A critical analysis of flower as per ancient literature in context of ayurveda

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A critical analysis of flower as per ancient literature in context of ayurveda
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Author:

Dr. Anurag Mishra and Dr. Kavita Tiwari


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: A critical analysis of flower as per ancient literature in context of ayurveda

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20225-23991


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Flowers have captured human fascination not only for their beauty but also for their multifaceted roles in health, nutrition, and spirituality. In ancient Ayurvedic literature, flowers are portrayed as significant contributors to well-being, with various texts documenting their therapeutic uses. This article critically analyzes the historical context of flowers in Ayurveda, their medicinal properties, and their incorporation into health practices, emphasizing the underutilized potential of medicinal flowers in contemporary healthcare practices.

The Significance of Medicinal Flowers

The integration of flowers within Ayurvedic practices dates back to the Vedic period, where they were utilized not only in rituals but also for their health benefits. Classical texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Bhavaprakash Nighantu outline numerous medicinal properties of various flowers, classifying them based on their therapeutic actions. For instance, flowers are categorized into different groups according to the ailments they treat, such as urinary disorders, digestive issues, and skin conditions. This classification underscores the vital role flowers play in Ayurvedic medicine, serving as natural remedies for various health challenges.

Phytochemical Properties and Therapeutic Effects

Medicinal flowers are rich in bioactive compounds known as phyto-chemicals, which contribute to their therapeutic potential. Found within these flowers are compounds that exhibit anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties. Essential oils derived from dried flowers are particularly concentrated and potent, enhancing their efficacy. The document emphasizes that many Ayurvedic scriptures provide specific details on how these flowers can be used to address various health issues, highlighting the importance of understanding their chemical profiles for future medicinal applications.

Historical Use and Current Relevance

Historically, the use of flowers in Ayurveda has been consistent, emphasizing their role in not only ritualistic practices but also in holistic healing. For instance, flowers such as Dhataki and Tulasi are noted for their diverse applications in treating conditions such as diarrhea, fever, and respiratory ailments. Despite their historical significance, many of these flowers remain underutilized in modern healthcare due to a lack of awareness regarding their potential benefits. The text suggests that further research and cultivation may provide new opportunities for integrating these medicinal flowers into current health practices.

Conclusion

The analysis of medicinal flowers within the framework of Ayurvedic literature reveals their longstanding importance and potential in both ancient and contemporary healthcare. This critical exploration encourages a renewed interest in the therapeutic properties of flowers, advocating for future studies that assess their pharmacological actions through clinical trials. As the demand for natural and effective treatment options continues to grow, the significance of these flowers could bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern medical practices, promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What significance do flowers hold in ancient literature and Ayurveda?

Flowers symbolize love and consciousness in ancient literature. In Ayurveda, they are recognized not only for their aesthetic value but also for their medicinal properties, as mentioned in classical texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.

How were flowers used in Ayurveda for medicinal purposes?

In Ayurveda, flowers are used for therapeutic applications, as they contain active compounds that help eradicate diseases. Various flowers are categorized based on their health benefits, with specific therapeutic actions described in ancient texts.

Can you name some medicinal flowers mentioned in Ayurvedic texts?

Notable medicinal flowers include Kamala (Lotus), Shatapatri (Rose), Dhataki, and Tulasi. Each flower has unique therapeutic properties and is used for treating different ailments in traditional Ayurvedic practice.

What are the therapeutic actions of Kamala flower in Ayurveda?

Kamala (Lotus) is known for its cooling properties, promoting complexion and alleviating thirst, burning sensations, and blood-related ailments. Its usage extends to various parts of the plant that contribute to health.

What are some key pharmacological actions of Tulasi flower?

Tulasi (Holy Basil) possesses pungent and bitter qualities, beneficial for heart health. It alleviates skin diseases, urinary issues, and certain blood-related conditions, contributing to overall well-being in Ayurvedic medicine.

