UNUSUAL ANIMAL RESOURCES EXPLAINED IN RASA RATNA SAMUCCHAYA

Rasa Ratna Samucchaya being an important treatise of Rasashastra from 12th Century A.D consists of var-ious references regarding the usage of diverse animal resources. Resources like various products and body parts by different animals are derived and are used for various purposes in different context. They were used for the purpose of Shodhana (purification), Marana (incineration), Satwapatana (process of extrac-tion of chief constituent of any mineral), Druti nirmana (liquid form of any metal/mineral) and in prepara-tion of different Mushas (crucibles) like Vajra musha, Vajra dravanimusha, Garamusha etc., as well as in the preparation of Rasayogas (formulations). They are also used as Anupana/Sahapana (adjuvants), Pathya and Apathya (diet and regimens to be followed and avoided). Not only animal resources but utiliza-tion of resources of birds, insects, worm as well as aquatic resources like Pravala (coral), Mukta (pearl), Shankha (conch shell), Muktashukti (pearl oyster shell), Agnijara (ambergies) etc., were also explained. In addition, usage of Nara mutra (human urine), Narasthi (human bone) and Nari sthanya (breast milk) are also mentioned. This article is an effort to compile and enlist about the assorted animal resources that has been told in Ayurveda Rasashastric text Rasa ratna samucchaya written by Rasa Vagbhata.