Sikata Varga
Dr. Sathyanarayana B
Principal, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal

INTRODUCTION
 Sikata varga are silicon compounds group of drugs having
alchemical as well as therapeutic value.
 Classification of Sikata varga was not done in classical texts, the
scattered references of these drugs and their usage in alchemy;
binding of mercury (Parada bandhas) as well as internal
administration were enumerated.
 Authors of 20th century have grouped these drugs under a
specified class called Sikata varga.

HISTORY
 In Purana Kala, texts like “Shathapatha brahmana of Prajapathi”, states the “transformation
of sand (Sikata) to gold (Hiranya), which infers the existence of the concept of
conversion of metals (Loha veda), since Vedic period.
 Sikata → Sharkara → Ashma → Ayas → Hiranya
 The scattered references of Sikata, Kachaare present in classical texts like Ananda Kanda,
Ayurveda Prakasha and Rsendra Puranam. “
 Sikata varga”was mentioned for the first time in the text Rasamritam.
 This classification was done based on hemical composition as “silicon compounds”.

Enumeration of Sikata varga dravyas
(According to Rasamritam)
Name Common name Origin Chemical
constituent
Sikata Sand Earth
material
SiO2
Dugdha Pashana Talc Mineral H2Mg3 (SiO3 )4 or
Mg3 Si4 O10 (OH)2
Kaousheyashma Asbestos Alkaline-Earth
material
Mg3Si2 O5 (OH)4
Naga Pashana Sepentine Mineral (Mg,Fe)3Si2O5 (OH)
Badarashma Rock fossil Mineral Si4 CaO4
Ref: Rasamritam-Sikata vijnaneeya Adhyaya

According to syllabus: Sikata varga
1. Sikata (Silica),
2. Dugdhapashana (Talc),
3. Nagapashana / Jaharmohara (Serpentine),
4. Badarshama (silicate of lime ),
5. Vyomashma (Sangeyashab - Jade),
6. Kousheyashma (Asbestos) and
7. Akika (Agate)

SIKATA (SAND)
 It is commonly known as Valuka.
 It is used in valuka yantra and also in Kupipakwa
as a media.
 Silicon stones, when taken through the streams of
rivers convert into white sand particles on
breaking and that are known as Va(Ba)luka.
 White sand particles are pure whereas yellow and
red colour is due to the mixture of iron or
minerals in sand.

SYNONYMS
1. Sikata
2. Sikta
3. Baluka
4. Baloo
5. Retha
6. Rethi
7. Rethaja,
8. Rega
9. Beloo
10. Ramala
11. Sainda
12. Sharkara
13. Pravaha janitha
14. Paneeya churnaka
15. Sukshma

PROPERTIES:
 Rasa: Madhura
 Veerya: Sheeta
 Indications:
 Useful in burning sensation of skin (santhapa nasha),
 relieves tiredness (srama nasha),
 regulates Vata (sakha shritya anilapaha),
 Scrapping of debris of wounds (lekhani and Vranaghna).

NON THERAPEUTIC UTILITY:
 Sikata is used as an Upakarana in
Rasashala.
 It is used as a medium in Valuka yantra,
Valuka puta and Bhudhara puta.

FORMULATION
 SIKATAAVALEHA(RASAMRITAM):
 White sand in 1 Prasrita (96 gm) quantity.
 Other ingredients like oil, ghee, honey, vasa and majja are to be taken in
equal quantity along with Gruha dhuma (soot) and Triphala leha in equal
quantity.
 All these ingredients (1 prasrita each)are to be mixed well till the consistency
of avaleha is obtained.
 Indications: Rakta Shtheevana (Haemoptysis) and Urah Kshata
 Dose: 3-6 Masha (2.25-4.5 grams) with milk as adjuvant

SAND
 Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely
divided rock and mineral particles.
 The larger size class above sand is gravel.
 Sand particles range in diameter from 0.0625mm to 2 mm.
 An individual particle in this range size is termed a sand grain.
 The next smaller size class in geology is silt.
 Sand feels gritty when rubbed between the fingers (silt, by
comparison, feels like flour).

