Immunity and its improvement through ayurveda

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Immunity and its improvement through ayurveda”. 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) Disease:
Diseases in Ayurveda are seen as states of imbalance among doshas, dhatus, and malas. Each disease is approached holistically to restore equilibrium through diet, herbal treatments, and lifestyle changes. The Ayurvedic perspective emphasizes prevention and individualized treatment strategies for various diseases.

2) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana is a vital branch of Ayurveda focused on rejuvenation and revitalization of body tissues (dhatus). It involves using specific herbs and treatments to enhance vitality, strength, immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), and overall health. Rasayana therapies aim to increase Ojas and promote longevity and well-being.

3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in bodily systems through diet, herbal treatment, and yogic practices. It promotes holistic health by considering physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and uses various concepts such as dosha, dhatu, and Ojas to maintain health.

4) Substance:
The term substances encompasses a wide array of materials utilized in Ayurvedic practices, including herbs, minerals, and dietary items. Different substances have varied therapeutic effects on health and immunity (Vyadhikshamatva) and contribute to treating or preventing diseases when used appropriately.

5) Bala:
Bala refers to strength or vitality in Ayurveda. It can denote physical strength or immunity, which is essential for overall health and the body's ability to resist disease (Vyadhikshamatva). Understanding and enhancing Bala is critical in preventive medicine and bodily maintenance.

6) Vyadhikshamatva (Vyadhiksamatva):
Vyadhiksamatva, similar to Vyadhikshamatva, refers to the body's astuteness and strength against infections and diseases. It encapsulates the overall immunity concept, underscoring the necessity of maintaining bodily equilibrium through Ayurveda for preventing and overcoming health challenges.

7) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the vital bodily tissues in Ayurveda, comprising seven types that support physical health. Their balance and nourishment are essential for strength, immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), and overall vitality, making them a focal point for Ayurvedic healing and treatment practices.

8) Ojas:
Ojas is considered the essence of all bodily tissues and a key factor in sustaining life and vitality. It reflects the body’s overall health and immunity (Vyadhikshamatva). In Ayurveda, higher Ojas signifies better health, resistance to diseases, and longevity, forming a protective layer over the body.

9) Ahita:
Ahita refers to substances that are unsuitable or harmful to the body in Ayurveda. Consuming Ahita substances can lead to disease and weakness, contrasting with Hita substances, which promote health. Awareness of Ahita is essential for maintaining dietary practices that support wellness.

10) Food:
Food plays a vital role in Ayurveda as it directly influences body constitution and health. Different foods can be categorized as Hita (beneficial) or Ahita (harmful), impacting digestion, strength (Bala), and immunity (Vyadhikshamatva). Proper dietary habits are fundamental for disease prevention.

11) Gold (Golden):
Gold, used in Ayurvedic treatments, is believed to enhance cognitive function and vitality. Formulations containing gold, like Svarnabhasma, are thought to support overall health, rejuvenate tissues, and strengthen immunity. Its inclusion in medicine underscores the importance placed on specific metals in Ayurvedic pharmacology.

12) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, or clarified butter, is a key substance in Ayurvedic formulations. It is recognized for its nourishing properties, enhancing digestion, and supporting tissue regeneration. Ghrita is often used in Rasayana therapies and is valued for its role in strengthening Ojas and promoting overall health.

13) Life:
In Ayurveda, life (Ayus) is understood as the harmonious balance between body, senses, mind, and spirit. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining health through lifestyle choices, diet, and preventive practices to promote longevity and a fulfilling existence.

14) Svarna:
Svarna, or gold, has a prominent place in Ayurveda for its reputed health benefits, including enhancing mental acuity and resilience. Gold compounds like Svarnabhasma are used in treatments to bolster immunity and overall well-being, reflecting its traditional importance.

15) Milk:
Milk is considered a vital food in Ayurveda, valued for its nourishing and rejuvenating properties. It is an important source of nutrients that support the development of Dhatus and enhance Ojas, representing a cornerstone of health in Ayurvedic dietary recommendations.

16) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of earth and water. It embodies qualities of stability, heaviness, and moisture. A balanced Kapha is essential for health, contributing to immunity and resistance against diseases (Vyadhikshamatva).

