Rasashastra (रसशास्त्रम्) - Revision history

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पारद संस्काराः॥ Parada Sanskaras

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2024-10-28T16:29:36Z

पारद संस्काराः॥ Parada Sanskaras

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2024-10-13T14:22:12Z

पारद संस्काराः॥ Parada Sanskaras

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@@ Line 112: / Line 112: @@
 Eight and eighteen independent procedures have to be carried out respectively for ‘Rasayana’ and ‘Alchemy’.
-These procedures are grouped as ‘<ref />Ashtasanskara’ comprising eight and ‘Ashtaadasha sanskara’ comprising eighteen independent procedures.
+These procedures are grouped as 'Ashtasanskara’ comprising eight and ‘Ashtaadasha sanskara’ comprising eighteen independent procedures.
 अष्टसंस्काराः Ashtasanskara : Ashta – 8

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 == परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
 Medicines used in Ayurveda are sourced from plants, metals, minerals or animals. As per the principles of Ayurveda, there is not a single substance in the Universe which does not have a potential to be used as a drug, provided it is used judiciously by the learned [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|vaidya]] (वैद्यः) at right place. The most valued classical treatises of Ayurveda the Brihatrayee (बृहत्रयी) and [[Laghutrayee (लघुत्रयी)|Laghutrayee]] (लघुत्रयी) mainly focus on use of plant derived medicines. However, some instances of use of medicinal substances derived from metals and animals are found at places. Development of Rasashastra (रसशास्त्रम्) took place in later times and use of metal, mineral and animal derived substances then became popular part in Ayurveda's pharmacotherapeutics.
 == द्रव्यप्रकाराः॥Medicines used in Ayurveda ==

@@ Line 91: / Line 91: @@
 == देहवादः तथा धातुवादः॥ Dehavada and Dhatuvada ==
-Mercury is utilized in Medicine and Alchemy.
+[[Mercury or Parada (पारद)]] is utilized in Medicine and Alchemy.
 Method of putting Mercury to medicinal use is known as ‘Deha vaada’ (Deha- Body, Vaada- science/knowledge).

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{NeedCitation}}
-Rasashastra (Samskrit रसशास्त्रम्) is one of the most popular sections of Ayurveda medicine which deals with use of mineral and animal sourced medicinal substances. Rasashastra offers knowledge about methods for design, preparation, purification of these substances, their formulation methods and ways to make them bio-compatible, safe and effective as medicines. The term 'Rasa-shastra' literally means “Science of Mercury” since the purified and extensively processed mercury is one of the majorly used substance in Rasashastra. Various plant and animal derived substances are used in specific processing techniques in order to carry out desired changes in raw drugs. The medicinal substances obtained in this classical way have extensive therapeutic utility, safety and instantaneous efficacy with smaller dosage.
+Rasashastra (Samskrit रसशास्त्रम्) is one of the most popular pharmaceutical branch of Ayurveda medicine which deals with preparation of medicinal formulations containing mineral and animal sourced substances. It is also called as Iatrochemistry of Ayurveda. The branch of Rasashastra offers knowledge on methods of design, preparation, purification of these substances, their formulation methods and ways to make them bio-compatible, safe and effective as medicines. The term 'Rasa-shastra' literally means “Science of Mercury” since the purified and extensively processed mercury is one of the majorly used substance in Rasashastra. Entire science of Rasaashastra deals with use of processing techniques and methods to modify the bio-chemical and physical properties of the metal, mineral or animal origin  substances. These alchemy methods make Rasashastra exclusive pharmaceutical branch and attract many people towards it. The medicinal substances obtained in classical way as described in Rasashastra have extensive therapeutic utility, safety and instantaneous efficacy even with smaller dosage.
 == परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
@@ Line 84: / Line 84: @@
 == रसशास्त्रे संस्काराः॥ Samskaras in Rasashastra ==
-In the context of pharmacology in Ayurveda, Samskaras refer to the processing methods employed to transform the properties of the substances. Such sanskaras are performed specifically to remove undesired properties and enhance desirable qualities of the raw drugs used in formulations. Thus, sanskaras represent one of the extremely important aspects in pharmacology of Ayurveda since this step facilitates safe and simple administration, metabolism, absorption and assimilation of even those inorganic metals, minerals or poisonous substances in the body which work as medicines.