What future research opportunities exist in studying medicinal flowers?

There is potential for new research in the pharmacological actions of medicinal flowers. Cultivating these flowers and evaluating their effects through experimental and clinical trials could enhance understanding in modern medicine.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A critical analysis of flower as per ancient literature in context of 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) Pushpa (Puspa):
Pushpa refers to flowers in Sanskrit and is significant in Ayurvedic literature for their therapeutic properties. In Ayurveda, various flowers are utilized for medicinal purposes, highlighting their role in enhancing health and treating diseases. The focus on Pushpa emphasizes its cultural and spiritual importance in the Indian tradition, as well as its botanical value.

2) Disease:
Diseases, in Ayurvedic terms, encompass a wide range of ailments resulting from imbalances in the body's constitution (Doshas). The approach to healing involves identifying the specific conditions affecting an individual and applying remedies, particularly using naturally sourced substances such as herbs and flowers, to restore harmony.

3) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Ayurvedic doshas, representing the elements of earth and water. It governs physical structure, stability, and bodily fluids. Imbalances in Kapha are associated with lethargy, weight gain, and congestion, necessitating dietary adjustments and specific herbal treatments to restore well-being.

4) Pitta:
Pitta is the fiery dosha in Ayurveda, embodying qualities of heat, metabolism, and transformation. It influences digestion, body temperature, and energy levels. An imbalance can lead to conditions like inflammation and hyperacidity, which Ayurvedic practices aim to manage through cool, soothing foods and medicinal herbs.

5) Dosha (Dosa):
A dosha in Ayurveda refers to the fundamental energies governing physiological and psychological processes in the body. There are three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique combination that determines their constitution (Prakriti) and susceptibility to various health issues, informing treatment approaches.

6) Bitter:
Bitter (Tikta) is one of the six tastes recognized in Ayurveda, known for its detoxifying properties. Bitter substances are associated with cleansing the body, promoting digestion, and alleviating conditions like inflammation or heat. Many medicinal flowers contain bitter constituents that contribute to their healing attributes.

7) Tikta:
Tikta is the Sanskrit term for bitter taste, crucial in Ayurvedic medicine. It is acknowledged for its ability to detoxify and cleanse the body. Herbs with a Tikta quality are utilized to balance excess Pitta and Kapha Doshas, aiding in digestion and enhancing overall health.

8) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya signifies the astringent taste in Ayurveda, which has notable roles in binding, toning, and drying excess moisture in the body. Astringent herbs are particularly beneficial for managing conditions associated with excess heat or mucus, making them integral in formulations aimed at re-establishing balance.

9) Vata:
Vata represents one of Ayurveda’s three doshas, embodying qualities of air and space. It influences movement, circulation, and communication within the body. An imbalance in Vata can lead to anxiety, dryness, and digestive disorders, thus necessitating calming, moistening herbs in treatment.

10) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the science of drugs and their effects on biological systems. In the Ayurvedic context, this includes understanding how various plant-based medicines, including flowers, exert therapeutic effects to prevent and treat ailments, emphasizing the importance of holistic pharmacology in maintaining health.

11) Visha (Visa):
Visha in Ayurveda denotes poison or toxic substances, which can disrupt the body’s equilibrium. Ayurvedic texts discuss various antidotes and treatment protocols to counteract the effects of Visha, including the use of specific herbs, detoxification methods, and dietary modifications to restore health.

12) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pittadosha signifies the fiery element in Ayurveda, encompassing metabolic and digestive functions. Balancing Pittadosha is crucial for managing heat-related disorders, employing specific herbs that soothe and cool.

13) Rakta:
Rakta translates to blood in Sanskrit and holds significance in Ayurvedic perspectives regarding the circulatory system and its influence on overall health. Ayurvedic practices often look to balance Rakta to address symptoms related to blood disorders, using natural therapies like herbs and diet.

