Open AccessA CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF HARATALA - AN ARSENIC-BASED AYURVEDIC COM- POUND
Author(s) -
Sharad Chandra,
Karbhal Kamleshwar Singh,
Bhagat Alka
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international ayurvedic medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2320-5091
DOI - 10.46607/iamj3009072021
Subject(s) - alchemy , traditional medicine , pound (networking) , medicine , literature , art , computer science , world wide web
Objectives - Ayurveda is the science of life practised by ancient Aryans which is based on Atharva-Veda. The object of Ayurveda is to counteract the imbalance of three very essential elements, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Rasa Shastra is the branch of Ayurveda which deals with knowledge of alchemical & pharmaceutical processes. Haratala is an important mineral drug in Rasa Shastra for alchemical purposes and therapeutic uses. Methods – This review is focused on the concise discussion, collection and interpretation of Haratala related descriptions in different Ayur- vedic and modern literature. Results - Haratala is being used in the field of treatment of various diseases, especially in Rasa Shastra. There is no controversial opinion regarding the identity of 'Haratala' as it is equated with the 'Orpiment'(Arsenic Trisulphide) of modern mineralogy. Conclusions -Haratala is an Arsenic based Ayurvedic com- pound which is being used for several years in Ayurveda for treatment of various disease, especially in Vata- Kaphatmaka Vyadhi.Keywords: Ayurveda, Rasa Shastra, Haratala, Arsenic-Trisulphide,