Departme What is ayurveda?

nt of
Kayachiki Ayurveda is accepted as the oldest written medical
tsa system and it is supposed to be more effective in certain
(Internal areas than other medical therapies. The World Health
medicine) Organisation WHO estimated that about 80% of the
, population in developing countries relies almost
JB Roy exclusively on traditional medicine for their primary heath care needs.
State Ayurveda covers most of the community care in India. It is preventive
Ayurvedi as well as a curative system of medicine.
c Medical
College & Is ayurveda is based on principle of preventive approach?
Hospital
170-172, Since its origin thousands of years ago, it has a continuous tradition of
Raja professional practice, research and education. It has become an
Dinendra inseparabale part of the culture and daily life style of traditional
Street, families of India. Ayurveda is being respected for the uniqueness of all
Calcutta - the individuals at all the levels. It offers natural ways of therapeutic
700 004 management schedule for treating diseases and to promote health with
Ph. due emphasis in the prevention. Ayurveda empowers every individual
5565761 to take responsibitlity for his/her own well being. Conception of Health
was defined with holistic approach considering human being as a
whole. The most authentic and ancinent medial literatures of Indian
origin are documented in vedic literature. In the Rigveda and
Samavdea sixth seven each while in Yayurveda eighty one and
Atharveda tow hundred and eighty nine 289 plants are included. In
Brahmana one hundred twenty nine and in Upanisada thrityone plants
are the foundation of informatics on the ancient use of medicinal
plants which are still being used. In greater persepectives the term of
Ayurveda was used as the wholesome medical sciences/.

What is the broad base of Ayurveda?

Broad based areas of strength of Ayurveda will provide wider coverage

relating to all aspects needed for ideal health care management
programme described as:m Problems of health and disease prevention,
promotion and care, Drug, diet and conduct. Growth, decline and
decay Creation, birth and death Chemical, structural and
pharmaceuticals Epidemiological, economical and geographical
Social, cultural and religious Climate, seasonal and environmental
Emotional, genetical and sprital Nature, nurture and recial
 What are the super specialities of
Ayurveda?

Kayachikitsa ( Internal medicine) is

comprised of 70% of therapeutic
management. Besides Charka,
Kayachickitsa is enlightened in many
Samhitas such as Bhela, Attreya,

Viswamitrasamhitas, etc

Salya Chikitsa (Surgical procedures) More than hundred surgical

instruments and different surgical procedures, were developed,
rhinoplasty in this category is accepted as a model of Sushruta's
practice even today.

Salakya Tantra (Eye, Ear, Nose , throat treatment) The treatment of

organs and area above the clavicle is discussed in this subjects

Bala Chikitsa or Kaumara Bhrtitya (Maternal child health including

pediatrics)

Agadatantara (Toxicology, Treatment for venomous animals including

Foresnci medicine)

Bhoys Vidya (Psychiatric disorders including planetary effect) It deals

with almost entire mental disorder (manasa) not the brain (neurology)

Rasayana Chikitsa (Treatment relating to prevention including ageing,

i.e. geriatrics and immunology) This branch is flourishing in present
day context. All the rasayana drugs are antioxidants with
immunomodulatory activity.

Vajikarana Chikitsa (Treatment of rejuvination, aphrodisiac and

reproductive medicine)

Prior to written systemic development of Ayurveda four super

specialities like Bhutavidya, Sarpavidya (dealing with poisons and
venoms).

Is Ayurveda a vibrant science?

The principles of Ayurveda are

developed on the philosophical
background with the scientific
reasoning and investigation tolls
prevailing in those days. In the
present millennium progress on
bio-medical sciences, added with
plethora of knowledge on new
technology, along with advances
in molecular biology, genetic
engineering to gene therapy is
boon to the health care delivery system. Understanding on the disease
process diagnostic and therapeutic management is apparent to be a
hope findings solution.

Relation between Disease

Prevention and immunity

Diseases prevention is the ancient

concept prevailing in Vedic
period. The modalitites later on
percolated to Ayurveda where it

was developed ful fledged subject

of study application and research.

