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Significance of Copper

Copper is recognized in Rasashastra as a significant metal utilized in medicinal formulations. It is combined with other materials, such as lead and shambhu prasada rasa, enhancing the efficacy and health benefits of the medicine. Additionally, it plays a crucial role as an ingredient in pill formulations and has been valued for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine. Historically, it also acted as a medium for transforming bodily substances. Moreover, scientific perspectives highlight copper's essential role as a trace mineral in human health.1
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Synonyms: Cu, Metal, Conductor, Element, Transition metal

In Finnish: Kupari; In Spanish: Cobre

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Copper'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Copper, or tamra, is regarded for its health benefits and is a key ingredient in medicinal recipes, enhancing the efficacy of treatments when combined with other metals in traditional formulations.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry

(1) A metal included in the medicinal recipe, known for its health benefits.[1] (2) A metal included in the mixture, potentially recognized for its health benefits or medicinal significance.[2] (3) A metal used as an ingredient in the composition of the medicine.[3] (4) A metallic element that is one of the ingredients in the pill formulation.[4] (5) A metal that is included in the mixture for the preparation of the medicine.[5]

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances

(1) A metal that is combined with tikshna and subjected to a melting process in a solution to create an excellent metal.[6] (2) A metal that is included in the mixture of materials processed together with lead for medicinal purposes.[7] (3) A metal that is mixed with metallic dust in specific proportions (one twelfth their weight) during the preparation process.[8] (4) Also known as tamra, it is one of the metals that make up Varta-loha.[9]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

The concept of Copper in local and regional sources

History Books

Copper is described as a transformative medium in the body that facilitates the conversion of semen into gold, suggesting its alchemical significance in regional traditions of transformation and metaphysical processes.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This material serves as a medium for the transformation of a held drop of semen into gold within the body.[10]

The concept of Copper in scientific sources

Science Books

Copper is an essential trace mineral crucial for numerous bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells, maintenance of nerve cells, and facilitating iron absorption for hemoglobin synthesis in body tissues.

Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences

(1) This is a variable in the liver transplant data.[11]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.