Preface

I am happy to bring out the English Version of Text Book of Rasa Sastra . I have ventured to write this book which covers the syllabus of B.A.M.S. out lined in the paper Rasasastra and M.D. Course. The vast majority of the population in the country depend on drugs of indigenous origin. It is, therefore necessary that, more books should come out in this subject. Collection of literature related to Rasa Sastra helps for producing good quality of Ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurvedic compound formulations are divided into two groups viz. a) Rasausadhi (predominantly metals and minerals) dealt in Rasa Sastra, b) Kasthausadhi (Predominantly plant drugs) dealt in Bhaisajya Kalpana. This Text Book of Rasa Sastra deals with different aspects of Rasasastra.

The book however includes the most commonly accepted formulae for the medicinal preparations. A step is made through this book to bring the subject of Rasa Sastra in a lucid language and by incorporating all the syllabus of the subject given by Central Council of Indian Medicine for M.A.M.S. & M.D. course. I have covered about many important formulae as examples and given the complete details including the practical ways of overcoming the difficulties wherever found out. Though the subject matter on Rasa Sastra is also available in other printed Ayurvedic books, it is in a scattered form. Keeping in view of the difficulties faced by students it is tried to bring up this compellition work of Rasa Sastra, by filtering, probing, piercing and extracting the essence of Ayurvedic standard books. In this book all the information is collected at one place, codified and arranged in a systematic way, being spelled under suitable relevant headings. Thus this work deals will all the relevant and important aspects of Rasa Sastra, as the metal, mineral, plant and animal drugs to be used, the appropriate place of their collection, substitutes of unavailable drugs, selection of drugs, pharmaceutical processing with their technical aspects etc.

In this treatise of Rasa Sastra all those medicines are brought to respective sections with wide range information of their pharmaceutical process. Few recipes have also been included which are not mentioned in C.C.I.M. syllabus of Rasa Sastra for the benefit of students. Some of the chapters are discussed in detail, because of there popularity in practical usage. The book is designed according to the sequence of the C.C.I.M. syllabus. Most of the commonly using formulae of Ayurveda are described with their details of preparation, the dosage and indications etc. Every attempt has been made to include as many important formulations as are currently manufactured on a large scale in terms of value and in use throughout the country. Though this book is written in English language the technical terms of Rasa Sastra are written in Sanskrit pronaunsation only. It is hoped that, this book will find a wider reading public.

The object of writing this book is that students of BAMS and M.D., Ayurvedic Physicians, Pharmaceutical personal and others interested in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines and there method of preparation, may understand better from of this book. The readers may get the equalent modern pharmaceutical terminology of Ayurvedic technical terms with their elaborate information, which is necessary for understanding of Rasa Sastra up to some extent.

I fully believe that this endeavor of me, will help undergraduate and post graduate students to get acquainted to the pharmacy of Ayurveda. I well come whole heartedly for the positive suggestions and obliged.

I convey my deep sence of gratitude to respected teacher and dynamic Vice-chancellor (B.H.U.), Prof. Panjab Singh for his constant encouragement.

Because the encouragement given by our Dynamic Director Prof. Gajendra Singh, the work could be completed. The laxicons have not given befitting words to express gratitude to him, thus mute reverence is offered.

My sincere thanks are to Prof. Manjari Dwivedi, Dean, Faculty of Ayurveda, I.M.S., B.H.U., it is because for her encouragement, the work could be completed.

Having showed the path of this work, Prof. C.B. Jha Deptt. Of Rasa Sastra, Faculty of Ayurveda I.M.S., B.H.U., has guided in all aspects. I am also thankful to all my colleagues and friends, students of department of Rasa Sastra who inspired to start and complete this work.

Last but not the least, I am highly obliged to Sri Brajendra Kumar, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Bhawan, for undertaking the publication of this work.

Prayers are offered to all those sages whose works are the basis of this book and also the last feet of almighty for providing courage and wisdom to complete this work.

Dr. K.Rama Chandra Reddy