Abstract

Dr. Arti, Dr. Prashant Singh Bhadauria* and Dr. Prafulla

ABSTRACT

In Ayurveda, ousadhi comprises of three categories of ingredients viz, 1-herbal origin, 2- animal origin, 3-metal origin to attain the happy and healthy life. Herbal products were extensively used in the classic age in all branches of Ayurveda. Metal and minerals were also used as a part of therapeutic agent but less frequently as compared to herbal drug because they have toxicity. India have much more metal such as – Arsenic, lead, zinc, copper etc, which are used for treatment for various diseases, Parada is one of them . Most of the metals are present in solid form but parada are in semi-liquid form, it is exceptional. Parada is movable and silvery like white shiny metal. It is called Rasa as it is the physical essence of lord Shiva and also as it swallows other metals. Parada is the metal that is used most frequently in various Ayurvedic medicine specially Rasayoga in the form of its bhasma. In Ayurveda various doshas are mentioned for Parada in Rasagranthas which is seen in ashodit Parad. It is also mentioned that shudha Parad is not toxic and shows Rognashak property and act as medicine. So in the present era the toxicity of parada is produced by Ashudh form of parada. This article compiles all the information related to Parad and parada such as Introduction, appearance, origin, historical review, fatal dose, fatal period, sign and symptoms of its toxicity, management, postmortem appearance, medico legal aspects.