+In the context of pharmacology in Ayurveda, Samskaras refer to the processing methods employed to transform the properties of the substances. Such samskaras are performed specifically to remove undesired properties and enhance desirable qualities of the raw drugs used in formulations. Thus, samskaras represent one of the extremely important aspects in pharmacology of Ayurveda since this step facilitates safe and simple administration, metabolism, absorption and assimilation of even those inorganic metals, minerals or poisonous substances in the body which work as medicines.
-In treatises on Rasashastra, various samskaras are described for purification of Mercury and other metals or minerals. It is believed that, metals have natural impurities called as ‘ Doshas’. Here, doshas literally mean fault/defect/harmful elements in the substance. Therefore, it becomes necessary to remove doshas of metals and minerals before their oral administration. In order to address these concerns most of the Rasashastra advise 2 common sanskaras (processes) to be conducted on all these inorganic substances use din medicines. These are Shodhana and Marana. Shodhana sanskara is primarily employed for purification or cleansing of the material while Marana sanskara is carried out using heat or fire after shodhana to make the purified substances suitable for oral consumption.
+In treatises on Rasashastra, various samskaras are described for purification of Mercury and other metals or minerals. It is believed that, metals have natural impurities called as ‘ Doshas’. Here, doshas literally mean fault/defect/harmful elements in the substance. Therefore, it becomes necessary to remove doshas of metals and minerals before their oral administration. In order to address these concerns most of the Rasashastra advise 2 common sanskaras (processes) to be conducted on all these inorganic substances used in medicines. These are Shodhana and Marana. Shodhana sanskara is primarily employed for purification or cleansing of the material while Marana sanskara is carried out using heat or fire after shodhana to make the purified substances suitable for oral consumption.
 # Shodhana- Purification/cleansing and
 # Marana- process by which metals and minerals are grinded with liquids and then dried and made into fine ash using heat/ Incineration process

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{NeedCitation}}Rasashastra (Samskrit रसशास्त्रम्) deals with Indian alchemy. The term 'Rasa-shastra' literally means “Science of Mercury”. Apart from its primary domain of alchemy, it is also one of the most popular sections of Ayurveda medicine which includes use of mineral and animal sourced medicinal substances. Rasashstra provides knowledge about methods to purify and modify these substances and make them bio-compatible, safe and effective as medicines. Various plant and animal derived substances are used in specific processing techniques in order to carry out these changes in raw drugs. The medicinal substances obtained in this way have extensive therapeutic utility, instantaneous efficacy with smaller dosage.
+{{NeedCitation}}
 == परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
-Medicines used in Ayurveda are sourced from plants, metals, minerals or animals. As per the principles of Ayurveda, there is not a single substance in the Universe which does not have a potential to be used as a drug, provided it is used judiciously by the learned vaidya (वैद्यः) at right place. The most valued classical treatises of Ayurveda the Brihatrayee (बृहत्रयी) and [[Laghutrayee (लघुत्रयी)|Laghutrayee]] (लघुत्रयी) mainly focus on use of plant derived medicines. However, some instances of use of medicinal substances derived from metals and animals are found at places. Development of Rasashastra (रसशास्त्रम्) took place in later times and use of metal, mineral and animal derived substances then became popular part in Ayurveda's pharmacotherapeutics.
+Medicines used in Ayurveda are sourced from plants, metals, minerals or animals. As per the principles of Ayurveda, there is not a single substance in the Universe which does not have a potential to be used as a drug, provided it is used judiciously by the learned [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|vaidya]] (वैद्यः) at right place. The most valued classical treatises of Ayurveda the Brihatrayee (बृहत्रयी) and [[Laghutrayee (लघुत्रयी)|Laghutrayee]] (लघुत्रयी) mainly focus on use of plant derived medicines. However, some instances of use of medicinal substances derived from metals and animals are found at places. Development of Rasashastra (रसशास्त्रम्) took place in later times and use of metal, mineral and animal derived substances then became popular part in Ayurveda's pharmacotherapeutics.
