Review of Ingudi (Balanites aegyptiaca) from Kosha and Nighantus.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A critical review of ingudi (balanites ageyptiaca linn. delile) from kosha and nighantus
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Kumar Sanjeev
Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna, I.M.S, B.H.U, Varanasi, India.
Dwivedi Kamal Nayan
Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, I.M.S, B.H.U, Varanasi, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A critical review of ingudi (balanites ageyptiaca linn. delile) from kosha and nighantus
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ingudi, scientifically known as Balanites aegyptiaca Linn. Delile, is commonly referred to as 'Desert Date' and is a small evergreen tree. The quest for perfect health has been a pivotal pursuit throughout human history, with Ayurveda offering significant insights through its Materia Medica, particularly through texts known as Nighantus. These texts not only provide synonyms for medicinal plants but also elaborate on their properties, actions, and therapeutic applications. This review aims to critically analyze the references and descriptions related to Ingudi found in various Nighantus across different historical periods.
The Role of Nighantus in Ayurvedic Medicine
Nighantus, derived from the term Nigama, serve as essential glossaries in Ayurveda, cataloging synonyms and medicinal properties of various substances. Initially focused only on synonyms, these texts evolved to include detailed accounts of properties, actions, and clinical usages of drugs. The exploration of Ingudi in notable Nighantus—for instance, the Sausruta Nighantu and Ashtanga Nighantu—illustrates the extensive documentation and varying perceptions of this medicinal plant across different eras. Each Nighantu approaches Ingudi from the perspective of contemporary therapeutic knowledge, reflecting its historical significance and adaptability in Ayurvedic practice.
Diverse Applications of Ingudi
Ingudi has been recognized for treating a variety of ailments, as reflected in different Nighantus. For example, it has been mentioned in various contexts, addressing its efficacy in conditions such as wounds, infections, and digestive disorders. Its properties, including its virya (potency) and rasa (taste), are elaborated upon across historical texts, offering deep insights into its usage in treatments. The plant is often associated with categorical benefits such as Vrana ropana (wound healing) and Krimighna (anti-parasitic), highlighting its versatility and relevance in Ayurvedic healing practices.
Conclusion
The review of Ingudi across various Nighantus underscores its longstanding prominence in Ayurvedic medicine. The extensive documentation presents opportunities for deeper research into its therapeutic applications, focusing on different formulations derived from various parts of the plant. Ingudi's consistent recognition as a valuable medicinal resource in multiple contexts reveals the need for comprehensive clinical studies to better understand its efficacy and mechanisms of action in treating various ailments. This exploration not only validates the historical significance of Ingudi but also emphasizes the potential for advancing Ayurvedic practices based on traditional knowledge.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Ingudi in Ayurveda?
Ingudi (Balanites aegyptiaca) is recognized in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. It is used in various formulations for treating ailments like wounds, digestive issues, and as a rejuvenating agent. Its effectiveness is documented in numerous Nighantus, Ayurveda's medicinal texts.
How is Ingudi referenced in Ayurvedic texts?
Ingudi is mentioned across various Nighantus, including Sushruta Nighantu and Astanga Nighantu. Each Nighantu outlines its synonyms, properties, and applications, indicating Ingudi's historical importance in Ayurvedic medicine as beneficial for multiple health conditions.
What traditional uses of Ingudi are documented?
Traditionally, people extracted Ingudi oil from its seeds for hair treatment and wound healing. Its properties include being useful against disorders like infections, digestive complaints, and skin issues, highlighting its versatility and longstanding usage in herbal medicine.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review of Ingudi (Balanites aegyptiaca) from Kosha and Nighantus.”. 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):
A Nighantu is a traditional Ayurvedic glossary that explains the synonyms, properties, actions, and indications of medicinal substances used in Ayurveda. These glossaries are essential for understanding Ayurvedic texts, as they decode the technical and cryptic names of plants, minerals, and other substances.
2) Ingudi (Imgudi):
Ingudi, also known as Balanites aegyptiaca, is a small evergreen tree referred to as 'Desert Date'. It is mentioned throughout various Nighantus for its medicinal properties and efficacy in treatments related to wounds, parasites, and other ailments.
3) Drug:
Within the context of Ayurveda, a drug refers to any substance derived from plants, animals, or minerals that is used for its therapeutic properties to maintain health or treat diseases. Ingudi is an example of such a drug mentioned in Ayurvedic texts.
4) Vrana:
Vrana refers to wounds or ulcers in the human body. Ingudi is frequently mentioned in Nighantus for its effectiveness in Vrana ropana (wound healing) and Vrana sodhana (wound cleansing) due to its medicinal properties.
5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the balance of bodily systems using diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing. Nighantus serve as essential glossaries for Ayurvedic medicine.
6) Kala:
Kala, in this context, represents periods or eras, which are significant for understanding the historical development and documentation of Ayurvedic knowledge. Ingudi's relevance spans several kalas including Vaidic, Upanishad, and Nighantu kala.
7) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna, the study of medicinal properties of substances, is a critical subject in Ayurveda. It involves understanding the Guna (qualities), Karma (actions), and therapeutic uses of Dravya (substances) like Ingudi.
8) Varga:
Varga refers to the classification or grouping of medicinal substances in Ayurvedic texts. Ingudi is categorized under various Vargas in different Nighantus, such as Vatadi Varga and Taila Varga.
9) Guna:
Guna represents the qualities or attributes of a substance in Ayurveda, such as hot (Usna), cold, heavy, or light. Ingudi has various gunas mentioned in the Nighantus, making it suitable for specific treatments.
10) Substance:
In Ayurveda, a substance refers to any Dravya used for therapeutic purposes, including medicinal plants like Ingudi. It is crucial for maintaining the balance of doshas in the human body.
11) Madhura:
Madhura is one of the six tastes described in Ayurveda, meaning sweet. Ingudi is noted to possess Madhura guna in certain parts, making it beneficial for different therapeutic uses.
12) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts containing comprehensive medical knowledge. The Nighantus often base their glossaries on the detailed descriptions found in Samhitas.
13) Snigdha:
Snigdha is an Ayurvedic term describing an oily or unctuous quality. Ingudi exhibits Snigdha guna, which contributes to its therapeutic properties for treating issues related to dryness and wounds.
14) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha refers to skin diseases, including leprosy. Ingudi is cited in various Nighantus as beneficial for Kustha due to its healing properties like Tikta rasa and Usna virya, which help combat skin diseases.
15) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, responsible for structure and lubrication in the body. Ingudi is often mentioned in Nighantus for its Kapha-reducing properties, making it useful in Kapha-related disorders.
16) Tikta:
Tikta, or bitter taste, is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. Ingudi is often described as having Tikta rasa, which attributes to its medicinal qualities in treating conditions like Kustha and Krimi.
17) Virya:
Virya refers to the potency or inherent energy of a substance in Ayurveda. Ingudi is characterized by its Usna virya (hot potency), making it effective in treating Kapha and Vata-related conditions.
18) Ushna (Usna):
[see source text or glossary: Ushna]
19) Madhava:
Madhava refers to classic Ayurvedic scholars and texts. In Madhava Dravyaguna, Ingudi is described with its properties and therapeutic applications, especially in Taila Varga, highlighting its traditional importance.
20) Vikara:
Vikara in Ayurveda denotes diseases or pathological conditions. Ingudi is cited in various Nighantus for its effectiveness in treating Vikara such as Kustha, Bhutaja Vikara, and other disorders.
21) Shvitra (Svitra):
Svitra is a term used for leucoderma or vitiligo. Ingudi is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for its efficacy in treating Svitra due to its specific Guna and medicinal properties.
22) Phala:
Phala means fruit in the context of Ayurveda. Ingudi's phala is noted for its Madhura and Tikta rasa, and its Usna guna, contributing to its therapeutic applications as described in Nighantus.
23) Karma (Karman):
Karma in Ayurveda refers to the therapeutic action or effect of a drug. Ingudi has various karmas like Vrana ropaka (wound healing) and Krimighna (anti-parasitic) making it valuable in treatments.
24) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda and its traditional medicinal practices. The study of Ayurvedic texts, including the various uses and properties of Ingudi, has been rooted in Indian history and culture.
25) Kumar:
Kumar Sanjeev is one of the authors of this review, contributing to the understanding and documentation of Ingudi in various Nighantus, aiding in its therapeutic research and historical study.
26) Katu:
Katu denotes the pungent taste in Ayurveda. Ingudi's Katu vipaka (pungent post-digestive taste) plays a role in its medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of Krimi (parasites) and other conditions.
27) Visha (Visa):
Visa in Ayurveda refers to poison or toxins. Ingudi's therapeutic properties include Visa-chikitsa (detoxification), making it beneficial in treating toxic conditions as mentioned in various Nighantus.
28) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
[see source text or glossary: Dhanvantari]
29) Krimighna (Krmighna, Krimi-ghna):
Krimighna means anti-parasitic in Ayurveda. Ingudi is repeatedly mentioned in the Nighantus for its Krimighna properties, making it effective in treating parasitic infestations and infections.
30) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is a historic city in India known for its contribution to Ayurveda. The authors of the review on Ingudi are affiliated with I.M.S, B.H.U, Varanasi, highlighting the city's academic importance.
31) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
[see source text or glossary: Astanga]
32) Medicine:
Ayurvedic medicine uses various substances, including those like Ingudi, to balance the body's doshas for maintaining health and treating diseases, as detailed in traditional texts and Nighantus.
33) Kantaka (Kamtaka):
Kantaka refers to thorny or spiny. Ingudi is sometimes described with this characteristic in Nighantus, reflecting its physical attributes and contributing to its identification and classification.
34) Sodhala:
[see source text or glossary: Sodhala]
35) Disease:
In Ayurveda, diseases are treated with specific medicinal substances. Ingudi is mentioned for its effectiveness in treating various diseases like Kustha (skin diseases) and Vrana (wounds) in multiple Nighantus.
