Manashila (Realgar): Types, Qualities, Shodhana, Satwapatana, Dose

Manashila is a Uparasa according to Rasashastra. It is mainly used in the treatment of urinary disorders, toxic conditions, indigestion etc. Chemical formula of Manashila is Arsenic disulphide- AS₂S₂. It has bright orange-red color and soft monoclinic crystalline structure. It is reddish coloured in powder form and turns to orange color upon trituration. 

Synonyms

Manashila, Nepalika, Kunati, Shila, rigashila, Nagamata, Kulati, Kayanika, Gola, Manogupta, rasanetrika, Nagajihwika, Manojna, Rasagandhaka.

Availability

Available in China, In India, it is available in  Kumayun district and Chitraala.

Types

It is of three types.

1. Shyama  – blackish red colour – best.
2. Kanaveeraka – reddish in powder form – not good.
3. Khandakhya – bright red coloured, in powder form.

Characters of suitability

Grahya Lakshanas – The one which is red in colour, slightly yellowish, heavy  or blackish reddish similar to Hingula is called the Shyama variety and is the best.

The one with shining, coppery coloured and found in powder form is Kanaveeraka and is not suitable for medicinal purposes.

Qualities

It is the greatest rejuvenator, bitter, hot potency, mitigates Kapha and vata. Useful in urinary disorders, toxic conditions, indigestion, itching, Kasa and kshaya.

Impure Manashila consumption

It may lead to Ashmari, Mutrakricchra, Mandagni and intestinal obstruction.

Shodhana

Shodhana of manashila can be done by following one among the following methods.

1. Seven Bhavanasa with Agastya patra swarasa.
2. Seven Bhavana with Ardraka swarasa
3. Kept dipped in lime water for three days.
4. Dolayantra swedana with Bhringaraja swarasa for 12 hours
5. Dolayantra swedana with Jayanti swarasa for 12 hours
   Read more about Shodhana procedure here

Satwapatana

Can be done with one of the following methods.

1. Manashila is added with 1/8^th part of Mandura, Guda, Guggulu and Ghrita and mixed well, a mass is formed, kept in Musha and subjected to intense heat to get its satwa.
2. Manashila is mixed with Bhunaga satwa, tankana, Madanaphala, given Bhavana with Karavellaka swarasa mass is formed, dried, kept in Musha and subjected to intense heat to get its Satwa.

Treatment for its complications

Cow milk mixed with honey is advised for three days.

Dose

1/32 – 1/16 Ratti (4 mg to 8 mg) per day in divided doses