 Sand is commonly divided into five sub-categories based on size: very fine sand (1/16 - 1/8 mm
diameter), fine sand (1/8 mm - 1/4 mm), medium sand (1/4 mm -1/2 mm), coarse sand (1/2 mm - 1
mm), and very coarse sand (1mm - 2 mm).
 The most common constituent of sand, is silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2), usually in the form of quartz,
which, because of its 2 chemical inertness and considerable hardness, is resistant to weathering.
 Some sands contain magnetite, chlorite, glauconite or gypsum.
 Sands rich in magnetite are dark to black in colour, as are sands derived from volcanic basalts and
obsidian.
 Chloriteglauconite bearing sands are typically green in colour, as are sands derived from basalt (lava)
with high olivine content
SAND

Dugdhapashana
(Talc)
 Dugdha pashana was described by the authors
 of 20th century in texts Rasa Tarangini,
Rasendra Sambhava and Rasamritam.

Synonyms
1. Dugdha pashana
2. Dugdha pashanaka
3. Dugdha
4. Dugdha Shila
5. Ksheera kshava
6. Vajrabha
7. Deeptika
8. Soudha
9. Gomedha Sannibha
10. Dugdhopala
11. Dugdha Drusha
12. Dugdhi

MĀRANA (Incineration)
 It is to be triturated with rose water and
subjected to Gaja puta to obtain best
quality bhasma

Properties:
 Rasa: Madhura
 Effective in fever (jwarapaha) and Pitta disorders,
 reduces burning sensation of skin (twakdaha)
 Relieves distension (aadhmana),
 Effective in heart diseases (hrudayamaya hara),
 Improves taste (ruchya),
 Relieves colic caused by Pitta (Pitta shula vinashini),
 Effective in cough and dyspnoea (Kasaswasa hara),
 Styptic (Shonitha sthapana),
 Wound healing(Vranaropaka)
 Effective in diseases of teeth-pyorrhoea-bleeding gums (Danta roga hara).

Therapeutic applications
 Application of (lepa) of Dugha pashana with Yava kshara along
with water is indicated in conditions like pityriasis alba (sidhma
kushtha) patches.
 125mg of Dugdha pashana with either water or milk would help in
relief of fever (sayankala samuttitha manda vega Jwara).
 Dusting powder of Dugdha pashana over traumatic (abhighataja
vranas), bleeding injuries (sadhyo vrana) helps arrest bleeding.
 Dugdha pashana along with curd is helpful in diarrhoea and
dysentery.

 In wounds parts of Dugdha pashana and 1 part of Khunakharaba and ¼th
part of Rasakarpura are mixed in 20 parts of Sikata taila to be used as
ointment for healing and cleansing of wounds.
 In stomatitis and bleeding gums (Mukha and Danta rogas) a tooth powder
made by mixing 4 parts of Dugdha pashana, 1 part of laghu Ela, 1 part of
Kababchini(Piper cubeba), 1 part of khadira satva and 2 parts of Bakula
bark is indicated.
 In Raktha pitta, Dugdha pashana mixed with Nagakesara and Khunakharaba
in equal parts are made into powder form to be used as styptic drug.
Therapeutic applications

TALC
 Talc is a clay mineral composed of hydrated
magnesium silicate with the chemical formula
Mg3Si4O10(OH)2
 In loose form, it is the widely used substance
known as talcum powder.
 It occurs as foliated to fibrous masses.
 It has a perfect basal cleavage, uneven flat
fracture and it is foliated with a two dimensional
platy form.
Photo courtesy:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/
commons/f/fd/Talc_block.jpg?download

 It is sectile and very soft, with a hardness of 1.
 It has a specific gravity of 2.5–-2.8, a clear or dusty lustre, and is translucent to opaque.
 Talc is not soluble in water, but it is slightly soluble in dilute mineral acids.
 Talc in powdered form, often in combination with corn starch, is widely used as baby
powder.
 This mineral is used as a thickening agent and lubricant, is an ingredient in ceramics,
paint and roofing material, and is also one of the main ingredients in many cosmetic
products.
TALC

Nagapashana / Jaharmohara (Serpentine)
 Nagapashana is a compound of Magnesium silicate.
 It is Hydrous Magnesium Silicate i.e. Mg3-xSi2O5(OH)4-2x
 Synonyms: Nagapashana, Nagashma
 Although it was first mentioned in Ayurvedic texts in 20thcentury but its existence as
remedy dates back to 1st – 2 nd century AD in Unani literature where ‘Gallen’ , the most
famous physician after ‘Hippocrates’ has described it as an antidote against scorpion
bite and beneficial in haemorrhoids.
 In later Unani texts Jahar Mohra got established as an emergency medicine as it was
found to be effective in management of epidemics like plague, cholera etc

Appearance and availability
 Colour: Harita(green),
Peeta(yellow) and Swethabha
yukta varna (White tinged)
 Smooth and light stone
 Availability: It is available in
china, Tibbet, Ladakh,
Gadhawal and Nepal mountains.

