Dose schedule of Rasa Aushadhis

Abstract

Rasashastra deals with the Rasa Aushadhis, the drugs of metallic and mineral origin. Mercury is used in most of the Rasaaushadhis. The toxicity of Mineral and metallic preparations are reduced to such an extent by various procedures of Shodhana, Marana etc. that Mercury converts its inherent property of toxicity into medicinal property. Rasa Aushadhis works quickly on the body because due to their small particle size, their absorption starts from the oral mucosa itself. The action of drugs depends largely upon the Anupana i.e. the vehicle for the drug. Rasacharayas have mentioned various Rasa preparations like Bhasmas, Parpati, Pottali, Manduras, Karpooras etc. along with their doses, dose schedule and Anupana / Sahapana etc. The principles of Rasaaushadhis when correlated in modern era are found to be scientifically accurate. We may say that Rasacharyas had already mastered the science of nanotechnology, purification, action of metabolic catalysts, biotransformation and preservation of medicines. The Ayurvedic drugs can be harmful for our body when not administered in proper dosage as per mentioned in classic literatures.