A historical review on vrushya dravya prashniparni

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A historical review on vrushya dravya prashniparni”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to a lexicon or compilation of names used in Ayurveda to describe various herbs and medicinal plants. It serves as a key resource for Ayurvedic practitioners, providing synonyms, properties, and classifications. The term embodies the integration of traditional knowledge in understanding plant-based medicines in Ayurveda.

2) Varga:
Varga denotes a category or group within Ayurvedic texts where herbs and substances are classified based on their properties or medicinal uses. Understanding these categories is vital for practitioners in identifying appropriate remedies and formulating treatments tailored to specific ailments as described in classical Ayurvedic literature.

3) Gana:
Gana implies a subgroup or collection of related substances within Ayurveda’s larger classifications. Each gana not only shares specific therapeutic properties but also reflects the traditional knowledge of their interactions and effectiveness. This term is essential for grouping herbs with similar benefits for better medicinal applications.

4) Madhura:
Madhura translates to 'sweet' in Ayurveda and denotes one of the primary tastes (Rasa). It is associated with various health benefits, including its roles in balancing doshas, promoting nourishment, and its use in formulations aimed at enhancing vitality, thus serving as a fundamental concept in Ayurvedic dietary principles.

5) Samhita:
Samhitas are foundational texts containing compilations of Ayurvedic knowledge, including guidelines on treatments, herbal usage, and health principles. Familiarity with various samhitas provides practitioners with essential insights and methodologies critical for effective practice and understanding of holistic health approaches.

6) Vipaka:
Vipaka refers to the post-digestive effect of a substance, determining its long-term impact on the body after digestion. Understanding vipaka is crucial for practitioners in Ayurveda to predict the therapeutic outcomes of particular herbs, ensuring effective and suitable treatment based on individual patient needs.

7) Karma (Karman):
Karmas signify the actions or medicinal effects attributed to substances in Ayurveda, reflecting their impacts on health. Understanding various karmas allows practitioners to tailor treatments, ensuring that the selected herbs appropriately address patient needs and align with desired therapeutic outcomes.

8) India:
India is the birthplace of Ayurveda, the ancient system of natural healing that integrates botanical knowledge with spiritual philosophy. As the foundation of Ayurvedic practice, Indian flora serves a vast array of medicinal applications, making the country a rich source for both original and contemporary studies in herbal medicine.

9) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa signifies taste and is one of the fundamental concepts in Ayurveda. It categorizes foods and medicines based on their flavor profile, which is essential for determining their effects on the body and mind. Rasa influences treatments, dietary recommendations, and the holistic approach to health in Ayurvedic practice.

10) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga refers to the eight branches of Ayurveda, including internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. This classification system outlines the comprehensive scope of Ayurvedic practice, illustrating its multifaceted approach to health and wellness, which integrates physical, mental, and spiritual healing methods.

11) Dravya:
Dravyas are substances used in Ayurvedic medicine, encapsulating a wide range of materials from herbs to minerals. Understanding dravyas is critical for practitioners as it enables the selection and application of appropriate materials in formulations aimed at achieving specific health outcomes.

12) Study (Studying):
Studying involves systematically exploring Ayurvedic principles, herbal properties, and treatment modalities. Engaging in purposeful study allows practitioners to connect traditional knowledge with contemporary health practices, ensuring they remain up-to-date with evolving methodologies and can provide effective, evidence-based care.

13) Guna:
Guna refers to the qualities or attributes of an herb or substance in Ayurveda, which influence its therapeutic effects. Guna categorization aids in selecting remedies aligning with patient needs, ensuring treatments consider both the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of medicinal herbs to achieve desired outcomes.

14) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is the branch of Ayurveda that specializes in the study of medicinal substances (dravyas) and their qualities (gunas). This field plays a pivotal role in Ayurveda, influencing formulations and treatments by analyzing how different herbs interact with the body and the bioactive compounds they contain.

15) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine centered around the balance of bodily systems through diet, herbal treatment, and yogic practices. Its holistic approach emphasizes natural healing, prevention, and personalized care, making it a comprehensive healthcare system that continues to influence modern wellness practices.

