Review on Parad Dosha and its Shodhana

Abstract

Rasa shastra has given an auspicious position to Parada as it has been considered  as the physical essence of Lord Shiva. Vedas also consider Parada as a gift of  nature. The classical test Rasaratna Samucchaya states that “Siddhae rase  Karishyami Nirdraaridrayam agadam jagat” exposes the magical effect of  Parada. Even though, administration of Asudha Parada causes severe illness than  that of poison. As it is associated with a lot of impurities, it is advised to do both  Samanya Shodhana, and Visesha Shodhana (general and specific purificatory  methods before its internal administration. Otherwise these impurities may cause  various toxic effects in body ranging from mild fever to death. Hence Rasa  acharyas mentioned a number of purificatory procedures both general and specific  to eliminate the doshas associated with Parada. As per modern science Mercury  comes in three forms (Elemental, inorganic and organic), each with its own set of  symptoms. The brain is the primary target organ for breathed mercury vapor,  whereas mercurous and mercuric salts harm the gut lining and kidneys, confirming  persistent exposure and methyl mercury are widely disseminated throughout the  body. This article focuses on various doshas associated with Parada and its  purificatory procedures. P