Mahua, Mahuā: 5 definitions

Introduction:

Mahua means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Hindi, biology. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Ayurveda (science of life)

Rasashastra (Alchemy and Herbo-Mineral preparations)

Source: History of Science in South Asia: Making Gems in Indian Alchemical Literature

Mahua (Oil) is denoted by the Sanskrit therm Madhūka-Taila and is used in the recipe for creating artificial Rubies, according to the Vādakhaṇḍa section of the Rasaratnākara (lit. “jewel mine of mercury”): a 13th century alchemical work in Sanskrit written by Nityanātha.—The final ingredient of the Rasaratnākara’s ruby recipe is Mahua oil (madhūka-taila). The stones have been rolled in the dye and are now immersed in oil. It is unclear how long the stones must be placed in the dye, as the text merely prescribes that they must have been “well-heated” before they are “briefly” heated in the Mahua oil (madhūka-taila). The function of the oil is not explained. Here, there is no link to textile dyeing techniques. The use of oil is paralleled in the recipes for imitating gems in the Stockholm Papyrus, though there, the pigment is directly mixed with the oil and then used to coat the stones rather than being a separate layer following the initial dyeing.

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

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Biology (plants and animals)

Source: Wisdom Library: Local Names of Plants and Drugs

Mahua [महुवा] in the Hindi language is the name of a plant identified with Madhuca neriifolia (Moon) H.J.Lam from the Sapotaceae (Mahua) family having the following synonyms: Madhuca malabarica, Basia malabarica, Illipe malabarica. For the possible medicinal usage of mahua, you can check this page for potential sources and references, although be aware that any some or none of the side-effects may not be mentioned here, wether they be harmful or beneficial to health.

Mahua [महुआ] in the Hindi language is the name of a plant identified with Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia (Roxb.) A.Chev. from the Sapotaceae (mahua) family having the following synonyms: Bassia latifolia, Illipe latifolia, Madhuca indica, Madhuca latifolia.

Mahua [महुआ] in the Hindi language is the name of a plant identified with Madhuca longifolia var. longifolia from the Sapotaceae (mahua) family.

Source: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Regional names)

1) Mahua in India is the name of a plant defined with Acacia intsia in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Mimosa caesia L. (among others).

2) Mahua is also identified with Engelhardia spicata It has the synonym Engelhardtia aceriflora Blume (etc.).

Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):

· Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh (1982)
· Species Plantarum (1753)
· A Numerical List of Dried Specimens (5250)
· Flora Caroliniana (1788)
· Flora Malesiana, being an Illustrated Systematic Account of the Malaysian Flora
· Bijdragen tot de flora van Nederlandsch Indië (1825)

If you are looking for specific details regarding Mahua, for example extract dosage, pregnancy safety, side effects, diet and recipes, chemical composition, health benefits, have a look at these references.

Biology book cover
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This sections includes definitions from the five kingdoms of living things: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists and Monera. It will include both the official binomial nomenclature (scientific names usually in Latin) as well as regional spellings and variants.

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Languages of India and abroad

Hindi dictionary

Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionary

Mahuā (महुआ):—(nm) Bassia latifoliaa tree bearing sweet flowers that are used for preparing liquor.

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Prakrit-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary

Mahua (महुअ) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Madhūka.

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Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.

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