How Ayurveda could be

intricated?

A clear indication in Ayurveda

has been emphasized for the
cause of disease responsiveness to
the sense organs as the starting
point. Dosh - Dushya
sammurchhana principle may be the substatiation of the adoing. There
is a common dictum " Unity on diversity". It is well applicable to
Ayurvedic concept in relation to free radical generation and their
subset activities. Oxygen molecule after free radical generation
yielding different biomolecules like carbohydrate, protein,serum,
lipids, nucleic acid, etc. Three basic humors lile vata, pitta, and kapha,
called Tridhatu transformed into Tridosha, that are responsible for
inter acting with dusya tissue system for manifestaion of disease.

What is the impact of Ayurveda on post human genome sequences

scenario?

The science of genetics is not a very young science in comparison to

other biological sciences and its orgina can be traced long back in the
treatise of Acharya Charaka and Sushruta both. This means that
human germ cells are cllection of genetic units under the term
veehabhaga. This hints leads the research in this field in a more
detailed scientific outlook later on. The comprehensive knowledge on
genetcis in Ayurveda is observable.

What Ayurveda can offer to the world?

Ayurvedic system of medicine based on hypothesis/principles in

analogous to the Quantum theory of Einstein, theory of relativity
which provide the variable prediction for the behavior of energy and
matter. Human health is the product of the interaction and inter
connection of the physical, mental and spiritual spheres both on the
cosmic and on the individual levels. It is simple, effective, and
personalized way to hormonies and balance three spheres. What we see
today is the other half. Ayurveda had prescribed routines for when to
sleep and wake; how to breath; what to eat and when; preparation of
food; when how and what to drink; even the regulation and use of
sensory organs based on this basic constitution.

Strength of Ayurveda?

Herbal drugs of Indian origin are growing exponentially. It has got

great demand in both developed and developing world for primary and
tertiary health care for the treatment of chronic diseases. It is unique
health care model.

In this model "cure" and "healing" are distinctly different, where

"cure" is given. "cure" basically reflects the physical reality, that is,
the body is free from specific symptoms and one is returned to a
familiar state of function. "Healing" occurs at different levels of
 human existences. One can be healed without physically being cured
of specific symptoms or disease.

Bits of The Body

Ear, Nose and Throat and Eyes

All
Antiaphonic (3)
 Restores the voice.
Antihalitosis (11)
Treats bad breath
Decongestant (11)
Removes phlegm and mucous, especially from the respiratory system.
Demulcent (175)
Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Errhine (3)
Produces sneezing.
Mouthwash (7)
Treats problems such as mouth ulcers.
Odontalgic (81)
Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Sternutatory (16)
Promotes sneezing and nasal discharges.
Mydriatic (9)
Dilates the pupils of the eyes.
Ophthalmic (159)
Treats eye complaints.
Sialagogue (43)
Stimulates the secretion of saliva.

Chest and Lungs

All
Expectorant (412)
Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Pectoral (110)
Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Antiasthmatic (76)
Treats asthma.
Antitussive (132)
Prevents or relieves coughing.
Decongestant (11)
Removes phlegm and mucous, especially from the respiratory system.
Demulcent (175)
Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.

Heart and Blood

All
Anticholesterolemic (44)
Prevents the build up of cholesterol.
Anticoagulant (21)
Removes blood clots.
Blood purifier (21)
 Purifies the blood.
Blood tonic (21)
Is this any different to a blood purifier?
Cardiac (91)
Used in the treatment of heart problems.
Cardiotonic (136)
A tonic for the heart.
Depurative (174)
Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Haemolytic (10)
Breaks down red blood corpuscles to separate haemoglobin.
Haemostatic (100)
Controls internal bleeding.
Hypoglycaemic (64)
Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.
Hypotensive (138)
Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Vasoconstrictor (24)
Narrows the blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure.
Vasodilator (77)
Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Styptic (76)
An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.

