Ayurveda Perspectives on Visha & Upavisha Dravyas as Rasaushadhi: A Review

Ayurveda is science of long and healthy live which focuses on treatment of diseases. Ayurveda works around management of physical and mental health using various medicines involving herbs, metals and minerals. Ayurveda encompasses different stream including Rasashastra which utilizes Rasa drugs for therapeutic purposes. Many mineral, metal and plant based compounds involved in the preparation of formulations belong from Rasa category. These compounds may possess some toxic effects and utilizes only after proper purification process. Therefore it can be stated that Upavisha Dravyas can be used for health benefits after purification measure. Rasa-shastra involves utilization of many poisonous herbs, metals and minerals. Considering the therapeutic significance of such compounds this article exploring critical aspects of Upavisha Dravyas in Rasa-shastra