A CRITICAL REVIEW ON GAIRIKAM
Lekshmipriya S.*, Dr. Gurusiddeshwar J. Kalyanimath, Dr. Satej T. Banne, Dr. Hemil D. Patel
ABSTRACT
Gairika is very economical and easily available drug in markets. It is chemically Fe2O3 and one among the uparasas explained in Rasashastra. As per the references there are three varieties of Gairika explained in Rasashashtra classics namely Swarnagairika, Pashanagairika & Samanyagairika. Also as per the expert opinions, in Tamilnadu, Swarnagairika was known by the name ‘ponkavi’, which is widely practiced in Siddha system.As per literature review gairika was synonymously called as red ochre or haematite as per A.P.I. Definition: Gairikais Red Ochre, an oxide of Iron (Fe2O3). This mostly earthy variety of hematite mineral is also known as Reddle. Assay: Gairikashould not contain less than 16% Fe or not less than 21% Fe2O3. So an attempt has been made in this article to gather all the possible pieces of information regarding Gairika explained inRasashashtra classical text books.
Keywords: Rasashashtra, Uparasa, Gairika, A.P.I, Red Ochre, Haematite etc.
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