Pottali / Pottali Ras-Rasayan

The term Pottali in Ayurveda Rasashastra (alchemy) implies to Poultice. Formulation prepared in a Pottali are known as Pottali Rasayan and generally have Parad (Mercury), Gandhak (Sulphur), Kajjali (black sulphide of mercury) and heavy metals like Swarna (Gold) etc. as ingredients.

General preparation methods include mixing the primary ingredients (mostly Kajjali mixed with other elements) with small amounts of Shudh(purified) Gandhak. The entire mixture is bandaged with a cloth in shape of a poultice. This poultice in Ayurveda terminology is known as Pottali. The Pottali is then transferred to an earthen vessel which is filled with Shudh Gandhak in a quantity equal (generally but not always; formula specific) to the weight of the Pottali. Another earthen vessel is placed over it and both the vessels are sealed with clay and mud. A small hole is cut at top of the earthen vessel and a small rod which exactly fits the hole is inserted to facilitate stirring of the ingredients and to check the process. The entire setup is placed in a Valukayantra(generally but apparatus may differ as per formulation) which is exposed to constant flame (generally low intensity flame but may differ as per formulation) for specific time. On cooling the inner contents of the Pottali are procured and stored. The final product is known as Pottali Ras/Rasayan.