Chikitsamanjari - A Unique Encyclopedia of Keraliya Ayurveda
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Chikitsamanjari - A Unique Encyclopedia of Keraliya Ayurveda
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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Vishnu Sreenivas
PG Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
T K Sujan
Professor & HOD, Department of Panchakarma, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Chikitsamanjari - A Unique Encyclopedia of Keraliya Ayurveda
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i5.1373
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Chikitsamanjari is a notable Ayurvedic text originating from Kerala and serves as a critical clinical reference for Ayurvedic practitioners in the region. Traditionally recognized as a handbook for clinical practice, this text encapsulates the essence of Kerala's Ayurvedic modalities, emphasizing treatment methods that are accessible and cost-effective. Composed between the 16th and 18th centuries and believed to be influenced by one of the Ashtavaidyas, the text includes 67 titles that address various diseases and treatment protocols, with a particular focus on easily available local remedies.
Focus on Local Herbs and Formulations
One significant aspect of Chikitsamanjari is its extensive compilation of indigenous plants and their vernacular names used within treatment protocols. The book emphasizes locally available herbs, detailing over 1000 drugs and formulations, encouraging practices that are both simple and inexpensive for the average person. The text discusses various diseases such as Jwara (fever) and Arsha (hemorrhoids), recommending treatments derived from plants like Malaxis acuminate and Emilia sonchifolia. Its focus on easy-to-prepare methods, such as the preparation of Mukkudi and Swarasa kalpana, highlights the text's intent to make Ayurvedic care practical and manageable for patients and practitioners alike.
Emphasis on Simple Therapies
Another key concept in Chikitsamanjari is its prioritization of uncomplicated treatment approaches over complex procedures. The text emphasizes the significance of basic therapies like Dhara (pouring herbal oil) and Abhyanga (oil massage) rather than more advanced methods such as Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) and Vasti (medicated enema). This aligns with the text's overarching philosophy of accessibility and affordability in treatment. The highlighted use of Virechana (purgation therapy) signifies its effectiveness and ease of administration, allowing practitioners to confidently incorporate these practices into their clinical repertoire.
Conclusion
In summary, Chikitsamanjari stands as a substantial contribution to Keraliya Ayurveda, adeptly bridging traditional principles with practical application. The text's emphasis on locally sourced drugs and uncomplicated therapies underscores its relevance and utility in everyday clinical practice. Despite certain limitations, such as the lack of comprehensive disease descriptions and some inconsistencies in organization, Chikitsamanjari serves as an invaluable reference for contemporary Ayurvedic practitioners, guiding them through the nuances of effective and cost-efficient healing methods.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Chikitsamanjari in Kerala Ayurveda?
Chikitsamanjari serves as a pivotal clinical handbook in Kerala Ayurveda, representing local traditions and emphasizing simple, cost-effective treatment modalities. It provides insights into major diseases and remedies, thus preserving and promoting the rich Ayurvedic heritage of Kerala.
Who is the presumed author of Chikitsamanjari?
The author of Chikitsamanjari is unknown, though evidence suggests it may have been written by one among the Ashtavaidyas, a group of renowned Ayurveda families in Kerala, around the 16th to 18th centuries.
What types of treatments and diseases are covered in Chikitsamanjari?
Chikitsamanjari covers a wide array of diseases, focusing on treatments for over 67 conditions, particularly detailing simple and accessible remedies like Urovasti and Virechana, while also addressing newly emerging diseases and prevalent health issues.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Chikitsamanjari - A Unique Encyclopedia of Keraliya 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) Taila (Thaila):
Taila, which means oil in Ayurveda, is frequently mentioned in the text as an essential component of various therapeutic formulations. For example, Bala taila and Lakshadi taila are used for different Ayurveda treatments.
2) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya refers to herbal decoctions used predominantly in Ayurvedic treatment. Specific Kashayas like Chukkuchundadi Kashayam and Amritadi Kashyam are cited in the treatments for diseases such as Jwara and other ailments.
