Concept of Rasa chikitsa with special reference to therapeutic principles of Ayurveda

Rasa chikitsa is the therapeutic application of drugs from metal and mineral origin, animal products, and poisonous plant drugs in Ayurveda. There is a misconception regarding the application of Rasaushadhi that patient examination is not required before the therapeutic application of these drugs. The therapeutic benefits of Rasaushadhi are unique and need expertise for application. The objective of this article is to interpret the principles of therapeutic application of Rasaushadhi and to discuss on the principles for overcoming the misconceptions regarding their therapeutic application. There are specific principles and rules for the application of these drugs. For example, Rasaushadhi is prescribed in very small doses. These principles include proper examination of the patients, types and course of the disease, preparation of Rasaushadhi, and dose, duration, and selection of Anupana with Rasaushadhi during application. Many references are available about the examination of Prakriti, Dosha, and others for the therapeutic application of Rasaushadhi. Proper examination of patients and diseases is essential in the therapeutic application of metal- and mineral-based medicines (Rasaushadhi).