REFERENCES FOR IMAGES
 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiK8bW3
jK3jAhXX_XMBHbE-
DkIQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healingwithcrystals.net.au%2Fser
pentine.html&psig=AOvVaw1-
2DJyOqvme505Ug63ZH4T&ust=1562942349976643
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjox8SPjK3jA
hVbFHIKHel5AcQQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdir.indiamart.com%2Fimpcat
%2Fserpentine-stone.html&psig=AOvVaw1-
2DJyOqvme505Ug63ZH4T&ust=1562942349976643
https://www.mystery-mountain.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/serpentine_-
_yellow.jpg

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
 Serpentine (Mg,Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4 , Magnesium iron silicate hydroxide.
 Serpentine is a major rock forming mineral and is found as a constituent in many metamorphic
and weather igneous rocks.
 It often colours many of these rocks to a green colour.
 Serpentine's structure is composed of layers of silicate tetrahedrons linked into sheets.
 Between the silicate layers are layers of Mg(OH)2 .
 These Mg(OH)2 layers are found in the mineral brucite and are called brucite layers.
 It is olive green, yellow or golden, brown, or black.
 Greasy, waxy or silky, crystals are translucent and masses are opaque, hardness is 3 - 4.5 with
specific gravity 2.2-2.6

THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES AND INDICATIONS
 Possesses Snigdha, Laghu, Rooksha, Ushna,
Saumanasya janana properties
 It acts as Yakrith balakar, Ojovardhaka,
Visha hara, Yakruth vyadhihara, Medhya,
Hridya,
 Mastishkya, Atisara hara and Vamanahara.

Dose and Anupana
 2-8 ratti (250mg-1gm) with rose water or milk as
adjuvant

PISHTI
 Purification and incineration process are not
mentioned.
 Nagapashana is to be triturated with rose
water, for 3-4 days till the soft pasty
consistency is obtained.

Practical procedure:
 Jahar Mohra stone pieces are taken in a stainless steel vessel and water is
added to them.
 After 5 minutes of soaking, stone pieces are taken out one by one and are
brushed with a soft bristle brush to remove dust and other external
impurities.
 This procedure repeatedly done until the sample is visibly clean.
 The purified Jahar Mohra stones are taken into an iron mortar and pounded
till it becomes a coarse powder.

 The powder thus prepared is sifted through the sieve of mesh size 80 μm
and is collected on a butter paper.
 The coarse powder obtained is then shifted into a mortar and pestle and
impregnated with rose water in sufficient quantity that turns the powder
into a thin paste.
 Trituration is performed until the paste gets converted into dry powder.
 The same procedure is repeated for 14 times.
 Then dried final product is preserved carefully in airtight glass container
Practical procedure:

Badarashma (Fossile Norinite/Encrinite):
 Its shape resembles the Jujube fruit, hence the name
 The stone is tapering on both ends, grey in colour,
with lines on surface.
 It is tasteless and odourless
 From inside, the colour of the stone is greenish-white.
 Chemically it is composed of lime and silicate

Synonyms:
 Ashmabhid
 Badrashma
 Badaripashana
 Pashana badara

GENERAL CHARACTERS
 This is a round or oval-shaped, grey coloured, fruit-like rocky fossil that
originates from stone.
 This has rough surface with longitudinal striations.
 This breaks easily on pounding.
 Small ones look like cardamomum fruit, while big ones 1-2 inches' length
and ½ inch width appears like Ziziphus jujuba fruit.
 This contains silica and lime. Si4CaO4
 It is available in Arabian countries, Egypt and Syria.
 It is imported from Arab countries to India and commonly used by Unani
physicians.

