Therapeutic review on an auspicious grass

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Therapeutic review on an auspicious grass”. 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) Durva:
Durva, also known as Cynodon dactylon, is a significant medicinal grass in Ayurveda, recognized for its therapeutic properties. It is used in various medicinal formulations to treat ailments like dysentery, skin disorders, and digestive issues. Traditionally, it holds cultural importance in rituals, particularly in worshiping Lord Ganesha.

2) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to the Ayurvedic lexicons or glossaries that compile words, synonyms, and terminology related to medicinal plants and their properties. These texts are essential for understanding Ayurveda’s historical context and the names and applications of various herbal substances, facilitating the study and practice of traditional medicine.

3) Cynodon dactylon:
Cynodon dactylon, commonly known as Durva, is a perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. Known for its diverse medicinal properties, it is used in Ayurveda to manage various health conditions, including diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders. Its broad usage underscores its importance in traditional medicine.

4) Varga:
Varga is a term used in Ayurveda to denote a category or classification, often referring to a group of similar medicinal substances. In the context of Nighantu literature, each Varga outlines different plants and their therapeutic applications, aiding practitioners in identifying and utilizing Ayurvedic medicines effectively.

5) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda and is replete with diverse flora, contributing to a rich tradition of herbal medicine. The cultural and historical backdrop of India plays a critical role in the development of various medicinal practices and the documentation of knowledge related to plants like Durva.

6) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach to health through balance in body, mind, and spirit. It utilizes plant-based therapies and formulations, encapsulated in texts such as Nighantu, and is recognized globally for its natural, less toxic alternatives.

7) Shveta (Sveta):
Sveta, meaning 'white' in Sanskrit, is a term used in Ayurvedic texts to describe a variety of plants or substances, often referred to by color. In the context of Durva, Sveta is a synonym indicating a specific variant of the grass characterized by its particular botanical features.

8) Drug:
In the context of Ayurveda, a 'drug' refers to a substance used for medicinal purposes derived from plants, minerals, or animals. Ayurvedic drugs like Durva are integral to managing health conditions and are assessed based on their pharmacological properties and traditional uses.

9) Sahasravirya (Sahasra-virya):
Sahasravirya literally translates to 'thousand potent' and is used as a synonym for Durva in Nighantu literature. It highlights the plant's profound efficacy and polyvalent therapeutic properties in treating various ailments, illustrating its significance in traditional medicine.

10) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda comprises natural substances used for prevention, treatment, and care of ailments. It emphasizes the importance of plant-derived formulations for their holistic benefits, as seen in practices around Durva, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and health.

11) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the principles of water and earth. An imbalance in Kapha can lead to various health issues, and plants like Durva are utilized for their effects on balancing this dosha, often prescribed in related therapeutic contexts.

12) Disease:
In Ayurveda, disease represents an imbalance in the body's doshas, and each illness is approached with natural remedies. Durva's therapeutic properties make it significant in treating various ailments, underscoring the preventive and restorative aspects of Ayurvedic medicine.

13) Golomi:
Golomi is a synonym for Durva noted in Ayurveda, indicating its varied nomenclature across different texts. The use of synonyms showcases the plant's widespread recognition and application in various therapeutic contexts throughout Ayurvedic literature.

14) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravya-guna refers specifically to the properties of medicinal substances within Ayurveda, playing a vital role in determining therapeutic applications. This framework enhances the understanding of Durva's uses and effectiveness in various health conditions.

15) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya translates to 'astringent' in Sanskrit, referring to one of the primary tastes attributed to medicinal substances. Durva’s astringent properties are significant in treating conditions caused by excess moisture or heat in the body, highlighting its therapeutic versatility.

16) Vikara:
Vikara refers to the concept of diseases or alterations in the body in Ayurveda. Understanding Vikara is crucial in diagnosis and treatment, where plants like Durva are employed to restore balance and address health issues substantively.

17) Sita (Shita):
Shita means 'cold' and describes properties of certain herbs and medicines in Ayurveda. The cold nature of remedies derived from Durva is vital in treatments aimed at relieving heat-related ailments and balancing bodily doshas.

18) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi, a city in India, is historically significant for Ayurveda and traditional medicine, serving as a hub for learning and practicing ancient medical sciences. The presence of scholars and institutions in Varanasi supports the ongoing tradition and research in Ayurvedic practices.