14) Family:
Family, in the context of botanical studies, refers to the classification of plants that share common characteristics. Understanding the family of medicinal plants is crucial in Ayurveda for identifying herbal properties and potential therapeutic effects, providing context for their use in traditional medicine.

15) Laghu:
Laghu means light in Ayurvedic terminology and describes the qualities of certain substances that facilitate digestion and metabolism. Laghu items are beneficial in managing excess body weight and promoting energy, making them a common recommendation in dietary guidelines for individuals seeking to balance their dosha.

16) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burning refers to the sensation of heat often linked to excess Pitta in Ayurveda. This feeling can manifest in various conditions, including inflammation, ulcers, or digestive issues, prompting practitioners to recommend cooling agents or anti-inflammatory herbs that alleviate this discomfort and restore balance.

17) Burning sensation:
A burning sensation is often indicative of inflammation or irritation in Ayurveda, frequently linked to Pitta imbalance. Recognizing this symptom allows Ayurvedic practitioners to tailor treatments, utilizing soothing herbs and dietary adjustments designed to cool the body and reduce discomfort.

18) Daha:
Daha translates to burning sensation in Ayurveda and reflects an excess of heat in the body, often associated with Pitta dosha imbalances. Managing Daha involves dietary recommendations and herbal interventions to calm the systems involved, promoting overall balance and comfort.

19) Madhura:
Madhura means sweet in Ayurveda and represents one of the six tastes. Sweet substances are known to nourish and provide energy, promoting grounding and stability, which can counterbalance the effects of Pitta and Vata excesses, thus playing an essential role in diet and health management.

20) Pungent:
Pungent is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda known to stimulate digestion and increase metabolism. It can invigorate appetite and is often used for its anti-congestive properties. However, excessive consumption can exacerbate heat in the body, requiring careful balance within dietary practices.

21) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra is the last name of one of the authors of the referenced study. It signifies the individual’s contributions to Ayurvedic research, particularly on the therapeutic properties of flowers, which are pivotal to understanding traditional practices and integrating them into contemporary medicinal applications.

22) Katu:
Katu refers to the pungent taste in Ayurveda. It is noted for stimulating digestion and enhancing appetite. However, excessive katu substances can exacerbate conditions associated with heat in the body, making it crucial to balance Katu within one's diet to maintain health.

23) Thirst:
Thirst represents the body's signal of dehydration or imbalance, commonly related to excess Pitta dosha. Ayurveda addresses thirst through the intake of cooling liquids and herbs to help restore balance and alleviate symptoms associated with heat and dryness in the body.

24) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna signifies heat or hot potency in Ayurvedic medicine. It pertains to substances that can invigorate and stimulate metabolism, but also one that should be consumed judiciously to maintain equilibrium, especially in conditions of high Pitta or heat-related disorders.

25) Shitala (Sitala):
Sheetala refers to cold potency in Ayurveda, denoting substances that cool or soothe the body. It is crucial in treating inflammatory conditions, and balancing Pitta by incorporating cooling herbs and food into dietary regimens to restore equilibrium within bodily systems.

26) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha refers to skin diseases in Ayurveda. Treatment protocols often emphasize the use of anti-inflammatory and detoxifying herbs to address conditions classified under this term, focusing on achieving internal balance to promote skin health and recover from various ailments effectively.

27) Grahin (Grahi):
Grahi translates to absorbent in the Ayurvedic context. It describes substances that have the capacity to absorb excess moisture or toxins from the body, providing therapeutic benefits in managing odor, dampness, and certain gastrointestinal conditions by enhancing the body’s natural detoxification processes.

28) Krimi (Krmi):
Krimi signifies worms or parasites in the Ayurvedic framework. The presence of Krimi can lead to various health issues, particularly in digestion. Ayurvedic treatment often utilizes specific herbs known for their anthelmintic properties to eliminate these parasites and restore gastrointestinal health.

