HARTAL (ARSENICTRISULPHIDE) A CONCEPTUAL STUDY

In Rasa Shastra Hartal has an important place. It is mentioned under group Uprasa by many Acharyas.1 Best Hartal is Gold like in appearance, reddish yellow colour and heavy weight. It is formed of many thin layers, which are one upon another2. Hartal is a poisonous substance in which Arsenic is present. Hartal is of two kind : A) that which is obtained in Mines. B) that which is prepared at laboratory by the combination of Arsenic and Sulphur. Chemically it is As2S3 and called Orpiment in Morden, which is very important indigenous source of Arsenic. Purified Hartal destroys effect of Vitiated Vata, kapha, Rakta and Visha. It is helpful in curing the skin abnormalities, infectious fever (Bhoot Jwara), Shwas, Kasa, Kushth, Vatarakta, Visarpa. Thus the Purified Hartal is considered as a Rasayana. The cessation of menstrual bleeding can be observed even by the use of Hartal as a single drug.2