A critical study of Gandhaka Shodhana

Manisha Rathi; Sharad Rathi

doi:10.21760/jaims.8.5.30

Manisha Rathi Professor & HOD, Dept. of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Mansarovar Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital & Research Center, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Sharad Rathi Assistant Professor, PG Department of Agad Tantra evum Vidhi Vaidhyak, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Govt. (Autonomous) Ayurved College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.8.5.30

Keywords: Gandhaka Shodhana, Sulphur Purification, Godughda

Abstract

Gandhaka or Sulphur is a non-metallic solid element found in nature. Gandhaka or Sulphur is required in human body for proper functioning. It is the third most abundant mineral (after calcium and phosphorus) based on percentage of total body weight. It is the sixth most abundant macro mineral in breast milk. It is present in saliva, bile, protein, amino acids, and insulin. Sulphur is mainly present in sulphur containing amino acids like cystine. Gandhaka in the body purifies blood, aids healthy digestion, and prevents toxic build-up. In Ayurveda, Gandhaka is used in the treatment of variety of diseases since time immemorial. It as a free element cannot be utilized by the body, so in Ayurveda, first it is detoxified to get ShuddhaGandhak, and then given Bhavana of herbal ingredients that make it suitable for use. ShuddhaGandhak is combined with ShuddhaParad or purified mercury to form Kajjali which is further used to prepare Ras-Aushadhi. In combination with mercury, it is used in almost all diseases.

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