Abstract

IMPORTANCE OF RASASHASTRA AND BHAISHAJYA KALPANA IN MANAGEMENT OF LIFESTYLE DISORDERS (LSDs): A REVIEW ARTICLE

Kunal B. Chaudhari*, Mukund Dive and Sneha Kubde

Abstract

Rasa Shastra is a specialized branch of Ayurveda dealing mainly with formulations containing minerals or metals known as Rasa dravyas which have important therapeutic value. They help in attaining optimal physical strength, qualities of Dhatus, longevity, Bala and mental competence. Ayurveda advocates that better nutrition, rich Ojas system, stronger Agni and good microcirculation are necessary factors for good immune strength. Rasadravyas helps in supply of micronutrients, boost metabolism and promotes microcirculation thus ultimately responsible for good defence mechanism of the body. Lifestyle diseases (LSDs) are those conditions usually attributed to dramatic shifts in the way humans live their lives, and are an object of medical attention and thus the cause of concern. Continuous usage of conventional medicine for these diseases may produce adverse drug reactions and hence an alternative has become the need of the hour. Rasa Shastra has flourished from medieval period, but therapeutic use of Rasa Dravyas is being explored in terms of Metallo-pharmaceutics of contemporary researches which is evident by the increasing number of researches validating it. This article focuses on the utility of Rasaushadhis and their role in the betterment of the community with special reference to LSDs.

Keywords: Rasashastra, Lifestyle diseases, Rasaushadhis, Agni.