Stomach

All
Antacid (1)
Counters excess acidity in the stomach.
Stomachic (338)
Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Digestive (128)
Aids digestion.
Antiemetic (29)
Prevents vomiting.
Emetic (190)
Induces vomiting.
Anthelmintic (173)
Expels parasites from the gut.

Bowles and Bladder

All
Aperient (63)
A mild laxative.
Cathartic (66)
 A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
Laxative (242)
Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Purgative (155)
A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a
griping pain.
Astringent (725)
Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of
blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Carminative (310)
Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Antihaemorrhoidal (7)
Treats haemorrhoids (piles). This would probably be best added to another heading.
Diuretic (892)
Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Hydrogogue (8)
A purgative that causes an abundant watery discharge.

Liver, Kidneys, and other internal bits

All
Antibilious (7)
Corrects the secretions of bile.
Cholagogue (130)
Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.
Diuretic (892)
Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Kidney (39)
Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Lithontripic (46)
Removes stones from the kidney, bladder etc.
Hepatic (55)
Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Haemostatic (100)
Controls internal bleeding.

Bones

All
Antiarthritic (8)
Treats arthritis.
Antiinflammatory (178)
Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc. See also Antiphlogistic.
Plaster (6)
Used in the treatment of broken bones.
Antirheumatic (169)
 Treats rheumatism.

Skin, Hands and Feet

All
Acrid (11)
Causes heat and irritation when applied to the skin.
Antidandruff (20)
Treats dandruff.
Antidermatosic (1)
Prevents or cures skin complaints.
Antipruritic (25)
Treats itching of the skin.
Emollient (114)
Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
Foot care (5)
Plants that are used in various ways to treat foot problems.
Poultice (214)
A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment
of burns etc.
Rubefacient (69)
A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the
skin.
Salve (53)
Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Skin (162)
Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Vesicant (9)
A blistering agent.
Warts (46)
Used in the treatment of warts, corns etc.

Nerves and Muscles

All
Antispasmodic (351)
Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Nervine (98)
Stimulates and calms the nerves.

Sex and Repoduction

All
Abortifacient (41)
Causes an abortion.
Anaphrodisiac (8)
 Reduces sexual desire.
Aphrodisiac (80)
Increases the sexual appetite.
Birthing aid (61)
Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.
Galactofuge (12)
Stops or reduces the flow of milk in a nursing mother.
Galactogogue (86)
Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.
Contraceptive (49)
Prevents fertilization occurring in females.
Infertility (16)
Used in treating problems of human fertility.
VD (52)
Used in the treatment of venereal disease
Emmenagogue (241)
Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an
abortion.
Oxytoxic (27)
Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions.
Uterine tonic (10)
A tonic for the uterus.
Women's complaints (66)
A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.

Aliments
Treatment of Wounds and Bruises

All
Antiecchymotic (8)
Prevents or treats bruising.
Antiseptic (302)
Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-
organisms.
Detergent (21)
A cleansing agent, used on wounds etc. It removes dead and diseased matter.
Disinfectant (22)
Used for cleaning wounds.
Plaster (6)
Used in the treatment of broken bones.
Poultice (214)
A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment
of burns etc.
Salve (53)
 Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Styptic (76)
An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Vulnerary (180)
Promotes the healing of wounds.

Pain Relief

All
Anaesthetic (23)
Numbs the feeling in a local or general area of the body.
Analgesic (143)
Relieves pain.
Anodyne (263)
Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Narcotic (76)
Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.
Lenitive (16)
Soothing, palliative.

Fevers

All
Antipyretic (54)
Treats fevers.
Febrifuge (513)
Reduces fevers.

Infectious Diseases

All
Antiperiodic (73)
Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
Antiscrophulatic (15)
Counteracts scrofula. (TB, especially of the lymph glands)
TB (12)
Plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis
VD (52)
Used in the treatment of venereal disease

Bites and Stings

All
Antidote (128)
Counters poisoning.
Stings (41)
 Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites.

Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi and parisites

All
Antibacterial (220)
Kills bacteria.
Antibiotic (20)
An agent that inhibits or destroys a living organism. It usually refers to bacteria or other
micro-organisms and is probably synonymous with Antibacterial
Antifungal (41)
An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems
such as candida.
Antiviral (20)
Treats virus diseases
Warts (46)
Used in the treatment of warts, corns etc.
Parasiticide (44)
Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with
Parasiticide in 'Other Uses'.
Vermifuge (144)
Expels and kills internal parasites.
Anthelmintic (173)
Expels parasites from the gut.

Cancer

All (400)
Antitumor (43)
Preventing, or effective against, tumors, it is used in the treatment of cancer.
Cancer (289)
Used in the treatment of cancer.
Cytostatic (12)
Slows or controls the growth of tumours.
Cytotoxic (8)
Destroys body cells. Used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, where it is targeted
against the cancer cells.
Resolvent (43)
Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.

Alternatives
Alternative and Complementary Medicine

All
Alterative (124)
Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and
elimination, without having any marked specific action.
Aromatherapy (37)
Plants whose essential oils are used in Aromatherapy.
Bach (38)
Plants used in the Bach flower remedies.
Homeopathy (129)
A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

General Well Being

All
Antiscorbutic (79)
A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Balsamic (13)
A healing and soothing agent.
Nutritive (38)
A food for convalescents to help restore strength.
Tonic (627)
Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Whole Body

All
Adaptogen (17)
Helps the body 'rise' to normal stress situations, thus preventing the many chronic
degenerative diseases.
Deobstruent (46)
Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.
Depurative (174)
Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Other medicinal uses

