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 – Ayurvedic Healing Properties
Mercury is a very heavy and potent metal. It helps to enkindle the enzyme system and transforms and regenerates the tissues. Mercury is considered the semen of the god Shiva in Indian mythology. It stimulates intelligence and awakens awareness.
Caution: Mercury should never be used alone, but always in conjunction with sulphur. The potency of certain herbs is increased many thousandfold when used in conjunction with mercury and sulphur. These two metals carry the actions of the herbs to the subtle channels and tissues of the body.
Source: Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing, Chapter XIII: Metals, Gems, and Color Therapy
How to Use Mercury by Condition
Explore how Mercury is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
Taste-based factors for the measurement of diseases and drugs The word ‘Rasa’ literally means taste sensation, essence, fluid, mercury, flavours.
— Charaka Samhita, Taste Assessment (Rasa Vimana / रस विमान)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Taste Assessment (Rasa Vimana / रस विमान)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
The drugs should be finely powdered, combined with Rasa (mercury), Gandha (sulfur), and similar mineral substances, as well as with jaggery and other binding agents, and then rolled into pills (Gutika).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Now the calcination of gold (Svarna Marana): Take mercury (Suta/Parada) in double the quantity of gold, and triturate it with an acidic medium (Amla).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
Then add an equal quantity of Gandha (sulphur) to the mercury-gold amalgam and form it into a bolus (Golaka).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
Now begins the twelfth chapter on Rasadi Shodhana-Marana Kalpana (purification and calcination of mercury and Rasa preparations).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
First, the praise of Rasa (mercury): Parada (mercury) is the conqueror of all diseases — the supreme among all therapeutic substances.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Coloring agents, powders, garlands, collyrium, mercury (Parada), and realgar (Manashila) should be offered.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 35: Mukhamandakapratishedha
This Salasaradi group destroys skin diseases, treats diabetes, removes parada (mercury) disorders, and dries up Kapha and fat (verse 9).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
This Salasaradi group destroys skin diseases, treats diabetes, removes parada (mercury) disorders, and dries up Kapha and fat (verse 9).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 35: Mukhamandakapratishedha; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
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.