Abstract

INTRODUCTION TO RASA SHASTRA AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN AYURVEDA

Dr. Pooja Yadav*, Dr. Hemant, Dr. Anita Choudhary and Dr. Shyama

Abstract

Rasa shastra is very important branch of Ayurveda. It deals with the knowledge of metals and minerals and manufacturing medicines from these Rasa Dravya. Our Acharya has mentioned the superemacy of Rasa chikitsa from all the scioenecs at many places. The word Rasashaastra literally means the "Science of Mercury". It is a specialized branch of Ayurveda dealing mainly with materials which are known as 'Rasa dravyaas'. The goods dealt under this regulation are an important component of Ayurvedic therapeutics. The subjects covered in the review are: historical background of the evolvement of Rasashaastra as a specialized branch during different time periods; different aspects of classification 'Rasa dravyaas'; processing of metal and mineral products with a note on the methods used during different time periods; information about methods of pre and post preparation procedures for different kinds of 'Rasa dravyaas'; importance of mercury in Ayurveda, its processing methods and different preparations along with therapeutic indications. In addition attempt has been made to provide basic information on the metal and mineral based preparations mentioned in Ayurvedic Formulary of India; recent development in the field of Rasashaastra and future requirements for the proper development of the discipline. The main focus is to familiarize the readers, from non-ayurvedic background, on different aspects of this specialized discipline. Hence an attempt has made to collect all references about the rasa shastra.

Keywords: Astang, Samhita, Ayurveda, rasa.