Abstract

REVIEW PAPER ON GANDHAKA

Dr. Jyoti Sanouriya*, Dr. Sudeeksha, Dr. C. P. Kashyap and Dr. Sudarshan Kumar Thakur

Abstract

Gandhaka is important amongst the Uprasa It is most important ingredient of many formulations of Ras Shastra and used in many ailments related to skin. Parad always processed with Gandhaka.It is essential agent for various processes of Parad Samskaras Gandhaka was extensively used in both Dehavada and Lohabada.Dehavada means in maintaining health and eradicting disease. Lohabada means converting lower metal into gold and silver. Gandhaka was supposed to be one of the most important substances, which was used along with Parada to form the basic material for scores of herbo-mineral combinations. It has very important place in Rasa Shastra. The colour of genuine Gandhaka should resemble that of the tail of parrot (greenish yellow). Smooth, Hard, Unctuous. It should be having the luster of Kapikacchu Beeja and Navanita (soft to touch). For Rasayanartha and Loha Vadartha, it should be translucent like the fruits of Amalaki (Amalasara Gandhaka).Shodhan of Gandhaka is necessary because Shilachurna (Physical impurities like Clay, sand etc) Visha Dosha (Chemical impurities like Arsenic, lead etc).It is therefore to be purified carefully. Impure Gandhaka gives rise to Kushta, Tapa, Bhrama, Pitta Roga and destroys Roopa, Veerya Bala, Sukha.

Keywords: Gandhaka Shodhana Dose Swedan Pathya, Parada,Uprasa.