16) Family:
Family, in the botanical context, refers to the classification of plants that share common characteristics and are related in taxonomy. Understanding family relationships among plants helps practitioners identify medicinal properties and potential substitutes for herbs used in Ayurvedic formulations, enhancing effective therapeutic options.

17) Dhatu:
Dhatu translates to 'tissue' in Ayurveda, representing the fundamental biological building blocks of the body. Ayurvedic principles emphasize the nourishment and health of the seven dhatus (such as blood and bones), encouraging the use of specific herbs to support and balance these essential tissues for overall health.

18) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda, including herbs, minerals, and animal products. Understanding the characteristics and effects of various drugs opens pathways for effective treatment regimens, ensuring that practitioners can select the right therapies for specific health issues.

19) Shri-lanka (Srilanka, Sri-lanka, Shrilanka):
Sri Lanka is recognized as one of the regions with a rich tradition of herbal medicine, closely linked to Ayurveda. The local flora contributes a variety of medicinal plants used in Ayurvedic formulations, highlighting the importance of regional biodiversity in therapeutic practices and nutritional science.

20) Angamardaprashamana (Angamardaprasamana, Angamarda-prashamana):
Angamardaprashamana refers to the property or action of alleviating body aches or discomfort. Understanding this concept is essential for practitioners as it guides the recommendation of specific formulations or herbs, ensuring appropriate treatments for conditions related to pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

21) Raktatisara (Rakta-atisara):
Raktatisara refers to disorders related to blood in Ayurvedic terminology, particularly conditions characterized by diarrhea with blood. Understanding raktatisara is crucial for practitioners when considering appropriate treatments and herbs aimed at cleansing or balancing blood health, critical for comprehensive patient care.

22) Prabhava:
Prabhava denotes the specific effect or unique therapeutic action of a herb that cannot be explained by its taste, properties, or active components. It highlights the mystical or unique qualities of substances in Ayurveda, essential for understanding how certain herbs provide distinct benefits beyond their conventional pharmacological profiles.

23) Activity:
Activity in an Ayurvedic context refers to the functional properties and efficacies of a particular substance. This includes how a herb interacts with biological systems and its capability to produce physiological changes, which is crucial for developing treatment strategies and understanding the expected outcomes of herbal remedies.

24) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
Hridaya translates to 'heart' in Ayurveda, symbolizing both the physical organ and the broader concept of emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Treatments aimed at hridaya reflect the Ayurvedic perspective that emotional health significantly influences physical health, guiding holistic care approaches to support cardiovascular and emotional balance.

25) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha represents the three fundamental energies (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in Ayurveda governing specific physiological processes in the body. Understanding doshas is essential for practitioners in diagnosing imbalances and recommending personalized treatments, thereby enhancing wellbeing and maintaining health based on the individual constitution.

26) Laghu:
Laghu translates to 'light' in terms of digestion and is one of the qualities (guna) assigned to substances. This characteristic indicates that a substance is easy to digest and process within the body. It is significant in choosing foods and remedies tailored to a patient’s digestive health.

27) Tikta:
Tikta signifies 'bitter' flavor in Ayurveda, recognized as one of the six primary tastes (rasa). The bitter taste has specific therapeutic properties, often used in treatments to enhance digestion and detoxification, making it an essential characteristic in determining appropriate herbal remedies for various health conditions.

28) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna translates to 'hot' in Ayurveda, describing a warming quality of substances. This characteristic plays a crucial role in balancing doshas, particularly when vata or kapha is elevated. Understanding ushna helps practitioners recommend appropriate herbs to promote circulation and warmth in the body during treatments.

29) Lanka (Lamka, Lànkà):
Lanka refers to the island nation of Sri Lanka, where traditional practices of Ayurveda are prevalent. Its rich biodiversity offers numerous medicinal plants that contribute to Ayurvedic medicine, enhancing the understanding and application of herbal remedies in holistic healthcare practices in the region.

30) Priya:
Priya translates to 'beloved' or 'dear' in Sanskrit and can denote substances that possess qualities or actions that are particularly favorable or cherished in Ayurvedic medicine. Understanding which herbs are classified as priya aids in promoting emotional and physical wellbeing in patients.

