Introduction to Raupya (Silver) in Ayurveda
Silver, known as Raupya (चांदी) in Ayurveda, is a well-known metal that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. It is classified among mineral substances (Dhatu Varga) and is valued for its therapeutic properties.
Historically, silver has been sourced from regions such as America, Sri Lanka, and China, and small particles of silver are also found in the sands of large rivers. In India as well, traces of silver can be found in the sediments of several major rivers.
Silver has a specific gravity of about 10.5 and melts at approximately 960°C. One remarkable property of silver is its malleability—it can be beaten into extremely thin sheets, often used as silver foil (Varak) in traditional preparations.
In Ayurveda, purified silver is processed into a medicinal form called Raupya Bhasma, a fine ash prepared through classical purification and incineration techniques.
Qualities of Good Silver for Bhasma Preparation
According to classical Ayurvedic texts, silver suitable for preparing bhasma should have the following qualities:
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Heavy and dense in nature
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Smooth and soft in texture
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White and bright when heated or broken
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Pure and lustrous like the moon
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Resistant to damage under hammering
Silver with these characteristics is considered ideal for medicinal processing.
Shodhana (Purification of Silver)
Before preparing bhasma, silver must undergo Shodhana, a purification process that removes impurities and enhances medicinal properties.
Traditional Purification Method
Thin silver sheets are repeatedly heated and quenched in the following liquids:
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Sesame oil
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Cow urine
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Buttermilk
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Fermented sour gruel (Kanji)
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Decoction of horse gram (Kulthi)
Each quenching process is performed three times, which purifies the silver and prepares it for further processing.
Classical Methods for Preparing Raupya Bhasma
Method 1 (Using Haratal)
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Prepare thin sheets of purified silver.
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Mix double the quantity of purified Haratal (orpiment) and grind it with Satyanashi decoction.
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Apply this paste on silver sheets and dry them.
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Place them in a sealed earthen container (Samputa) with cloth-clay sealing.
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Heat using cow-dung cakes (Puta method).
The process is repeated multiple times (up to 70 heating cycles), gradually increasing the heat intensity. After further grinding with rose flower juice, the material is again subjected to heat cycles to obtain high-quality bhasma.
Method 2 (Using Hingula)
In this method:
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Silver sheets are cut into small pieces.
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Mixed with double the amount of Hingula (Cinnabar).
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Ground with lemon juice and shaped into pellets.
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Placed in an Urdhva Patana Yantra (sublimation apparatus).
The apparatus is heated slowly for 4–5 hours. The process is repeated many times until the silver converts into bhasma.
Method 3 (Using Sulfur and Haratal)
Another traditional process includes:
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Mixing silver pieces with equal quantity of purified sulfur and Haratal.
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Grinding with lemon juice or tamarind water.
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Sealing in an earthen container and heating using the Puta method.
After repeated grinding and heating cycles (around 27 cycles), the silver is converted into fine Raupya Bhasma.
Dosage and Anupana (Vehicle)
The traditional dose of Raupya Bhasma is:
1 Ratti (approximately 125 mg) twice daily
It is usually administered with:
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Honey
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Ghee
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Butter
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Cream
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Sugar candy (Mishri)
Ayurvedic Uses of Raupya Bhasma
According to classical Ayurvedic practice, Raupya Bhasma may be used in various health conditions.
1. Burning Sensation in the Body
Raupya Bhasma mixed with sugar candy may help reduce excessive body heat.
2. Imbalance of Vata and Pitta
It may be combined with Abhrak Bhasma and cardamom powder for balancing aggravated doshas.
3. Prameha (Urinary Disorders)
Traditional formulations combine Raupya Bhasma with:
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Cardamom
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Cinnamon
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Bay leaf powder
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Shilajit
4. Weakness of the Brain
It is sometimes administered with Praval Pishti and classical memory-support formulations to support mental strength.
5. Anemia (Pandu)
Raupya Bhasma may be combined with Mandur Bhasma and Trikatu.
6. Dry Cough
It is used along with Praval preparations and Tankan with herbal syrups like Adusa (Vasaka).
7. Fever
Combined with long pepper and cardamom, it is traditionally used for certain types of fever.
Important Note
In classical Ayurveda, metallic preparations like Raupya Bhasma should only be prepared and used under expert supervision. Proper purification and incineration methods are essential to ensure safety and therapeutic effectiveness.