Relevance of kakoli in Ayurveda and etymology of its synonyms.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Relevance of kakoli (one among astavarga) in ancient ayurvedic treatise along with etymology of its various sanskrit synonyms
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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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Kākolī, one of the significant plants mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts, is classified among the Aṣṭavarga group, which consists of eight medicinal herbs. It is recognized for its various therapeutic properties and has been cited extensively in important Ayurvedic scriptures such as Carakasaṃhitā and Suśrutasaṃhitā. Despite the modern system of botanical classification, which provides a taxonomic approach, the ancient Ayurvedic texts categorize plants based on their medicinal benefits and users' experiences. This paper critically reviews the Sanskrit nomenclature, medicinal properties, and relevance of Kākolī as documented in classical Ayurvedic literature.
Medicinal and Therapeutic Properties of Kākolī
Kākolī is hailed for its wide-ranging therapeutic applications in Ayurveda, treating various ailments from respiratory conditions such as cough and tuberculosis to gastrointestinal issues like dyspepsia and diarrhea. Its pharmacological profile includes being anti-rheumatic, febrifuge, expectorant, and a galactagogue. In traditional texts, it is noted for its effectiveness against thoracic ailments, renal and urinary bladder disorders, dermatological issues, and general body weakness. Moreover, it has properties beneficial for rejuvenation and virility, demonstrating its multifaceted role in promoting overall health and wellness.
Etymology and Nomenclature of Kākolī
The etymology of Kākolī showcases the deep connection of ancient Ayurvedic practitioners with nature. The name itself is derived from its high moisture content, indicative of its therapeutic use, particularly in galactagogue applications. Additionally, Kākolī is known by various Sanskrit synonyms that highlight specific characteristics or benefits of the plant, such as Madhurā (sweet) and Payasvinī (promoting lactation). These terms not only facilitate identification but also encapsulate the plant's medicinal value as perceived by ancient scholars. Understanding this nomenclature offers insights into the traditional knowledge system of Ayurveda and its approach to classifying and utilizing medicinal flora.
Conclusion
The study of Kākolī illustrates the significance of ancient Ayurvedic scriptures in documenting and preserving traditional medicinal knowledge. It underscores the need to integrate taxonomic knowledge with the ethnobotanical wisdom encapsulated in Ayurveda to enhance the understanding and application of medicinal plants today. By appreciating the historical and cultural context of plant names and their associated therapeutic properties, we can better acknowledge the holistic health practices derived from ancient texts, thereby preserving and promoting this invaluable knowledge for future generations.
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.
Kumar Vijay
Associate Professor & Head, Department of Swasthavritta & Yoga, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homeopathy, Mawdingding, Shillong
Mishra Rajesh Kumar*
Assistant Professor, PG. Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar
Gupta Ankita
Assistant Scientist, Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Srivastava Anupam
Director, Rastriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, New Delhi
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Relevance of kakoli (one among astavarga) in ancient ayurvedic treatise along with etymology of its various sanskrit synonyms
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Kākolī and its significance in Ayurveda?
Kākolī is a plant classified among the Aṣṭavarga and Jīvanīya groups in Ayurveda. It is known for its medicinal properties, acting as a galactagogue and useful in treating various disorders, including respiratory and abdominal diseases.
What are the primary medicinal properties of Kākolī?
Kākolī's rhizome has multiple therapeutic properties, including acting as an anti-rheumatic, febrifuge, and expectorant. It is used in treating conditions such as tuberculosis, cough, dyspepsia, and sexual debility, promoting overall health and vitality.
How is Kākolī classified in ancient Ayurvedic texts?
In ancient texts like Caraka Samhitā and Suśruta Samhitā, Kākolī is mentioned under different classifications such as Jīvanīya and Bṛhaṇīya. Its synonyms and morphological characteristics highlight its significance in traditional medicinal practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Relevance of kakoli in Ayurveda and etymology of its synonyms.”. 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) Kakoli:
Kakoli is the plant Roscoea alpina, identified in modern botanical terms. It is one of the primary ingredients in many Ayurvedic formulations due to its medicinal properties.