31) Vayu:
Vayu represents the air element in Ayurveda and is one of the three doshas (Vata). Associated with movement and communication, vayu regulates numerous physiological processes. Understanding vayu's influence is essential for practitioners when diagnosing and treating conditions related to its imbalance, such as anxiety or digestive issues.

32) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta-samhita is an ancient foundational text of Ayurveda attributed to Sushruta, known as the father of surgery. This text provides invaluable insights into surgical techniques, surgical materials, and herbal treatments, making it a vital resource for practitioners focusing on surgical and clinical approaches in Ayurveda.

33) Madhuraskandha (Madhura-skandha):
Madhura-skandha refers to a specific category of sweet-tasting substances in Ayurveda. This classification aids in identifying herbs possessing sweet attributes that may provide nurturing effects, thus being particularly useful in promoting health and balancing various doshic imbalances in patients.

34) Dahaprashamana (Dahaprasamana, Daha-prashamana):
Dahaprashamana signifies the property of alleviating burning sensations or heat-related issues in Ayurveda. Understanding this property allows practitioners to select appropriate remedies for conditions associated with heat, such as gastritis or skin irritations, ensuring effective treatment options are made available.

35) Vidarigandhadi (Vidarigandha-adi):
Vidarigandhadi is a specific gana or group of herbs mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Learning about this group prepares practitioners to use these plants in formulations known for their particular therapeutic effects, empowering them to create remedies that address specific health conditions effectively.

36) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to their medicinal properties. Understanding these compounds is crucial for research and development of herbal medicines, allowing practitioners to utilize their benefits in formulating effective treatments within the principles of Ayurveda.

37) Asthidhatu (Asthi-dhatu):
Asthi-dhatu translates to 'bone tissue' in Ayurveda. Recognizing the significance of ashti-dhatu informs practitioners on the importance of maintaining bone health. Understanding herbs that promote asthi-dhatu can guide effective treatment strategies for conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis.

38) Rakshoghna (Raksoghna, Rakshas-ghna):
Rakshoghna signifies the protective qualities of certain herbs against pathogens or harmful entities in Ayurvedic terminology. Understanding this action is essential in formulating treatments to boost immunity, defend against illness, and promote overall health, especially in populations susceptible to infections.

39) Shothahara (Sothahara, Shotha-hara):
Shothahara refers to substances that reduce or alleviate edema and swelling in the body according to Ayurvedic explanations. Recognizing this action helps practitioners recommend herbs that treat inflammatory conditions, which can be vital in managing both acute and chronic health issues effectively.

40) Samgrahana (Sangrahana):
Sangrahana symbolizes the property of binding or consolidating substances. In the context of Ayurveda, understanding this action means practitioners can select herbs that help control or manage excessive eliminations from the body, especially for issues related to diarrhea or dysentery.

41) Vishaghna (Visaghna, Visha-ghna):
Vishaghna refers to the property of neutralizing poisons or toxins within Ayurveda. Understanding poisons and their antidotes is crucial for developing safe and effective herbal treatments, empowering practitioners to competently address toxicities and support detoxification processes in patients.

42) Haridradi (Haridra-adi):
Haridradi is a classification that consists of a group of herbs known for their beneficial properties. Understanding this group assists practitioners in formulating treatments based on traditional knowledge, enhancing therapeutic strategies while addressing specific health conditions with proven efficacy from historical applications.

43) Vidaryadi:
Vidaryadi refers to a category of herbs recognized for their particular beneficial properties. Identifying and understanding this classification allows practitioners to utilize specific herbs known within this grouping for targeted therapeutic effects, thereby fostering an individualized approach to patient care.

44) Medicine:
Medicine serves as a broad term applied to various treatments aimed at alleviating illness or promoting health, whether through conventional or alternative practices. In Ayurveda, the focus is on holistic healing, emphasizing the use of herbal remedies to balance the body and restore wellbeing through natural means.

45) Brimhana (Brmhana):
Brimhana translates to 'nourishing' in Ayurveda, signifying herbs or actions that support growth and vitality. Recognizing brimhana properties guides practitioners in selecting suitable herbs aimed at enhancing strength, healing, and recuperation, particularly for individuals recovering from illness or degeneration.

