Metals and Minerals in Ancient Indian Literature (A Review Through Caraka Samhita)

Ayurveda as presented in Charaka Samhita is cent percent devoid of any toxicity, contrary to the contemporary situation. Charaka classified the drugs into Oudhbhida (Vegetable), Jangama (Animal) and Parthiva (metals and minerals) categories with certain principles of application like Dosha, Prakriti, Agni, Strotasa etc for prescribing in the management of various disorders. He has made a thorough exercise to identify the poisonous symptoms produced by certain poisons (animal and other substances) and developed management strategies. It may not be hyperbolic to make that Charaka's Ayurvedic therapeutics were promulgated with highest safety profiles. Charaka has not mentioned the drug Parada (mercury) in his treatise. Acharya Priyavrata Sharma opines that the word "Rosa" mentioned in the prescription for the management of Kushtaroga (skin diseases) should be interpreted as Jati Swarasa (herbal in origin). Rasa word is also used to refer Visha and this could be the reason that the literature of Rasashastra has included various poisonous medicinal plants along with mercurial group of drugs.