Physico-chemical characterization of traditionally prepared Yashada bhasma
Journal name: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Original article title: Physico-chemical characterization of traditionally prepared Yashada bhasma
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is an open-access publication promoting collaboration between Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and biomedicine, publishing research on integrative health sciences
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Avani Pareek, Nitu Bhatnagar
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:
(A monthly peer-reviewed publication)
Full text available for: Physico-chemical characterization of traditionally prepared Yashada bhasma
Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2018.11.004
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
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Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Physico-chemical characterization of traditionally prepared Yashada bhasma�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to a traditional Ayurvedic preparation of metals, typically achieved through a process of incineration. It is believed that, during this transformation, the original toxic properties of the metal are eliminated, converting it into a form that is therapeutically effective and safe for human consumption, embodying the principles of Ayurveda.
2) Yashada (Yasada):
Yashada is the Sanskrit term for zinc, specifically the zinc preparation used in traditional medicine. It is highly regarded in Ayurveda for its potential health benefits, particularly in treating diseases like diabetes. The transformation of Yashada into Bhasma emphasizes its significance as a medicinal compound that balances bodily functions.
3) Table:
In the context of research, a table presents organized data concisely, aiding readers in understanding experimental results and methodologies. Tables are crucial for clarity, allowing for quick comparisons and improved comprehension of complex information, particularly in documenting the processes and outcomes of Ayurvedic formulations and their evaluations.
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes holistic health through natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle choices. It is based on balancing the body’s energies (doshas) to promote wellness and prevent disease. Ayurveda integrates concepts of mind, body, and spirit, offering a comprehensive approach to healthcare.
5) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses a broad field focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness and injury. It includes both traditional practices, like Ayurveda, and modern medical science, highlighting the importance of understanding various therapeutic approaches and their mechanisms in addressing health issues and enhancing quality of life.
6) Water:
Water is a fundamental component in Ayurvedic practices, often used in the purification and preparation of medicines such as Bhasma. Its role extends beyond hydration; it is vital in facilitating bodily functions, detoxifying, and as a solvent in amalgamating herbs and minerals, aligning with the principles of holistic healing.
7) Surface:
The concept of surface is highly significant in the context of pharmacology and materials science, affecting how substances interact, including absorption and reactivity in the body. In the preparation of Bhasma, the surface texture and area pertain to its efficacy and absorption rates once administered to patients.
8) Drug:
A drug refers to a chemical substance used for treating, preventing, or diagnosing diseases. Understanding its properties, effectiveness, and possible side effects is crucial in pharmacology. Ayurvedic drugs, including Bhasma, are designed to harness the therapeutic potential of natural materials while minimizing toxicity through traditional processing techniques.
9) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm organisms. In Ayurvedic medicine, particularly regarding metal-based Bhasma preparations, establishing non-toxicity is critical. This is achieved through processes that modify the metals' structure and composition, rendering them safe and therapeutically beneficial for human consumption.
10) Indian:
The term Indian relates to the cultural context of Ayurveda, as it originated in India over 5000 years ago. It embodies rich traditions of healing, emphasizing natural remedies derived from local flora and fauna, showcasing the extensive knowledge of herbs and minerals that constitute its medical practices.
11) Marana:
Marana denotes the incineration process in Ayurveda, critical to converting raw materials, particularly metals, into Bhasma. This step ensures that toxic elements are eliminated and medicinal properties are enhanced, effectively transforming substances into a form suitable for therapeutic use in treating various ailments.
12) Puta:
Puta refers to the cycle of heating and incineration in the Bhasma preparation process. Each puta represents a stage in transforming metals to enhance their therapeutic quality and minimize toxicity. This method, repeated multiple times, significantly contributes to the overall efficacy and safety of the final product.
13) Dhalana:
Dhalana describes the process of liquefying and pouring used in Ayurvedic preparations to purify metals. It involves melting substances and quenching them in various media, thus transforming their properties. This technique is key in ensuring that the resulting Bhasma is of high quality and free from toxicity.
14) Jarana:
Jarana is the term for the medicinal enhancement process that occurs after purification in Ayurveda, primarily focusing on integrating herbal ingredients with metals. This step aims to synergize the properties of both components, contributing to the therapeutic effectiveness of Bhasma and aligning it with Ayurvedic principles.