46) Samgrahin (Sangrahi, Samgrahi):
Sangrahi refers to substances or herbs known for their consolidating properties, often used in Ayurveda to control excessive eliminations, particularly in cases of diarrhea. Understanding the sangrahi action of herbs assists practitioners in selecting appropriate remedies to stabilize digestive health and restore balance to the body.

47) Skandha (Skamdha, Skamda):
Skandha translates to 'branch' or 'group' within the context of Ayurveda, commonly used to refer to a collection of related substances or herbs. This classification aids practitioners in organizing herbal knowledge, making it easier to identify effective remedies based on shared characteristics or therapeutic effects.

48) Prithvi (Prthvi):
Prithvi denotes the earth element in Ayurveda, representing solidity and stability. Recognizing the significance of prithvi in the context of health allows practitioners to understand its influence on physiological processes and to recommend grounding therapies that promote stability and balance in patients.

49) Vrishya (Vrsya):
Vrishya refers to aphrodisiac properties in Ayurveda, indicating herbs that enhance sexual vitality and reproductive health. Understanding vrishya qualities is essential for devising treatments aimed at sexual wellness and fertility, allowing practitioners to cater to patients requiring support in these areas.

50) Mutrala:
Mutrala signifies diuretic properties in Ayurveda, referring to herbs that promote urination and aid in eliminating toxins from the body. Recognizing mutrala actions allows practitioners to recommend appropriate treatments for conditions related to fluid retention, kidney health, and urinary tract wellness.

51) Kashmir:
Kashmir is a region known for its rich biodiversity and traditional herbal practices within Ayurveda. The local flora comprises numerous medicinal plants utilized in Ayurvedic formulations, emphasizing the importance of regional knowledge in enhancing treatment approaches and preserving traditional healing arts.

52) Bengal (Bemgal):
Bengal refers to an area with distinct herbal traditions and abundant biodiversity important to Ayurveda. The rich varieties of medicinal plants in Bengal contribute to the development of localized Ayurvedic practices, showcasing the interplay of culture, geography, and herbal knowledge within traditional medicine.

53) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma is a common Indian surname among practitioners of Ayurveda, often signifying a lineage of traditional knowledge and expertise. Specialists carrying this name may be involved in the teaching, practice, or research of Ayurvedic principles, contributing to the continued evolution and preservation of this ancient healing system.

54) Field:
Field indicates a specific area of study or practice within Ayurveda, encompassing the exploration of medicinal plants, herbal properties, and traditional healing methods. Defining distinct fields encourages specialized knowledge and applications, ensuring that practitioners can provide focused care based on their areas of expertise.

55) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi translates to 'bone' in Ayurveda, signifying the substance and quality inherent in healthy bones. Recognizing the importance of asthi is essential for practitioners when considering treatments aimed at supporting bone health and preventing degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis.

56) Rakta:
Rakta refers to 'blood' in Ayurveda, encompassing its essential role in sustaining life and nourishing tissues. Identifying treatments associated with rakta is crucial in managing disorders related to blood and ensuring overall bodily functions remain balanced and healthy.

57) Grahin (Grahi):
Grahi indicates the property of binding or consolidating in Ayurvedic terms, particularly associated with remedies used for digestive issues. Understanding the grahi effect of herbs supports practitioners in selecting treatments that address excesses in bodily eliminations, aiding in the recovery from dysentery or diarrhea.

58) Balya:
Balya refers to substances known to enhance strength and vitality, often associated with replenishing and rejuvenating properties in Ayurveda. Practitioners utilize balya herbs to promote robust health, particularly in individuals seeking recovery or needing support in overcoming fatigue and weakness.

59) Mala:
Mala translates to 'waste' or 'excrement' in Ayurveda, representing the byproducts of bodily functions. Understanding the concept of mala informs treatment strategies aimed at regulating excretory processes, ensuring the body effectively eliminates toxins and maintains overall health.

60) New Delhi:
New Delhi, as the capital of India, plays a pivotal role in healthcare policy and the promotion of traditional medicine, including Ayurveda. The urban setting fosters the integration of ancient practices with modern health frameworks, supporting the growth of Ayurvedic research and education in contemporary healthcare environments.

