Pharmaceutical processing in panchakarma vis –a-vis polio myelitis
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmaceutical processing in panchakarma vis –a-vis polio myelitis
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article discusses the significance of pharmaceutical processing in Ayurvedic treatments, particularly in the context of Panchakarma therapies for polio myelitis. Ayurveda, revered for its extensive knowledge on effective medicinal recipes, emphasizes specialized therapies that not only target disease treatment but also enhance the body's immunity. Panchakarma, meaning five specialized therapies, plays a pivotal role in cleansing the body of toxins and impurities, which is deemed essential prior to any palliative treatments. This approach underscores the need for radical purification of the body before administering other remedies, illustrating the foundational nature of Panchakarma in Ayurvedic medicine.
Importance of Pharmaceutical Processing
Pharmaceutical processing, especially in the preparation of medicated oils (Sneha Kalpana), is crucial in determining the therapeutic effects of the treatment. The article outlines a specific methodology for creating these oils, detailing the components involved: oil, a paste from medicinal herbs, and a liquid, which are combined and cooked carefully to ensure proper absorption and interaction of active therapeutic properties. The procedures included the preparation of pastes and decoctions, where the meticulous cooking process is essential to eliminate moisture and enhance the oil's efficacy. This highlights how variations in pharmaceutical processes can significantly affect the medicinal properties and overall effectiveness of the treatment, particularly for neuromuscular disorders like polio myelitis where Vata dosha regulation is vital.
Conclusion
The exploration of pharmaceutical processing within Ayurvedic practices reveals its profound impact on treatment outcomes, especially for diseases such as polio myelitis. The article emphasizes that each step in the preparation of medicated oils, from ingredient selection to cooking techniques, must be standardized and carefully executed to achieve optimal results. Key findings include the relationship between the physical and chemical characteristics of oils and their therapeutic activity, underscoring the need for thorough investigation into how different processing methods can influence medicinal effectiveness. The insights provided advocate for a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic pharmaceutical techniques to enhance therapeutic efficacy and support practitioners in their treatment approaches.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Anjana Chaube, P.K. Prajapati, S.K. Dixit
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmaceutical processing in panchakarma vis –a-vis polio myelitis
Year: 1996
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Panchakarma and its significance in Ayurveda?
Panchakarma is a specialized Ayurvedic therapy aimed at cleansing the body of impurities, enhancing immunity, and preparing for additional treatments. It is essential for preventive and curative approaches in Ayurveda, addressing various ailments effectively.
How does pharmaceutical processing affect Ayurvedic medicated oils?
The pharmaceutical processing of medicated oils influences their physical and chemical properties, which in turn affects their medicinal actions. Proper standardization during preparation ensures the optimal therapeutic effects on body tissues.
What are the key steps in preparing medicated oil?
Preparation involves heating oil to eliminate moisture, adding a paste of drugs, and boiling with a specific liquid until evaporation occurs. This method ensures that active therapeutic properties are absorbed effectively.
What types of therapies are involved in treating poliomyelitis?
The treatment includes Snehana (massage), Svedana (perspiration therapy), Vasti (enema), and Sansarjana (post-therapy diet). Each step utilizes specific pharmaceutical preparations to enhance therapy effectiveness and promote recovery.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmaceutical processing in panchakarma vis –a-vis polio myelitis”. 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) Karma (Karman, Kārma):
Karma refers to the therapeutic action or procedure in Ayurveda, encompassing various types of treatment. Each karma is designed to address specific health conditions, as it relates to the holistic approach of Ayurveda where physical, chemical, and spiritual elements work together for healing.
2) Drug:
In the context of Ayurveda, a drug signifies any substance used for medicinal purposes. Ayurvedic drugs are derived from natural sources, including herbs, minerals, and animal products, and are processed using specific techniques to enhance their therapeutic efficacy.
3) Kalpana (Kalpanā):
Kalpana means preparation or formulation in Ayurveda. It refers to the methods used to create medicinal preparations, such as herbal pastes or concoctions, which are integral to the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments by ensuring proper absorption and synergy of ingredients.
4) Vata (Vāṭa, Vaṭa, Vāta, Vaṭā):
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of air and space. It governs bodily functions related to movement, including breathing, circulation, and nerve impulses. Maintaining vata's balance is crucial for overall health and well-being.
5) Water:
Water is a vital component in Ayurvedic medicine, often used in processing drugs and preparing medicinal concoctions. Its presence is essential for hydrating the body and facilitating various metabolic processes, making it an integral part of treatments.
6) Pradhana-karma (Pradhāna-karma):
Pradhana-karma refers to the main therapeutic interventions in Ayurveda that follow preliminary treatments. It encompasses critical therapies aimed at addressing the primary symptoms or root causes of ailments, thereby restoring balance and health more effectively.