15) Nirgundi (Nirgumdi):
Nirgundi refers to a medicinal herb known for its therapeutic properties, particularly in pain relief and inflammation. In the context of Yashada Bhasma preparation, Nirgundi is pivotal during the Jarana process for its ability to enhance the medicinal qualities of converted zinc, substantiating the significance of herbal synergy.
16) Jaipur:
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India, is significant for its cultural and historical importance in traditional Indian medicine. This city not only hosts Ayurvedic institutions but also serves as a center for research in traditional practices, contributing to the preservation and advancement of ancient knowledge, including Bhasma preparation.
17) Samanya:
Samanya refers to the general purification process in the treatment of metals in Ayurveda. This stage is essential for removing impurities from raw materials before they undergo further processing like Jarana and Marana, helping ensure that the final product aligns with therapeutic standards and safety.
18) Gomutra (Go-mutra):
Gomutra, or cow urine, is recognized in Ayurveda for its purifying properties and medicinal value. It is often utilized in the preparation of Bhasma, playing a crucial role in detoxifying metals, thereby aiding in the conversion of potentially harmful substances into non-toxic, healing preparations.
19) Haridra:
Haridra, known as turmeric in English, is a staple herb in Ayurvedic medicine attributed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its use in the preparation of Yashada Bhasma highlights the significance of incorporating herbal remedies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of metal-based medicines and ensure their safety.
20) Kumar:
Kumar is a common Indian surname often associated with research and scholarship. In the context of the study referenced, it can represent one of the authors or researchers focused on traditional medicine, contributing to the advancement of Ayurvedic knowledge through scientific analysis and documentation.
21) Study (Studying):
The term study emphasizes the systematic investigation into the preparation and efficacy of Yashada Bhasma. Research in this area is essential for validating ancient practices with modern scientific approaches, thus bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary medical standards to enhance credence and application in healthcare.
22) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to the essence or quality in Ayurveda related to taste and therapeutic properties of substances, particularly in traditional formulations like Bhasma. The study of Rasa encompasses understanding how different tastes influence health outcomes and the interaction of various components in Ayurvedic formulations.
23) Tilataila (Tila-taila):
Tilataila refers to sesame oil, often utilized in Ayurvedic preparations due to its nourishing and therapeutic properties. Its inclusion in the purification of metals like Yashada helps in enhancing their medicinal qualities while adding beneficial elements that support overall health, aligning with Ayurveda's holistic approach.
24) Kulattha:
Kulattha, or Dolichos biflorus, is a medicinal plant recognized for its health benefits in Ayurveda. Its decoction is often employed in the purification processes to enhance the properties of other ingredients, showcasing the importance of plant-based remedies in traditional medicine and in processes like Bhasma preparation.
25) Apamarga:
Apamarga, known as Achyranthes aspera, is an herb used in Ayurveda for its strong detoxifying properties. It is involved in the Jarana process during Bhasma preparation to enhance the therapeutic effects, illustrating the significance of integrating various herbs in traditional medicine formulations for optimum outcomes.
26) Shastra (Sastra):
Sastra signifies the body of knowledge or the study of traditional principles within Ayurveda. It embodies the rules, methodologies, and philosophical foundations that guide Ayurvedic practice, confirming that the ancient art of healing is based on well-defined systems of understanding and application.
27) Powder:
Powder signifies the final form of Bhasma after the incineration process, indicating a state where the metal has been thoroughly transformed into a fine, absorbable substance. The quality and fineness of the powder directly relate to its effectiveness for therapeutic use in the human body, confirming its medicinal value.
28) Takra:
Takra refers to buttermilk in Ayurveda, often utilized in medicinal preparations for its cooling properties and digestive benefits. Its incorporation in Bhasma processing highlights the custom of using fermented dairy products in traditional medicine, enhancing the absorption and efficacy of the resulting medicinal formulations.
29) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transforming refers to the chemical and physical changes occurring during the preparation of Bhasma from raw metals. This process is vital for ensuring that harmful properties are eliminated, resulting in a safe and effective medicinal product that aligns with Ayurvedic principles of healing.
