KANKUSTHA: A CONTROVERSIAL DRUG

In Rasashastra one can come across certain controversies regarding the identification of Rasashastra dravyas namely Chapala, Vimala, Vaikranta, Agnijara, Kampillaka and Kankustha.Kankustha, one of the controversial drugs, is classified under Uparasa. Different opinions are given about this drug. Dalhana says that this is the exudates of SwarnaKshiri (Argemon mexicana). According to Baluki, this is an ore of Vanga (Tin), Rasavagbhata opines that this is the meconium of the newborn Elephant and according to some Acharyas this is the Umbilical cord of the new born Horse. In Ayurveda it is used for Vrana, Udavarta, Arsha, Amavata and Jalodhara. In this paper, controversies about Kankustha, collection, different synonyms, varieties, shodhana procedure, dose, anupana, indications and different Yogas containing Kankustha has been discussed.