BADARASHMA (HAJRUL YAHOOD)/LAPIS
JUDAICUS/JEW’S STONE
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj58erjjq3jAhV673MBHWewATEQjRx6BAg
BEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiamart.com%2Fproddetail%2Fhajrul-yahood-ber-patthar-
16457543112.html&psig=AOvVaw3_oMcNaxyKjA36NiJNDpZQ&ust=1562943064557888
https://5.imimg.com/data5/FH/TL/MY-
15783975/hajrul-yahood-bhasma-250x250.jpg
IMAGE COURTESY

SHODHANA (Purification)
 It has to be heated red hot and then dipped in
decoction of horse gram (Kulattha kwatha) or
in radish juice for seven times, taking care not
to allow the pieces to get shattered.

Pishti:
 Badarashma grinded with rose or sandal water for
3-4 days results in white (swetha varna), smooth
(slakshana) and that floats on water (varitara
pishti).
 It can also be prepared with kadali
stambha(plantain stem) juice or radish juice by
grinding it for seven days.

MĀRANA(Incineration)
 Trituration of Badarashma with aloe pulp
(kumari swarasa) is done to obtain pishti
and then subjected to Kukkutardha Puta to
get Bhasma

PROPERTIES AND INDICATIONS
 Mutrala, Pitta shaman, Ashmari bhanjaka,
Vantigna, Hrith shula hara.
 It is choicest remedy in urinary disorders
associated with burning sensation, frequency and
difficulty of urination.
 It works well in oliguria, anuria, dysuria and in
renal calculus.

DOSE AND ADJUVANT
 500mg-1gm (4-8 ratti)
 Anupana: with Kadalikanda rasa, water or
milk or rose water or sandal wood water is
used as adjuvant.

Example: Ela panchaka churna:
 Ingredients:
1. Sukshma ela beeja: 1 part
2. Pashana Bheda : 1 part
3. Shilajatu : 1 part
4. Pippali : 1 part and
5. Badarashma pisti : 1 part
 Dose of 4-8 Ratti for 2-4 times per day
 Indications:mutra kruchra, ashmari shula, sharkaradi disorders.
 In urinary obstruction, the paste of Badarashma is applied on the supra
pubic region

Vyomashma (Sangeyashab - Jade)
 This drug is mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. References are available
in Unani texts.
 Chemical formula: Na( Al, Fe)Si2O6
 Hardness: 7
 Refractive index: 1.66-1.68
 Density: 2.98 - 3.33 g/cc
 Luster: Greasy to pearly
 Synonyms:
 Sange Yashaba, Yashaba, Bhima Pashana etc.
 ALSO CONSIDERED UNDER UPARATNA

Jade
 Jade refers to an ornamental mineral, mostly
known for its green varieties.
 It can refer to either of two different minerals:
 nephrite, a silicate of calcium and magnesium,
or
 jadeite, a silicate of sodium and aluminium.
IMAGE COURTESY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jadestein.jpg

 Nephrite consists of a microcrystalline interlocking fibrous matrix of the
calcium, magnesium-iron rich amphibole mineral
series tremolite (calcium-magnesium)-ferroactinolite (calcium-
magnesium-iron).
 The middle member of this series with an intermediate composition is
called actinolite (the silky fibrous mineral form is one form of asbestos).
 The higher the iron content, the greener the colour.
 Jadeite is a sodium- and aluminium-rich pyroxene.
 The precious form of jadeite jade is a microcrystalline interlocking
growth of jadeite crystals
Jade

OCCURENCE
 Jade is found in metamorphic rocks and as
alluvial pebbles and boulders.
 The most important source of Jade is Burma.
 In India, it is found in Kashmir and Ladakh
 Other sources are Japan and California (USA)

CHARACTERISTICS
 It resembles emerald in colour
 A wide range of colours including
green, lilac, white, pink, brown,
red, blue, black, orange and yellow
is seen in jades but most priced
variety imperial jade in rich emerald
green due to chromium.
 The crystal structure is monoclinic
and crystals are opaque.
 Jadite commonly has a dimpled
surface when polished
IMPERIAL JADE
IMAGE COURTESY:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiTy9rJka3jAhXE
4HMBHdTLDm4QjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aliexpress.com%2Fitem%2FW
holesale-50piece-Certified-Jadeite-Imperial-Jade-for-Ring-or-Pendant-Auction-
HK359%2F32484926600.html&psig=AOvVaw3dHpyp6MIfcVskx8nKBGZJ&ust=1562943814
275008

SHODHANA (PURIFICATION)
 Pieces of Vyomashma are heated and immersed in any of
the following liquids 21 times:-
 Arjuna Kwatha
 Rose water
 Ark Gaozaban (Gojihwa arka-distillate of Onosma
bracteatum)

MĀRANA(INCINERATION)
 Purified Vyomashma is triturated with Arjuna kwatha or
rose water or Ark Gaozaban or Kumari Swarasa
 Chakrikas(discs) are prepared and dried.
 Prepared chakrika are sealed in earthen saucer capsule
 Subjected to 10 to 12 Gajaputa

PISHTI
 Purified Vyomashma is ground into fine
powder and filtered through cloth
 This powder is levegated in a mortar for 4-5
days till dryness to get fine powder.

