Abstract

A REVIEW ON VAIDURYA RATNA (CAT’S EYE)

Pooja Mahamuni* and Jyoti Gavali

ABSTRACT

Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana is one among the branches of Ayurved, which deals with Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics. Rasashastra deals with pharmaceutical preparation of Ayurved related to metals and minerals. Ratnas are the pieces of minerals known as Gemstones. These gemstones are highly attractive in comparison with other metals and minerals used in the field. Ratnas are purified, incinerated & pulverized to use internally in the form of Bhasma and Pishti. In Ayurved, there are total nine ratnas described. Namely, Manikya, Mukta, Pravala, Tarkshya, Pushparaga, Vajra, Nila, Gomeda and Vaidurya. We find references of Vaidurya in „Srimadbhagvatgita‟, the stories of Mahabharat & in brihat samhitas of Ayurved. From the period of Samhita, the therapeutic use of Vaidurya was thought about. Its references are found in places of Charak Samhita. Later with the development of Rasashastra, the purification, incineration, pishti preparation & the therapeutic utility of all gemstones was in practice.
Aim of present study is to compile available research work done on Vaidurya and provide brief information about different studies held on this.

Keywords: Vaidurya, Chrysoberyl, Ratna, Cat?s eye, Quartz, Apatite.