3) Disease:
Chikitsamanjari classifies and provides treatments for numerous diseases including both newly emerging and existing ones like Bhaktarodha, Somaroga, and Asthisrava.
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
The text is a significant part of the Kerala tradition of Ayurveda, detailing various treatments and medicines that are foundational to this ancient system of medicine.
5) Kshira (Ksira):
Kshira, or milk, is used in various formulations and treatments mentioned in the text, such as Ayurvedic procedures like Shirodhara and in therapeutic preparations such as Aja-kshira.
6) Kerala:
Kerala is the geographical and cultural context in which Chikitsamanjari is set and has been traditionally used, making it integral to the Kerala tradition of Ayurveda.
7) Gulika:
Gulika refers to pills or tablets used in Ayurveda. Specific Gulikas like Chukkumtippalyadi gulika and Suryaprabha gulika are highlighted in Ayurvedic treatments within Chikitsamanjari.
8) Madhu:
Madhu, or honey, is a common ingredient in numerous formulations mentioned in the text, often used for its medicinal properties and enhancing the efficacy of other herbs.
9) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
In the context of Ayurveda, Hridaya refers to the heart. Specific treatments such as Urovasti with various oils are recommended for heart-related conditions like Hridroga.
10) Dhanyamla (Dhanya-amla):
Dhanyamla is a fermented liquid preparation frequently noted in the text, especially for external therapies and as a component in various treatments like Mutrakrichra Chikitsa.
11) Trishna (Trsna):
Trishna, which means thirst, is discussed with specific treatments in Chikitsamanjari that include various therapeutic formulations to address different types of excessive thirst.
12) Bala:
Bala is a term referencing strength, but also a specific medicinal plant used in Ayurveda. Bala taila is one such preparation mentioned for various treatments in the text.
13) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga refers to the eight limbs or branches of Ayurveda. Chikitsamanjari is highly influenced by Ashtanga Hridaya, a classical text forming the structural basis of its treatments.
14) Yoga:
Yoga in the context of Chikitsamanjari refers to medicinal formulations or the combined practice of Ayurvedic therapies. For example, different Virechana yogas are discussed at length.
15) Milk:
[see source text or glossary: Milk]
16) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Ashtanga Hridaya is a core Ayurvedic text that heavily influences the prescriptions and treatments found in Chikitsamanjari, serving as a primary reference.
17) Asthisrava:
Asthisrava is one of the diseases discussed in the text with specific treatments, including the use of Shatavari swarasa with milk.
18) Prameha:
Prameha refers to urinary disorders, including diabetes, with detailed treatments in Chikitsamanjari using various herbal and mineral formulations.
19) Dhara:
Dhara refers to a steady stream of liquids, usually medicinal oils or decoctions, poured on specific body parts as a therapeutic procedure mentioned in the text.
20) Drug:
[see source text or glossary: Drug]
21) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta, a bleeding disorder, has various treatments listed in Chikitsamanjari including the use of Shadanga kashaya with specific modifications.
22) Balataila (Bala-taila):
[see source text or glossary: Bala-taila]
23) Shatavari (Satavari):
Shatavari, a medicinal herb, is mentioned in various formulations such as Shatavari guda used for treating conditions like Asthisrava and enhancing overall health.
24) Asrigdara (Asrgdara, Asrij-dara):
Asrigdara, referring to excessive menstrual bleeding, is described with treatments in Chikitsamanjari, notably involving specific Kashayas and other herbal preparations.
25) Navanita (Nava-nita):
[see source text or glossary: Navanita]
26) Garbhini:
Garbhini or pregnancy-related treatments include various medicinal preparations and procedures to ensure the health of the pregnant woman and her baby.
27) Shadanga (Sadanga, Shash-anga, Sadamga, Shadamga):
Shadanga refers to six limbs or parts in Ayurveda. Shadanga kashaya and other related formulations are used in treatments for conditions like Raktapitta.