2) Varga:
A Varga in Ayurvedic terminology refers to a category or group of medicinal plants classified based on their properties and uses. For instance, Kākolī is mentioned under Jīvanīya-gaṇa and Madhura-varga in various Nighaṇṭu texts.
3) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighaṇṭu refers to ancient Ayurvedic lexicons or glossaries that provide detailed descriptions of medicinal plants. Dhanvantari-nighaṇṭu and Kaiyadeva-nighaṇṭu are examples where Kākolī and other plants are classified and described for their therapeutic uses.
4) Ashtavarga (Astavarga, Ashtan-varga):
Astavarga is another transliteration of Aṣṭavarga, denoting the group of eight precious medicinal plants in Ayurveda, including Kākolī.
5) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghṛta refers to Ayurvedic formulations based on clarified butter or ghee. Kākolī is often an ingredient in various ghṛta forms like Bṛhaṇīya ghṛta and Jīvanīya ghṛta, used for their therapeutic properties.
7) Jivaniya:
Jīvanīya represents a category of plants known for their life-sustaining and revitalizing qualities. Kākolī, classified under Jīvanīya according to Caraka-saṃhitā, is used in various formulations to enhance vitality and treat multiple diseases.
8) Madhura:
Madhurā is a Sanskrit synonym for Kākolī, directly meaning 'sweet,' reflecting the plant's sweet taste significant in Ayurvedic treatments.
10) Taila (Thaila):
Taila refers to Ayurvedic oil formulations. Kākolī is used in various Taila preparations like Dvipañcamūlādhya-taila for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in rejuvenation and treating disorders.
11) Disease:
Kākolī is used in Ayurveda to treat various diseases, including thoracic diseases, abdominal disorders, and neurological issues. Its inclusion in formulations provides a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
12) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasāyana is a category of Ayurvedic medicine focused on rejuvenation and longevity. Kākolī is a key ingredient in several Rasāyana formulations such as Cyavanaprāśa, known for its rejuvenative effects.
13) Haritakyadi:
Harītakyādi is an Ayurvedic group of herbs known for their therapeutic properties. Kākolī is sometimes included in compounds within this group to enhance medicinal benefits.
14) Cakra:
Cakra refers to the classical Ayurvedic text Cakradatta. Kākolī is mentioned numerous times in Cakradatta for its uses in various medicinal formulations to treat different disorders.
15) Kumar:
Kumar Vijay is an author associated with studies on Kākolī, contributing to the understanding of its relevance in ancient Ayurvedic treatises.
16) Patanjali:
Patanjali refers to a modern organization that conducts research in Ayurveda. Rajesh Kumar Mishra, an Assistant Professor from this institute, is one of the contributors to the study on Kākolī.
17) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit synonyms of Kākolī are numerous and varied, including names like Madhurā and Payasvinī, each reflecting different properties of the plant.
18) Kosha (Kosa):
Koṣa refers to lexicons or dictionaries where Kākolī is extensively described in terms of its botanical and medicinal attributes. Examples include the Śabdakalpadruma and Vācaspatyam.
19) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya is one of the classical Ayurvedic texts where Kākolī is mentioned for its rejuvenative properties. It is classified under Jīvanapaǹcamūla and other groups in this text.
20) Cyavanaprasha (Cyavanaprasa, Cyavana-prasha):
Cyavanaprāśa is a well-known Ayurvedic Rasāyana formulation for rejuvenation. Kākolī is one of the critical ingredients in this formulation, contributing to its potent therapeutic effects.
21) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sūtrasthāna is a section in classical Ayurvedic texts like Caraka-saṃhitā where fundamental principles are outlined. Kākolī is mentioned in Caraka-saṃhitā-Sūtrasthāna under several therapeutic categories.