 == द्रव्यप्रकाराः॥Medicines used in Ayurveda ==
-Ayurveda makes use of 3 types of medicinal substances classified as below on the basis of their source. <ref /> (Savrikar SS, Ravishankar B. Introduction to 'Rasashaastra' the Iatrochemistry of Ayurveda. ''Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med''. ;8(5 Suppl):66–82. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.1)
+Ayurveda makes use of 3 types of medicinal substances classified as below on the basis of their source.<ref>Savrikar SS, Ravishankar B. Introduction to 'Rasashaastra' the Iatrochemistry of Ayurveda. ''Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med''. ;8(5 Suppl):66–82. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.1</ref>
 # औद्भिद Audbhid : Plant derived substances e.g. leaves, barks, roots, stems, fruits, seeds, shoots etc. of herbs
 # जाङ्‍गम Jangama : Animal derived substances e.g. milk, meat, blood, urine
 # पार्थिव Parthiva : Metals and minerals derived substances e.g. Mercury, Sulfur, Iron, gold, silver, Arsenic etc.
-Although the raw material from preparation of various medicinal formulations is obtained from these varied resources, it is used in medicines only after these undergo rigorous processing methods known as 'Samskaras' to remove their undesired and hazardous effects and enhance the organic nature to make them bio-compatible. <ref /> (Gandhi, Piyush. (2014). Marana-As a Bio-nanotechnology of Ayurveda. Research and Reviews: Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy. 1. 12-18.)
+Although the raw material from preparation of various medicinal formulations is obtained from these varied resources, it is used in medicines only after these undergo rigorous processing methods known as 'Samskaras' to remove their undesired and hazardous effects and enhance the organic nature to make them bio-compatible.<ref>Gandhi, Piyush. (2014). Marana-As a Bio-nanotechnology of Ayurveda. Research and Reviews: Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy. 1. 12-18.</ref>
 == रसशास्त्रस्य इतिहास History of Rasashstra ==
@@ Line 80: / Line 81: @@
 # Mrigashringa - Deer antlers
 # Kurmaprishtha- Turtle shell
-Apart from these exclusively animal derived substances, few substances which have animal as well as mineral origin like Shankha (Conch shell), Pravala  (Coral), Mukta (Pearl), Mukta shukti (Pearl oyster shell) are also widely discussed and commonly used in practice of Ayurvediya medicine. Many of these substances have calcium as compound in form of salt thus they have been grouped together. This class of substances is known as 'Sudha varga' in Rasashstra. <ref /> (Dasari et al. Therapeutic potentials of Sudha varga Vis a vis Calcium compounds- A review, IRJP 2012; 3 (10))
+Apart from these exclusively animal derived substances, few substances which have animal as well as mineral origin like Shankha (Conch shell), Pravala  (Coral), Mukta (Pearl), Mukta shukti (Pearl oyster shell) are also widely discussed and commonly used in practice of Ayurvediya medicine. Many of these substances have calcium as compound in form of salt thus they have been grouped together. This class of substances is known as 'Sudha varga' in Rasashstra. <ref>Dasari et al. Therapeutic potentials of Sudha varga Vis a vis Calcium compounds- A review, IRJP 2012; 3 (10)</ref>
 == रसशास्त्रे संस्काराः॥ Samskaras in Rasashastra ==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{NeedCitation}}Rasashastra (Samskrit रसशास्त्रम्) deals with Indian alchemy. The term literally means the “Science of Mercury”. Apart from its primary domain of alchemy, it is also one of the most popular sections of Ayurveda medicine which offers knowledge regarding use of mineral and animal sourced medicinal substances. Rasashstra provides knowledge about methods required to purify and modify these substances to make them bio-compatible, safe and efficient as medicines. Various herbs, substances like milk, urine, oils are used in specifically designed processing techniques in order to carry out these changes in raw drugs. The medicinal substances obtained in this way have extensive therapeutic utility, instantaneous efficacy with smaller dosage.
+{{NeedCitation}}Rasashastra (Samskrit रसशास्त्रम्) deals with Indian alchemy. The term 'Rasa-shastra' literally means “Science of Mercury”. Apart from its primary domain of alchemy, it is also one of the most popular sections of Ayurveda medicine which includes use of mineral and animal sourced medicinal substances. Rasashstra provides knowledge about methods to purify and modify these substances and make them bio-compatible, safe and effective as medicines. Various plant and animal derived substances are used in specific processing techniques in order to carry out these changes in raw drugs. The medicinal substances obtained in this way have extensive therapeutic utility, instantaneous efficacy with smaller dosage.
