UTILITY OF HERB MINERAL DRUGS AND THEIR PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PANCHAKARMA

Abstract

Panchakarma forms an integral part of the holistic system of medicine, Ayurveda. Not only the body purification procedures but also the pharmaceutical preparations affect the outcome of Panchakarma therapy. Although Panchakarma and Rasashastra are not included in the Ashtanga Hridaya, their utility is found in all the eight branches. This article deals with the Rasadravyas meant for Panchakarma procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Abhyanga, Dhuma, Lepa etc. To have a critical review of Herbomineral drugs and their Pharmaceutical Application with special reference to Panchakarma. The ancient Ayurvedic literature as well as modern references was searched to have a critical study of the herbomineral drugs, their pharmaceutical preparations, Panchakarma procedures, rationale of using Rasadravyas in Snehakalpanas, classical as well as the traditional dosage forms. Also the selection of formulations according to Dosha- Pradhanya, Vyadhi-Pradhanya (Pradhana/ Mridu Shodhana), Shamana, Brimhana and Rasayana has been discussed at length. These Rasaushadhi preparations are used internally (for Deepana, Pachana, Snehapana, Shodhana, Shamana, Brimhana) or externally (Abhyanga, Kavala, Gandusha, Karnapurana, Moordhni Taila