22) Payasvini:
Payasvinī is one of the Sanskrit synonyms for Kākolī, indicating its galactagogue property, which enhances milk production.
23) Kakolyadi (Kakoli-adi):
Kākolyādi refers to a specific group of plants in Ayurveda that includes Kākolī. This group is known for its life-enhancing and rejuvenative qualities.
24) Knowledge:
The term 'Knowledge' relates to the preservation and transmission of traditional medicinal understanding, especially the detailed documentation of Kākolī in ancient Sanskrit texts.
25) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Āyurveda, an alternative spelling of Ayurveda, is an ancient medical science where Kākolī is prominently featured for its therapeutic uses.
26) Shatavari (Satavari):
Śatāvarī (Asparagus racemosus) is mentioned in comparison to Kākolī, where Kākolī’s tuber is noted to resemble that of Śatāvarī.
27) Cikitsa:
Cikitsā indicates the treatment or therapeutic applications in Ayurveda. Kākolī is frequently used in various Cikitsā (therapeutic) formulations for its wide-ranging health benefits.
28) Vikara:
Vikāra means disease or disorder in Ayurveda, and Kākolī is used therapeutically to treat multiple Vikāras like Raktapitta and Śoṣa.
29) Gutika:
Guṭikā refers to medicinal tablets in Ayurveda. Kākolī is an ingredient in certain Guṭikā preparations such as Bṛṃhaṇī-guṭikā, used for its therapeutic properties.
31) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurveda refers to the taste aspect of a medicinal plant. Kākolī is described as having a Madhura (sweet) Rasa, which contributes to its nourishing properties.
32) Shosha (Sosa):
Śoṣa refers to conditions of wasting or emaciation. Kākolī is used in Ayurvedic treatments to alleviate symptoms associated with Śoṣa.
33) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
Dhanvantari-nighaṇṭu is an Ayurvedic lexicon that includes descriptions of Kākolī among other medicinal plants, detailing their uses and properties.
34) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Suśruta-saṃhitā is a classical Ayurvedic text where Kākolī is mentioned in various contexts, particularly in treating Pittavikāra and Raktavikāra.
35) Caraka-samhita:
Caraka-saṃhitā is one of the principal texts of Ayurveda, containing numerous references to Kākolī and its extensive therapeutic applications.
36) Cikitsasthana (Cikitsa-sthana):
Cikitsāsthāna is a segment of the Caraka-saṃhitā focused on therapeutic treatments. Kākolī is frequently referenced in this section for its medicinal uses.
37) Tuberculosis:
Kākolī is used in Ayurvedic formulations to treat various respiratory conditions, including Tuberculosis, due to its therapeutic properties.
38) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of medicine, and several Nighaṇṭu (medicinal lexicons) are named after him, such as Dhanvantari-nighaṇṭu, which describes Kākolī.
39) Shukrajanana (Shukra-janana, Sukrajanana):
Śukrajanana refers to substances that enhance reproductive health and semen production. Kākolī is classified under Śukrajanana in Ayurvedic texts.
40) Kshirakakoli (Ksirakakoli, Kshira-kakoli):
Kṣīrakākolī is a specific variety of Kākolī identified by its white flowers. It is one of the medicinal plants mentioned in several Nighaṇṭu.
41) Triphaladi (Triphala-adi):
Triphalādi formulas contain three fruits and other constituents. Kākolī may be included in such formulations for its supportive health effects.
42) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguṇa refers to the knowledge of the properties and actions of medicinal substances in Ayurveda, crucial for understanding the therapeutic applications of Kākolī.
43) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta is a condition involving bleeding disorders in Ayurveda. Kākolī is recommended as part of Ayurvedic treatments for Raktapitta.
44) Svadumamsi:
Svādumāṃsī is a Sanskrit synonym for Kākolī, reflecting its delicio us taste ('Svādu') and meat-like texture in its rhizome.
