A Review on Literary Aspect of “Kanta Lauha”

Abstract

Rasoushadhis(Mineral and metallic drugs) plays an important role in Ayurvedic  therapeutics because of their unique qualities such as quick action, minimum  dose and tastelessness. Rasayana(Rejuvenation) and Yogavahi (Catalytic  activity) are characteristics of a properly made herbo-mineral preparation,  which is also nontoxic, readily absorbable, adaptable and assimilable in the  body. Bhasmas are unique Ayurvedic metallic/mineral preparation, treated with  herbal juice or decoction to form organometallic complexes, and are widely  recommended for treatment of a variety of chronic ailments. The incinerated  iron preparations of Ayurveda are known as Lauha Bhasma(Incenerated iron).  In Samhitha period Ayas(Iron) was used in the form of fine powder. Kanta  Lauhais considered as best variety among Lauhas for Lauha Bhasma compared  with Teekshna and MundaLauha.Kanta Lauha is chemically Fe3O4 (magnetite)  as per API. Pure magnetite contains 72.4% of Iron, but since this metal never  occurs alone, the metal content of real ores is lower.  o, an attempt has been made in this article to gather all the possible information  regarding KantaLauha explained in Rasashastra classical textbooks.