasma.
29) Sour gruel:
Sour gruel, referred to as Kanjika, serves as a purification medium in Ayurveda. It is used in the shodhana process to enhance the properties of metals like Yashada, ensuring that they are purified thoroughly for medicinal preparations.
30) New Delhi:
New Delhi serves as a significant hub for Ayurvedic research and practices, housing organizations such as CCRAS, which endorse standards like NPST and promote the use of traditional methods in documentation and quality control of Ayurvedic preparations.
31) Cow dung:
Cow dung is a traditional material used in the Gajaputa process, where it serves as a fuel source for incinerating bhasmas. Its use emphasizes the natural methods employed in Ayurveda for enhancing the potency and efficacy of medicinal preparations.
32) Visheshashodhana (Viśeṣaśodhana, Vishesha-shodhana):
Vishesha-shodhana translates to specific purification aimed at particular properties or contaminants in Ayurvedic materials. This detailed cleansing process ensures that each metal is adequately prepared for therapeutic use, which is vital for the effectiveness of bhasmas.
33) Shuddhagandhaka (Śuddhagandhaka, Shuddha-gandhaka):
Shuddha-gandhaka refers to purified Sulphur used in the preparation of bhasmas. Its purity is essential for ensuring safety and efficacy in the final bhasma preparation, highlighting the importance of using quality ingredients in Ayurvedic formulations.
34) Samdhibandhana (Sandhibandhana, Saṃdhibandhana, Sandhi-bandhana, Samdhi-bandhana):
Sandhi-bandhana refers to the sealing process when preparing bhasma. This practice ensures the integrity of the bhasma during the Gajaputa process, vital for preventing contamination and retaining the beneficial properties of the prepared substance.
35) Sesamum indicum:
Sesamum indicum, or Tila, is a medicinal oil used in the shodhana process for purifying metals. Its application emphasizes the traditional practices that leverage natural substances to refine and prepare metals for therapeutic uses.
36) Shuddhaparada (Śuddhapārada, Shuddha-parada):
Shuddha-parada translates to purified Mercury, a critical substance in bhasma preparation. Its purity is necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of the resulting bhasma, reinforcing the importance of quality in Ayurvedic formulations.
37) Citrus limon:
Citrus limon, known as Nimbu, is used in Ayurveda during the bhavana process for bhasma preparation. Its juice is added to enhance the properties of bhasma, showcasing how natural substances synergize with metals for therapeutic effectiveness.
38) Apunarbhava (Apunar-bhava):
Apunarbhava signifies a quality test for bhasma that examines its unreacted metallic content. Passing this test indicates complete transformation, ensuring that the bhasma is safe and effective for use, which is crucial in Ayurvedic medicines.
39) Vatavyadhi (Vātavyādhi, Vata-vyadhi):
VATAVYADHI is a term for neuro-muscular diseases in Ayurveda. The preparation of bhasmas like Yashada is leveraged in treatments targeting such disorders, exemplifying the intersection of traditional medicine with contemporary health issues.
40) Putiloha (Pūtiloha, Puti-loha):
Puti-loha denotes metals with low melting points in Ayurveda. Yashada is categorized as Puti-loha and is significant for its unique properties, influencing its application in various therapeutic formulations, particularly in Rasashastra.
41) Karnataka (Karṇāṭaka):
Karnataka is a state in India known for its rich traditions in Ayurveda. The study conducted on Yashada bhasma emphasizes the regional practices and contributions to Ayurvedic medicine, enhancing the understanding of traditional healing methodologies.
42) Kulattha:
Kulattha refers to a specific legume (Dolichus biflorus) used in Ayurveda for purification processes. Its use in the shodhana of metals highlights the traditional approach to preparing materials for medicinal applications and enhancing their therapeutic qualities.
43) Bandhana (Bamdhana):
Bandhana means binding or sealing in the context of Ayurveda, referring to the processes that protect the integrity of bhasma during preparation. Effective bandhana practices ensure the retention of the properties essential for therapeutic use.
44) Apamarga (Apāmārga, Apamārga):
Apamarga, or Achyranthes aspera, is used in the jarana process during bhasma preparation. Its role underscores the importance of plant materials in purifying and enhancing the properties of metals used therapeutically in Ayurveda.
45) Sindhura (Simdhura):
Sindhura represents a specific class of Ayurvedic preparations, often referring to the metallic preparations mixed with Mercury. The study discusses the significance of such substances, particularly in relation to the formulation standards upheld in Rasashastra.
46) Niruttha (Nir-uttha):
Niruttha is a quality test in Ayurveda assessing the presence of unreacted metals in a finished bhasma. A positive result assures the practitioner of the bhasma's chemical completeness and therapeutic safety, integral for Ayurvedic applications.
47) Vishesha (Viśeṣa, Visesa, viśeṣā):
Vishesha means specific or particular in Ayurvedic terms. It highlights the targeted processes and treatments tailored towards specific needs, such as the Vishesha-shodhana for particular metals to enhance their chemical properties and therapeutic potential.
48) Kanjika (Kañjika, Kāñjika, Kañjikā, Kāñjikā, Kāñjīka, Kamjika):
Kanjika, or sour gruel, serves as a medium in Ayurvedic purification processes. Its incorporation in the shodhana stage for metals like Yashada emphasizes the natural methods utilized in traditional practices for effective treatment preparations.