Antidandruff (20)
Treats dandruff.
Antihydrotic (4)
Reduces perspiration.
Antiphlogistic (114)
Reduces inflammation.
Antivinous (10)
Treats addiction to alcohol
Appetizer (52)
Improves the appetite
Aromatic (84)
Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.
Astringent (725)
Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of
blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Bitter (76)
Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the
mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and
regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.
Deodorant (23)
Masks smells. Is this medicinal?
Diaphoretic (394)
Induces perspiration.
Enuresis (4)
Treats bed wetting.
Emollient (114)
Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
Hallucinogenic (23)
Causes the mind to hallucinate.
Hypnotic (68)
Induces sleep.
Irritant (25)
Causes irritation or abnormal sensitivity in living tissue.
Miscellany (153)
Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Refrigerant (59)
Cools the body.
Restorative (15)
Restores consciousness or normal physiological activity.
Rubefacient (69)
A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the
skin.
Sedative (285)
Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Stimulant (281)
Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but
differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Alphabatical Listing
Abortifacient (41)
Causes an abortion.
Acrid (11)
Causes heat and irritation when applied to the skin.
Adaptogen (17)
 Helps the body 'rise' to normal stress situations, thus preventing the many chronic
degenerative diseases.
Alterative (124)
Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and
elimination, without having any marked specific action.
Anaesthetic (23)
Numbs the feeling in a local or general area of the body.
Analgesic (143)
Relieves pain.
Anaphrodisiac (8)
Reduces sexual desire.
Anodyne (263)
Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Antacid (1)
Counters excess acidity in the stomach.
Anthelmintic (173)
Expels parasites from the gut.
Antiaphonic (3)
Restores the voice.
Antiarthritic (8)
Treats arthritis.
Antiasthmatic (76)
Treats asthma.
Antibacterial (220)
Kills bacteria.
Antibilious (7)
Corrects the secretions of bile.
Antibiotic (20)
An agent that inhibits or destroys a living organism. It usually refers to bacteria or other
micro-organisms and is probably synonymous with Antibacterial
Anticholesterolemic (44)
Prevents the build up of cholesterol.
Anticoagulant (21)
Removes blood clots.
Antidandruff (20)
Treats dandruff.
Antidermatosic (1)
Prevents or cures skin complaints.
Antidote (128)
Counters poisoning, see also Stings.
Antiecchymotic (8)
Prevents or treats bruising.
Antiemetic (29)
Prevents vomiting.
Antifungal (41)
 An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems
such as candida.
Antihaemorrhoidal (7)
Treats haemorrhoids (piles). This would probably be best added to another heading.
Antihalitosis (11)
Treats bad breath
Antihydrotic (4)
Reduces perspiration.
Antiinflammatory (178)
Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc. See also Antiarthritic, Antirheumatic,
Antiphlogistic
Antiperiodic (73)
Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
Antiphlogistic (114)
Reduces inflammation.
Antipruritic (25)
Treats itching of the skin.
Antipyretic (54)
Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Antirheumatic (169)
Treats rheumatism.
Antiscorbutic (79)
A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Antiscrophulatic (15)
Counteracts scrofula. (TB, especially of the lymph glands)
Antiseptic (302)
Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-
organisms.
Antispasmodic (351)
Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Antitumor (43)
Preventing, or effective against, tumors, it is used in the treatment of cancer. Probably
synonymous with Cytotoxic. See also Cancer, Cytostatic, Cytotoxic.
Antitussive (132)
Prevents or relieves coughing.
Antivinous (10)
Treats addiction to alcohol
Antiviral (20)
Treats virus diseases
Aperient (63)
A mild Laxative. See also Cathartic, Purgative.
Aphrodisiac (80)
Increases the sexual appetite.
Appetizer (52)
Improves the appetite
Aromatherapy (37)
 Plants whose essential oils are used in Aromatherapy.
Aromatic (84)
Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.
Astringent (725)
Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of
blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Bach (38)
Plants used in the Bach flower remedies.
Balsamic (13)
A healing and soothing agent.
Birthing aid (61)
Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contractions.
Bitter (76)
Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the
mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and
regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.
Blood purifier (21)
Purifies the blood.
Blood tonic (21)
Is this any different to a blood purifier?
Cancer (289)
Used in the treatment of cancer. See also Antitumor, Cytostatic, Cytotoxic.
Cardiac (91)
Used in the treatment of heart problems.
Cardiotonic (136)
A tonic for the heart.
Carminative (310)
Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Cathartic (66)
A strong Laxative but less violent than a Purgative. See also Aperient.
Cholagogue (130)
Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.
Contraceptive (49)
Prevents fertilization occurring in females.
Cytostatic (12)
Slows or controls the growth of tumours. See also Cancer, Cytotoxic, Antitumor.
Cytotoxic (8)
Destroys body cells. Used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, where it is targeted
against the cancer cells. See also Cancer, Cytostatic, Antitumor.
Decongestant (11)
Removes phlegm and mucous, especially from the respiratory system.
Demulcent (175)
Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Deobstruent (46)
Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.
Deodorant (23)
 Masks smells. Is this medicinal?
Depurative (174)
Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Detergent (21)
A cleansing agent, used on wounds etc. It removes dead and diseased matter.
Diaphoretic (394)
Induces perspiration.
Digestive (128)
Aids digestion.
Disinfectant (22)
Used for cleaning wounds.
Diuretic (892)
Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emetic (190)
Induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue (241)
Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an
abortion.
Emollient (114)
Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
Enuresis (4)
Treats bed wetting.
Errhine (3)
Produces sneezing.
Expectorant (412)
Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Febrifuge (513)
Reduces fevers. See also Antipyretic
Foot care (5)
Plants that are used in various ways to treat foot problems.
Galactofuge (12)
Stops or reduces the flow of milk in a nursing mother.
Galactogogue (86)
Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.
Haemolytic (10)
Breaks down red blood corpuscles to separate haemoglobin.
Haemostatic (100)
Controls internal bleeding.
Hallucinogenic (23)
Causes the mind to hallucinate.
Hepatic (55)
Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Homeopathy (129)
A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Hydrogogue (8)
A purgative that causes an abundant watery discharge.
Hypnotic (68)
Induces sleep.
Hypoglycaemic (64)
Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.
Hypotensive (138)
Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Infertility (16)
Used in treating problems of human fertility.
Irritant (25)
Causes irritation or abnormal sensitivity in living tissue.
Kidney (39)
Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Laxative (242)
Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner. See also Aperient, Cathartic,
Purgative.
Lenitive (16)
Soothing, palliative.
Lithontripic (46)
Removes stones from the kidney, bladder etc.
Miscellany (153)
Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Mouthwash (7)
Treats problems such as mouth ulcers.
Mydriatic (9)
Dilates the pupils of the eyes.
Narcotic (76)
Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.
Nervine (98)
Stimulates and calms the nerves.
Nutritive (38)
A food for convalescents to help restore strength.
Odontalgic (81)
Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Ophthalmic (159)
Treats eye complaints.
Oxytoxic (27)
Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions.
Parasiticide (44)
Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with
Parasiticide in 'Other Uses'.
Pectoral (110)
Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Plaster (6)
Used in the treatment of broken bones.
Poultice (214)
 A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment
of burns etc.
Purgative (155)
A drastic Laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a
griping pain. See also Aperient, Cathartic, Purgative.
Refrigerant (59)
Cools the body.
Resolvent (43)
Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.
Restorative (15)
Restores consciousness or normal physiological activity.
Rubefacient (69)
A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the
skin.
Salve (53)
Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Sedative (285)
Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Sialagogue (43)
Stimulates the secretion of saliva.
Skin (162)
Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin. See also Antipruritic,
Sternutatory (16)
Promotes sneezing and nasal discharges.
Stimulant (281)
Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but
differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Stings (41)
Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites. See also Antidote
Stomachic (338)
Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Styptic (76)
An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
TB (12)
Plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis
Tonic (627)
Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Uterine tonic (10)
A tonic for the uterus. See also Oxytoxic.
Vasoconstrictor (24)
Narrows the blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure.
Vasodilator (77)
Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
VD (52)
Used in the treatment of venereal disease
Vermifuge (144)
 Expels and kills internal parasites.
Vesicant (9)
A blistering agent.
Vulnerary (180)
Promotes the healing of wounds.
Warts (46)
Used in the treatment of warts, corns etc.

