Abstract

A CRITICAL REVIEW ON SHANKHA

Savita Sanwal*, Chinky Goyal, Dr. Sushma Rawat, Dr. Khemchand Sharma

Abstract

Ayurveda an unequivocal traditional system of medicine uses the inherent principles of nature to maintain health in a person by keeping his body, mind and spirit in perfect equilibrium. Medicines are the main weapon in the hands of a physician to fight against any disease entity. Pharmacopoeia of Ayurveda comprise of drugs derived not only from herbs but also from minerals, metals and animals. But they can’t be taken as it is, hence need to be converted into such form which will be therapeutically fit for use. Rasashastra is the most important and popular branch of Ayurveda which was developed in the medieval period. Bhasma are the unique dosages form of Ras Shastra, prepared after proper levigation with particular herbs with particular metals and minerals and later they are subjected to fire treatment in a particular manner and due to its fineness and nano particle size its turn into most assimilatory, harmless and therapeutically effectual form. Shankha bhasma is one of such preparations which may be successfully use in the treatment of Shool, Amlapitta, Udar Roga, Vibandha, Prameha etc. This review is a humble effort to summarize and gather knowledge about Shankha that are described and explained in Ayurvedic texts.

Keywords: Bhasma, Shankha, Ras Dravya.