45) Stanyakara (Stanya-kara):
Stanyakara refers to substances that promote lactation. Kākolī, known as Payasvinī, embodies this property, enhancing milk production in nursing mothers.
46) Vidaryadi:
Vidāryādi is a group of nourishing and rejuvenative Ayurvedic herbs. Kākolī is often included in formulations within this group for its health benefits.
47) Kayastha (Kaya-stha):
Kāyasthā is a synonym for Kākolī, implying its ability to 'firm' or strengthen the body, highlighting its health-promoting properties.
48) Ojaskara:
Ojaskara refers to substances that enhance ojas, the essence of vitality in Ayurveda. Kākolī is considered Ojaskara, contributing to enhanced vigor and immunity.
49) Language:
Language in the context of this study refers predominantly to Sanskrit, the classical language in which the properties and synonyms of Kākolī are documented.
50) Payasya:
Payasyā is a Sanskrit synonym for Kākolī, signifying its high moisture content and its role as a galactagogue (promoting milk production).
51) Snigdha:
Snigdha refers to having an unctuous or oily quality. Kākolī is described as Snigdha, indicating its nourishing and moisturizing effects in Ayurvedic treatments.
52) Tripada (Tri-pada):
Tripāda appears as a category or section in certain Ayurvedic texts where Kākolī might be classified based on its therapeutic properties.
53) Habitat:
The habitat of Kākolī is described predominantly in the south-eastern parts of the Himalayas according to traditional Ayurvedic sources.
54) Caraka:
Caraka refers to the ancient sage and author of Caraka-saṃhitā, an essential text in Ayurveda where Kākolī is extensively mentioned.
55) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra, Rajesh Kumar, is an Ayurvedic scholar contributing to the research on Kākolī’s relevance, as noted in the provided text.
56) Shonita (Sonita):
Śoṇita refers to blood. In Ayurveda, Kākolī is used in conditions like Raktapitta, which involves bleeding and blood disorders.
57) Khanda (Khamda):
Khaṇḍa refers to sections or parts within Ayurvedic texts, such as Śārṅgadhara saṃhitā madhyama khaṇḍa, in which Kākolī might be used in formulations.
58) Kalika:
Kālikā is a synonym for Kākolī, reflecting its purple stem color after maturity or its growth pattern in the rainy season.
59) Medura:
Medurā is another Sanskrit synonym for Kākolī, describing its smooth quality, which is typical in its rhizome.
60) Nature:
Nature in relation to Kākolī refers to the intrinsic properties and habitat of the plant, as well as its relevance in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
61) Jvara:
Jvara means fever in Ayurveda. Kākolī is used in various formulations to treat fever and related conditions due to its therapeutic properties.
62) Curna:
Cūrṇa refers to Ayurvedic powders. Kākolī is an ingredient in many Cūrṇa formulations, such as Ābhādi-cūrṇa, due to its medicinal properties.
63) Virya:
Vīrya represents the potency or virility in Ayurveda. Kākolī increases Vīrya, making it a vital ingredient in formulations aimed at strengthening and rejuvenation.
64) Vrishya (Vrsya):
Vṛṣya refers to aphrodisiac properties in Ayurveda. Kākolī is known for its Vṛṣya effects, enhancing sexual health and vitality.
65) Kshaya (Ksaya):
Kṣaya is a wasting condition. Kākolī is used to treat Kṣaya, such as in tuberculosis and other conditions involving significant weight or tissue loss.
66) Shukla (Sukla):
Śuklā refers to a white color. Kākolī is sometimes called Śuklā due to its white flowers or rhizomes.
67) Dhira:
Dhīrā is a synonym for Kākolī, channeling its significant medicinal qualities and deep restorative properties.
68) India:
India is the country where Ayurveda, the medicinal system describing Kākolī's properties, originated and continues to thrive.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 184]