PROPERTIES AND THERAPEUTIC USAGE
 HRIDYA
 BALYA
 INCREASES DRYNESS IN THE BODY
 IMPOVES DIGESTION
 Useful as cardiac tonic & cardiac stimulant.
 ALLEVIATES URINARY COLIC AND GASTRITIS
 IMPROVES MEMORY

DOSE AND ANUPĀNA
 BHASMA: 2-4 RATTI(250-500 MG)
 PISHTI: 2-8 RATTI (250 MG TO 1 GRAM)
 ANUPĀNA: MADHU, NAVANEETA, SITA, ARJUNA
TVAK KWATHA, ARK GULAB(ROSE WATER), ARK
GAOZABAN, ARK VEDMUSHKA(DISTILLATE OF SALIX
CAPREA)

KAUSHEYASHMA
 No references in Brihatrayis laghu trayis or Nighantus
 Not recoreded in the commentaries of classical books of
Rasasashtra like Rasaratna Samuchaya or Rasaratnakaram This drug
was described in texts Rasamritam and Rasendra Vijňana.
 In Ayurvedic books of Malayalam like Sahasrayogam,Chikitsamanjiri
& Yogamritham the references of this mineral are seen.
 It is termed as Kalnar, Kannaram and Hiravi in these books.
 Kannaram is first mentioned in Chikitsa Manjiri.
 It is a compound of Calcium magnesium silicate.

INTRODUCTION
 Kousheyashma is a mineral drug, which looks like a stone made of compressed
fibers.
 It will be usually yellowish white in colour.
 A number of minerals belonging to the Amphibole group exhibit the properties
of Kousheyashma.
 Hence it may be considered as the equivalent of the industrial mineral name
`Asbestos’.
 The mineralogical studies have shown that physical properties resembles with
Asbestos.
 The analytical studies have suggested that it is essentially a variety of Asbestos
with composition of Silicate of magnesium and Calcium

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
 Asbestos is a term used to refer to six naturally occurring silicate minerals. All are
composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fiber being composed of many
microscopic 'fibrils' that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and
other processes
 Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral with long, thin fibrous crystals.
 It is a soft stone having yellowish or reddish white colour just like the threads of
silk.
 It is a bad conductor of heat, hence may be used for protection from fire, in form
of cloths.
 Asbestos is known to have toxicity. Inhalation of toxic asbestos Fibres can cause
serious illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Courtesy: Wikipedia

SHODHANA AND MĀRANA
 Specific purification process of Kausheyashma was not mentioned in
Ayurvedic literature
 It's Purification, inceneration and pishti are similar to that of Mukta
 REFERENCES OF SHODHANA AND MARANA ARE AVAILABLE IN SIDDHA
SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
 Incineration(MĀRANA): Kausheyashma is to be triturated with
Kumari(Aloe vera) pulp and sealed in mud Sharava and subjected to
Gaja Puta.
 4-8 such putas are required to obtain white colour Bhasma.

PISHTI
 Pieces of Kausheyashma are to be triturated with rose
water, for 3-4 days so that a soft paste consistency is
obtained.
 Then dried to get a smooth powder.

Properties and therapeutic utility:
 It is sheeta veerya, rakta pitta nashaka and rakta
sthambaka.
 Danta manjan is prepare with Kousheyashma as ingredient,
indicated in teeth and gum problems (danta rogas, danta
shaithilya,danta puya- pyorrhoea).
 It is also used in Raktodgama, Puyodgaram, Prameha and
Pradara rogas.
 It increases beauty and strength of body.
 It cures fever, asthma, cough, pain in chest region.

