Atharvaveda and Charaka Samhita
by Laxmi Maji | 2021 | 143,541 words
This page relates ‘Treatment of Mandagni (Indigestion)’ found in the study on diseases and remedies found in the Atharvaveda and Charaka-samhita. These texts deal with Ayurveda—the ancient Indian Science of life—which lays down the principles for keeping a sound health involving the use of herbs, roots and leaves. The Atharvaveda refers to one of the four Vedas (ancient Sanskrit texts encompassing all kinds of knowledge and science) containing many details on Ayurveda, which is here taken up for study.
Treatment of Mandāgni (Indigestion)
All the medicines that relieve indigestion and constipation are called laxatives or malabhedaka. The Atharvaveda mentions many medicines that relieve constipation. That is, it purifies the stomach by expelling the feces of the stomach. The medicines mentioned in the Atharvaveda are—Vibhīdaka, Apāmārga, Arka, Karīra, Karkandhu or Kula, Bilva or Bela, Pīlu, Yabāṣa etc.
If food is not digested properly, Mandāgni disease occurs. This disease is caused due to a cough defect. In the Atharvaveda, this disease is called starvation. The treatment of this disease has been said to be Apāmārga drugs. The Apāmārga is the best medicine and achieves victory over disease. The Atharvaveda mentions several other medicines that cure Mandāgni. Namely—Talāśā tree, Pippalī, Punarṇavā, Madhūka, Vacā, Vātīkṛtabheṣajī etc.