30) Vishesha (Visesa):
Vishesha pertains to specific purification methods applied in Ayurveda to enhance the properties of medications. This concept highlights the importance of targeted approaches towards ingredient treatment during the preparation of Bhasma, ensuring that each substance contributes optimally to the therapeutic outcomes of the final preparation.
31) Activity:
Activity in this context often refers to the biological or pharmacological effects of Ayurvedic preparations, including Bhasma. Understanding the activity of these formulations is essential for establishing their therapeutic efficacy and safety, thus bridging traditional practices with modern scientific validation in healthcare applications.
32) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra is a common surname in India, often associated with scholars, researchers, or practitioners in various fields, including Ayurveda. The name indicates contributions to the body of knowledge surrounding traditional medicine, specifically focusing on processes like Bhasma preparation, enhancing our understanding of ancient practices through modern research.
33) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma is another prevalent surname in India, often indicating a background in scholarly activities. In the context of this research, it could represent an author or researcher actively engaged in Ayurveda and the scientific examination of traditional practices like Bhasma, thus contributing to the field's body of knowledge.
34) Gupta:
Gupta is a common Indian surname that may represent the authors or contributors of the study. Individuals with this surname often have substantial roles in research or practice, particularly in disciplines like Ayurveda, where traditional knowledge is explored and validated through scientific evaluation and experimentation.
35) Vanga (Vamga):
Vanga refers to tin, another metallic preparation in Ayurvedic medicine. This highlights the varied use of metals in traditional formulations. The emphasis on Vanga and its processing showcases Ayurveda's expansive pharmacopoeia that utilizes different metals to create efficacious remedies, emphasizing the relevance of metal-based therapies.
36) Kanji (Kamji):
Kanji refers to a traditional fermented sour gruel made from rice or millets, commonly used in Ayurvedic practices. Its involvement in the preparation of Bhasma is significant as it embodies the utilization of probiotic-rich substances that promote digestion and add medicinal benefits, further enriching the overall formulation.
37) India:
India represents the cultural and geographical context where Ayurveda originated and evolved over thousands of years. This ancient system of medicine merges extensive botanical knowledge with spiritual and philosophical insights about health, emphasizing a holistic approach that prioritizes harmony between body, mind, and environment in healing practices.
38) Rules:
Rules refer to established guidelines or principles that govern the practice of Ayurveda, particularly concerning the preparation and administration of medicines. Adhering to these rules is essential for ensuring safety, efficacy, and adherence to traditional methodologies that have been passed down through centuries, maintaining healthcare standards.
39) Food:
Food plays a critical role in Ayurveda, not just as nutrition but as medicine. Ayurvedic principles emphasize the significance of dietary choices in maintaining health, preventing diseases, and enhancing treatment outcomes. Various foods, including herbs and natural ingredients, contribute to the well-being associated with Ayurvedic treatments.
40) Human body:
The human body is the central focus of Ayurvedic medicine, which aims to maintain and restore balance within its systems. Ayurvedic practices consider the body’s constitution (Prakriti), dosha balance, and the interrelationship between physical health and spiritual well-being, emphasizing personalized approaches to healthcare and healing.
41) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
Rasa-shastra, a branch of Ayurveda, focuses on the preparation and application of herbo-mineral medicines. This specialized field investigates how metals and minerals can be made non-toxic and therapeutically valuable through specific processes, contributing significantly to the traditional medicinal systems and their scientific validation.
42) Purification:
Purification is a key concept in Ayurveda, especially in preparing Bhasma from metals. It involves processes designed to remove impurities and potentials toxicity, ensuring that the final product retains only beneficial properties and is safe for consumption, aligning with the tradition of holistic and natural healing.
43) Varitara:
Varitara refers to the lightness or buoyancy of substances, which is a critical evaluation criterion in Ayurvedic formulations. In Bhasma preparation, achieving the right Varitara ensures that the metal is adequately refined to render it non-toxic and effective for therapeutic applications, showcasing the importance of proper processing.
44) Quality:
Quality signifies the standard or grade of Ayurvedic preparations, directly linked to their therapeutic effectiveness. High-quality Bhasma ensures that the transformation processes have been conducted successfully, leading to safe and efficacious medicinal products that adhere to the principles of Ayurveda and its traditional preparation methods.