29) Blood:
Blood in Ayurveda relates not only to the physical substance but also to its role in nourishing the body and maintaining overall health. It is significant in various therapies where blood disorders or imbalances are addressed by dietary practices and herbal applications.

30) Worm:
A worm refers to any parasitic presence in the body that leads to physiological disturbances. In Ayurveda, the management of worms involves detoxifying approaches, including herbal remedies tailored to eliminate these parasites and restore balance to the digestive and immune systems.

31) Kamala (Kama-la):
Kamala refers to the lotus flower, revered in Ayurvedic traditions for its medicinal properties. Known for its cooling effects, it aids in relieving heat-related conditions and is often used in formulations aiming to enhance overall well-being and treat specific ailments linked to Pitta imbalances.

32) Hridya (Hrdya):
Hridya means heart in Ayurveda, indicating both the physical organ and metaphorically the center of one’s emotional well-being. Medicinal plants classified as Hridya are believed to support heart health, enhance circulation, and address emotional conditions that affect overall health.

33) Gana:
Gana refers to a group or class of herbs in Ayurveda, organized based on shared qualities or therapeutic properties. Understanding Gana helps practitioners select appropriate herbal remedies based on disorders or imbalances, tailoring treatments for specific health needs within the framework of herbal medicine.

34) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha translates to dry in Ayurvedic terminology, characterizing substances that can absorb moisture and reduce excessive fluid in the body. Ruksha-based remedies are often employed to treat conditions associated with dampness, particularly in respiratory and digestive health management.

35) Post:
In Ayurveda, Paka refers to the post-digestive effect or transformation that substances undergo after consumption. The understanding of Paka is vital in determining how different foods and herbs influence bodily balance, guiding dietary recommendations based on their energetic properties and digestive interactions.

36) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Rakta-pitta denotes blood-related disorders involving heat. Effective Ayurvedic treatments utilize cooling herbs and dietary adjustments to manage bleeding and inflammation, focusing on restoring equilibrium.

37) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata doshas represent the principle of movement and regulation within the body. Understanding and managing Vata imbalances is crucial in Ayurveda, as excess Vata can lead to issues such as anxiety or digestive disturbances, guided through appropriate dietary habits and herbal treatments.

38) Samhita:
Samhita refers to compilations or collections of Ayurvedic texts that detail principles, therapies, and medicinal uses of herbs and other natural substances. Prominent Samhitās, like Charaka and Sushruta, serve as foundational texts in traditional Indian medicine, providing insights into holistic health practices.

39) Hima:
Hima signifies cold in potency in the Ayurvedic context. Substances that possess Hima qualities are believed to have cooling effects on the body, aiding in the treatment of heat-related conditions and balancing excess Pitta dosha through appropriate dietary and herbal interventions.

40) Fever:
Fever, or Jwara in Ayurveda, signifies an imbalance often associated with heat in the body. Ayurvedic treatment approaches aim to address fever through herbal remedies and cooling diets that restore balance by alleviating excess Pitta while supporting the body's natural healing processes.

41) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha Doshas embody qualities of solidity and fluidity, governing bodily structure and physiological processes. Balancing Kapha is central to maintaining energy and vitality, and Ayurvedic strategies focus on managing its excess through dietary adjustments and invigorating herbs.

42) Guru:
Guru indicates heaviness in Ayurvedic terms and applies to substances known for their dense qualities. Heavy foods are often recommended for individuals needing nourishment or recovery but should be moderated for those who exhibit signs of Kapha imbalances or digestive sluggishness.

43) Roga:
Rogas refer to diseases or disorders in Ayurvedic terminology. Practitioners categorize Rogas based on dosha imbalances to tailor treatments effectively, underscoring the individualized approach central to Ayurvedic healing.

44) Agastya (Agasthya):
Agastya refers to a specific flower, known for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda. It is often utilized for its therapeutic effects in treating a range of conditions, particularly for balancing impurities in the body and supporting digestion, among other health concerns.

