Critical review of the liquid media and methods used in the Hartala (orpiment) purifying process

Abstract

Introduction: Rasashastra is a pharmaceutical branch that converts metals and minerals into potent and safe medicine. These metals and minerals must undergo many procedures like Shodhana (purifying process) and Marana (the process of making Bhasma) before their administration as potent and safe medicine. Hartala (orpiment) is one such mineral that, after proper processing, becomes highly potent and useful in Sleshmaroga, Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Vatarakta (gout), Kustha (skin disorders), etc. It also produces toxic effects when used without the Shodhana procedures mentioned in the Rasa classics. The classics quote different pretreatment procedures for Hartala that are scattered throughout the texts of Rasa Shastra. Aims and Objectives: Here, an attempt has been made to compile and critically review all such references about Hartala Shodhana in terms of method and media. Materials and Methods: The Shodhana processes of Hartala were compiled from 25 classical texts and sorted by method, media, and principle used in the method. Modern literature is reviewed to explore the effect of the method and role of media used in Hartala Shodhana. Results: Fifty-two methods of Hartala Shodhana are described in classics on Rasashastra that can be categorized into five basic methods like Swedana (fomentation), Bhavana (wet grinding), Prakshalana (washing), Nimanjana (immersion), and Puṭapāka (incineration). Twenty-seven multiple liquid media, which includes 24 liquid media, two solid drugs (borax and lime), and one fruit (Kushmanda), are used as media for Shodhana. Conclusion: This study may serve as a pathway or guideline for further research on Hartala.