DOSE AND ADJUVANT
 Internal administration is done at a dose of
4-12 grains in a day; 2-4 ratti (250-500mg)
 ADJUVANT: milk and water

FORMULATIONS OF KAUSHEYASHMA
 Kachuradi Churna
 Shirastoda Gulika
 Marma Gulika
 Valiangadi Kashaya (Shresta
Kashaya)
 Tenginpookkuladi Ghrita
 Balashoolari Churna
 Vayu Gulika
 Kasturyadi Gulika
 Jalamanjari
 Kshaya Kulantaka Chendooram
 Nandhi Mezhugu
 Kalnar Parpam
 Amirtha Gandhi Kukkil Valathy

AKĪKA(AGATE)

INTRODUCTION
 Akika is one of the gem grouped under the Sikata and uparatna varga and has sheetala
(cold), hridya guna (cardio protective property).
 It is having composition of silicon and oxygen with an infinite three-dimensional polymeric
structure.
 In English it is named as Agate.
 There are more than 15 varieties present in Agate, among them white Agate is considered
as standard by API.
 The typical horizontal bands are diagnostic criteria for Akika.

WHITE AGATE
Image source:
https://www.healingcrystals.com/images/Tumbled-White-Agate-India---Tumbled-Stones-02.jpg

HISTORICAL REVIEW
 No references were found for Akika in Vedas and Samhitas.
 But it is recorded as being used at the time of Sindhu civilization,
because it has been unearthed in Harappa Mohenjo-Daro .
 At the period of Kushan, there was great demand for gems like
Heeraka (Diamond), Sphatika (Potash alum), Akika (Agate),
Manikya.
 At that time good quality of Akika were available in “Ratanapur”
Ref:Mishra sidhdhinandana Ayurvediya rasashastra. Varanasi: Choukamba Orientalia; 12th edition .2002.14 pp.

ORIGIN
 Generally, Akika occurs in pure form.
 It occurs all over the earth’s crust in igneous as
well as metamorphic rocks.
 Banding in Akika is due to interrupted deposition
of silica in cavities .
Ref: Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Govt. of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
Department of Ayurveda , yoga, naturopathy , unani ,siddha and Homeopathy . New Delhi: Published by The
Controller of Publications Civil Lines ;2008.Part 1, volume 7,3pp

OCCURRENCE
 Akika occurs mainly as fillings in the voids in the Deccan Trap rocks.
 The most important occurrence of Akika in India is Rajpipla area and further
west between the mouths of river Tapti and Narmada in Gujarat.
 Other occurrences of economic importance are known at Amaravati,
Aurangabad, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Jalna, Nasik and Pune in Maharashtra, beds
of Krishna and Godavari rivers in Andhra Pradesh, Rajmahal and Sahebganj in
Bihar, Dharand, Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and Jaipur, Jamnagar, Kutch and
Surat in Gujarat
Ref: Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Govt. of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
Department of Ayurveda , yoga, naturopathy , unani ,siddha and Homeopathy . New Delhi: Published by The
Controller of Publications Civil Lines ;2008.Part 1, volume 7,3pp

MYTHOLOGY
 According to Ratna pradeepa it is
considered as eye of ‘Devadhootaloka’ and
it has been said that Lord Shiva had given
daivika shakti(DIVINE POWER) to this ratna.
Ref: Kapur Gourishankar. Ratna Pradeepa New Delhi: Ranjan publication; 1999. 241pp

AGATE
 Agate is a rock consisting primarily
of cryptocrystalline silica, chiefly chalcedony, alternating
with microgranular quartz.
 It is characterized by its fineness of grain and variety of
color.
 Although agates may be found in various kinds of host rock,
they are classically associated with volcanic rocks and can
be common in certain metamorphic rocks

ETYMOLOGY AND HISTORY
 The stone was given its name by Theophrastus,
a Greek philosopher and naturalist, who discovered the stone
along the shore line of the river Achates in Sicily, sometime
between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
 Colorful agates and other chalcedonies were obtained over
3,000 years ago from the Achates River, now called Dirillo.