45) Dhataki:
Dhataki refers to a flower widely recognized in Ayurveda for its uses in medicine, particularly in treatments for digestive health and as a fermenting agent. The flower is valued for its therapeutic properties that contribute to various traditional formulations.

46) Madhuka:
Madhuka signifies the honey-sweet flower, known for its soothing properties in Ayurveda. It is often used in herbal formulations to balance doshas, particularly in addressing heat-related conditions like fever and inflammation, promoting overall health and wellness.

47) Kumuda:
Kumuda refers to the flower of the water lily, which holds significant Ayurvedic value due to its cooling and soothing properties. Known for its role in cooling therapies, it is used to balance Pitta and support overall health.

48) Vipaka:
Vipaka refers to the post-digestive effect of food or herbs in Ayurveda. Understanding the Vipaka of various substances is essential for tailoring dietary recommendations and ensuring that nutritional choices align with maintaining balance among doshas and overall health.

49) Drug:
A drug in the Ayurvedic framework signifies any substance used for treatment, particularly those derived from plants. The emphasis is placed on natural remedies that harmonize with the body's innate processes, ensuring effective healing and recovery.

50) Campaka:
Champaka refers to the fragrant flower of Michelia champaca, recognized for its therapeutic properties in Ayurveda. Used for its calming effects, it is primarily applied in treatments targeting excess heat and enhancing emotional well-being due to its soothing aroma.

51) Trishna (Trsna):
Trishna indicates thirst in Ayurveda, often a symptom of Pitta imbalance or dehydration. It signals the need for hydration and cooling therapies that help restore balance within the body, addressing underlying heat-related issues.

52) Mukha:
Mukha translates to mouth in Sanskrit and indicates a key area of focus in Ayurvedic practices. Oral health is considered integral to overall well-being, with specific treatments targeting dental issues and enhancing the oral cavity's health through natural remedies.

53) Mutrakrichra (Mutrakrchra, Mutra-krichra):
Mutrakrichra refers to urinary difficulties in Ayurveda, indicating imbalances that affect urinary function. Herbal treatments are utilized to promote healthy urinary flow and alleviate discomfort, focusing on restoring harmony within the urinary system.

54) Samgrahin (Sangrahi, Samgrahi):
Sangrahi signifies absorbent qualities in Ayurvedic terms, referring to substances that capture or retain various bodily fluids or toxins. This characteristic is significant in herbal formulations that aim to cleanse the body and maintain physiological balance.

55) Bleeding:
Bleeding, or Raktapitta in Ayurveda, refers to an imbalance that often signifies a heat-related condition. Treatments focus on cooling the blood and addressing excess heat with specific herbs and dietary practices that help manage symptoms and restore balance.

56) Atisara:
Atisara translates to diarrhea in Ayurveda, representing a common digestive disorder. Ayurvedic treatment emphasizes identifying the underlying causes and utilizing specific herbs and dietary strategies to manage symptoms and restore normal bowel function.

57) Yuthika:
Yuthika refers to a flower known for its aromatic properties and medicinal benefits in Ayurveda. It is often included in herbal formulations targeting digestive health and is valued for its effectiveness in balancing various doshas.

58) Snigdha:
Snigdha means unctuous or oily in Ayurveda, indicating substances that provide nourishment and moisture. Snigdha items are used to counterbalance dryness or depletion within the body, helping to maintain skin health and overall vitality.

59) Bakula:
Bakula refers to the flower of Mimusops elengi, known for its fragrant and medicinal properties. In Ayurveda, it is prized for its ability to soothe and nourish the body, especially for addressing issues related to oral health and overall vitality.

60) Tilaka:
Tilaka signifies a specific flower valued in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. It is often utilized in formulations aimed at balancing doshas, highlighting its role in enhancing health and wellbeing through natural remedies.

61) Tulasi:
Tulasi, or holy basil, is a revered plant in Ayurveda known for its adaptogenic and medicinal properties. It is utilized to support immune health, promote balance, and alleviate stress-related conditions, embodying the holistic approach of Ayurvedic healing.

