European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ROLE OF RASAUSHADHIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MENTAL ILLNESS W.S.R. TO THEIR PROBABLE MODE OF ACTION

Rahul Sharma* and Pramod Patel

ABSTRACT

The texts related to the preparation of Ayurveda medicine ‘Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia’ encompasses details of many drugs of natural origin obtained from plant and animal sources, it also comprises details about minerals, metals and gems based formulations. The formulation of animal sourced (Jangama) obtained from milk, blood, meat, urine and skin of animals, while plant sourced (Audbhida) formulation obtained from root, leaves, stem, bark and seeds of plant similarly mineral & metal based (Paarthiwa or Khanija) formulation obtained from mercury, gold, silver, sulphur and copper, etc. The Paarthiwa or Khanija based formulation specifically termed as Rasa drugs merely if obtained from mercury. These types of formulations prepared by purifying and processing metals & minerals with herbs and other natural ingredients. These herbo-metallic formulation offers good pharmacokinetic profiles thus provides many therapeutic benefits to restore physical as well as mental health. Present article described role of Rasa Dravyas in the management of mental illness.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Mental illness, Rasa Dravya, Stress/Anxiety.