Mercury

(Mercury)
Sanskrit: पारद • Botanical: Hydrargyrum (Hg) / Mercury

Parada (Mercury) is considered Rasaraj — the king of all minerals in Rasa Shastra. It is said to be born of Shiva's essence. Mercury is described as having all six tastes and the ability to pacify all three doshas. When properly processed (through 18 Samskaras), it becomes the most powerful Rasayana. Mercury combined with Sulphur (Gandhaka) forms Kajjali, the base of numerous Rasa preparations. Raw mercury is highly toxic and must never be used internally without proper purification. The text describes various forms of mercury and their applications. It is indicated in virtually all chronic diseases when used in properly prepared compound formulations. Verses: 49-53.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
All six tastes (Shadrasa)
Quality (Guna)
Unctuous (Snigdha), Flowing (Sara)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Red oxide (Metallic mercury (Hg), forms various compounds during processing — HgS (Kajjali), HgO)
Also Known As
English: Mercury, Quicksilver
Sanskrit: पारद, रस, रसराज, सूत, मिश्रक, रसेन्द्र, चपल, शिवबीज
Hindi: पारा

What is Mercury (Parada / पारद)?

Parada (Mercury) is considered Rasaraj — the king of all minerals in Rasa Shastra. It is said to be born of Shiva's essence. Mercury is described as having all six tastes and the ability to pacify all three doshas. When properly processed (through 18 Samskaras), it becomes the most powerful Rasayana. Mercury combined with Sulphur (Gandhaka) forms Kajjali, the base of numerous Rasa preparations. Raw mercury is highly toxic and must never be used internally without proper purification. The text describes various forms of mercury and their applications. It is indicated in virtually all chronic diseases when used in properly prepared compound formulations. Verses: 49-53.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Rasayana (rejuvenative)
  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Yogavahi (catalytic/enhancer)
  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Balya (strength-giving)
  • Sarvadoshahara (alleviates all doshas)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7

Mercury by Condition

Explore how Mercury is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Mercury for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.