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Is mercury in Ayurvedic medicine safe?

A video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) has gone viral, showing the shocking use of mercury in an Ayurvedic medicine factory.

By Ground report 17 Feb 2024

New Update

A video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) has gone viral, showing the shocking use of mercury in an Ayurvedic medicine factory. The video shows buckets of mercury being dumped into a large vessel containing herbal ingredients, which are then stirred and boiled to make medicines.

Public outraged over Ayurvedic safety

The video has sparked outrage and concern among the public, who have questioned the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines that contain heavy metals. Many have also criticized the lack of regulation and quality control in the Ayurvedic industry, which allows such practices to go unchecked.

Mercury is a highly toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, such as neurological damage, kidney failure, birth defects, and even death. The World Health Organization states that no level of mercury exposure is safe, and people should avoid it as much as possible.

However, a professor from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has defended the practice and claimed that mercury is good for Ayurveda medicines. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, a professor of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana at the Faculty of Ayurveda, BHU, has said that mercury is a “miracle metal” that can cure many diseases and enhance the potency of other herbs.

Dr. Singh also mentioned that proper processing and usage of mercury in prescribed doses does not make it harmful. He mentioned that Ayurveda utilizes mercury in two forms: bhasma (ash) and kajjali (sulfide).

He explained that preparing bhasma involves heating mercury with other metals and herbs, while you prepare kajjali by grinding mercury with sulfur. Dr. Singh claims that various testing methods have deemed these forms of mercury safe and effective.

Dr. Singh also stated that not only Ayurveda uses mercury, but other systems of medicine like Unani, Siddha, Tibetan, and Chinese also use it. He stated that mercury can act as a universal medicine to treat all types of diseases and disorders. He further stated that mercury represents a boon for humankind and no one should ban or restrict it.

Is mercury toxic?

Mercury is a highly toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, such as neurological damage, kidney failure, birth defects, and even death. According to the World Health Organization, there is no safe level of mercury exposure, and it should be avoided as much as possible.

Not only does mercury pose a danger to your health, but it also poses a threat to the environment. It has the potential to pollute the water, soil, and air, harming plants, animals, and humans that rely on them. Moreover, mercury can accumulate in the food chain, affecting the brain, nervous system, and reproductive system of living beings. We urgently need to reduce and eliminate the global threat of mercury.

However, some Ayurvedic practitioners and manufacturers assert that if processed properly using a method called "Samskar", mercury can be used safely and beneficially in Ayurvedic medicines. This method involves heating, cooling, washing, and grinding mercury with other substances, such as sulfur, to form a sulfide compound that is not harmful.

Metal Toxicity from Ayurvedic Medications

According to a 2022 study, Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic preparations often contain heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic, and zinc. The study analyzed 193 Ayurvedic products and found that 21% of them had detectable levels of heavy metals, exceeding the permissible limits set by the Indian government. The study also found that 40% of the products did not have proper labels or ingredient lists, making it difficult for consumers to know what they were buying.

A 2015 warning from the USFDA and New York Department of Health has also stated that some Baidyanath products contain high levels of mercury and lead, which can cause serious health problems. The warning advised consumers to stop using these products immediately and consult a healthcare provider. The products included Baidyanath brand Shankh Bhasma, Maha Sudarshan Churna, and Moti Pishti.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, even small amounts of mercury, arsenic, and lead can harm the body. Research does not support claims that these substances can be “detoxified”. The department advises consumers to avoid Ayurvedic products that contain heavy metals and to consult a health care provider before using any alternative medicine.

Use of purified mercury in Ayurveda and its safety evaluation

According to a 2014 article in Indian Journal of Medical Research, processed mercury and sulfur in Ayurvedic medicine can have therapeutic effects without being toxic to humans in low doses. Study also asserts that a specific pharmaceutical preparation called "Samskar" processes mercury and converts it into a medicinal sulfide form that is not harmful. The study also maintains that Ayurveda has used this method for centuries and modern scientific methods have validated it.

The study also cites several studies that have evaluated the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines containing processed mercury and sulfur. The studies have reported positive results in treating various diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma, skin disorders, and cancer.

The study also mentions that various parameters, such as blood, urine, and hair analysis, monitor the toxicity of these medicines and observe no adverse effects.