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Introduction: Tamra (copper) is an important metal used in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, particularly in the preparation of Tamra Bhasma and metallic formulations. However, in its raw form, copper is associated with toxic effects such as gastritis and hepatotoxicity, necessitating Shodhana (purification/detoxification) before medicinal use. Various classical texts describe multiple Shodhana methods using herbal juices, decoctions, and media such as cow urine or sesame oil. Comparative evaluation of these methods is essential to understand their impact on safety and therapeutic efficacy. Methods: A detailed review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic treatises including Rasaratna Samuccaya, Ayurveda Prakasha, Rasa Tarangini, and Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Modern scientific studies were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and AYUSH Research Portal using terms like Tamra Shodhana, copper purification Ayurveda, Bhasma safety, and Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. Both experimental and analytical research articles published between 1995–2025 were included. Results: Classical methods describe different media for Tamra Shodhana such as Tila Taila (sesame oil), Takra (buttermilk), Kanji (sour gruel), Kulattha Kwatha (horse gram decoction), and Gomutra (cow urine). These methods vary in terms of duration, cycles, and therapeutic suitability. Analytical evaluations confirm that Shodhana significantly reduces impurities, surface oxidation, and particle size, while enhancing the safety profile by reducing copper’s cytotoxicity. Comparative studies suggest that cow urine and sour gruel provide effective detoxification, whereas sesame oil imparts stability and enhances processing. Discussion: The review highlights that Shodhana is not merely a purification process but a pharmaceutico-therapeutic transformation, imparting desirable physicochemical properties to copper. Modern studies using SEM, XRD, ICP-MS, and AAS confirm the reduction of toxic impurities and transformation into biocompatible forms. However, standardization and comparative clinical evaluation of different Shodhana media remain limited.

KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, Copper, Purification, Rasashastra, Shodhana