TYPES OF AGATE WITH PHOTOS
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiE2NTY1KzjAhWLpo8KHToKAkoQjRx6BAgBEAU
&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geologyin.com%2F2016%2F08%2Ftypes-of-agate-with-
photos.html&psig=AOvVaw16k6IR8meJsCCLCRGdfSMP&ust=1562927442622914

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Category Chalcedony variety
Formula (repeating unit) SiO2 silicon dioxide
Crystal system Rhombohedral Microcrystalline
Identification
Color brown banded
Crystal habit Cryptocrystalline silica
Cleavage None
Fracture Conchoidal with very sharp edges.
Mohs scale hardness 6.5–7
Luster Waxy
Streak White
Diaphaneity Translucent
Specific gravity 2.58–2.64
Refractive index 1.530–1.540
Birefringence up to +0.004 (B-G)
Pleochroism Absent

SYNONYMS
 Different synonyms are found in classics based on its guna,
karma and swaroopa like,
 Varna(colour): Rudhira, Raktapashana, Raktashma,
Raktabham, Shona
 Karma (action): Hridaya, Pashanahridaya13, Hridayopalam
 Swaroopa(appearance): Puteeka , Paalyashma, Hakeeka,
Paandha

VARGEEKARANA(CLASSIFICATION)
 Siddabheshaja manimala has mentioned under
paradaadi varga
 Rasadarpana and Rasamritam mentioned under
uparatna varga.
 Ratna pradeepa specified it under sphatika varga
ratna

TYPES-based on colour
Text Types
Rasa Darpana Shveta, Peeta, Harita, Krishna, Rakta
Dravya Guna Vignana Shveta, Peeta, Krishna, Neela, Rakta
Ayurveda Sara Sangraha Shveta, Peeta, Neela, Rakta
Prarambhika Rasa Parichaya Shveta, Peeta, Harita, Krishna, Rakta
Bharateeya Rasashastra Krishna, Neela, Rakta
Unani Dravyaguna Shastra Shveta, Peeta, Rakta
Rasendra Sambhava Shweta, Peeta, Rakta and Shyama varna
Akika

1. Akika
2. Jaalayukta Akika
3. Shaivala Akika
4. Sadharana Akika
TYPES-Based on appearance

SHODHANA
 There are total two methods were mentioned for
the shodhana (Purification) of Akika:
1. Nirvapa (heating and quenching) method and
2. Swedana (boiling) method but the number of
nirvapa, nirvapa media & swedana media differ
according to different texts

Table showing Drava Dravya for Nirvapa
Reference Drava dravya No. of Nirvapa
Rasadarpana Gulab jala(rose water) 21
Rasadarpana Triphala kwatha 6
Ayurveda sara sangraha Gulab jala(rose water) 21
Prarambhika rasa parichaya Gulab arka/Triphala kwatha 21
API Gulab jala/ dugdha/ veda mushka arka 21
Rasendra Sambhava Shatapatri neer(rose water) 7
Rasa Bindu Godugdha/ Arjuna swarasa(Terminalia arjuna
)/ Arka Gulab
21
Bhasma Vijnana Ketaki Arka (Pandanus fasicularis)/ Neeli
utpala / Gulab Arka
Till it becomes brittle
Rasa tantra sara va sidhdha yoga
sangraha
Gulab jala/ dugdha/ veda mushka arka 21
Bharateeya Rasashatra Gulab jala/ Ketaki Arka 20
Rajakeeya Aushadhi yoga sangraha Godugdha(cow milk) 21-31
Ratna Vigyana Ketaki arka/ veda mushka arka 15-20times / till it becomes brittle
Ratna Pradeepa Arka kevada/ veda mushka arka 15-20times / till it becomes brittle

SHODHANA BY SWEDANA
1. According to Rasa darpana: Swedana in any
amlavargeeya dravya rasa and he has not
mentioned duration
2. Acharya Bhagavan das: Swedana in nimbu
swarasa for 3 hours.

AKīKA MĀRANA(Preparation of Akika Bhasma)
 1. Finely powdered Shodhita Akika should subject to bhavana
(Levigation) with kumari swarasa (Aloe vera juice) / gulab arka.
 The paste thus obtained should be made into chakrikas (pellets) and
placed in sharava samputa and after sandhi bhandhana subjected to
agni (heat)
 2. Bhavana should be carried carry out with kumari swarasa to
shodhita akika churna, after preparing chakrikas allow to dry them,
then subject to three gaja putas, thus obtained bhasma should
collect and again subject to bhavana with Godugdha and give one
more Gajaputa.