19) Dravya:
Dravya refers broadly to substances used in Ayurveda, encompassing herbs, minerals, and animal products. The term characterizes the foundational components of Ayurvedic medicine, emphasizing the diversity of natural resources utilized for health and healing.

20) Harita:
Harita translates to 'green' and is a descriptor in Ayurveda indicating certain plants or medicinal substances. It highlights the visual identification of herbs like Durva and their association with healing properties, reflective of their natural state.

21) Tikta:
Tikta refers to the 'bitter' taste, one of the six essential tastes in Ayurveda. This characteristic is vital in determining a plant's therapeutic effects; Durva, with its bitter properties, is included in formulations aimed at detoxifying and balancing the body.

22) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta, a term referring to bleeding disorders in Ayurveda, indicates conditions arising from excess heat or pitta dosha in the blood. Durva is employed therapeutically for its hemostatic and cooling properties, making it beneficial for managing Raktapitta.

23) Substance:
Substance in Ayurvedic terminology encompasses all forms of medicinal materials, including herbs, minerals, and animal products. The concept is broad, stressing the significance of natural elements like Durva in treating health issues and maintaining wellness.

24) Visarpa:
Visarpa is a term used in Ayurveda to describe a condition akin to skin diseases characterized by inflammation and spreading. Durva’s application in treating skin ailments illustrates its medicinal value and diverse roles in holistic healing practices.

25) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kushtha refers to a range of skin diseases in Ayurveda, often chronic and debilitating. Plants like Durva are utilized for their potent healing properties to manage these conditions, demonstrating the efficacy of herbal treatments in traditional medicine.

26) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda representing fire and metabolic processes in the body. Balancing Pitta is essential for health, and Durva is often employed due to its cooling properties, which help mitigate pitta-related disorders.

27) Kosha (Kosa):
Kosha refers to layers or sheaths that encompass the concept of health and wellness in Ayurveda. Understanding Kosha is crucial in holistic healing, emphasizing the interplay between physical health and spiritual well-being.

28) Ganda (Gamda):
Ganda translates to 'fragrant' and identifies a category of plants with aromatic properties in Ayurveda. Durva, under this classification, is appreciated for its sensory attributes, enhancing its use in therapeutic contexts.

29) Lata:
Lata means 'creeper' or 'vine' in Ayurveda, often used to classify specific types of plants. Durva’s growth habit as a creeping grass showcases its natural adaptability and contribution to therapeutic preparations.

30) Daha:
Daha translates to 'burning' and refers to heat sensations within the body, often linked to pitta imbalances. Remedies like Durva are employed to alleviate burning sensations and cool the body, serving an important role in pitta-dominant conditions.

31) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drug actions and interactions. Durva’s recognition in pharmacological research emphasizes the scientific validation of traditional uses and the exploration of its medicinal properties against various health issues.

32) Psychosis:
Psychosis refers to a severe mental disorder impacting perception and thought processes. Traditional treatments often explore the use of herbal substances, including Durva, for their therapeutic potential in managing psychological conditions as part of holistic health approaches.

33) Apasmara:
Apasmara is a term used in Ayurveda to depict epilepsy or seizure disorders. The therapeutic application of plants like Durva for conditions involving neurological disturbances highlights the integrated approach of Ayurveda towards mental and physical health.

34) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga refers to the eight-fold method in Ayurvedic practices, emphasizing comprehensive approaches to healing. This holistic methodology integrates the use of various plants like Durva for personalized and culturally relevant healthcare solutions.

35) Vomiting:
Vomiting refers to the expulsion of stomach contents, often a symptom of imbalances in doshas. Ayurvedic remedies using Durva address this issue through their therapeutic properties, underscoring the plant's role in digestive health.

36) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. The traditional use of herbs like Durva reflects Ayurveda’s holistic approach to addressing such disorders, emphasizing natural treatment options for managing symptoms.

37) Madhura:
Madhura translates to 'sweet' and refers to one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. The presence of sweet properties in certain remedies enhances their palatability and serves to balance other tastes in therapeutic preparations involving Durva.

38) Trishna (Trsna):
Trishna means 'thirst' or 'desire,' indicating a symptom often linked to pitta imbalance. Ayurvedic treatments using Durva aim to alleviate excessive thirst and balance bodily humors, enhancing overall hydration and wellness.

