Pyrite’s Secret: Unveiling Vimal’s Mystery

Introduction

The Vimal or Iron Pyrite is a mineral which is kept under the category of Maharasa by Rasa Ratan Samuchya. It is also called Cubic Sulphide of Iron. This mineral is very little known in Ayurveda. Vimal has many synonyms and there is no specific story behind its origin. It is found on the mountains near river Tapti. The specific gravity of this mineral is 5.2 and its hardness is between 6 to 6.5. It is also mentioned in updhatu varga. In this article we will discuss Vimal (Iron Pyrite or Cubic sulphide of Iron).

Vimal (Iron Pyrite), Hidden Truths Of Vimal

Synonyms: विमल

Location Of Iron Pyrite In India

On the mountains, near the banks of Tapti River that is in (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat) and Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu

Swaroopa Of Vimal (Iron Pyrite)

वर्तुलः कोण सन्युक्तः स्निग्ध्श्च फलकान्वितः (रस रत्न समुच्य)

Lustrous like Silver, Dark Yellow colour, Have four edges, unctuous

Category

Maharas (By Ras Ratan Samuchya)

Types Of Vimal (Iron Pyrite)

There are three types of Vimal

विमलसत्रि विधः प्रोक्तो हेमाघ् स्तार पूर्वकः।
तृतीयः कांस्य विमलस्तत त्कन्त्याः स लक्ष्यते।। (रस रत्न समुच्य)

  • Hem Vimal – It is the most superior type of Vimal. This type of Vimal is yellow in colour and is used for Hem kriya
  • Ropya Vimal – This is of whitish colour
  • Kansya Vimal – This is Red in colour

Which Vimal Is To Be Considered?

The Vimal which is four edged/Angled, Vartul (spherical), shining and Have clear cut surfaces.

Shodhana (Purification)

The Vimal is turned into small pieces, then its Swedan done in Dhola yantra (An alchemy instrument). The Swedan is a procedure in which small pieces of Vimal is added into Swaras (Juice) of Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Jambiri Nimbu (Citrus jambhiri) or meshashringi/Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) for three hours in Dhola Yantra.

What To Do In Case Of Bad Effects Of Vimal After Intake? (If Impure Is Ingested)

The impure Vimal if ingested then its effect can be neutralised by Gurmar or Mesha shringi (Gymnema sylvestre) churna mixed with sharkara for three days.

Ayurvedic Aspect

In Ayurveda, Syphilis is known as Firang Roga which is a sexually transmitted disease. Syphilis is a venereal disease which is caused by an agent named Treponema pallidum bacteria. Syphilis is more commonly found in countries that come to India and due to their contact, it gradually started spreading. It is also known as Visitor’s disease as the people are in contact with the people of a foreign country and have sex with Foreign country women. Tridoshas are vitiated in Syphilis but Kapha doshas are mainly dominant which leads to serious chronic stages and these dhatus get intoxicated and lead to various complications. Firanga is classified into 3 types

  • Bahya Firanga – Bahya Firanga is easily curable, Boils appear like an explosion, pain is less and bursting is like a wound.
  • Abhyantar Firanga – Abhyantar Firanga is difficult to cure, this disease resembles rheumatic disease which causes pain and swelling.
  • Bahyabhyantar Firanga – Bahyabhyantar Firanga occurs externally and internally.

Guna (Properties) Of Vimal

  • Guna (Inherent properties) – Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (Heavy)
  • Karma (Qualities)
  • वृष्य – Acts as aphrodisiac
  • रसायन – Delays ageing process

Effect On Dosha

Vata and Pitta Pacifier (V-, P-, K=)

Used In Diseases

Anaemia, Diabetes, Pain, Anorexia, Gastrointestinal irritations, fever, Tuberculosis, Jaundice, Piles, Anorectal Fistula

If we discuss, usage of Vimal in Cancers then in breast cancer this mineral can do wonders by blocking pathways and induce dual death cell pathways by enhancing the fenton Reactions (Hydrogen peroxide is converted into hydroxyl free radical through catalytic process).

Form of Mineral Used

Bhasma (Calx) ( Red Colour)

Dosage & Anupana

65 mg to 250 mg

Main Formulations Containing Vimal

Rasendra chudamani Ras, Kshaya Kesari Ras, Navratan Raj Mrigank Ras, Madana Sanjeevana Rasa

Conclusion

The minerals are itself a boon from the womb of Ayurveda. Rasashastra is a branch of ayurveda which you can say has elixirs which are made up with minerals. Though, it’s true that minerals need to be purified otherwise severe negative impacts can be seen on the body but once used in the pure state, they have the ability to eliminate any disorder and that’s the best thing. The mineral preparation can be given in small quantities but due to their calx form they travel through the narrowest channels of the body and give impressive effects.