49) Bhavana (Bhāvanā, Bhāvana, Bha-vana):
Bhavana refers to the trituration process where substances are mixed with liquid media to enhance their properties. This is vital in preparing bhasmas, signifying a blend of technique and traditional knowledge in Ayurvedic formulations.
50) Sharava (Sarāva, Śarāva, Sarava, Śaravā, Sārava):
Sharava translates to casseroles, which are used to store bhasma during the preparation process. This storage method is essential for safeguarding the bhasma's quality and integrity until its application in therapies.
51) Samanya (Sāmānya, Sāmanya):
Samanya stands for general purification processes in Ayurveda aimed at cleansing raw materials of impurities. This is the foundational step in preparing metals like Yashada for therapeutic use, establishing its significance in creating effective bhasmas.
52) Gomutra (Gomūtra, Go-mutra):
Gomutra, or cow's urine, is utilized in the purification of metals in Ayurveda. It embodies the traditional usage of animal products in cleansing processes essential for preparing bhasmas, illustrating the integration of natural elements in Ayurvedic methodologies.
53) Pouring:
Pouring refers to the method used during the dhalana process for purification of metals. This technique signifies the meticulous approach to preparing Ayurvedic materials, ensuring thorough cleansing and enhancing the final product's therapeutic potential.
54) Rasaka (Rāsaka):
Rasaka refers to the metallic extracts used in Ayurveda, particularly in the context of Rasashastra. The importance of Rasaka in formulation highlights the role of metals in traditional medicine and their contributions to maintaining health.
55) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
Sandhi signifies the joint process in Ayurvedic preparation methods that ensure the binding of various ingredients during bhasma formation. This process is crucial for ensuring the integrity and efficacy of the preparation in therapeutic use.
56) Kumari (Kumārī, Kumāri):
Kumari refers to Aloe Vera, whose fresh juice is used in the bhavana process for Yashada preparation. This showcases the integration of herbal materials into the bhasma formulation, enhancing the therapeutic properties and bioavailability of the final product.
57) Satva (Saṭvā, Shatva):
Satva refers to the essence or extract derived from metals in Rasashastra. This terminology emphasizes the focus on the refined aspects of elements during preparation and their intended use in Ayurvedic treatments for various ailments.
58) Taila (Tailā):
Taila means oil in Ayurveda, often used in purification and preparation processes. Its inclusion in the shodhana method for metals highlights the synergistic use of natural elements in enhancing the therapeutic qualities of bhasmas.
59) Pandu (Pāṇḍu, Paṇḍu, Pandū, Pamdu, Pamde):
Pandu is the Ayurvedic term for anemia, a condition treated with Yashada bhasma among other remedies. This connection demonstrates the therapeutic applications of bhasmas in managing specific health conditions, emphasizing their importance in traditional medicine.
60) Delhi:
Delhi, as mentioned, signifies its relevance as a key center for Ayurvedic practices and research. Institutions in Delhi contribute to the documentation and standardization of tests like NPST, enhancing the credibility of Ayurvedic treatments.
61) Takra:
Takra refers to buttermilk, used in the shodhana process for purifying metals. Its role underscores the importance of such natural substances in traditional purification methods, ensuring the overall efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic preparations.
62) Water:
Water serves as a foundational element in numerous Ayurvedic processes, including the purification and formulation of bhasmas. Its utility reflects the naturalistic approach of Ayurveda, emphasizing the significance of elemental substances in health and healing.
63) Tila (Ṭila):
Tila, or sesame oil, is utilized in the shodhana process to purify metals like Yashada. Its fundamental role in Ayurvedic practices highlights the relationship between natural oils and metal preparations, affecting the therapeutic integrity of bhasmas.
64) Loha:
Loha refers to metals in Ayurveda. The classification and processing of metals like Yashada are central to Rasashastra, emphasizing the crucial role of these materials in enhancing therapeutic efficacy in traditional treatments.
65) Puta (Puṭa, Putā, Pūṭā):
Puta refers to the heating or incineration process applied during bhasma preparation. This essential step transforms metals into bhasmas, activating their healing properties across various disorders outlined in Ayurvedic texts.
66) Puti (Pūti, Pūtī):
Puti denotes metals with low melting points, crucial in Ayurvedic preparations for their unique capabilities. Understanding the properties of Puti-loha is essential for ensuring correct applications and treatment formulations in Ayurvedic healthcare practices.
67) Shri (Śri, Śrī, Śṝ, Sṛ, Sṝ):
Shri is an honorific title in Sanskrit that denotes respect. Its use in Ayurveda often accompanies the names of significant figures or texts, enhancing the cultural and historical richness of the practices and beliefs within traditional medicine.
68) Milk:
Milk, utilized in numerous Ayurvedic formulations, signifies nourishment and healing properties. Its potential inclusion in bhasma preparations emphasizes the holistic approach of Ayurveda, integrating various nourishing elements in treatment protocols.
69) Sour:
Sourness, associated with substances like Kanjika (sour gruel), reflects the importance of taste and properties in Ayurvedic medicine. Sour elements are often used for their specific therapeutic properties, contributing to the overall efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments.