Significance of Materia medica

Materia medica is a comprehensive body of knowledge involving the properties and effects of medicinal substances used in various medical practices, including Ayurveda and homeopathy. It encompasses the study of drugs derived from plants, animals, and minerals, and is crucial for understanding their therapeutic applications. The concept includes ancient traditions, such as those noted in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, showcasing a blend of historical and scientific insights into the healing potential of various substances.

Synonyms: Pharmacology, Therapeutics, Pharmacognosy, Medical botany, Pharmacotherapy

In German: Materia medica; In Finnish: Materia medica; In Swedish: Materia medica; In Dutch: Medische materialen; In Spanish: Materia médica; In Malay: Bahan medica

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Materia medica'

Hinduism Books

Materia medica in Hinduism encompasses a vast body of medicinal knowledge, focusing on the properties and therapeutic uses of various substances, particularly in Ayurvedic practice, showcasing ancient wisdom in healing techniques and drug applications.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)

(1) A comprehensive body of knowledge regarding the substances used in healing and treatment of diseases detailed in Buddhist medical texts.[1] (2) The branch of medical knowledge that deals with the study and use of medicinal substances.[2] (3) The body of collected knowledge about the therapeutic properties of various substances used in medicine, including those in Ayurveda.[3] (4) A comprehensive body of medicinal knowledge that includes various substances used for therapeutic purposes.[4] (5) The study of substances used in medicine, which began to develop to a certain extent during the Vedic phase.[5]

From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 2: Nidanasthana

(1) The branch of medicine that deals with the properties and applications of drugs derived from plants, animals, and minerals, showcasing ancient Hindu medical knowledge.[6]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) Refers to the traditional Chinese medical text noting the preparation and behavior associated with areca-nuts.[7]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

The concept of Materia medica in local and regional sources

History Books

Materia medica encompasses medicinal substances used in treatments, notably within Tibetan medicine, highlighting their potential toxicity. It also refers to a significant work by Uday Chand Dutt and serves as a foundation for Homeopathy's therapeutic practices.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This refers to the work by Uday Chand Dutt, and it also includes a glossary of Indian plants by George King and the author.[8] (2) This refers to the substances used in medical treatments, and the Tibetan medical tradition recognizes many minerals, gems, precious substances, flora, and fauna as materia medica which have poisons, known as duk ( dug ), that are harmful to the body, and at times lethal, if not properly processed.[9]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A collection of medicinal substances and their therapeutic properties, crucial to the practice of Homeopathy.[10]