A REVIEW OF LITERATURE OF HARTALA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO RASASHASTRA

*Dr. Madhuri Vinayak Patil and Dr. Ravindra Kute

ABSTRACT

Haratala, Manashila and Somala are important arsenic compounds which are used in Ayurveda. Haratala is most popular among them. In majority of the Classical texts, it has been grouped under Uprasa Varga. It is one of the Arsenical raw materials emphasized since Samhita period. Hartala (AS2S3) is called as yellow orpiment with two molecules of Arsenic and three molecules of Sulphur. It is important in Rasa shastra for alchemical purposes and therapeutic uses. It is commonly used in treating the diseases like Kushtha, Firang, Visham Jwara, Bhagandar, Vata-rakta etc. It is used as ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations i.e., Vtagajankush Rasa, Kasturibhairava Rasa etc. Acharya Sushrut has categorised it under Dhatuja Vish.

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