European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A BRIEF REVIEW ON GAIRIKA WITH RESEARCH UPDATES & ITS SIMPLE RECIPES IN RASA TARANGINI

Gazala Hussain*

ABSTRACT

Rasashastra is a branch that deals with alchemy. Substances like metals, minerals, marine products, gemstones, etc. are dealt in this branch and formulations employing minerals, metals are described in detail. The minerals enlisted in the treatise of rasashastra are grouped as maharasa, uparasa, sadharana rasa, etc. based on their application in the processing of mercury (parada samskara). Gairika is a mineral ore grouped under the category of uparasa that is indicated in various disorders and has wide therapeutic applicability. It is a simple and easily available ore that has wide therapeutic value. A literary review in Rasa Tarangini has put light that Gairika with combination with other herbs is used in an array of diseases and is mentioned as amayika prayoga at the end of the description of gairika. These recipes are indicated to be administered both internally and externally. Although it is a simple mineral that is used directly after shodhana and is also easily available seldom researches are carried out. Very few research works on the single drug has been carried out, thus, it opens wide avenues for research in future.

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