61) Bhavaprakashanighantu (Bhavaprakasanighantu, Bhavaprakasha-nighantu):
Bhavaprakasha-nighantu is an authoritative Ayurvedic text that compiles detailed descriptions of various medicinal plants, their properties, and classifications. It serves as a significant resource for practitioners, facilitating a deeper understanding of herbal medicines and guiding proper usage based on established Ayurvedic principles.

62) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
Dhanvantari-nighantu is a classical text focused on medicinal plants and their classifications. Named after the divine healer Dhanvantari, this text provides insights into plant properties and therapeutic uses, serving as a crucial reference point for practitioners in selecting effective remedies in clinical practice.

63) Madanapalanighantu (Madanapala-nighantu):
Madanapala-nighantu is another important Ayurvedic document that outlines various medicinal substances and their therapeutic properties. By compiling knowledge from multiple sources, it aids practitioners in understanding the characteristics of herbs, thereby enabling more informed decisions in treatment planning.

64) Kaiyadevanighantu (Kaiyadeva-nighantu):
Kaiyadeva-nighantu is a traditional Ayurvedic text that catalogs various medicinal herbs and their qualities. This resource helps practitioners identify plants based on their therapeutic benefits, enriching the knowledge base required for creating effective Ayurvedic treatments and herbal formulations.

65) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Ashtanga-sangraha is an ancient Ayurvedic text that outlines eight branches of medicine, providing comprehensive insights into herbal treatments and medical practices. Understanding this text is crucial for practitioners to navigate the complexities of traditional healing and prescribing appropriate therapies.

66) Shatahvadivarga (Satahvadivarga, Shatahvadi-varga):
Shatahvadi-varga is a classification within Ayurveda that categorizes certain herbs collectively known for their specific medicinal effects. Understanding this categorization aids practitioners in formulating effective treatments based on shared properties or traditional uses, enhancing therapeutic strategies.

67) Kroshtukamekhala (Kroshtuka-mekhala, Krostukamekhala):
Kroshtukamekhala is an Ayurvedic term referring to a specific herb known for its medicinal properties. Knowledge of this herb allows practitioners to explore its applications in treatment, enriching the understanding of plant-based alternatives within traditional healing systems.

68) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Ashtanga-hridaya is a foundational Ayurvedic text that synthesizes principles from earlier texts into a cohesive framework. This work provides valuable insights into herbal therapeutics, diagnostics, and treatment protocols, essential for guiding practitioners in their practice and honing their clinical skills.

69) Shonitasthapana (Sonitasthapana, Shonita-sthapana):
Shonitasthapana translates to 'blood-clotting' action in Ayurveda. Recognizing this property is vital for practitioners when addressing conditions like excessive bleeding or hemorrhages, allowing them to select appropriate therapeutic interventions based on traditional pharmacological principles.

70) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the scientific study of drug action and therapeutic effects. Integrating pharmacological principles with Ayurvedic practices enhances the efficacy of treatments and supports validation of traditional knowledge through empirical research, fostering a greater understanding of herbal medicine's role in health care.

71) Prithakparni (Prthakparni, Prithak-parni):
Prithakparni represents a specific herbal synonym within Ayurvedic classifications, highlighting unique qualities associated with particular plant species. Understanding this synonym helps practitioners identify and apply the correct herbs in formulations, ensuring relevance and accuracy in therapeutic applications.

72) Madhurarasa (Madhura-rasa):
Madhura-rasa indicates the sweet taste of an herb, one of the six primary tastes recognized in Ayurveda. This property is significant in determining how different substances affect the body, particularly in promoting absorption and balance across various systems within the body.

73) Siddhamantra:
Siddhamantra refers to a specific category of herbal formulations recognized for their potency and effectiveness in Ayurveda. Knowledge of siddhamantra allows practitioners to apply traditional techniques combined with proven efficacy when determining herbal remedies tailored to individual health needs.

74) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of how substances (drugs) interact with biological systems, influencing behavior and health outcomes. Integrating pharmacological principles with Ayurveda enhances practitioners' understanding of herbal properties, enabling more informed decisions about treatments and herbal therapies.

75) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
Dhanvantari is a revered figure in Ayurvedic medicine, often regarded as the divine physician. Understanding his contributions inspires practitioners to follow the Ayurvedic principles in patient care, emphasizing holistic healing and the importance of integrating spirituality in health practices.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 145]