Mortar and Pestle
Mortar and Pestle (Sanskrit: Khalva Yantra) is an instrument used in preparation and pharmaceutical equipment. The most fundamental instrument in Ayurvedic pharmacy. A heavy mortar (Khalva) with a pestle (Musal/Muthka) used for grinding, trituration (Mardana/Bhavana), and mixing of herbs, minerals, and metals.
| Sanskrit name | Khalva Yantra |
|---|---|
| Ayurvedic category | Preparation and Pharmaceutical Equipment |
The most fundamental instrument in Ayurvedic pharmacy. A heavy mortar (Khalva) with a pestle (Musal/Muthka) used for grinding, trituration (Mardana/Bhavana), and mixing of herbs, minerals, and metals. Available in various materials depending on the substance being processed.
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Rasaratna Samuchaya Chapter 10; Rasa Tarangini; Sharangdhara Samhita. Essential for every Rasashastra laboratory. Used specifically in the Bhavana (wet trituration) process for preparing Bhasma and Kajjali.
How is it used traditionally?
Trituration (Mardana) of metals and minerals with herbal juices (Bhavana), grinding herbs to powder (Churna), preparing pastes (Kalka), making Kajjali (black sulfide of mercury), and general pharmaceutical processing.
Traditional materials
- Black stone (Krishna Pashana/basalt)
- Granite
- Iron (Loha)
- Copper (Tamra)
- Bell-metal (Kamsya)
Modern variants
- Porcelain mortar and pestle
- Agate mortar and pestle
- Mechanical/motorized grinders (Ball mill)
- Planetary ball mills
Regulatory status
- India Cdsco: Not classified as a medical device. Regulated as pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment under AYUSH GMP guidelines.
- Us Fda: Pharmaceutical processing equipment subject to FDA cGMP requirements if used in drug manufacturing.
- Eu Mdr: Not classified as a medical device.
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