Charaka
The Charaka Samhita is among the earliest surviving Sanskrit medical manuals, and
the most authoritative. Samhita is Sanskrit for compendium, and Charaka is a proper
name. So translated, the work means "Charaka's Compendium." Although the exact date
of composition of the Charaka Samhitais unknown, scholars estimate that it was
written around 100 A.D. It was eventually supplemented, edited, and partially rewritten
by otherauthors over an extended period up to 800 A.D. Charakareiterates the teachings
of the school of Atreya, a famous physician of antiquity, and lengthy passages take the
form of a dialogue between Atreya and Agnivesha, Charaka's teacher. Charaka was
translated into Persion and Arabic in the eighth century, and is still used today. Most of
what is known about Indian medical science derives from this text and two others, the
Susruta Samhita and the Ashtangahridaya Samhita.

The Charaka Samhita is long, running to 1,000 pages in English translation. It

represented a major advance over the supersitious ways of treating medical problems of
the Atharva Veda (one of the four sacred books of Hinduism, which included songs and
spells concerning the healing of diseases).Instead of appeasing deities and making
sacrifices, practitioners were now looking at clinical problems and deciding how to treat
them based on the specific disease. Perhaps most significant, they developed concepts of
health anddisease which they applied in practice.

The science of medicine became known as Ayurveda, or science of life. Just aswe now
seek to explain a disease as a problem of nutrition or genetics, Ayurvedic physicians
formed a medical theory that guided the way they evaluated patients and diseases.
Unlike the germ theory which developed much later, Ayurveda proposed that human
disorders arose from an imbalance of three vital substances, or humors, present in every
living creature: wind, bile, and phlegm (that is, mucus). Lifeand health were considered
not only a product of karma (the sum of a person's actions in previous states of
existence) but also of behavior in this life.The things that upset the balance of the
humors included improper food and practices, and accidents. Ayurveda emphasized
prevention through cleansing, exercise, diet, and good habits.

