Utilization of Mercury in Indigenous Medicine in Sri Lanka with Special Reference to Talpate Piliyam: A Literature Study

Abstract

The Sri Lankan indigenous medical system represents a distinct tradition, evolved over centuries through the integration of local knowledge, observation of nature and spiritual beliefs. Mercury was employed in various processed forms due to its perceived therapeutic properties historically but now it is largely avoided due to its recognized toxicity and health risks. Aim of this study was to identify the types of preparations which mercury is used and their clinical applications in indigenous medicine. Talpate piliyam is a series of printed books, rich in traditional medicinal knowledge, copied from ancient Ola manuscripts. The findings were categorized under these topics: diseases used and type of preparation. Mercury was founded relevance in applications including 65 oils, 49 medicated smokes, 120 pastes, 01 Pottani, 04 Patthu, 74 Anjana and other 69 external formulae while 8 decoctions, 367 Guli, 01 Grita, 01 Modaka, 19 Churna and other 174 formulae mentioned as internal implementations in several disease conditions. Specially as a single medicine, it was advised to drink purified mercury in fever. In these texts, Rahadiya, Rashada, Rasa, Rashadiya and Rasha have been used as synonyms for Mercury. Mercury was measured in Kalan, Manchadi, Nalu and purified using leaf extracts of Eclipta alba, Piper betel, Urena lobata etc. Mercury has been used in Nasya and Anjana preparations in the treatment of Sarpa visha (Snake bites), as an ingredient in Kalka (herbal paste) for various Taila (oils) and flour of Rasadiya for ailments. It was also used in cow’s disease treatments as mentioned in 07 formulations. It can be concluded that mercury was widely used in indigenous medicine and its preparations were extensive.