 == Introduction ==
-Medicines used in Ayurveda are sourced from plants, metals, minerals or animals. As per the principles of Ayurveda, there is not a single substance in the Universe which does not have a potential to be used as a drug, provided it is used judiciously by the learned vaidya at right place. The most valued classical treatises of Ayurveda the Brihatrayee and [[Laghutrayee (लघुत्रयी)|Laghutrayee]] mainly focus on use of plant derived medicines. However, some instances of use of medicinal substances derived from metals and animals are found at places. Development of Rasashstra took place in later times and use of metal, mineral and animal derived substances then became popular part in Ayurveda's pharmacotherapeutics.
+Medicines used in Ayurveda are sourced from plants, metals, minerals or animals. As per the principles of Ayurveda, there is not a single substance in the Universe which does not have a potential to be used as a drug, provided it is used judiciously by the learned vaidya at right place. The most valued classical treatises of Ayurveda the Brihatrayee and [[Laghutrayee (लघुत्रयी)|Laghutrayee]] mainly focus on use of plant derived medicines. However, some instances of use of medicinal substances derived from metals and animals are found at places. Development of Rasashastra took place in later times and use of metal, mineral and animal derived substances then became popular part in Ayurveda's pharmacotherapeutics.
 == Medicines used in Ayurveda  ==
-Ayurveda acharyas have described 3 types of medicinal substances on the basis of their source. <ref name=":0">Savrikar SS, Ravishankar B. Introduction to 'Rasashaastra' the Iatrochemistry of Ayurveda. ''Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med''. ;8(5 Suppl):66–82. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.1</ref>
+Ayurveda makes use of 3 types of medicinal substances classified as below on the basis of their source. <ref name=":0">Savrikar SS, Ravishankar B. Introduction to 'Rasashaastra' the Iatrochemistry of Ayurveda. ''Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med''. ;8(5 Suppl):66–82. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.1</ref>
 # Audbhid : Plant derived substances e.g. leaves, barks, roots, stems, fruits, seeds, shoots etc. of herbs
 # Jangama : Animal derived substances e.g. milk, meat, blood, urine
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 It was from the time of the great Buddhist Sage Nagarjuna that, Rasashastra evolved as the specialized branch of Ayurveda medicine. Nagarjuna is considered as ‘Father of Rasashaastra’. He is known for his extraordinary efforts in experimenting with Mercury for its alchemic as well as therapeutic use. Ancient scholars, sages and seers in Bharatavarsha were not merely interested in using Mercury for alchemy but the main objective was to attain stability of the physical body. In order to attain Moksha one needs to follow the strenuous path of proposed by dharma. Having healthy and strong physical body free from diseases is the preliminary requirement for this. In an attempt to achieve this ancient scholars started experimenting with metals and minerals after realizing their stability on earth which was the desired outcome on their use. In today’s scientific parlance ‘Rasashastra’ can be equated with ‘Iatrochemistry’. Mercury is that miraculous mineral which attracted the attention of scholars even in the ancient times. Experimenting with this most unstable mineral was started to make it stable and keep it under control. Numerous processing techniques were developed to make it suitable for use in alchemy and also in medicine. In this way, with the advent of Mercury, known as 'Rasa' in samskrit, a new class of drugs termed as ‘Rasaushadhi’ (Rasa-aushadhi) with a new shastram termed as ‘Rasashastra’ appeared on the horizon of ‘Ayurvedic system of medicine’.<ref name=":0" />
-Development of branch of Rasashastra
+Development of Rasashastra as a part of Ayurveda medicine
 ‘Rasashastra’ comprises study of minerals and metals with reference to their identification, processing and formulations methods for their use as medicinal substances. This segment of Ayurveda is termed after name of 'Rasa' i.e. mercury since it is the most extensively discussed substance among all the mineral and metallic substances used in Rasashastra. Other substances studied under Rasashstra include sulfur, mica, arsenic, gems like pearls, metals like gold, silver, copper and many other substances. Treatment of minerals with herbs, animal products and other minerals or metals was carried out to make them suitable for use in alchemy and pharmaco-therapeutics. In ancient times, this knowledge was predominantly practiced by 'Tantra' sampradaya (community) who were the followers and devotees of 'Shiva'.{{Citation needed}} Later the physicians started use of ‘Rasaushadhi’ in the management of disease and such physicians were became popular as ‘Rasa-vaidya’ (Vaidyas using chiefly Rasa-aushadhis). <ref name=":0" />
@@ Line 73: / Line 73: @@
 === Animal origin substances ===
-Sudha Varga- Shankha, shouktik, kapardik, praval etc
+Use of animal derived substances like milk, urine, meat, hairs and many other parts is done at many places in Ayurveda. Animal derived substances are used as food as well as medicine. When used as food they are suggested to be used on  the basis of their properties which have been extensively described in classical treatises. Most of the times, purification or specific processing of food items is required. however, few animal derived substances which are widely used in Ayurveda as medicine are required to undergo specific processing methods in order to eliminate their harmful or undesired properties and make them safe, bio-compatible and effective as medicines.