62) Varṇya (Varnya):
Varnya translates to that which enhances color or complexion in Ayurveda. Many herbs and flowers are recognized for their ability to improve skin health and appearance, highlighting their importance in both health and beauty contexts within Ayurvedic practices.

63) Lavana:
Lavana refers to salt in Ayurveda, contributing to flavor and balance in the diet. Salt plays a critical role in maintaining electrolyte balance and is used in culinary practices, alongside therapeutic applications to aid digestion and enhance flavors.

64) Edema (Oedema):
Edema denotes swelling due to fluid retention, often a symptom of underlying imbalances in the body. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on reducing excess Kapha and inflammation through specific dietary guidelines, herbal treatments, and lifestyle modifications.

65) Sara (Shara):
Sara signifies purity or clarity in Ayurvedic texts, often associated with substances that enhance bodily functions effectively. It denotes health practices emphasizing the purity of ingredients and their transformative qualities in achieving holistic health.

66) Pain:
Pain in Ayurvedic context reflects the body's response to imbalance or injury. It requires a thorough assessment of dosha imbalances to tailor treatments effectively, potentially employing analgesic herbs and therapeutic interventions for relief.

67) Pittahara (Pitta-hara):
Pittahara refers to substances or treatments that pacify Pitta dosha and alleviate its associated disorders, such as inflammation or heat. Emphasizing cooling effects, Pittahara remedies enhance wellbeing and maintain balance.

68) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to a synonym of herbal compendiums in Ayurveda, documenting the medicinal properties of plants and their applications. Understanding Nighantu is essential for practitioners to effectively utilize herbal medicine in treating diseases and maintaining health.

69) Priyangu (Priyamgu):
Priyangu pertains to a flowering plant in Ayurveda recognized for its pleasant fragrance and medicinal properties. Used for a variety of applications, it contributes to formulations that enhance wellbeing and balance doshas.

70) Madhavi:
Madhavi refers to a fragrant flower valued in Ayurveda for its thermogenic and medicinal benefits. Its applications are broad, serving both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, emphasizing the integration of beauty and health in Ayurvedic practices.

71) Prameha:
Prameha translates to urinary disorders in Ayurveda, commonly associated with imbalances that affect kidney and bladder function. Treatment typically involves dietary changes and herbal therapies aimed at restoring normal urinary function and eliminating excess dosha.

72) Vrishya (Vrsya):
Vrishya indicates aphrodisiac qualities in Ayurveda, referring to substances that enhance sexual health and vitality. Many herbs classified as Vrishya support reproductive health, stimulate libido, and create a sense of wellbeing.

73) Mallika:
Mallika refers to the jasmine flower, which is prized for its fragrance and therapeutic benefits in Ayurveda. It is often utilized for its calming effects, aiding in relaxation and emotional stability while also serving skin therapeutic needs.

74) Nasana (Nashana):
Nashana denotes the act of eliminating or removing unwanted substances from the body, particularly toxins or impurities. In Ayurvedic treatments, Nashana is emphasized through detoxification processes to maintain health and balance.

75) Kadamba:
Kadamba refers to the flowering tree significant in Ayurveda for its medicinal qualities. Various parts of the Kadamba tree are used to treat ailments and enhance overall wellness, underscoring the importance of botanical diversity in Ayurvedic remedies.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 429]

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘A critical analysis of flower as per ancient literature in context of ayurveda’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Ayurveda, Sushruta-samhita, Prameha, Charakasamhita, Bhavaprakashanighantu, Saffron, Vedic Period, Essential oil, Therapeutic action, Therapeutic properties, Medicinal flowers, Asava arishta, Anti-inflammatory, Phyto-chemicals, Active molecule, Medicinal significance, Antipyretic, Analgesic, Ritual use.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Tulasi, Dhataki flower.

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