[6]  MEDICINAL APPLICATIONS OF SWARNA-MAKSHIKA, RAUPYA-MAKSHIKA, AND VIMALA: Submitted: Sep 12, 2024 , Revised: Oct 03, 2024 , Accepted: Oct 20, 2024, https://doi.org/10.56815/IJMRR.V3I4.2024/57-79

Kaustubh Deshpande; Saili Dhok; Pratik Godbole; Krutika Jangale; Sanjeevani Jawadand; Kirtikumar Randive

doi:10.56815/IJMRR.V3I4.2024/57-79

Authors

Kaustubh Deshpande Post Graduate Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, India
Saili Dhok Post Graduate Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, India
Pratik Godbole Post Graduate Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, India
Krutika Jangale Post Graduate Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, India
Sanjeevani Jawadand Shri Mathuradas Mohota College of Science, Nagpur, India
Kirtikumar Randive Post Graduate Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, India

https://doi.org/10.56815/IJMRR.V3I4.2024/57-79

Keywords:

Geo-materials, Geopharmacy, Ayurveda, Rasashastra, Rasaushadhis, Makshika, Vimala

Abstract

Ayurveda is the ancient system of medicinal practice originated in India which includes different types of natural substances in its therapeutic uses, including various geological materials. The historical significance, medicinal applications, and modern controversies over various geological materials such as chapala, vimala, vaikranta, agnijara, kampillaka, and kankushtha hold controversy regarding their proper identification. Swarna-makshika, raupya-makshika, and vimala hold an appreciable place in ayurvedic texts, but their usage is accompanied by controversies and ongoing scientific research. Swarna-makshika, type of makshika, which is golden coloured copper, iron and sulphur containing mineral is used for curing various diseases. At the same time, raupya-makshika another type of makshika, which is considered to be synonymous to vimala in some ayurvedic texts and some ayurvedic texts mentions raupya-makshika and vimala as different entities. Current paper deals with this controversy and tries to solve it on the basis of geological and mineralogical parameters mentioned in ayurvedic texts and standard geology and mineralogy books. Understanding of these minerals and their therapeutic uses, benefits, and risks important for ensuring their safe and effective integration into contemporary healthcare system.