Abstract

UNRAVELLING THE SECRETS OF RASASHASTRA: AN ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK RASA CHANDAMSHU

Lekshmi R. Pillai*, S. A. Doddamani and Surekha S. Medikeri

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Abstract

Rasashastra is one of the branches of Ayurveda that plays a crucial role in Ayurveda practices. It has its roots in the Vedic period, where the effectiveness of drugs was often considered less appropriate unless reinforced by divine intervention. This science mainly focuses on the use of metals, minerals, and animal products for the preparation of medicines. One of the most important treatise in Rasashastra is Rasachandamshu, authored by Shri Datta Vaidya Pada. He had carefully reviewed all the available ancient scriptures to compile the effective formulation mentioned in the book. While much of the book contains compiled formulations, the author has also introduced new formulations, which he found effective. In Rasachandamshu we can find a diverse range of formulations as the author has done his compilation from treatises across different eras. This paper aims to present the novel formulations that have been discussed in "Rasachandamshu," with an emphasis on those that have proven practically effective. It also seeks to highlight previously unexplored aspects of Rasashastra, particularly focusing on disease-specific medicines that could enhance the well-being of mankind.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Rasachandamshu, Rasashastra, formulations.