 == Samskaras in Rasashastra ==
@@ Line 90: / Line 97: @@
 In medicine mercury is used (a) as a general medicine in diseased states and (b) as a ‘Rasayana’ (Rejuvenator) drug.
 == Parada Sanskaras ==
@@ Line 98: / Line 109: @@
 Eight and eighteen independent procedures have to be carried out respectively for ‘Rasayana’ and ‘Alchemy’.
-These procedures are grouped as ‘Ashtasanskara’ comprising eight and ‘Ashtaadasha sanskara’ comprising eighteen independent procedures.
+These procedures are grouped as ‘<ref name=":1" />Ashtasanskara’ comprising eight and ‘Ashtaadasha sanskara’ comprising eighteen independent procedures.
 Ashtasanskara : Ashta – 8

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 Development of branch of Rasashastra
-‘Rasashastra’ comprises study of minerals and metals with reference to their identification, processing and formulations methods for their use as medicinal substances. This segment of Ayurveda is termed after name of 'Rasa' i.e. mercury since it is the most extensively discussed substance among all the mineral and metallic substances used in Rasashastra. Other substances studied under Rasashstra include sulfur, mica, arsenic, gems like pearls, metals like gold, silver, copper and many other substances. Treatment of minerals with herbs, animal products and other minerals or metals was carried out to make them suitable for use in alchemy and pharmaco-therapeutics. In ancient times, this knowledge was predominantly practiced by 'Tantra' sampradaya (community) who were the followers and devotees of 'Shiva'.{{NeedCitation}} Later the physicians started use of ‘Rasaushadhi’ in the management of disease and such physicians were became popular as ‘Rasa-vaidya’ (Vaidyas using chiefly Rasa-aushadhis). <ref name=":0" />
+‘Rasashastra’ comprises study of minerals and metals with reference to their identification, processing and formulations methods for their use as medicinal substances. This segment of Ayurveda is termed after name of 'Rasa' i.e. mercury since it is the most extensively discussed substance among all the mineral and metallic substances used in Rasashastra. Other substances studied under Rasashstra include sulfur, mica, arsenic, gems like pearls, metals like gold, silver, copper and many other substances. Treatment of minerals with herbs, animal products and other minerals or metals was carried out to make them suitable for use in alchemy and pharmaco-therapeutics. In ancient times, this knowledge was predominantly practiced by 'Tantra' sampradaya (community) who were the followers and devotees of 'Shiva'.{{Citation needed}} Later the physicians started use of ‘Rasaushadhi’ in the management of disease and such physicians were became popular as ‘Rasa-vaidya’ (Vaidyas using chiefly Rasa-aushadhis). <ref name=":0" />
 == Medicinal substances used in Rasashastra ==
 The mineral and metallic substances used in Rasashastra as medicinal substances are classified in different ways. Generally they are grouped in to four distinct classes as below,
-# Rasa : The class of ‘Rasa’ is predominantly possessing ‘Rasaayana’ (adaptogenic effect) effect.
+# Rasa : The class of ‘Rasa’ is predominantly possessing ‘Rasayana’ (adaptogenic effect) effect.
