Abstract

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SÄ€MÄ€NYA ÅšODHANA METHODS FOR LOHA: A REVIEW OF CLASSICAL REFERENCES AND SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES

Dr. Varshanath B. and Dr. Harikrishnan G.*

Abstract

Samanya sodhana is a crucial purification process in Ayurveda, particularly in the preparation of loha bhasma (iron) for therapeutic use. This process eliminates physical and toxic impurities while enhancing the bioavailability and medicinal potential of the metal. The procedure involves heating the metal until it is red-hot and then repeatedly quenching it in specific liquid media, including tila taila (sesame oil), takra (buttermilk), gomutra (cows urine), kanji (fermented gruel), and kulattha kvātha (horse gram decoction). Various ayurvedic texts provide different procedural variations, yet all emphasize the necessity of samanya sodhana for ensuring the safety and efficacy of loha-based formulations. This review explores the principles, methods, and significance of samanya sodhana in ayurvedic pharmaceutics.

Keywords: Samanya sodhana, loha, purification, nirvapa, bhasma.