GANDHAKA KALPAS W.S.R TO AYURVEDA PRAKASHA - A REVIEW

Rakshitha D.* and Gazala Hussain

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Ayurveda Prakasha is an authentic text of 16-17 century AD in the field of Ayurveda that deals with in-depth description of rasa dravyas. Dwitiya adhyaya of this text has detailed description of Gandhaka kalpas. In total 14 Gandhaka kalpas have been described. Gandhaka kalpas are unique formulations which contains Gandhaka (Sulphur) as main ingredient along with other drugs. Methodology: A review was done on the Gandhaka kalpas mentioned in Ayurveda Prakasha text. Each Gandhaka kalpa were analyzed, summarized and arranged in a systemic order. Observations: There are 14 Gandhaka kalpas found in Ayurveda Prakasha with different description differs in their methodology, dose, duration, etc. Those were screened for better understanding. Discussion: As Shuddha Gandhaka is madhura (sweet)-katu (pungent)-tikta (bitter) rasa, ushna veerya (hot potency), katu vipaka (pungent) and Rasayana (rejuvenation) in nature, it may have add on effect in curing diseases which is explained in each Gandhaka kalpa and also by the properties of other drugs. Each Gandhaka kalpa has its specific indications to make the individual free from diseases and to make one live longer. This article is about understanding each Gandhaka kalpas mentioned in Ayurveda Prakasha in a systematic manner for better understanding.

Keywords: Ayurveda Prakasha, Gandhaka kalpas, Gandhaka, Rasayana.