Rasa Shastra:The Ayurvedic Art of Medicine Making and Alchemy

by: Andrew Mason (Author)

Publisher: Aeon Books

Publication Date: 2024/7/25

Language: English

Print Length: 520 pages

ISBN-10: 1801521131

ISBN-13: 9781801521130

Book Description

The quintessential guide to an ancient Indian tradition of healing and alchemy.In this revised and expanded edition of his seminal text, Andrew Mason explores the branch of Ayurveda, involving the traditional ancient Indian medicine called Rasa Shastra in which various metals, minerals and other substances are purified and combined with herbs to treat illnesses.Based on years of observation and practice in Sri Lanka, Mason offers a detailed exploration of this medicinal purification practice that seeks to enhance the therapeutic potential of materials, metals and gemstones, as well as offering a concise overview of traditional and mode equipment and methods used in the manufacture of these medicines.The author's unique and fascinating account of the hidden alchemical arts also explains some of the historical background behind the on-going quest amongst Asian alchemists for immortality.The new edition of Rasa Shastra includes a reformatting of tables; revaluating the processing and utilisation of materials; a comprehensive account of the purification process in the section on Parada; a new ‘Essentials in the Pharmacy’ sections’; an expanded ‘materials’ section with a comprehensive section on Lavana and important types of salt; additional plants, such as Langali; and an enriched ‘Materials’ chapter.

About the Author

The quintessential guide to an ancient Indian tradition of healing and alchemy.In this revised and expanded edition of his seminal text, Andrew Mason explores the branch of Ayurveda, involving the traditional ancient Indian medicine called Rasa Shastra in which various metals, minerals and other substances are purified and combined with herbs to treat illnesses.Based on years of observation and practice in Sri Lanka, Mason offers a detailed exploration of this medicinal purification practice that seeks to enhance the therapeutic potential of materials, metals and gemstones, as well as offering a concise overview of traditional and mode equipment and methods used in the manufacture of these medicines.The author's unique and fascinating account of the hidden alchemical arts also explains some of the historical background behind the on-going quest amongst Asian alchemists for immortality.The new edition of Rasa Shastra includes a reformatting of tables; revaluating the processing and utilisation of materials; a comprehensive account of the purification process in the section on Parada; a new ‘Essentials in the Pharmacy’ sections’; an expanded ‘materials’ section with a comprehensive section on Lavana and important types of salt; additional plants, such as Langali; and an enriched ‘Materials’ chapter.