7) Abhyanga (Abhyaṅga, Abhyamga):
Abhyanga is a form of Ayurvedic massage using medicated oils. It is vital for balancing the doshas, especially vata, and enhancing circulation. This therapy promotes detoxification, rejuvenates tissues, and prepares the body for subsequent treatments, aiding overall healing.
8) Svedana:
Svedana means sweating or perspiration induced by applying heat in Ayurvedic treatments. It supports detoxification, loosens accumulated toxins, and improves circulation, aiding in the efficacy of subsequent therapies like Vasti or Anuvasana treatments.
9) Sneha:
Sneha refers to oil or fat in Ayurveda, utilized not only for cooking but also in various therapeutic treatments. Sneha promotes lubrication within the body, aids tissue nourishment, and is crucial for the effectiveness of treatments aimed at balancing vata.
10) Anuvasana (Anuvāsana):
Anuvasana denotes a type of enema in Ayurveda that utilizes oily or liquid substances. It is mainly used to pacify vata and enhance nourishment of tissues, making it effective in treating conditions associated with vata imbalance.
11) Snehana:
Snehana refers to the process of oleation in Ayurveda, involving the administration of oily substances to the body. It aims to nourish tissues, promote detoxification, and prepare the body for further therapeutic processes, particularly in illnesses characterized by vata disturbance.
12) Niruha (Nirūha):
Niruha is a type of therapeutic enema primarily consisting of decoctions. It is used to eliminate vitiated doshas from the body, especially beneficial in treating conditions linked to the vata dosha, such as polio myelitis.
13) Dosha (Dosa, Doṣa, Dosā, Doṣā, Ḍosā):
Doshas are the three fundamental energies in Ayurveda — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — that govern physiological and psychological functions. Understanding dosha balance is essential for diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that holistic health is maintained.
14) Diet:
In Ayurveda, diet encompasses more than just food; it includes the treatment approach to nourishment that considers individual constitution, current health condition, and seasonal factors. Proper diet is critical for restoring balance and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
15) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine from India, emphasizing holistic healing and balance among mind, body, and spirit. Its principles are based on the interplay of doshas, providing comprehensive methodologies for preventing and treating illnesses.
16) Dravya:
Dravya means substance or material in Ayurveda. It encompasses all types of medicinal inputs, including herbs, minerals, and animal products. The selection and processing of dravyas is fundamental to achieving the desired therapeutic effect.
17) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas, characterized by stability, structure, and moisture. Its balance is essential for bodily functions such as lubrication and immune responses. An imbalance can lead to various health issues, necessitating its regulation.
18) Sveda:
Sveda signifies perspiration or sweating. It is an important concept in Ayurveda as it ties into detoxification and cleansing practices. Enhanced sweating can help eliminate toxins from the body, strengthening the healing process.
19) Mala (Māla, Mālā, Māḻā, Māḷa, Maḻa):
Mala refers to waste products or impurities in the body. In Ayurveda, the removal of malas is essential for maintaining health, as their accumulation can lead to disease, necessitating purification processes like Panchakarma.
20) Anuvasanavasti (Anuvāsanavasti, Anuvasana-vasti):
Anuvasana-vasti is a specific type of enema using oily substances. It is particularly effective for pacifying vata, lubricating tissues, and nourishing the body, playing an important role in Ayurvedic treatments, especially for neuromuscular conditions.
21) Pindasveda (Pinda-sveda, Piṇḍasveda):
Pinda-sveda refers to a therapeutic process involving the use of warm, herbal boluses applied to the body. This treatment enhances perspiration, alleviates stiffness, and promotes muscle relaxation, playing a significant role in various Ayurvedic therapies.
22) Shodhana (Śodhana, Sodhana):
Shodhana signifies the detoxification processes in Ayurveda aimed at cleansing the body of accumulated impurities. By removing harmful substances, Shodhana therapies enhance the effectiveness of subsequent treatments and create a stable internal environment.
23) Panca (Pancan, Pañca, Pañcan, Pamca, Pañcāṉ):
Pancha means five in Sanskrit, underlining the concept of the five primary therapies known in Ayurveda, collectively termed Panchakarma. These therapies focus on cleansing and rejuvenating the body to restore balance and health.
24) Pitta (Pītta, Piṭṭā):
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of fire and water. It governs metabolic and transformative processes in the body, including digestion and metabolism, making its balance vital for health.
25) Kalka:
Kalka refers to a paste made from grinding herbs that is used in various Ayurvedic formulations. Its application enhances the efficacy of treatments by ensuring that the active constituents of the herbs are effectively delivered.