39) Madhava:
Madhava refers to a significant figure in Ayurvedic literature, referencing texts that contribute to the understanding of herbal properties and their applications. His works often highlight plants like Durva, underscoring their role in traditional healing.

40) Sodhala:
Sodhala is attributed to an Ayurvedic scholar known for compiling classical texts that categorize medicinal substances. Durva’s inclusion in his writings showcases the longstanding recognition and utilization of the grass in traditional medicine.

41) Durmara (Dur-mara, Dus-mara):
Durmara signifies a specific classification within Ayurvedic texts, often linked to the properties of medicinal plants. Its association with Durva emphasizes the significance of careful categorization in understanding herbal applications in health.

42) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma denotes a common name in India associated with various scholars and practitioners contributing to Ayurveda. The collective works of such individuals encompass knowledge about plants like Durva, preserving and promoting traditional medicinal practices.

43) Rakta:
Rakta translates to 'red' and refers to the blood; it is one of the elements considered in Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment. Durva's applications often include therapeutic strategies for managing blood-related issues like Raktapitta, highlighting its importance.

44) Priya:
Priya translates to 'beloved' and may refer to texts focusing on herbal medicine or specific well-regarded herbal substances. In context, it showcases the esteem in which plants like Durva are held in Ayurvedic practices.

45) Study (Studying):
Study in Ayurveda involves assessing the properties, uses, and effects of herbs and medicinal practices. The exploration and documentation of plants like Durva contribute to an extensive understanding of their therapeutic value in traditional medicine.

46) Guna:
Guna refers to the inherent qualities or characteristics of substances in Ayurveda. Understanding the Guna of a plant like Durva is essential for effectively utilizing it within therapeutic frameworks and applications in holistic health.

47) Matsyagandha (Matsya-gandha):
Matsyagandha is a synonym that translates to 'fish-scented,' which may describe specific plants within Ayurvedic texts. Its association with Durva reflects the detailed classification and comprehensive nature of herbal nomenclature within the Ayurveda tradition.

48) Observation:
Observation in Ayurvedic practice underlines the significance of clinical experiences and studies in validating herbal remedies. The observation of Durva's effects and applications supports its incorporation into contemporary Ayurvedic treatments and documentation.

49) Matsyakshi (Matsya-akshi, Matsyaksi):
Matsyakshi translates to 'fish-eyed,' indicating specific characteristics of herbs in Ayurveda. It suggests the ecological diversity and adaptability of plants like Durva, reinforcing the importance of traditional nomenclature in understanding herbal properties.

50) Activity:
Activity encompasses the various functions and therapeutic roles plants play in Ayurveda. Analyzing the activity of herbs such as Durva helps in formulating effective remedies and understanding their multifaceted applications in health.

51) Samhita:
Samhita refers to collections of ancient Ayurvedic texts or compilations that outline principles, practices, and medicinal resources. These texts form the foundation of Ayurvedic knowledge, including critical information about plants like Durva, supporting practitioners in their healing endeavors.

52) Granthi (Gramthi):
Granthi denotes 'knot' or 'node,' often referring to blockages or diseases in the body. Understanding conditions related to Granthi aids practitioners in utilizing herbs like Durva to manage such health issues effectively through appropriate treatments.

53) Shadvala (Sadvala):
Shadvala is a term used to describe specific classifications of grasses or herbs within Ayurvedic texts. Its relationship to Durva exemplifies the importance of categorization within traditional medicine, reflecting its diverse applications.

54) Dealing:
Dealing in the context of Ayurvedic texts refers to the engagement of practitioners with medicinal materials. The ability to effectively deal with substances like Durva signifies the practicality and application of theoretical knowledge within healing processes.

55) Species:
Species in Ayurveda denotes specific classifications of plants based on their unique characteristics. Recognizing the species, like Cynodon dactylon for Durva, emphasizes the importance of botanical identification in selecting appropriate medicinal resources.

56) Mineral:
Mineral refers to naturally occurring inorganic substances utilized in Ayurveda for their health benefits. While primarily focused on plant-based resources, the inclusion of minerals in Ayurvedic formulations, alongside herbs like Durva, showcases the comprehensive approach to natural health.

57) Ganesha (Ganesa, Gana-isha):
Ganesha is a revered deity in Hindu traditions, often associated with the removal of obstacles. Durva is traditionally utilized in rituals dedicated to Ganesha, signifying its spiritual importance and connection to health and prosperity in cultural practices.