17) Agni:
Agni, or digestive fire, is a crucial concept in Ayurveda denoting metabolic processes, energy transformation, and overall health. Proper Agni ensures efficient digestion and nutrient absorption, impacting immunity (Vyadhikshamatva) and susceptibility to diseases. It's central to maintaining wellness and vitality.

18) Hita:
Hita substances are those that are wholesome and advantageous for health in Ayurveda. These items are compatible with the body and enhance nourishment, contributing positively to Ojas and Vyadhikshamatva, ultimately supporting the maintenance and improvement of health.

19) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee, a clarified butter integral to Ayurvedic cooking, is known for its health benefits, including promoting digestion, enhancing immunity, and nourishing tissues. It is also used in various formulations to balance dosha, support vitality, and improve overall health.

20) Drug:
Drugs encompass medicinal compounds derived from plants, minerals, and animal sources used in Ayurvedic treatments. Each drug is selected based on its properties and effects on health, and they play a crucial role in managing diseases and enhancing immunity.

21) Activity:
Activity, particularly in the context of physical exercise and daily routines, is important in Ayurveda for maintaining strength (Bala) and optimal functioning of the body. Regular activity bolsters immune response, prevents imbalance, and supports the overall well-being of the individual.

22) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi pertains to the state of disease or illness in Ayurveda. It emphasizes the need to identify underlying imbalances in doshas, dhatus, and malas to effectively treat and manage health issues by restoring equilibrium and promoting wellness.

23) Reason:
In Ayurveda, the reason for a disease is rooted in the imbalance among doshas, dhatus, and malas. Understanding these underlying causes is essential for effective treatment and prevention, guiding practitioners in tailoring therapies to restore health and balance.

24) Water:
Water is a fundamental component of life in Ayurveda, vital for maintaining hydration, digestion, and bodily functions. Its balancing properties support the natural equilibrium of doshas and contribute to overall health, enhancing the body’s capacity to resist disease.

25) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasas refer to tastes derived from food, which influence digestion and nutritional balance in Ayurveda. Each Rasas has unique properties that can affect health and well-being, making dietary balance critical for optimal health.

26) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, known as Amla, is a revered herb in Ayurveda recognized for its potent antioxidant properties. It supports immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), enhances digestion, and plays a vital role in rejuvenation and promoting overall health through its rich nutrient profile.

27) Medicine:
Medicines in Ayurveda encompass herbal remedies and natural formulations aimed at holistic treatment. Their role is to restore balance among doshas, dhatus, and malas while enhancing immunity and overall well-being, ensuring a personalized approach to health.

28) Honey:
Honey is celebrated in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. It serves as a natural sweetener with antimicrobial and soothing effects, enhancing digestion, improving immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), and promoting overall health. Its versatility makes it a staple in many Ayurvedic formulations.

29) Birth:
Birth is significant in Ayurveda, as it influences an individual's constitution (Prakruti) based on genetic and environmental factors. Understanding one's birth-related characteristics aids in tailoring Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle recommendations to promote optimal health and prevent diseases.

30) Vaca:
Vacha, or Acorus calamus, is an herb in Ayurveda known for its cognitive-enhancing and digestive properties. It is utilized in formulations to support mental clarity and improve digestion, contributing to overall health and the body’s ability to resist diseases (Vyadhikshamatva).

31) Yoga:
Yoga is a discipline in Ayurveda aimed at harmonizing body, mind, and spirit. It encompasses physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices that enhance physical health, reduce stress, and boost immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), promoting holistic well-being.

32) Diet:
Diet is critical in Ayurveda, deeply influencing health and vitality. A balanced diet tailored to an individual’s dosha promotes digestion, nourishes dhatus, and supports immunity (Vyadhikshamatva). Emphasis is placed on matching diet with one's constitution for optimal health.

33) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia is an important herb in Ayurveda, known for its immunomodulatory properties. It enhances the body’s natural defenses against infections and supports overall health by balancing doshas, making it a valuable component in various Ayurvedic formulations.

34) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, or Haritaki, is revered in Ayurveda for its digestive and antioxidant benefits. It supports detoxification and boosts immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), and is often used in rasayana therapies for its rejuvenating characteristics, enhancing overall health and vigor.

35) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is valued in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic properties. It enhances resilience to stress, boosts energy levels, and strengthens immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), making it an optimal choice for promoting health and vitality.

36) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni refers to the digestive fire in Ayurveda, essential for transforming food into nutrients. A strong Jatharagni ensures efficient digestion and absorption of food, directly influencing Ojas and immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), thereby preventing diseases and promoting health.

37) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata was an ancient Ayurveda scholar known for significant contributions to medical texts like Ashtanga Sangraha. His work focused on holistic treatment approaches, emphasizing diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies for promoting health, resilience, and disease prevention.

38) Sahaja (Saha-ja):
Sahaja refers to innate or congenital qualities in Ayurveda. This concept encompasses natural strengths or predispositions one inherits at birth, influencing health and immunity (Vyadhikshamatva). Recognizing Sahaja allows for personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations.

39) Brahmi:
Brahmi, or Bacopa monnieri, is an important herb in Ayurveda known for its cognitive enhancing and calming effects. It supports mental health, boosts memory, and enhances overall cognitive functioning, contributing to both psychological and physical well-being.

40) Satmya:
Satmya indicates suitability or compatibility of substances with an individual’s constitution in Ayurveda. Consuming Satmya substances promotes health and prevents disease, reinforcing the importance of personalized dietary choices for maintaining balance and well-being.

41) Shukra (Sukra):
Sukra signifies reproductive essence in Ayurveda, serving a vital role in vitality and health. Maintaining optimal Sukra levels is essential for reproductive health, overall strength, and longevity.

42) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with transformation and metabolism. It embodies the elements of fire and water, governing digestion, energy production, and bodily temperature regulation. Pitta balance is crucial for health and functionality.

43) Death:
Death, in Ayurveda, is viewed as a natural transition rather than a mere end. It reflects the final imbalance in doshas and a cessation of bodily functions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining health and balance throughout life to promote longevity.

44) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of air and space. It governs movement in the body and is responsible for various physiological functions. A balanced Vata is essential for health and prevents various disorders.

45) Alpa:
Alpa refers to deficiency or lack in Ayurveda and can pertain to inadequate nutrition, strength, or vitality. In Ayurvedic context, recognizing Alpa conditions helps in formulating treatment strategies to restore balance and enhance health.

46) Kala:
Kala relates to time or cyclical processes in Ayurveda, emphasizing the importance of seasonal and life-stage variations in health practices. Ayurvedic treatments are often tailored according to Kala to optimize effectiveness and align with natural rhythms.

47) Fire:
Fire in Ayurveda symbolizes transformation and is closely linked to the concept of Agni, or digestive fire. This element is essential for metabolic processes, with a strong Agni promoting health and preventing diseases through efficient digestion and absorption.

48) Human body:
The human body is considered a complex system in Ayurveda, where health arises from the balance of doshas, dhatus, and malas. Understanding the body's various functions and interactions is key to maintaining wellness and preventing disease.

49) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, known as Shatavari, is revered in Ayurveda for its restorative properties. It particularly supports women's health, enhances reproductive function, and boosts immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), making it a key herb in many formulations aimed at vitality.

50) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, commonly known as Vacha, is an important herb in Ayurveda recognized for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It aids in digestion, supports mental clarity, and contributes to overall health and resilience against diseases (Vyadhikshamatva).

51) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three fundamental biological energies in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Their balance is crucial for health, as disturbances can lead to diseases, influencing treatment protocols aimed at restoring this equilibrium.

52) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is a renowned Ayurvedic formulation composed of three fruits: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, and Emblica officinalis. It is valued for its detoxifying properties, digestive benefits, and ability to enhance immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), promoting holistic wellness.

53) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Kasyapa is a historical figure in Ayurveda known for his contributions to medical practices. His works included insights into pediatric care and formulations that support health and development in children, reflecting the depth of Ayurvedic medicine.

54) Dravya:
Dravya is a Sanskrit term for substance, referring to the material basis of Ayurvedic medicine. Each dravya is studied for its individual properties and how it interacts within the body's systems, playing a crucial role in therapeutic practices.

55) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas denote the channels or systems within the body through which various substances, including nutrients and waste, flow. They are fundamental to maintaining health and ensuring the proper functioning of bodily processes and systems, impacting immunity.

56) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi refers to the skeletal tissues in Ayurveda, considered one of the seven dhatus. They provide structure and support for the body, playing a crucial role in overall strength and health. Maintaining Asthi health is key for preventing various diseases.

