1. रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रह / Rasendrasarasamgraha

• Author: Unknown (Medieval Period)
• Subject: Rasashastra (Metallo-Mineral Medicine)
• Key Topics:
• शोधन एवं मारण (Purification & Incineration) of metals like पारद (Mercury), गंधक (Sulfur), अभ्रक (Mica), लोह (Iron).
• विषघ्न (Antitoxic) and रसायन (Rejuvenation) formulations.
• Therapeutic uses of Swarna Bhasma (Gold ash), Tamra Bhasma (Copper ash).
• Clinical Importance:
• Used in श्वास (Asthma), कुष्ठ (Skin diseases), पाण्डु (Anemia), वातरक्त (Gout).

2. रसशास्त्र का विकास / Evolution of Rasashastra

• Historical Phases:

1. Vedic Era: Mention of Soma, Hiraṇya (Gold), Loha (Iron) in Atharvaveda.
2. Samhita Period (Charak-Sushruta): Early concepts of Dhātuvāda (Metallurgy).
3. Medieval Period: Systematized by Nagarjuna, Govind Bhagavat.

• Core Principles:
• पारद-गंधक सिद्धांत (Mercury-Sulfur Theory): Symbolizes union of Shiva (Hg) & Parvati (S).
• धातु मारण (Bhasma Preparation): Detoxification of toxic metals for therapeutic use.

3. भावप्रकाश / Bhavaprakasha

• Author: Bhavamishra (16th Century CE)
• Features:
• Compilation of त्रयी (Charak, Sushruta, Vagbhata) + New Formulations.
• Dedicated section on Rasashastra (Metallic Bhasmas).
• Key Formulations:
• स्वर्णभस्म (Swarna Bhasma), मकरध्वज (Makaradhwaja), त्राटक भस्म (Trataka Bhasma).
• रसायन (Rejuvenators): Chyawanprash, Brahmi Ghrita.

4. संहिताकाल / Samhita Period

• Timeline: ~400 BCE – 600 CE
• Major Texts:
• चरक संहिता (Charak Samhita): Internal Medicine
• सुश्रुत संहिता (Sushruta Samhita): Surgery
• अष्टांगहृदय (Ashtanga Hridaya): Vagbhata’s Compendium
• Rasashastra’s Role:
• Early use of Loha (Iron), Tamra (Copper) in Shastrakarma (Surgical tools).

5. रसप्रदीप / Rasa Pradeepa

• Focus: Detailed preparation of Rasa Medicines
• Steps: शोधन (Purification), जारण (Heating), मारण (Incineration).
• Uses: कास (Cough), ज्वर (Fever), प्रमेह (Diabetes).

6. चरक संहिता / Charaka Samhita

• Key Contributions:
• पंचकर्म (Detox Therapies), त्रिदोष सिद्धांत (Tridosha Theory).
• Limited but crucial references to Loha Bhasma (Iron), Mandura (Ferrous Oxide).

7. सुश्रुत संहिता / Sushruta Samhita

• Surgical Uses of Metals:
• शस्त्र (Instruments): Made of Steel (Teekshna Loha), Copper (Tamra).
• क्षार-अग्नि कर्म (Alkali/Cautery): Use of Yashada (Zinc), Kasis (Green Vitriol).

रसौषधियों का निर्माण / Preparation of Rasa Medicines

1. शोधन (Purification): Removing impurities (e.g., पारद शोधन by grinding with Garlic).
2. मारण (Incineration): Converting metals to Bhasma (Ash) via controlled heating.
3. अमृतीकरण (Detoxification): Making toxic metals biocompatible.

Example:

• स्वर्णभस्म (Swarna Bhasma): Used in हृदय रोग (Cardiac disorders), बल्य (Strength).

Clinical Applications (चिकित्सीय प्रयोग)

Conclusion

• Rasashastra bridges Ayurveda & Alchemy, offering potent mineral-based therapies.
• Bhasmas are bioavailable, nano-formulations with minimal toxicity.
• Modern Relevance: Research on Swarna Bhasma (Gold nanoparticles) in immunomodulation.

“धातुवादः रसायनं च, आयुर्वेदस्य हिरण्मयम्।”
(Metallurgy & Rasayana are the golden pillars of Ayurveda.)

Note: For practical training, always prepare Bhasmas under expert guidance due to toxicity risks.