RAKTHA VARGA DRAVYAS AND THEIR UTILITY IN RASASHASTRA

Abstract

Rakta varga dravyas are that group of drugs of herbal, mineral, animal origin. The common characteristic found in all is that they possess red colour in common. The utility of these drugs as group in Rasa Shastra is mainly seen in Loha vada i.e transmutation of lower metals to higher metals. They are used in procedures of Parada samskaras like Ranjana samskara, Sarantaila vidhi, Garbhadruti nirmana,then in preparation of Musha and also in Shodhana/ purification of certain Rasa dravyas such as Sasyaka. The main purpose of their usage is to impart the red color to drugs/ instruments.Their usage as a group is limited, however they are used for different purposes individually. Most of the Rakta varga dravyas are herbal drugs and the color of these drug is due to the presence of pigments in them. Makshika and Laksha are two non-herbal drugs in this group. Makshika could be taken as the Swarna makshika bhasma / incinerated ash of Copper pyrite while there is an opinion that it could be madhu/ honey also. Laksha is the resin of animal origin. This article deals elaborately with the Rakta varga group of drugs, their detailed description, identification, uses and their importance in Rasa Shastra on scientific background.