26) Pinda (Piṇḍā, Piṇḍa, Pimda):
Pinda signifies a bolus or pudding in Ayurvedic treatments, often used in processes like Pinda-sveda. It combines therapeutic properties of herbs, enhancing their impact during application while inducing sweating and detoxification.
27) Bala (Bāla, Balā, Bālā):
Bala (Sida cordifolia) is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, particularly noted for its supportive role in strengthening the body, enhancing muscle tone, and promoting healing in conditions like polio myelitis.
28) Milk:
Milk is considered a nourishing substance in Ayurveda, often used in various therapeutic processes. It absorbs and enhances the properties of other ingredients, making it an important medium in treatments.
29) Blood letting:
Blood letting, or Rakta-mokshana, is an ancient Ayurvedic practice aimed at removing excess blood or toxins from the body. This practice is used carefully to restore balance, particularly in cases of blood-related disorders.
30) Raktamokshana (Raktamōkṣaṇa, Raktamokṣaṇa, Rakta-mokshana):
Rakta-mokshana signifies the therapeutic procedure of bloodletting in Ayurveda. This intervention helps to detoxify the bloodstream, restore dosha balance, and alleviate various conditions, particularly those linked to blood impurities or excess.
31) Blood-letting:
Blood-letting is an ancient therapeutic procedure utilized in Ayurveda, aimed at expelling excess blood or toxins. It's strategically used for certain health conditions where detoxification is necessary to restore balance.
32) Niruhavasti (Nirūhavasti, Niruha-vasti):
Niruha-vasti is a therapeutic enema that consists primarily of decoctions. It is used to cleanse the body of accumulated doshas, particularly beneficial for ailments related to vata dosha, enhancing overall health and vitality.
33) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulated refers to the buildup of impurities or toxins in the body, which can disrupt health. Ayurvedic treatments often focus on eliminating these accumulated materials to restore balance and promote wellness.
34) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasaśāstra):
Rasasastra is a branch of Ayurveda specializing in the medicinal use of metals and minerals. It emphasizes the importance of proper processing techniques and formulations in achieving therapeutic effects.
35) Bhaishajya (Bhaiṣajya):
Bhaishajya indicates the field of pharmacology in Ayurveda, encompassing the preparation and use of medications. This area focuses on understanding the properties and effects of various substances used for therapeutic purposes.
36) Vatapitta (Vātapitta, Vata-pitta):
Vata-pitta signifies the balance between the vata and pitta doshas. Any imbalance between these energies may lead to various health problems; thus, their harmonious regulation is essential for overall well-being.
37) Balataila (Balātaila, Bala-taila):
Bala-taila is a medicated oil prepared from the Bala herb, used in Ayurvedic therapies for its rejuvenating properties. This oil is particularly beneficial for conditions related to muscle weakness and neuromuscular health.
38) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of the text refers to the exchange of ideas and insights regarding the efficacy and methods of Ayurvedic treatments, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation within the practice.
39) Asthapana (Āsthāpana):
Asthapana is a type of Niruha-vasti that involves the administration of therapeutic decoctions. This treatment focuses on cleansing and removing toxins from the body, specifically aimed at balancing the doshas.
40) Amadosha (Āmadoṣa, Ama-dosha):
Ama-dosha refers to the toxic by-products resulting from impaired digestion in Ayurveda. The accumulation of Ama is detrimental to health, necessitating purification processes to restore dosha balance.
41) Mokshana (Mokṣaṇa):
Mokshana symbolizes the act of liberation or release in Ayurveda. In a therapeutic context, it refers to the removal of impurities or toxins from the body, enabling the restoration of health and well-being.
42) Activity:
Activity in Ayurveda often refers to the biological or therapeutic actions of drugs. Understanding the activities of various substances is crucial for determining their effectiveness in treating specific health conditions.
43) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated denotes an imbalance or alteration in the natural state of the doshas, leading to various health issues. Addressing vitiated doshas is fundamental to Ayurvedic treatment strategies to regain health.
44) Parpati (Parpaṭī, Pārpati):
Parpati is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation involving the use of minerals and herbs. This method emphasizes careful processing to enhance the therapeutic potential of the ingredients while adhering to safety standards.
45) Koshtha (Koṣṭha):
Koshtha refers to the gastrointestinal tract in Ayurveda. Understanding the condition of the koshtha is essential for diagnosing and treating digestive disorders, as it plays a crucial role in overall health.
46) Kajjali (Kajjalī):
Kajjali is a fine black powder made from mercury and sulfur, often used in Rasasastra. It is considered potent in Ayurveda for various therapeutic applications but requires careful handling because of its toxic properties.
47) Samana (Śamana, Samāna, Samaṇa, Samanā, Śāmana, Sāmana, Shamana, Samānā):
Shamana represents the pacification or calming aspect of Ayurvedic treatment, focusing on alleviating the symptoms of imbalanced doshas rather than eliminating them. This approach allows for managing chronic conditions with appropriate therapies.
