A LITERARY REVIEW ON LAUHA MARAKA DRAVYA

A view over concept of marana reflects that maraka dravya. (drugs used for incineration) strongly interfers the properties and ultimately responsible for the generation of newer properties as well as diminution of the harmfull or adverse properties. Thus the concept of maraka dravya can explain multidimensional properties of any dhatu/metal and hence Lauha. Along with maraka dravya, bhavana (impregnation and tritturation) with certain drugs as well as anupana dravya (vehicle) were also considered as an important factor in reference to pharmacological action of Lauha bhasma in the literature. Rasa experts had explored the fact that “Mritani Lauhani Rasi Bhavanti” The process of Marana brings the metals in to most assimilable form, along with generation of broad spectrum therapeutic effect in the bhasma. Rasa dravya's as well as muli dravya's (herbs) both were found useful for the purpose of Marana. The review presents sadharana as well as visishta maraka dravya, maraka gana for Lauha (iron).