Riddhi (Habenaria intermedia): ancient Ayurvedic significance and use.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Riddhi (habenaria intermedia d. wear): significance and versatility in various ancient ayurvedic nighnatu scriptures
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes the balance between physical health, mental wellness, and social wellbeing. It employs a holistic approach utilizing natural substances, herbs, and medicinal plants for healing. Among the various plant-based remedies, Riddhi (botanically known as Habenaria intermedia) is a significant member of the Aṣṭavarga group, traditionally recognized for its rejuvenating and health-promoting properties. Given the increasing demand for this herb and its declining availability in the wild due to overexploitation and lack of cultivation practices, there is a growing concern about the adulteration of herbal products.
Significance of Riddhi in Ayurveda
Riddhi is valued for its numerous health benefits, including boosting immunity, energizing the body, and acting as a potent antioxidant. It is integral to various Ayurvedic formulations and is noted for its therapeutic properties, such as being Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (bitter) in taste. This herb demonstrates capabilities in alleviating various doshas (body energies) and is associated with multiple synonyms that highlight its diverse applications in different contexts. Traditional texts have documented Riddhi alongside its morphological characteristics and medicinal effects, signifying its importance in classical Ayurveda.
Challenges in Authenticity and Supply
The rising demand for Riddhi has led to significant challenges, particularly involving adulteration and substitution of herbal products in the market. Many practitioners and manufacturers struggle to ensure the authenticity of herbal materials due to the unauthorized collection of plants from the wild, lack of proper cultivation guidelines, and the threat of endangered species status. This highlights the critical need for systematic reviews and studies to identify genuine botanical sources and effective cultivation techniques to counteract the adulteration problem.
Conclusion
The increasing global interest in herbal medicines, along with demand for plant-based products, underscores the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge and practicing sustainable harvesting and cultivation of medicinal plants like Riddhi. The challenges of adulteration and the need for authentic sources call for collaborative efforts in research and education to preserve the integrity of Ayurvedic practices. By leveraging ancient wisdom alongside modern scientific approaches, we can ensure the effective use of Riddhi and similar herbs in promoting health and wellbeing.
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.
Shalini
MD Scholar, PG. Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar
Ramakant Marde
Associate Professor, PG. Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar
Rajesh Kumar Mishra
Assistant Professor, PG. Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar
Prabhat Kumar Srivastava
Associate Professor, PG. Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar
Divya Vij
MD Scholar, PG. Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Riddhi (habenaria intermedia d. wear): significance and versatility in various ancient ayurvedic nighnatu scriptures
Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v7i2.537
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the importance of Riddhi in Ayurveda?
Riddhi, scientifically known as Habenaria intermedia, is a crucial member of the Aṣṭavarga group of plants in Ayurveda. It is traditionally recognized for its rejuvenating and health-promoting properties, contributing significantly to various herbal formulations used in Ayurvedic treatments.
What issues are related to the supply of Riddhi?
The rising demand for Riddhi has led to exploitation and scarcity of this plant in the wild. Additionally, lack of awareness regarding authentic botanical sources and non-existing cultivation practices have resulted in widespread adulteration and substitution with other plants.
What are the therapeutic properties of Riddhi?
Riddhi is considered to have various beneficial effects, including being Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter), and possessing attributes like Gurū (heavy) and Snigdha (unctuous). It acts as a Balya (strength provider), Jīvanīya (life giver), and has various other therapeutic benefits.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Riddhi (Habenaria intermedia): ancient Ayurvedic significance and use.”. 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):
Nighaṇṭu refers to lexicons or dictionaries of Āyurveda containing comprehensive descriptions of various medicinal plants, their synonyms, and therapeutic properties. These traditional texts serve as crucial resources for distinguishing authentic herbal drugs and understanding their applications in traditional medicine.
2) Riddhi (Rddhi):
Ṛddhī is an alternate spelling of Ṛddhi, emphasizing its vital and enduring significance in Ayurvedic pharmacology and traditional healing practices.
3) Varga:
In Āyurveda, Varga refers to a classification or group of medicinal plants based on their therapeutic properties. These groups are used in Nighaṇṭu texts to categorize plants for specific health benefits, facilitating easier reference and application.