28) Atisara:
Atisara means diarrhea, with Chikitsamanjari providing treatments such as Raktashali bhojana and medicinal applications on the navel for children.
29) Vishnu (Visnu):
Vishnu Sreenivas is the one of the authors of the paper discussing Chikitsamanjari as a crucial text in the Kerala tradition of Ayurveda.
30) Gulma:
Gulma denotes abdominal tumors or lumps, with Chikitsamanjari outlining specific treatments such as the Saptasara kashaya and other herbal preparations.
31) Pinda (Pimda):
Pinda often refers to bolus or dough like in Pinda sweda, a heat application therapy discussed in various treatments within Chikitsamanjari.
32) Vrana:
Vrana means wound, with Chikitsamanjari offering detailed treatment methods including herbal pastes and specific formulations like Jatyadi gritha for wound healing.
33) Sita (Shita):
[see source text or glossary: Sita]
34) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vatavyadhi refers to diseases caused by vitiated Vata dosha, with several treatments mentioned in Chikitsamanjari that include various oils and herbal preparations.
35) Sadyovrana:
Sadyovrana is a type of wound that requires immediate care, for which Chikitsamanjari suggests specific treatments like the use of Murikoodi and other herb-based therapies.
36) Panduroga (Pandu-roga, Pamduroga):
Panduroga denotes anemia, with Chikitsamanjari presenting treatments that involve medicinal ghee preparations and herbal remedies to support blood health.
37) Kalyanaka:
Kalyanaka refers to a beneficial or auspicious result, commonly used in context with formulations like Kalyanaka gritha aimed at achieving positive therapeutic outcomes.
38) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana means rejuvenation, though Chikitsamanjari does not cover this extensively, focusing more on other branches of Ayurveda.
39) Somaroga (Soma-roga):
Somaroga is one of the new diseases mentioned in Chikitsamanjari with treatments involving therapies like Venna thala and other Ayurvedic formulations.
40) Manjari (Mamjari):
Manjari in Chikitsamanjari likely refers to an anthology or collection, reflecting the text's comprehensive coverage of Ayurvedic treatments.
41) Dravya:
[see source text or glossary: Dravya]
42) Lepana:
Lepana refers to the application of medicinal pastes on the skin, commonly prescribed in the text for a variety of conditions including wound healing.
43) Chardi:
Chardi or vomiting is addressed with treatments such as Urovasti using various herbal preparations to provide relief from nausea and vomiting.
44) Trayi:
Trayee refers to the triad of classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) with Chikitsamanjari drawing heavily from Ashtanga Hridaya.
45) Karma (Karman):
Karma in the context used generally means actions or procedures. In Ayurveda, it often refers to therapeutic procedures like Vamana, Vasti, and other treatments.
46) Guda:
[see source text or glossary: Guda]
47) Peya:
[see source text or glossary: Peya]
48) Laja:
Laja or puffed rice is noted in treatments for conditions like Trishna, where it is combined with other ingredients like Madhu and Sita for efficacy.
49) Kasa (Kasha):
Kasa refers to cough, with detailed treatments like Vidaryadi gana kashaya and other herbal preparations enumerated in Chikitsamanjari.
50) Leha:
Leha refers to linctuses or herbal jams, which are sweetened and designed for easy consumption, such as Vilwa leha for conditions like Kasa and Swasa.
51) Thiruvananthapuram (Thiruvanantha-puram, Tiru-anantapuram, Tiruvanantapuram, Tiruananta-puram):
Thiruvananthapuram is the location of the Government Ayurveda College where Vishnu Sreenivas and T. K. Sujan are affiliated and where much of the research was conducted.
52) Mutrakrichra (Mutrakrchra, Mutra-krichra):
Mutrakrichra means difficulty in urination, with specific treatments like Adhonabhi dhanyamla dhara mentioned in Chikitsamanjari for managing this condition.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 326]