Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Rajata Loha Rasāyanam (Tāra Loha Rasāyanam): Ingredients, Preparation, Benefits & Classical Significance

 


Based on Ayurveda Aushadha Ratnakaram, Rajata Loha Rasāyanam is a highly potent rejuvenative (Rasāyana) formulation attributed to the sage Pūjyapāda.


It harmoniously combines:

  • Rajata (Silver) – Cooling, Pitta-pacifying, stabilizing

  • Loha (Iron/Steel) – Strength-giving, blood-enriching

  • Parada-Gandhaka complex – Catalytic and penetrating

The text describes two preparation methods:

1️⃣ Valuka Yantra (Sand Bath) Method
2️⃣ Puta Yogam (Incineration Pit) Method


1️⃣ Rajata Loha Rasāyanam

(Standard Valuka Yantra Method)

This is the primary formulation cooked in a crucible or glass flask over a sand bath.


Ingredients & Composition

Sanskrit NameEnglish EquivalentQuantity (Parts)
Sutam (Parada)Purified Mercury1
Rajata / TārāSilver Bhasma1
Jīva LohaSteel/Iron Filing or Bhasma2
GandhakaPurified Sulphur3

The ratio ensures proper amalgamation and sulphide stabilization.


Method of Preparation

1️⃣ Bhāvana (Herbal Trituration)

The mixture is ground in a mortar (Khalva) with juices of:

  • Kumāri (Aloe vera)

  • Vimala / Sambrāṇi (Benzoin-type resin)

  • Bhr̥ṅgarāja (Eclipta alba)

  • Kāthilla / Karela (Bitter gourd)

  • Punarnavā (Boerhavia diffusa)

  • Vajravalli (Cissus quadrangularis)

  • Ārdraka (Ginger)

These herbs enhance:

  • Absorption

  • Detoxification

  • Blood nourishment

  • Liver function


2️⃣ Pāka (Heating in Valuka Yantra)

  • Placed in Vajra Muṣā (hard crucible) or glass flask

  • Heated in Valuka Yantra (sand bath apparatus)

  • Duration: 4 Yāmas (~12 hours)

Signs of Proper Cooking:

  • Complete disappearance of sulphur smell

  • Solidification of compound

  • Iron transformation signs observed


3️⃣ Post-Processing

After cooling (Saṅga Śītalam), it is:

  • Removed

  • Re-ground with the original herbal juices

  • Made into pills (Vāṭikā) or fine powder


Dosage

  • Guñjā Dvayam (~250 mg)

  • Administered under physician supervision


2️⃣ Rajata Loha Rasāyanam

(Puta Yogam / Incineration Method)

This variation uses controlled pit-heating (cow dung cake furnace).


Ingredient Ratios (Alternate Version)

IngredientParts
Rajata (Silver)1
Tikshna Loha (Steel/Iron)2
Parada (Mercury)3
Gandhaka (Sulphur)6

This version increases Mercury & Sulphur proportion.


Preparation Method

1️⃣ Grinding

Mixed with Aloe Vera juice.

2️⃣ Sealing

Placed in crucible (Muṣā)
Sealed with clay-coated cloth (Mṛd-vāstra)

3️⃣ Heating

Subjected to Laghu Puta (light incineration fire)

4️⃣ Post-Puta Bhāvana (3 Days)

Ground with juices of:

  • Punarnavā

  • Kumāri

  • Brahmī

  • Jambīra (Lemon)

  • Vajravalli


Dosage

  • Māṣa Dvayam (Classical reference; modern practice uses smaller micro-doses)


3️⃣ Therapeutic Indications (Phalaśruti)

Described as equal to Sañjīvanī (life-restoring medicine).


🫁 Respiratory

  • Kāsa (Cough)

  • Śvāsa (Asthma)

🦠 Chronic Disease

  • Rājayakṣmā (Tuberculosis-like wasting)

  • Kṣaya (Emaciation)

🚽 Metabolic & Urinary

  • Meha (Prameha spectrum)

  • Pāṇḍu (Anemia)

🍽 Digestive

  • Ajīrṇa (Indigestion)

  • Aruchi (Loss of taste)

  • Śūla (Colic)

🧠 Neurological

  • Vāta Vyādhi

  • Pakṣāghāta (Paralysis)

🟡 Liver

  • Kāmala (Jaundice)

  • Kumbha Kāmala (Advanced Jaundice)

💓 General

  • Śopha (Edema)

  • Hṛdroga (Heart disease)


Technical Nuances (Sandeha Samādhāna)

Choice of Iron

Use fully incinerated Tikshna Loha Bhasma or properly calcined filings.

Why the Name?

“Rajata Loha” = Silver + Iron are principal active metals.

Pill vs Powder

  • Valuka method → Hard compound → Powdered

  • Puta method → Fine powder directly

Cooking Signs

  • No sulphur odor

  • Proper metal transformation

  • Slightly longer cooking required due to iron content


Herbal Influence Explained

🌿 Bhr̥ṅgarāja

  • Liver supportive

  • Blood purifier

  • Enhances iron metabolism

🌿 Kumāri (Aloe Vera)

  • Cooling

  • Enhances metal assimilation

  • Supports liver detox

Together they balance Silver’s cooling with Iron’s strengthening action.


Understanding Valuka Yantra

Valuka Yantra is:

  • A sand bath apparatus

  • Provides gradual and uniform heating

  • Prevents sudden temperature spikes

  • Ideal for sulphide stabilization

It is widely used in Kupipakwa Rasayana preparation.


Frequently Asked Questions (SEO Optimized)

What is Rajata Loha Rasayanam used for?

It is traditionally used for respiratory disorders, anemia, diabetes-spectrum conditions, jaundice, paralysis, and chronic wasting diseases.

What is the dosage of Rajata Loha Rasayanam?

Typically Guñjā Dvayam (~250 mg) in classical reference, but modern usage requires physician supervision.

How do Aloe Vera and Bhringaraja affect the formula?

They enhance absorption, liver support, and blood purification.

What is Valuka Yantra method?

A sand bath heating system providing uniform and controlled heating for metal amalgamation.


⚠ Important Safety Disclaimer

This formulation contains:

  • Mercury

  • Sulphur

  • Silver

  • Iron

Improper preparation can be toxic.

It must be:

  • Properly purified (Śodhana)

  • Correctly incinerated (Māraṇa)

  • Prescribed by a qualified Rasashastra-trained Ayurvedic physician

Self-administration is unsafe.

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