58) Amrita (Amrta):
Amrita denotes 'immortality' or 'nectar' and is often associated with life-giving properties. In Ayurveda, substances considered Amrita underline the profound value of specific herbs like Durva for sustaining health and promoting longevity.

59) Ananta (Anamta):
Ananta translates to 'endless' or 'infinite,' often used in spiritual contexts. In Ayurveda, recognizing the Ananta qualities of Durva may reflect its enduring significance and versatility in health applications across various diseases.

60) Varuni:
Varuni is a term that may refer to a specific plant or preparation in Ayurvedic literature. The classification of Varuni within texts adds to the understanding of herbal diversity and emphasizes the rich linguistic heritage in naming and describing medicinal plants like Durva.

61) Shasya (Sasya, Shashya):
Shasya refers to 'plant' and is commonly used in Ayurvedic texts to describe crops and herbs. The classification of Durva under this term emphasizes its nature as a fertility-promoting plant with agricultural and medicinal applications.

62) Family:
In botanical terms, family refers to a group of related plants. Durva belongs to the Poaceae family, indicating its shared characteristics and functions within ecological systems, emphasizing the importance of taxonomic classification in herbal medicine.

63) Indian:
Indian refers to the cultural, historical, and geographical context of Ayurveda, as it is rooted in ancient Indian civilization. The practice of Ayurveda, including the use of plants like Durva, embodies the integration of traditional knowledge and cultural identity in health and wellness.

64) Laghu:
Laghu means 'light' in Ayurvedic terms, often describing substances that have beneficial effects on digestion and metabolism. Durva’s Laghu properties render it useful in managing digestive disorders and enhancing overall health.

65) Gauri:
Gauri is linked to the known goddess in Hinduism and often denotes purity or auspiciousness. In Ayurveda, plants like Durva associated with Gauri reinforce the spiritual dimensions of health and highlight the interwoven nature of flora and cultural significance.

66) Tivra:
Tivra means 'sharp' or 'intense' and refers to the potency or actions of certain herbs in Ayurveda. Durva’s properties noted in medicinal preparations illustrate its sharp energetic actions that enhance healing within the body.

67) Raja:
Raja signifies 'king' and describes authoritative texts in Ayurveda. It reflects the rich legacy of Ayurvedic literature that provides guidance on the use of potent plants like Durva in therapeutic practices, promoting the study of their applications in health.

68) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa translates to 'taste' and is a critical concept in Ayurveda that categorizes substances based on their flavor profiles. The various Rasas of Durva contribute to its therapeutic effects and inform its integration into dietary and medicinal practices.

69) Food:
Food in Ayurveda is intertwined with health practices, emphasizing the significance of nutrition in maintaining well-being. The inclusion of plants like Durva in diet reflects the traditional emphasis on balanced consumption of medicinal foods.

70) Life:
Life in the context of Ayurveda encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being. The traditions surrounding plants like Durva aim to sustain and enhance life quality through holistic healing approaches.

71) Human body:
The human body is the focal point in Ayurveda, where balance among doshas is essential for maintaining health. Herbal substances such as Durva play vital roles in addressing bodily imbalances and supporting the overall functioning of the human body.

72) Bhavaprakashanighantu (Bhavaprakasanighantu, Bhavaprakasha-nighantu):
Bhavaprakasha-nighantu is a significant Ayurvedic text authored by Bhavamishra that catalogues medicinal plants and their properties, associating Durva with its therapeutic uses. This text exemplifies the detailed compilation of knowledge and rich tradition of herbal medicine in Ayurveda.

73) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
Dhanvantari-nighantu is another important Nighantu in Ayurveda, associated with the deity of medicine, highlighting recommendations for medicinal herbs. Durva’s mention in such texts underscores its revered status in Ayurvedic practice and tradition.

74) Abhidhanaratnamala (Abhidhana-ratnamala):
Abhidhanaratnamala is a classic Ayurvedic text that includes comprehensive listings of herbs and their synonyms, including Durva. This compendium serves as a critical reference for scholars and practitioners by preserving herbal knowledge and practices.

75) Shalmalyadivarga (Salmalyadivarga, Shalmalyadi-varga):
Shalmalyadi-varga refers to a classification of herbs in Ayurvedic texts. The inclusion of Durva within this category emphasizes the methodical organization of knowledge surrounding plants and their therapeutic applicabilities.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 171]