 3. The bhasma can be prepared by
triturating akika churna with Kumari
swarasa, Ketaki rasa, Jalapippali swarasa
and with Rambha swarasa and then it
should be subject to 7 Kukkuta Puta
AKīKA MĀRANA(Preparation of Akika Bhasma)

AKIKA PISHTI
 Akika Pishti should be prepared by bhavana
method in khalwa yantra with suitable drava
dravya for specific period of time.
 It is a common method has been explained in
various Rasagranthas but the opinion regarding
bhavana media, time and days for each bhavana
and numbers of bhavana differ.

LIQUID AND DURATION FOR BHAVANA
1. Rasa
Darpana
Gulab/Ketaki/Chandana Arka Duration is not specified
2. Prarambhika
Rasa
Parichaya
Gulab/Ketaki/Chandana Arka 21days after that should dry under
sunlight
3. Rasa Bindu Gulab jala 7 days
4. Ayurveda
Sara
Sangraha
Gulab jala 10 to 12 days after that dry it under
sunlight,
5. AFI Kumari swarasa, Ketaki swarasa,
Jala pippalia swarasa, Kadali
Kanda rasa
Duration is not specified, after
completion dry it under sunlight

GUNAKARMA
 RASA: Kashaya and Madhura rasa
 VEERYA: Sheeta
 VIPAKA: Madhura
 KARMA:
 Pitta shamaka
 Rakta sthambaka
 Hridya
 Netrya

INDICATIONS
 The indications of akika can be classified in
to 2 categories based on its end form i.e.
 Indications of Akika Bhasma and
 Indications of Akika Pishti

INDICATIONS OF AKIKA BHASMA
 Andhatva
 Raktapitta
 Hridroga
 Yakrit Vikara
 Ashmari
 Rakta Pradara
 Shveta Pradara
 Murccha
 Prameha
 Teevra Jwara
 Daha
 Unmada
 Kasa
 Kshaya
 Vrana

INDICATIONS OF AKIKA PISHTI
 Hriddaha
 Ati Hrt Spandana
 Hridaya Dourbalya
 Hridroga
 Kshaya
 Shiro roga
 Pitta riga
 Vata roga
 Rakta Pradara
 Netra Vikara
 Rakta Chapa
 Raktapitta
 Amlapitta
 Kasa
 Jwara
 Anidra
 Unmada
 Visha

METAPHYSICAL EFFECT OF WEARING AGATE
 By adorning Akika over the body helps in curing mano
vikaras (Psychiatric afflictions) and decreases
palpitations
 It increases the Arogya (health) as well as Ayu (life
span) and it is said that by wearing Akika one can earn
friendship of people around him.
REF: Sinha Haquim Daljita.Unani dravya Gunadarsha.1st edition. Uttara Pradesh: Ayurvedic
Avam Tibbi Academy; 1988. 225pp

MATRA AND ANUPANA
 BHASMA:- 2-4 RATTI (250-500 MG)
 PISHTI:- 2-4 RATTI (250-500 MG)
 ANUPANA: GODUGDHA, NAVANEETA, MADHU, AMALAKI
SWARASA, ARDRAKA SWARASA, KUSHMANDA SWARASA

References:
 Trikamji Yadavji Acharya, Rasamritam, Trans Dr. Joshi Damodar; First Edition 1998; Chaukamba Sanskrit Bhavan,
Varanasi; 315-PP.
 Murthy Himasagara Chandra, Rasashastra – The Mercurial System, First Edition 2008, Chowkhamba Sanskrit
Series Office, Varanasi, PP-546.
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand
 Jha Chandrabhushan, Ayurvediya Rasashastra, 2007 Edition, Chaukambha Surabharati Prakashana, Varanasi, PP-
481.
 Prof. Mishra Siddhinandana, Ayurvediya Rasashastra, 2007 Edition, Chaukambha Orientalia, A house of oriental
and Antiquarian books, Varanasi, PP-610.
 Vidyashree et al. A critical review on Akika: An Uparatna. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 2017;8(5):130-136
http://dx.doi.org/ 10.7897/2277-4343.085260

 Sharma Sadananda, Rasa Tarangini, Trans Pandit Shastri Kashinath, First
Edition 1971; Motilal Banaras das, Varanasi; 772-PP.
 Upadhyay Madhav, Ayruveda Prakasha. edited by Gulraj Sharma and
Mishra, reprint, chapter-1, verse-36. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharti
Academy; 1999.
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talc
 http://www.irjponline.com/admin/php/uploads/1410_pdf.pdf
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestosis
References:

THANK YOU