A CRITIQUE ON SHODHANA AND MARANA OF HARATALA

Abstract

Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana known as the art of vedic alchemy is a fusion between mineral and organic compounds. It is a branch of Ayurveda which has given great emphasis to the comprehensive knowledge of both mineral and herbal drugs, preparation, preservation and dispensing of the preserved drugs. It includes many metals and minerals which are considered to be deadly poisons but the same compounds have an incredible medicinal effects. This is attained due to the procedures such as Shodhana (Purification) and marana (Incineration) which reform the properties of the same drug and enables it as medicines. One among such inorganic compounds which is considered to be noxious is Haratala (Arsenic Trisulphide-As2S3). Haratala after the process of purification and incineration acts as an eminent drug in various disorders when used both externally and internally. Here in the article an endeavour is made to converge the Ayurvedic review on the various process of purification and incineration of Haratala.