Abstract

NAGA DHATU- CRITICAL REVIEW ON SHODHANA PROCESS

Dr. Anand Kanwar*, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sharma, Dr. Avdhesh Bhatt, Dr. Dhanashree Ghotkar

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Abstract

Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda, India's traditional medical system. It is concerned with Ayurvedic pharmacology and pharmaceutics. It includes the processing of metals and minerals as well as their therapeutic applications. Herbomineral medicines can be made in different ways. According to ancient Rasaliterature, almost all drugs, including metals and minerals, have doshas (unfavorable effects) which have to be purified before using in medicine. Therefore, different suitable techniques and procedures such as Shodhana, Marana are described to remove these unfavorable effects, and these processes were used to convert the metals and minerals into pharmaceutically purified and desired forms. Shodhana procedures remove toxicity from minerals, metals, gems, and poisons, making them safe to consume; however, if medicines contain toxicity or any other form of impurity, it may pose health risks. Bhasmas are one of Ayurveda's most unique therapeutic preparations, and they've been used as effective drugs for centuries with no noticeable side effects. Naga bhasma is one such preparation containing lead as a main ingredient. Naga is mentioned in Puti Loha that is those metals which on heating releases bad smell. A detailed description of Naga Dhatu for its Shodhana process along with general information will be reviewed in the present article entitled ‘‘Naga Dhatu- Critical Review On Shodhana Process”

Keywords: Shodhana, Naga Dhatu, Rasashastra, Ayurveda.