4) Ashtavarga (Astavarga, Ashtan-varga):
Aṣṭavarga refers to a group of eight specific medicinal plants used in Āyurveda for their rejuvenative and health-enhancing qualities. These plants, including Ṛddhi, are in high demand among practitioners for their unique therapeutic effects.
5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
[see source text or glossary: Ayurveda]
6) Madhura:
[see source text or glossary: Madhurā]
7) Drug:
In the context of Āyurveda, a drug refers to a substance derived from plants, animals, or minerals that is used for therapeutic purposes. These are documented in various Nighaṇṭu texts with detailed descriptions of their properties and uses.
8) Gana:
Gaṇa refers to a group or category of medicinal plants based on their therapeutic properties, as classified in ancient Ayurvedic texts like Nighaṇṭu. These groups help in understanding the collective actions of similar herbs.
10) Lakshmi (Laksmi):
Lakṣmī is a Sanskrit synonym for Ṛddhi listed in some Nighaṇṭu texts. This name underscores the plant's esteemed status and its association with prosperity and health benefits.[see source text or glossary: Lakṣmī]
11) Pranada (Prana-da):
Prāṇadā is one of the synonyms for Ṛddhi, highlighting the plant's role in sustaining vital energy (Prāṇa) and promoting life force in the body as described in various Nighaṇṭu texts.
12) Yogya:
[see source text or glossary: Yogyā]
13) Vasu:
Vasu is another synonym for Ṛddhi, reflecting its valuable properties and esteemed status in Ayurvedic medicine. The term signifies wealth, indicating the herb's high medicinal value.
14) Yuga:
Yuga is a Sanskrit name for Ṛddhi mentioned in Nighaṇṭu texts. It implies the plant's long-standing use and significance spanning different eras in Ayurvedic practice.
15) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
[see source text or glossary: Dravyaguna]
16) Murccha:
Mūrcchā refers to fainting or loss of consciousness. In Āyurveda, herbs described as Mūrcchā Nāśaka have the properties to alleviate such conditions.
17) Prana (Pran):
Prāṇa signifies life force or vital energy in Āyurveda. Medicinal plants like Ṛddhi are described as Prāṇa-sthairyakari, indicating their role in stabilizing and supporting vital energy.
18) Kanda (Kamda):
Kāṇḍa refers to a section or chapter in classical Ayurvedic texts, including Nighaṇṭu. Each Kāṇḍa deals with specific categories of medicinal plants or concepts.
19) Siddhamantra:
Siddhamantra is an Ayurvedic Nighaṇṭu that arranges medicinal plants based on their effects on doshas and other properties, authored by Vaidyācārya Keśava.
20) Madhava:
Mādhava, also known as Madhavakara, is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar who wrote the Paryāyaratnamālā and other texts, offering detailed classifications and descriptions of medicinal plants.
21) Dravya:
Dravya signifies a substance, particularly a medicinal one, in Āyurveda. Dravyaguṇa details the properties and therapeutic uses of these substances.
22) Sukha:
[see source text or glossary: Sukhā]
23) Balya:
Balya refers to a class of herbs that strengthen and nourish the body. Ṛddhi is considered Balya, promoting overall vitality and strength.
25) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa denotes taste, one of the fundamental principles in Āyurveda affecting a substance's therapeutic properties. Ṛddhi is described as Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (bitter).
26) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta refers to bleeding disorders in Āyurveda. Herbs like Ṛddhi are described as Raktapitta Nāśini, indicating their ability to treat such conditions.
27) Yashasvini (Yasasvini):
Yaśasvinī is a synonym for Ṛddhi, emphasizing its renowned beneficial properties and its esteemed status among medicinal plants.
28) Jivadatri:
[see source text or glossary: Jīvadātrī]
29) Yashasya (Yasasya):
[see source text or glossary: Yaśasyā]
30) Habitat:
The habitat denotes the natural environment where a plant grows. Ṛddhi, or Habenaria intermedia, is found in the Himalayan region.
31) Candra (Camdra):
Candra refers to Candranandana, the author of Madanādi Nighaṇṭu, which categorizes medicinal plants with their synonyms and properties.