57) Graha:
Graha denotes entities that can influence health negatively or positively, often referring to pathogens in Ayurveda. Understanding Graha helps in developing strategies for disease prevention and effective treatments through a holistic approach.

58) Ahara:
Ahara refers to dietary intake in Ayurveda, encompassing the types of food consumed and their impacts on health. A proper Ahara is essential for maintaining dosha balance, supporting dhatus, and enhancing immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), emphasizing diet’s role in well-being.

59) Blood:
Blood in Ayurveda is considered synonymous with the Rakta dhatu, which plays a vital role in nourishing tissues and maintaining homeostasis. It is essential for transporting nutrients and supporting overall health, emphasizing the interdependence of bodily systems.

60) Anger (Angry):
Anger is recognized as an emotional state in Ayurveda that can adversely affect health, leading to imbalances in doshas. Emotion regulation is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and preventing diseases that arise from mental disturbances.

61) Guru:
Guru denotes heaviness in Ayurveda, which can relate to food or substances that may slow down digestion or vitality. Understanding the qualities of Guru helps in making dietary choices that promote balance and prevent ill effects.

62) Mala:
Malas are metabolic waste products in Ayurveda that need to be properly excreted to maintain health. Effective elimination of Malas is vital for preventing disease and preserving bodily clarity.

63) Rice (Rce):
Rice is a staple food in Ayurveda, recognized for its nourishing and easily digestible properties. It is often categorized as a Hita substance, providing energy and supporting health while being a significant part of various dietary regimens.

64) Hand:
The hand, in overall context, symbolizes skill and the ability to perform actions in Ayurveda. Skills contributed through physical and mental practices enhance one's health, indicating the importance of an active lifestyle for maintaining balance in life.

65) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra, known as Licorice, is valued in Ayurveda for its soothing properties against digestive issues and respiratory ailments. It aids in harmonizing bodily functions and is utilized for its potential benefits in enhancing immunity.

66) clarified butter:
Clarified butter, or Ghrita, is regularly used in Ayurvedic cooking and treatments for its health benefits. It enhances digestion, nourishes tissues, and strengthens immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), making it a fundamental component in ketogenic Ayurvedic diets.

67) Cynodon dactylon:
Cynodon dactylon, or Durva, is an herb in Ayurveda known for its medicinal properties, particularly in detoxification and promoting digestive health. It is often used in formulations to enhance immunity (Vyadhikshamatva) and support overall wellness.

68) Saussurea lappa:
Saussurea lappa, known as Kustha, is recognized in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. It's used in formulations for digestive and skin health, contributing to the enhancement of overall immunity and well-being through its unique constituents.

69) Acacia catechu:
Acacia catechu, also known as Khair, is used in Ayurveda for its antibacterial and astringent properties. It is valued in formulations that support digestive health and enhance the body’s natural defenses against diseases.

70) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is prized in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It plays a significant role in promoting immunity (Vyadhikshamatva), supporting detoxification, and enhancing overall health through its active compounds.

71) Common People (Common Folk):
Common people refer to individuals in society who may not have specialized knowledge about health. Ayurvedic principles focus on improving the health of common people by promoting holistic practices, sustainable diets, and natural remedies to enhance their well-being.

72) Cow milk (Cow's milk):
Cow milk is a vital food source in Ayurveda, celebrated for its nourishing qualities rich in nutrients. It promotes healthy growth and development and is considered a beneficial substance (Hita) for enhancing vitality and immunity (Vyadhikshamatva).

73) Yuktikritabala (Yuktikrtabala, Yuktikrita-bala):
Yuktikrita-bala denotes strength achieved through strategic choices in diet and lifestyle. This concept emphasizes active engagement in health-promoting practices, reflecting the importance of conscious efforts in attaining optimal health and resisting diseases.

74) Shankhapushpi (Sankhapuspi, Samkhapuspi):
Sankhapuspi, or Convolvulus pluricaulis, is an important herb in Ayurveda noted for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It aids memory and concentration, promoting mental clarity and resilience in overall health and resistance to ailments.

75) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to substances or actions that kill or inhibit bacterial growth. In Ayurvedic practices, several herbs are utilized for their antibacterial properties, which support the immune system in combating various infections and contribute to overall health.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 152]