Abstract

OBSERVETIONAL STUDY OF GANDHAK SHODHAN PROCESS OF AFI

Dr. Pritika Devi*, Dr. Keshav Rana, Dr. C. P. Kashyap and Dr. J. R. Sankhyan

Abstract

Rasashastra broadly means the science which mainly deals with Parad (mercury), maharasa varga, uprasa varga, sadharan rasa varga (i.e. minerals), loha varga (metals) etc. including their preparation either in mineral or herbomineral (Rasaushadhis) form. The various forms of preparations like Kupipakva,Parpati and Bhasma are used to treat diseases which mainly contains Parad and Gandhak as ingredients. Moreover rasshastra denotes, the efficacy of Parad is more when used with Gandhak. For the preaparation of these formulations, Parad & Gandhak are subjected to various steps like Shodhan, Murchana, Jarana, Marana etc to increase their therapeutic properties. Prior to Bhasm preparation, Shodhan is the primary step which is done for all formulations. According to classical references, it is believed that this process of shodhan removes impurities (ashudhta) and enhances its therapeutic value. This highlights the importance of Gandhak shodhan process to remove its impurities like shila (silica, stone etc.) and vishtav lakshan. In case, if ashudh gandhak is used it may cause kushath, taap, bhram & various pittaj vikar. Hence, there is need of Gandhak Shodhan to avoid these ashudhta janya symptoms. Dhalan process is common procedure which is done using goghrita and godugdha. Regarding the concept of gandhak shodhan, equal quantity of goghrita was described by Ayurved Prakash, Ras tarangini, Ras Rattan Samuchya. In Rasayansaar and Rasamrita, one-fourth quantity of goghrita was mentioned. Now a days, Ayurvedic formulatory of India (AFI)is widely accepted book for the preparation,shodhan of all ayurvedic formulations either they are mineral, herbomineral or simply herbal. The description of this book is based upon all classical references of Ayurveda. Taking reference from Rasamrita (chapter 2), AFI Part II (Part B P.22) has described quantity sufficient of Goghrita for Gandhak shodhan. To know the changes that occur during shodhan and quantity obtained, this study was carried out.

Keywords: Gandhak, shodhan, dhalan, AFI (Ayurvedic Formulatory of India), Ayurved prakash.