 # Dhaatu : Dhatus are grouped together on account of their capacity to provide structural strength to the body.
 # Ratna : The minerals possessing gem quality are grouped as Ratna
@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 === Metals and Minerals ===
-Rasa
+Following are the metallic and mineral substances used in Rasashstra medicines.<ref name=":0" /> Ancient Rasavaidyas and Ayurveda scholars were successful in purifying and transforming all these substances into safe derivatives which could be administered easily in an oral dosage form. All of these are subjected to specific sanskaras before using them in medicinal formulations.
+{| class="wikitable"
-Uparasa
+|+
+!Sr No
-Maharasa
+!Class of drugs
+!Metals or minerals included in class
-Dhatu
+|-
+|1
-Upadhatu
+|Rasa
+|The chief substance used in Rasashastra medicines. Rasa means Mercury. It is subjected to step-wise 8 different sanskaras before using in the medicinal formulation.
-Ratna
+|-
+|2
-Uparatna
+|Maharasa
+|This groups consists of Abhraka (Mica), Vaikranta (Tourmaline), Makshika (Copper Pyrite), Vimala (Iron Pyrite), Shilajit (Asphalt), Sasyaka (Blue Vitriol), Chapala (Bismuth), Rasaka (Calamine - Zinc ore)
-Vishas and Upavishas
+|-
 === Animal origin substances ===
@@ Line 77: / Line 105: @@
 == Safety of Rasa-aushasdhi (Rasashastra medicines) ==
 [[Category:Ayurveda]]

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 == History of Rasashstra ==
-Emergence of Ayurveda, its descent to earth and transfer of this knowledge through oral tradition are known to be the events from 'Vaidika era'. This was the time when all other classical treatises and mainly Vedas were developing. During this time, emphasis was given on strengthening and maintenance of the health by eliminating the harmful components from lifestyle to regain the original state of health and well-being. The objective of this system was to facilitate smooth passage of an individual towards ‘Moksha’. This was followed by the era of ‘Samhitas’, recognized by the works of great scholars of ‘Ayurveda’ like ‘Maharshi Punarvasu Atreya’ and his disciples ‘Agnivesha’, ‘Bhela’, 'Jatukarna', 'Parashara', 'Harita' etc. These ancient scholars although stressed the importance of maintenance of health like their predecessors, also expanded their vision to pharmacotherapeutics. The therapeutic use of herbs, animal products and metals was extensively described in their works. However, more emphasis was given on the use of herbs and their variety of formulations while describing treatment for illness. Use of herbs as medicine was more popular since herbs being more familiar and assimilable in the human body. Animal products like milk and urine were primarily used while making formulaitons and also as an adjuvants for the medicine. Minerals and metals were also used but their use was not as extensive as herbs. Metals and minerals were considered difficult for absorption and assimilation and thus, they were purified, processed and their formulations were prepared along-with the the herbs. Intensive processing of metals and minerals ensured safety, bio-compatibility and efficacy.<ref name=":0" />
+Emergence of Ayurveda, its descent to earth and transfer of this knowledge through oral tradition are known to be the events from 'Vaidika era'. This was the time when all other classical treatises and mainly Vedas were developing. During this time, emphasis was given on strengthening and maintenance of the health by eliminating the harmful components from lifestyle to regain the original state of health and well-being. The objective of this system was to facilitate smooth passage of an individual towards ‘Moksha’. This was followed by the era of ‘Samhitas’, recognized by the works of great scholars of ‘Ayurveda’ like ‘Maharshi Punarvasu Atreya’ and his disciples ‘Agnivesha’, ‘Bhela’, 'Jatukarna', 'Parashara', 'Harita' etc. These ancient scholars although stressed the importance of maintenance of health like their predecessors, also expanded their vision to pharmaco-therapeutics. The therapeutic use of herbs, animal products and metals was extensively described in their works. However, more emphasis was given on the use of herbs and their variety of formulations while describing treatment for illness. Use of herbs as medicine was more popular since herbs being more familiar and assimilable in the human body. Animal products like milk and urine were primarily used while making formulations and also as an adjuvants for the medicine. Minerals and metals were also used but their use was not as extensive as herbs. Metals and minerals were considered difficult for absorption and assimilation and thus, they were purified, processed and their formulations were prepared along-with the the herbs. Intensive processing of metals and minerals ensured safety, bio-compatibility and efficacy.<ref name=":0" />
-It was from the time of the great Buddhist Sage Naagaarjuna that, Rasashastra evolved as the specialized branch of Rasashstra under the umbrella of Ayurveda medicine. Naagaarjuna is considered as ‘Father of Rasashaastra’. It is believed to have come into its proper existence with its scientific classification and documentation around 8th century.
