Classical View on Bhasma as Chief Formulation of Rasashastra: An Ayurveda Review

  • Dayanand Dattatraya Ovar
  • Ujwala Murlidhar Katole
  • Ganesh Sakharam Deshmukh
  • Monish Maruti Shinde

Abstract

Minerals and metals based drugs possess important therapeutic potential and preparation of such medicines described in Rasashastra which deals with minerals and metals based formulations. The processing techniques related to the preparation of these medicines are very specific to make these drugs nontoxic and efficacious. Shodhana means purification and Marana means incineration/calcinations are main procedures associated with the preparation of Rasa- Aushdhis. Bhasmas are important preparation of this category which is considered as herbo-metallic preparation and description of Bhasma Kalpana is found in Ayurveda Samhitas during Arsha Sampradaya. These herbo-mineral/metallic formulations (Bhasma) mainly prepared by various steps of purification, grinding, mixing, heating, incineration and size reduction, etc. These drugs possess advantages of palatability, low dosing frequency, high potency, good bioavailability, optimum absorption and wide range of therapeutic spectrum. Bhasma not only used for therapeutic purpose but also advised for promoting general health and rejuvenating effects. Makshika bhasma, Swarna bhasma, Abhrak bhasma, Louha bhasma and Tamra bhasma, etc. are commonly used Bhasma preparation indicated for many pathological conditions including skin diseases, digestive ailments, sexual disorders, asthma and infections, etc.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Rasashastra, Bhasma, Shodhana

References

1. Rastogi S. Building bridges between Ayurveda and Modern Science.2010; 41-46.
2. Sharma R K & Dash B. Agnivesh’sCharakaSamhita, vol. 3, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi.2000; 43-44
3. Mishra S, AyurvediyaRasashastra, ChaukhambaOrientalia, Varanasi. Revised 2011; 47, 93.
4. Kulkarni DA. Rasa RatnaSamucchaya, Meharchand Publications, New Delhi. 1998; 198.
5. Shastri K N. Sadanand Sharma’s Rasataringini, New Delhi: Motilal Banarasidas Publications. 2000; 15, 228.
6. Karisnashastri, editor. ‘Nighantu Ratnaakara’, Part-1.Mumbai (India): Nirnaya sagar Press; 1936.
7. Shastri Brahmshankar. editor. ‘Yogaratnakar-Poorwaardha’. Second edition. Varanasi (India): Chowkhambha Sanskrit Series Office; 1973. p. 151. Anonymous.
8. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. New Delhi: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India; 1978. Anonymous.
9. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, Rasamrita with English commentary by Dr. damodarjoshi and G.prabhakar Rao, Chaukhambha Sanskritabhawan, Varanasi, 1st edition, Appendix – 1; 1998. p.253.
10. Kaviraj Umesh Chandra Gupta, Vaidyak Sabda Sindhu compile by Sri nagendranath Sen. 3rd edition. Varanasi: chaukhambhaorientialia; 1983.
Statistics
1553 Views | 1416 Downloads
How to Cite
Dattatraya Ovar, D., U. Murlidhar Katole, G. S. Deshmukh, and M. M. Shinde. “Classical View on Bhasma As Chief Formulation of Rasashastra: An Ayurveda Review”. Himalayan Journal of Health Sciences, Vol. 6, no. 3, Aug. 2021, pp. 14-17, doi:10.22270/hjhs.v6i3.103.
Section
Review Article (s)