36) Nigama:
[see source text or glossary: Nigama]
37) Angara (Amgara):
Angara is one of the synonyms for Ingudi found in the Nighantus. This term helps in identifying the plant across various Ayurvedic texts, enhancing its understanding and application.
38) Vipaka:
Vipaka refers to the post-digestive effect of a substance. Ingudi is described as having Katu vipaka, meaning it has a pungent effect after digestion, which influences its therapeutic applications.
39) Taila:
Taila refers to oil in Ayurveda. Ingudi taila (oil) is noted for its various medicinal uses, including external application for wound healing and as hair oil, especially among people in forest areas.
40) Krimi (Krmi):
Krimi denotes worms or parasites. Ingudi is frequently recommended in Nighantus for its Krimighna properties, making it effective in eliminating parasitic infections and infestations.
41) Priya:
[see source text or glossary: Priya]
42) Roga:
Roga means disease in Ayurvedic terminology. Ingudi is mentioned in various Nighantus for its potency in treating multiple rogas such as Kustha (skin diseases) and Vrana (wounds).
43) Raja:
[see source text or glossary: Raja]
44) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa, in Ayurveda, refers to taste. Ingudi has Tikta (bitter) and Madhura (sweet) rasa, influencing its medicinal properties and applications in treating different conditions.
45) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, governing movement and flow in the body. Ingudi has properties to balance Vata dosha, making it useful in treating Vata-related disorders.
46) Human body:
[see source text or glossary: Human body]
47) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
[see source text or glossary: Dhanvantarinighantu]
48) Abhidhanaratnamala (Abhidhana-ratnamala):
[see source text or glossary: Abhidhanaratnamala]
49) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
[see source text or glossary: Ashtanga-sangraha]
50) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Susruta-samhita is a classical Ayurvedic text, forming the basis of Sausruta Nighantu. Ingudi is categorized in Arkadi gana in Susruta-samhita, highlighting its medicinal properties.
51) Shalmalyadivarga (Salmalyadivarga, Shalmalyadi-varga):
[see source text or glossary: Salmalyadivarga]
52) Rajanighantu (Raja-nighantu, Rajan-nighantu):
[see source text or glossary: Rajanighantu]
53) Vranashodhana (Vranasodhana, Vrana-shodhana):
Vrana-sodhana means wound cleansing in Ayurveda. Ingudi is often highlighted in Nighantus for its Vrana-sodhana properties, making it effective in treating and cleaning wounds.
54) Amradivarga (Amradi-varga):
[see source text or glossary: Amradi-varga]
55) Vranaropana (Vrana-ropana):
Vrana-ropana denotes wound healing in Ayurvedic terminology. Ingudi is cited in many Nighantus for its Vrana-ropana properties, indicating its effectiveness in healing wounds.
56) Tailavarga (Taila-varga):
Taila-varga is a classification group in Ayurveda for oils. Ingudi is mentioned in Taila-varga sections of some Nighantus, emphasizing its medicinal oil's importance.
57) Viprakirna:
[see source text or glossary: Viprakirna]
58) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Kapha-vata]
59) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
60) Ratnamala (Ratna-mala):
[see source text or glossary: Ratnamala]
61) Tiktarasa:
Tiktarasa refers to the bitter taste in Ayurveda. Ingudi is noted for its Tikta rasa, contributing to its therapeutic properties in treating skin diseases and digestive issues.
62) Katurasa (Katu-rasa):
[see source text or glossary: Katu-rasa]
63) Vagbhata:
[see source text or glossary: Vagbhata]
64) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana in Ayurveda refers to rejuvenative therapy. Ingudi, with its Rasayana properties, is noted for promoting health and longevity, as cited in various Nighantus.
65) Aushadhi (Ausadhi, Aushadhin, Ausadhin):
[see source text or glossary: Aushadhi]
66) Samgraha (Sangraha):
[see source text or glossary: Sangraha]
67) Snehana:
Snehana denotes oleation therapy in Ayurveda. Ingudi is mentioned in Nighantus for its Snehana karma, making it useful for lubricating and soothing purposes.
68) Prameha:
Prameha refers to urinary disorders, including diabetes. Ingudi is mentioned in Nighantus for its effectiveness in treating Prameha due to its specific Gunas and Karmas.
69) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Sodhana means cleansing or detoxifying therapy in Ayurveda. Ingudi is noted for its effectiveness in Vrana-sodhana and other detoxifying uses.
70) Gujarat:
[see source text or glossary: Gujarat]
71) Paryaya:
[see source text or glossary: Paryaya]
72) Shadrasa (Sadrasa, Sad-rasa):
[see source text or glossary: Sadrasa]
73) Supatra (Su-patra):
[see source text or glossary: Supatra]
74) Habitat:
[see source text or glossary: Habitat]
75) Mineral:
In Ayurveda, minerals, along with plants and animals, form the basis of medicinal substances (Dravya). Ingudi is a plant-based drug extensively documented in Ayurvedic texts.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 100]