+It was from the time of the great Buddhist Sage Nagarjuna that, Rasashastra evolved as the specialized branch of Ayurveda medicine. Nagarjuna is considered as ‘Father of Rasashaastra’. He is known for his extraordinary efforts in experimenting with Mercury for its alchemic as well as therapeutic use. Ancient scholars, sages and seers in Bharatavarsha were not merely interested in using Mercury for alchemy but the main objective was to attain stability of the physical body. In order to attain Moksha one needs to follow the strenuous path of proposed by dharma. Having healthy and strong physical body free from diseases is the preliminary requirement for this. In an attempt to achieve this ancient scholars started experimenting with metals and minerals after realizing their stability on earth which was the desired outcome on their use. In today’s scientific parlance ‘Rasashastra’ can be equated with ‘Iatrochemistry’. Mercury is that miraculous mineral which attracted the attention of scholars even in the ancient times. Experimenting with this most unstable mineral was started to make it stable and keep it under control. Numerous processing techniques were developed to make it suitable for use in alchemy and also in medicine. In this way, with the advent of Mercury, known as 'Rasa' in samskrit, a new class of drugs termed as ‘Rasaushadhi’ (Rasa-aushadhi) with a new shastram termed as ‘Rasashastra’ appeared on the horizon of ‘Ayurvedic system of medicine’.<ref name=":0" />
-Naagaarjuna proclaimed
+Development of branch of Rasashastra
-“''Siddhe Rase Karishyaami Nirdaridryamidam jagat''” -
+‘Rasashastra’ deals with study of minerals and metals with reference to their identification, processing and formulations methods for their use as medicinal substances. This branch of knowledge is termed after 'Rasa' i.e. mercury since it is the extensively discussed substance among all the mineral and metallic substances. The other substances studied under Rasashstra include sulfur, mica, arsenic, gems like pearls, metals like gold, silver, copper and many other substances. Treatment of minerals with herbs, animal products and other minerals or metals was carried out to make them suitable for use in alchemy and pharmaco-therapeutics. In ancient times, this knowledge was predominantly practiced by 'Tantra' sampradaya (community) who were the followers and devotees of 'Shiva'. Later the physicians started use of ‘Rasaushadhi’ in the management of disease and such physicians were known as ‘Rasa-vaidya’ (Vaidyas using chiefly Rasa-aushadhis). <ref name=":0" />
 == Medicinal substances used in Rasashastra ==
-(TBE)Although ‘Rasashastra’ deals with therapeutic processing and use of all minerals and metals, the study is dominated by knowledge about mercury and techniques of its processing. The science is named after mercury - ‘Rasa’ being a synonym of ‘Mercury’. Physicians using ‘Rasaushadhi’ in the management of disease are known as ‘Rasa-vaidya’. The mineral and metallic substances used in Ayurvedic drugs are classified in different ways.
+The mineral and metallic substances used in Rasashastra as medicinal substances are classified in different ways. Generally they are grouped in to four distinct classes as below,
+# Rasa : The class of ‘Rasa’ is predominantly possessing ‘Rasaayana’ (adaptogenic effect) effect.
-Generally these drugs are classified in to four distinct classes named-
+# Dhaatu : Dhatus are grouped together on account of their capacity to provide structural strength to the body.
+# Ratna : The minerals possessing gem quality are grouped as Ratna
-Rasa : The class of ‘Rasa’ is predominantly possessing ‘Rasaayana’ (adaptogenic effect) effect.
+# Visha : Inherently highly poisonous plants are grouped as Visha.
 === Metals and Minerals ===
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 == Samskaras in Rasashastra ==
-Samskaras are the processing methods employed to transform the properties of the substances specifically to remove undesired properties and enhance desirable qualities.
+(TBE) Samskaras are the processing methods employed to transform the properties of the substances specifically to remove undesired properties and enhance desirable qualities.
 Extremely important aspect in formulations since this allows the administration, metabolism, assimilation, assimilation of inorganic metals and minerals in the body.