Makshik

The Makshik is identified as the third maharasa in the Rasa Ratna Samucchaya and is also discussed in the Updhatu Varga of Ras Tarangini. This substance is commonly referred to as Pyrite, Copper Pyrite, and Iron Pyrite. It possesses several synonyms and is accompanied by a narrative regarding its origin. According to tradition, it is said that Makshik emerged from the drops of blood that fell from a wound on the sole of Lord Krishna's foot.

Location of Pyrite in India

In India

Kanya kubaj (Present name Kannauj – Uttar Pradesh), on the banks of Tapti River (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat), Kirat desh (Tripura), Jharkhand (Singhbhum district), Rajasthan

Outside India

China, Greece, Japan, America, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Cyprus

Swaroopa of Makshik (Copper Pyrite/ Iron Pyrite)

Copper Pyrite – Lustrous like gold, Iron Pyrite – Lustrous like Silver

Types of Makshik

The types of makshik (Pyrite) are as follows

The Two Types of Makshik

Swarana Makshik – Copper pyrite/ ChalcoPyrite
Ropaya Makshik – Iron Pyrite

Makshik Types according to the color

Peet varna makshik (Yellowish) – Swarana Makshik
Shukla varna makshik (Whitish) – Ropaya Makshik
Rakta Varna Makshik (Greyish) – Kansya Makshik

The Kansaya makshik is also considered as the subtype of Ropaya Makshik

Which Makshik Is To Be Considered?

Swarnamakshik

The Swarna makshik which is snigdha (Unctuous) in touch, is heavy on lifting, when rubbed on a stone it stretches lines like gold, without edges and has bluish / Blackish shine.

Rajat Makshik

Snigdha (Unctuous), Heavy in weight, with edges, Bright like silver and is shiny.

Shodhana (Purification)

It is done in the following ways

In castor oil and Matulunga Swaras (Citron fruit juice), the powder of Makshika is kept after wrapping it in a cloth. The dhola yantra (Instrument of alchemy) is used for this procedure. This process is called swedana and is done for 6 hours.
In Swaras (Juice) of kadli kanda (Banana stem), Sweden is to be done for 6 hours.

Guna (Properties) of Swaran Makshik

Rasa (Taste) – Madhur (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Inherent properties) – Laghu (Light)
Veerya (Potency) – Sheeta (Cold)
Vipaka (Post Digestion Effect) – Katu (Pungent)
Karma (Qualities)
वृष्य – Acts as aphrodisiac
बल्य – Has strengthening abilities
रसायन – Delays ageing process
चक्षुष्ये – Good for eyes

Guna (Properties) of Rajat Makshik

Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Inherent properties) – Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
Veerya (Potency) –Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post Digestion Effect) – Madhur (Sweet)
Karma (Qualities)
वृष्य – Acts as aphrodisiac
रसायन – Delays ageing process
चक्षुष्ये – Good for eyes

Effect on Dosha: Tridosha Har (V-, P-, K-)

Used In Diseases

Kshaya roga (Wasting disorders), Pandu (Anemia), Prameha (Diabetes), Kushtha (Skin conditions), Grehni (IBS), Arsha (Piles), Krimi (parasitic conditions), Vish (Neutralising poison effect), Udar/ shotha/ kandu (Abdominal diseases/ Swelling/ Itching), Kamla (Jaundice), swarbhang (In vocal problems), All types of fever, Apasmar (Epilepsy), Aruchi (Anorexia), Anidra (Insomnia)

Form of Mineral used – Bhasma (Calx) (Vermilion coloured)

Dosage & Anupana

65 mg to 250 mg with Triphala (Amalaki (Emblica officinalis or Amla), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica or Baheda), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula or Harad) ), trikatu (Adrak (ginger or Zingiber officinale), kali mirch (Black pepper or Piper nigrum) and pippali (long pepper or Piper longum)), Vidanga (Emblica ribes), Madhu (Honey)

Conclusion

The makshik is recognized for its remarkable efficacy across a range of conditions, including degenerative, wasting, chronic, and severe ailments. The outcomes largely depend on the method of administration and the Anupana utilized. Swaran makshik has also demonstrated significant benefits in managing autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, it can be administered in different dosages suitable for both children and adults. However, it is advisable to seek guidance from an Ayurveda specialist in all instances.