48) Channel:
Channel refers to the pathways or channels in the body through which doshas, nutrients, and energy flow. Maintaining the health of these channels is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of bodily systems and overall well-being.
49) Science (Scientific):
Science relates to the systematic study and understanding of natural phenomena. In Ayurveda, it underscores the importance of evidence-based practices, observation, and research in validating traditional healing methods.
50) Yavagu (Yavāgu, Yavāgū):
Yavagu is a gruel-like preparatory dish in Ayurveda, often used during the Sansarjan karma phase. It aids in digestion and serves as a gentle introduction back to normal diet after intense therapies.
51) Anjana (Añjana, Anjanā, Añjanā, Āñjana, Amjana, Anjāna):
Anjana refers to a therapeutic eye preparation in Ayurveda, usually in the form of medicated ointments or oils. This application is important for treating various eye diseases and enhancing vision health.
52) Vamana (Vāmana):
Vamana is a Panchakarma treatment that involves therapeutic emesis or vomiting, used to expel excess kapha from the body. It plays a crucial role in detoxification and is particularly effective in respiratory and digestive disorders.
53) Akrita (Akṛta, Ākṛta):
Akrita refers to a preparation that is not modified or processed, often relating to herbal forms used in treatments. Choosing akrita ingredients ensures the potency of the medicinal properties.
54) Vilepi (Vilepī):
Vilepi refers to a type of soft, semi-liquid food preparation in Ayurveda, usually used in the digestive process as it is easy to assimilate and beneficial for recovery post-treatment.
55) Nasya (Nashya, Nāśya, Nāsya):
Nasya is a therapeutic process that involves administering medicated substances through the nasal passages. It is particularly effective for treating ailments related to the head, neck, and respiratory system.
56) Rakta (Raktā):
Rakta refers to blood in Ayurveda, recognized for its vital role in sustaining health and vitality. Proper management and purification of rakta are essential for preventing and treating various blood-related disorders.
57) Taila (Tailā):
Taila means oil in Ayurveda, crucial for both cooking and therapeutic applications. Oils enhance the absorption of medicinal properties of herbs and play a significant role in various treatments.
58) Yusa (Yūsa, Yūṣa, Yūṣā, Yusha):
Yusha refers to a soup or liquid diet used in Ayurveda, particularly during therapeutic phases. It provides nourishment while being easy on the digestive system, ensuring recovery without overloading.
59) Krita (Kṛta, Krīta, Kṛtā):
Krita signifies a prepared or processed substance in Ayurveda. This term underscores the importance of making nuanced changes to raw ingredients to leverage their full medicinal potential.
60) Sugar:
Sugar, while commonly used in various recipes, has a specific role in Ayurvedic formulations. It is often added to treatments for improving flavor, balancing doshas, or as a preservative in certain herbal concoctions.
61) Shiras (Śiras, Siro, Shirash):
Shiro refers to the head or upper part of the body in Ayurveda. Treatments focused on this region, like Nasya and Shirodhara, are essential for alleviating conditions affecting mental clarity and neurological functions.
62) Blood:
Blood in Ayurveda signifies one of the essential bodily fluids, crucial for health and vitality. Maintaining appropriate blood quality and balance is vital for overall wellness, impacting various bodily functions, including nutrition and detoxification.
63) Rasa (Rasā, Rasha):
Rasa indicates taste or essence in Ayurveda, playing a crucial role in determining the therapeutic effects of food and drugs. Each taste affects the doshas differently and informs dietary choices in the healing process.
64) Peya (Peyā):
Peya is a term referring to a thin gruel used in Ayurvedic diets and therapies. It aids in digestion and provides nourishment, particularly during recovery phases post-treatment.
65) Paka (Pāka, Pakā, Pākā):
Paka refers to the cooking or preparation process of Ayurvedic formulations, emphasizing the proper understanding of heating techniques to ensure that the active ingredients retain their medicinal properties during processing.
66) Rice (Ṛce):
Rice is a staple food in Ayurvedic diets, often utilized in various therapeutic preparations. It serves as a balancing agent, grounding the diet, and is especially useful during recovery phases due to its easy digestibility.
67) Salt (Salty):
Salt is used in moderation in Ayurveda, not only for flavor but also for its medicinal properties. It aids in digestion, absorption of nutrients, and balancing the doshas, making it an essential component in many recipes.
68) Cita:
Sida, specifically Sida cordifolia (Bala), is an herb valued in Ayurveda for its strengthening and nourishing properties. It accommodates treatments for various conditions, particularly those related to muscle weakness and neuromuscular disorders.