45) Joshi (Josi):
Joshi, as a common surname in India, often reflects individuals involved in scholarship or research. In the context of Ayurveda, a person with this surname may contribute to the study of traditional practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving and validating ancient knowledge through scientific inquiry in modern contexts.
46) Blood:
In Ayurveda, blood represents both a physiological substance and a vital force that sustains life. The health of the blood is essential for overall well-being, embodying the principles of balance and harmony. Treatments may focus on purifying or enhancing blood quality, particularly in addressing chronic conditions.
47) Life:
Life in Ayurvedic philosophy is viewed as an intricate interplay of body, mind, and spirit. The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to promote a harmonious balance among these elements to sustain health, longevity, and spiritual growth, emphasizing the systemic nature of well-being.
48) Dolichos biflorus:
Dolichos biflorus, commonly known as Kulattha, is an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda. Its properties are often utilized in various formulations, including Bhasma preparation, aligning with the principles of using local flora to enhance therapeutic effects and provide holistic healing through natural remedies.
49) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, known as turmeric, is a prominent herb in Ayurveda celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the context of Bhasma preparation, Curcuma longa is integrated to enhance medicinal effects while supporting overall health, showcasing the efficacy of combining herbal and metallic remedies in Ayurvedic practices.
50) Sour gruel:
Sour gruel, particularly Kanji, is a fermented dish in Indian cuisine that is valued in Ayurveda for its probiotic benefits. When incorporated into preparations like Bhasma, it aids in detoxifying metals and enhancing therapeutic properties, demonstrating the principle of using food as medicine in traditional practices.
51) Tamrabhasma (Tamra-bhasma):
Tamrabhasma is the Ayurvedic preparation derived from copper, similar in process to Yashada Bhasma. It highlights the tradition of using various metals for medicinal purposes, emphasizing the foundational practices of Rasa-shastra and the importance of transforming metals into safe, effective therapeutic agents through advanced treatment processes.
52) Science (Scientific):
Science emphasizes systematic study and empirical validation of practices. In the context of Ayurveda, applying scientific principles to traditional healing methods enables the exploration and verification of efficacy and safety, fostering greater acceptance of Ayurvedic practices in broader healthcare settings.
53) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a state in India renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. It is significant in the context of Ayurveda, providing a historical backdrop for the emergence of herbal and mineral-based medicines. The region also hosts several Ayurvedic institutions dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional medicine.
54) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in India, is known as a center for spirituality and traditional sciences, including Ayurveda. Its historical significance fosters an environment where traditional practices thrive, making it a hub for research and learning about ancient medicinal techniques and their cultural relevance.
55) Nirdhuma (Nir-dhuma):
Nirdhuma refers to the absence of smoke in the preparation of medicines, signifying purity and completeness in the incineration process. In Ayurveda, this quality is critical in evaluating the transformative processes that metals undergo to become non-toxic and effective as medicinal formulations.
56) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient language of India and a pivotal medium for documenting Ayurveda and its philosophies. Its significance in preserving traditional knowledge ensures that Ayurvedic texts and practices are conveyed accurately, enabling insights into ancient healing systems and their ongoing relevance in modern healthcare.
57) Sharava (Sarava):
Sharava refers to a specialized earthen vessel used in the traditional heating process of Ayurvedic preparations. Its role is pivotal in ensuring proper temperature control and enhancing the quality of the resultant Bhasma, exemplifying the intersection of material culture and esoteric knowledge within Ayurvedic practice.
58) Shuddha (Suddha):
Shuddha translates to purity in Ayurveda. It emphasizes the necessity for ensuring that metal preparations are completely purified throughout their processing to eliminate any potential toxicity. This principle is essential for guaranteeing the safety and efficacy of preparations intended for therapeutic use.
59) Heating:
Heating is a crucial step in the preparation of Bhasma, involving controlled application of heat to transform raw materials into therapeutic forms. This process ensures that medicines undergo necessary physical and chemical changes, eliminating impurities and enhancing the solubility and efficacy of the final product.
60) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burnt indicates the completion of the incineration process in creating Bhasma. This stage signifies a critical transformation where raw materials undergo sufficient heating to eliminate toxicity and enhance therapeutic properties, ensuring that the final product is safe and effective for medicinal use.
61) Shukla (Sukla):
Shukla encompasses the concept of whiteness or radiance in Ayurvedic formulations. This characteristic is a vital parameter in evaluating the quality of Bhasma and signifies the successful completion of the incineration process, indicating that the product is safe and effective for treatment.
62) Purity:
Purity refers to the state of being free from contaminants and is essential in preparing Ayurvedic medicines. Achieving purity in Bhasma ensures that harmful substances are eliminated, confirming that the final preparation is safe and retains only beneficial properties that contribute to therapeutic efficacy.
63) Nature:
Nature in Ayurveda denotes the intrinsic qualities of substances, including their elemental composition and energetic properties. Understanding the nature of herbs and minerals informs their therapeutic applications, guiding practitioners in devising effective treatments that synergize with the body’s own healing mechanisms.
64) Reason:
Reason reflects the logical foundation behind Ayurvedic practices and their methodologies. Establishing reasoned explanations for the processes and preparations used, such as Bhasma creation, helps bridge traditional knowledge with scientific validation, fostering acceptance and understanding of Ayurvedic approaches in modern healthcare.
65) Patil:
Patil is a common surname indicating individuals who may contribute to Ayurveda through research or practice. In the context of academic study, a researcher named Patil may provide insights into traditional processes or methods used within the field, enhancing the understanding of Ayurveda's modern relevance.
66) Field:
Field refers to a specific area of study or practice, emphasizing the domain where knowledge and expertise are cultivated. In the context of Ayurveda, the field encompasses diverse aspects, including pharmacology, herbology, and traditional healing, underscoring the breadth and depth of holistic medicine.
67) Money:
Money represents the economic support necessary for conducting research and supporting institutions that promote Ayurveda. It plays a crucial role in facilitating studies that investigate the efficacy and safety of traditional medicines, thus contributing to the growth and recognition of Ayurvedic practices in the healthcare arena.
68) House:
House may refer to the physical institutions or establishments dedicated to the study and practice of Ayurveda. It represents the settings where practitioners guide patients, conduct research, and perpetuate the knowledge of traditional healing practices, contributing to the preservation and advancement of Ayurvedic medicine.
69) King:
King historically signifies leadership and governance, particularly in ancient contexts where royal patronage often influenced the preservation and promotion of traditional medicine like Ayurveda. Royal endorsement enhanced the significance of Ayurvedic practices, allowing them to flourish and integrate into the broader cultural milieu of health and wellness.
70) Sahu:
Sahu is a common last name in India that may be associated with individuals contributing to the field of Ayurveda. A researcher with this surname could play a role in advancing the understanding and application of traditional practices, focusing on areas like Bhasma preparation and efficacy.
71) Rice (Rce):
Rice is a staple food in many cultures and is referenced in Ayurveda for its nutritional properties and use in traditional recipes. In the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines, rice products like Kanji serve integral roles, displaying the intersection of dietary practices and medicinal application.
72) Line:
Line may refer to the lineage or tradition within which Ayurvedic knowledge is passed down through generations. Understanding this lineage enriches the appreciation of cultural practices and provides context to how various medicinal systems evolved and adapted over time in response to societal needs.
73) Gold (Golden):
Gold in Ayurveda, particularly in the form of Swarna Bhasma, represents the use of precious metals in medicinal formulations. Its incorporation signifies not just wealth but also purity and medicinal efficacy, highlighting the intersection of luxury, tradition, and therapeutic potentials within Ayurveda's diverse practices.
74) Sour:
Sourness, often associated with fermentation processes like those seen in preparing Kanji, plays a role in Ayurvedic formulations. The tastes in Ayurveda are intrinsic to their therapeutic properties, with sour flavors contributing to digestive health and overall bodily balance in conjunction with other flavors.
75) Post:
Post refers to a subsequent phase, often linked to findings or conclusions drawn from research. In Ayurvedic studies, this term highlights the importance of disseminating results and integrating them back into practice, promoting the evolution of traditional systems through evidence-based methodologies.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 104]
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