32) Indian:
[see source text or glossary: Indian]
34) Kaiyadevanighantu (Kaiyadeva-nighantu):
[see source text or glossary: Kaiyadevanighaṇṭu]
35) Rajavallabha (Rajan-vallabha):
[see source text or glossary: Rājavallabha]
36) Payasvini:
[see source text or glossary: Payasvinī]
37) Guducyadi (Guducya-adi):
Guḍūcyādi refers to a group of medicinal plants engaged to treat specific diseases. Ṛddhi is categorized under this group in some Nighaṇṭu texts.
38) Lokakanta (Loka-kanta):
[see source text or glossary: Lokakāntā]
39) Vyaghri:
[see source text or glossary: Vyāghrī]
40) Prakasha (Prakasa):
Prakāśa is the commentary on Siddhamantra Nighaṇṭu written by Bopadeva, detailing the properties and uses of various medicinal plants.
41) Sodhala:
[see source text or glossary: Sodhala]
42) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
[see source text or glossary: Aṣṭāṅga]
43) Siddhi:
[see source text or glossary: Siddhī]
44) Jivana:
Jīvanā is another term for Ṛddhi, emphasizing its role in promoting life and vitality.
45) Karma (Karman):
In Āyurveda, Karma refers to the action or effect of a medicinal plant. Ṛddhi has various therapeutic actions like Prāṇa-sthairyakari and Tridoṣaghani.
46) Priya:
[see source text or glossary: Priya]
47) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
48) Kumar:
[see source text or glossary: Kumar]
50) Guha:
[see source text or glossary: Guhā]
51) Muda:
[see source text or glossary: Mudā]
52) Jiva:
[see source text or glossary: Jīva]
53) Vata:
Vāta is one of the three doshas in Āyurveda associated with air and space elements. Herbs like Ṛddhi balance Vāta, thus alleviating related disorders.
54) Rajanighantu (Raja-nighantu, Rajan-nighantu):
Rāja-nighaṇṭu, or Abhidhāna Chūḍāmaṇi, is a seminal Nighaṇṭu detailing various medicinal plants, offering extensive synonyms and therapeutic properties.
55) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya is a foundational Ayurvedic text attributed to Vāgbhaṭa, detailing medical knowledge and practices, often referenced in Nighaṇṭus.
56) Jivashreshtha (Jivasrestha, Jiva-shreshtha):
[see source text or glossary: Jīvaśreṣṭhā]
57) Pariccheda:
Pariccheda refers to chapters or sections in traditional Ayurvedic texts, organizing different medicinal plants and treatments systematically.
58) Patanjali:
Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan is an institute contributing to Ayurvedic research, where authors Shalini and colleagues conducted this study.
59) Kakolyadi (Kakoli-adi):
Kākolyādi denotes a group of herbs in Ayurvedic texts, such as the Sushruta Nighaṇṭu, where Ṛddhi is mentioned for its therapeutic benefits.
60) Pittahara (Pitta-hara):
Pittahara refers to substances that alleviate Pitta dosha. Ṛddhi is listed as Pittahara, balancing excess heat and related disorders in the body.
61) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
62) Samgraha (Sangraha):
[see source text or glossary: Saṅgraha]
63) Rathanga (Ratha-anga, Rathamga):
[see source text or glossary: Rathāṅga]
64) Jivaniya:
Jīvanīya refers to life-promoting herbs in Āyurveda. Ṛddhi is categorized under this due to its vitalizing properties.
65) Rathangi:
[see source text or glossary: Rathāṅgī]
66) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vātahara denotes herbs that balance Vata dosha. Ṛddhi is noted for Vātahara properties, helping to alleviate conditions caused by Vata imbalance.
67) Himalaya (Hima-alaya):
[see source text or glossary: Himalaya]
68) Medicine:
Medicine in the context of Āyurveda encompasses treatments using natural substances, including medicinal plants like Ṛddhi for various health benefits.
69) Sanskrit:
[see source text or glossary: Sanskrit]
70) Skandha (Skamdha, Skamda):
[see source text or glossary: Skandha]
71) Mangala (Mangal, Mamgala):
[see source text or glossary: Maṅgala]
72) Shreyasi (Sreyasi):
[see source text or glossary: Śreyasī]
73) Snigdha:
[see source text or glossary: Snigdha]
74) Bhupati (Bhu-pati):
[see source text or glossary: Bhūpati]
75) Naigama:
[see source text or glossary: Naigama]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 192]