Rasayana

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

This article is part of a series on
Alternative medicine
General information
Fringe medicine and science
Conspiracy theories
Classifications
Traditional medicine
Diagnoses

In early

ayurvedic medicine, rasāyana (Pali and Sanskrit: रसायन, "path of essence") is the practice of techniques for lengthening lifespans and invigorating the body.[1] It is one of the eight areas of medicine in Sanskrit literature.[2] In Vedic alchemy, "rasa" also means "metal" or "a mineral".[3]

The 11th-century Persian scholar

Abū Rayhān Bīrūnī noted an Indian science named Rasāyana, focused on restoring health and rejuvenation through plant-derived medicines. Nagarjunacharya conducted experiments in his laboratory called "Rasashala" and authored Rasaratanakaram, detailing alchemical transformations of metals. Al-Bīrūnī conflated the earlier rasāyana practices with rasaśāstra alchemy
.

Rasaśāstra utilized alchemical processes involving substances like

Ellora
cave paintings, the Vishnustambha monument, and the Kondivade caves' processed wood sample.

In contemporary times, rasāyana remains relevant through modern formulations combining herbal wisdom and scientific knowledge, reflecting a continued pursuit of well-being and vitality.

History

See also: History of metallurgy in the Indian subcontinent

The more general name for the Indian science of alchemy or proto-chemistry is Rasaśāstra (रसशास्त्र in Sanskrit), or "The Science of Mercury," in Nepali, Marathi, Hindi, Kannada and several other languages.

Early Indian alchemical texts discuss the use of prepared forms of mercury or cinnabar (see samskaras). However, there is also ample mention of the preparation of medical tinctures in the early science of Indian alchemy.[4]

Significant progress in alchemy was made in

Abū Rayhān Bīrūnī
reported

[the Indians] have a science similar to alchemy which is quite peculiar to them. They call it Rasâyana, a word composed with rasa, i.e., gold. It means an art which is restricted to certain operations, drugs, and compound medicines, most of which are taken from plants. Its principles restore the health of those who were ill beyond hope, and give back youth to fading old age...[5]

Two known examples were Nagarjunacharya and Nityanadhiya. Nagarjunacharya, was one of the prominent chemists in the history of Indian alchemy. He ran many experiments in his laboratory known as the "Rasashala".[6] His book, Rasaratanakaram is a known example of ancient Indian medicine, in which he describes the procedure of transmuting base metals like mercury, into gold. Due to his contributions and insight in chemistry, he was appointed as chancellor in the university of Nalanda.[3] From the 14th century onwards, many materials from rasāyana and rasaśāstra were translated and integrated in the Persian texts written by Muslim scholars in South Asia.[7]

Aim and types

Rasayana therapy enriches rasa with nutrients to help one attain longevity, memory, intelligence, health, youthfulness, excellence of luster, complexion and voice, optimum development of physique and sense organs, mastery over phonetics, respectability and brilliance.

Goals

The historical aims of rasāyana were diverse, but the effects attributed to a treatment were typically either longevity, health, intellect, sexuality or magical abilities.[2]

  • Lifespan and ageing
    • Lengthen the lifespan
    • Stay young; stop and reverse ageing and its signs, like wrinkles and greying
  • Health
    • Renew or retain functions and senses of the body
    • Overcome diseases, particularly serious and challenging diseases associated with old age
  • Cognitive power
    • Remember more
    • Get smarter
    • Understand more
  • Virility
    • Boost sexual stamina
    • Get stronger
    • Become more fertile
  • Special powers
    • Gain magical powers to manipulate the world
    • Gain supernatural abilities in strength, agility, constitution and longevity

In essence, rasāyana promotes aspects of vitality.[8]

Types of rasayana

  1. Kamya Rasayanas are promoters of normal health. These boost body energy levels, immunity and general health.
    • Pranakamya – Promoter of vitality and longevity
    • Medhakamya – Promoter of intelligence.
    • Srikamya – Promoter of complexion.
    • Naimittika Rasayanas help to fight a specific disease.

In pursuit of these matters, herbal prescriptions with many herbal substances, preserved in ghee and honey are given. Chyawanprasha is one of the traditional rasayanas. Specific

shatavari. Several rasayana herbs have been tested for adaptogenic properties.[9]

Rasayana formulae

Puri[10] has given detailed account of classical formulations such as Amrit Rasayana, Brahm Rasayana, Jawahar Mohra, Kamdugdha Ras, Laxami Vilas Ras, Laxman Vilas Ras, Madanoday Modak, Makrdhawaj vati, Manmath Ras, Mukta Panchamrit Rasayana, Nari Kalyan Pak, Navjeevan Ras, Navratna Ras, Navratnakalp Amrit, Panchamrit Ras, Paradi Ras, Ramchuramni Ras, Rattivalbh Pak, Shukar Amrit Vati, Smritisagar Ras, Suvarn Malini Vasant, Suvarn Vasant Malti, Swapanmehtank, Vasant Kusmakar Ras, Visha Rasaayana, Vrihda Vangeshwar Rasa.

These classical Rasayana formulas, contain a large number of ingredients, including minerals, pearl, coral and gems, and include a specially processed mercury (the word Ras indicates mercury as an ingredient). Because of negative publicity and cost factor, the use of the classical rasayana formulas has declined considerably, and most of the preparations available now have herbal ingredients with a couple of mineral and animal products. The non-availability and wild life protection act has made the use of musk, amber, and parts of wild-life animals nearly impossible.

The current Rasayana formulas are based on such ingredients as amla (

Shatavari and similar ingredients.[citation needed
]

See also

References

  1. ISSN 2369-775X
    .
  2. ^
    ISSN 2369-775X
    .
  3. ^ a b "Vedic Chemistry | Ancient Vedic Rasayan Shastra | Vedas Rasasastra". Purana Vedas. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  4. ^ Ranade, Subhash. "Rasayana Chikitsa: Part 1". ayurveda-foryou.com. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  5. ^ Alberuni's India. Vol. 1. Translated by Edward C. Sachau. Ludgate Hill, London: Trübner & Co. 1888. p. 188.
  6. ^ "Rasashala: Ancient Indian Alchemical Lab". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  7. S2CID 261038899
    .
  8. ISBN 9789004438224
    .
  9. S2CID 28948022
    .
  10. ^ Puri, H. S. (2003). Rasayan: Ayurvedic Herbs of Rejuvenation and Longevity. London: Taylor & Francis.

Further reading

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rasayana&oldid=1200320072"