By the time Charaka was written, doctoring was recognized as a profession, and sons
often followed in the footsteps of their fathers. Then, as now,medicine promised a
materially and spiritually satisfying life. According toCharaka, a physician could expect
religious merit for relieving suffering, material gain from successful cures, and personal
satisfaction from thefame and reputation that a successful practice would bring. The text
offerspractical advice on medical training and managing patients, and it laid downa
code of ethics for physicians. Charaka warned against unscrupulous physicians who
make phony diagnoses in search of quick money, and emphasized amoral basis of
medicine as a public service.

According to Charaka the medical profession was reserved for the highest castes
(categories of a hereditary social order in South Asia). Because surgery was considered
to be the work of low-caste persons such as barbers, thetext does not deal with surgery.
Moreover, Indian physicians were not allowed to handle or to dissect corpses, which
limited students' ways of learning about how the human body worked.

Charaka regarded disease as originating either inside the body or fromoutside. Divided
into eight sections and 150 chapters, the text is above allan exhaustive work on
therapeutic medicine, that is, the treatment of ailments curable by drugs and
modification of diet and lifestyle. It also covers bodily structure and function, the cause,
symptoms, and prognosis of disease, and the effect of disease on the body. Physicians
are urged to examine patients carefully, and to tailor treatment not just to the disease
but also to theperson, climate, time of year, and environment. Thus, different people
with identical symptoms might receive different treatments. Charaka describes more
than 600 drugs of animal, plant, and mineral origin, along with formulas for medicines
and instructions for making them.

The Caraka Samhita

This classical text attributed to the great acharya Caraka is considered the oldest and most
important text of non-surgical Ayurvedic medicine. The Caraka Samhita has been divided
into four volumes, eight parts (sthanas), and these, in turn, are divided into different
chapters.

Sutra-Sthanam, the first part, is a compilation of basics of healthcare. It begins with an

introduction to health, medicine, hygiene, prophylaxis, diet, and life-style. The four
components necessary for successful treatment - the physician, the medication, the patient,
and the attendant. Snehakarma (Oleation) and Swedakarma (sweat therapy) and the cause
of the illness are discussed. Method of construction of healing centre/hospital is elaborated.
It decries treatment by quacks and warns that a person hit by lightning has a better chance
of survival than a patient who falls into the hands of a quack.

Nidana-Sthanam, the second part, deals with the cause, pathology, clinical manifestation
diagnosis and treatment of eight serious diseases – fever, bleeding, tumors and ulcers,
urinary tract diseases, skin diseases, general physical deterioration of the body or of
individual organs, and epilepsy The treatment for the above conditions are examined in
detail.

Vimana-Sthanam, the third part, deals with chemistry, physiology, anatomy, epidemiology,
infectious diseases, diseases of the circulatory, digestive and excretory systems, parasitic
illnesses. The logical ways of arriving at a diagnosis namely, observation, inference and
interrogation and methods of teaching medical students also discussed in this part. The life
expectancy, natural death due to aging, and untimely death due to various factors
including over burden, stress and lifestyle leading to morbidity has been compared to that
of a vehicle and explained.

Sharira-Sathanam, the fourth part, covers human anatomy, reproduction and pregnancy,
the development of the fetus in the mother’s womb, and the role of the mother’s milk. It
discusses various toys and amulets for the newborn.

Indriya-Sthanam, the fifth part, covers clinical features, diagnosis, and prognosis. A large
portion deals with signs of imminent death or bad prognosis.

Cikitsa-Sthanam, the sixth part, deals with treatment methods and various medications.
This is the most important for practicing physicians.

Kalpha-Sthanam, the seventh part , deals with medications used in vamana and virechana.
Formulations for inducing vomiting and laxatives are given.
Siddhi-Sthanam, the eighth part, deals with Ayurveda’s classicals method of detoxification,
called panchakarma. The Caraka Samhita contains 341 recipes made from plants, 177
medications using animal products and 64 medications using minerals and metals.

The Sushruta Samhita

This book describes the tradition of surgery in Indian medicine which includes various
panchakarma detoxification techniques not described elsewhere. The author is believed to
be the scholar Sushruta, who lived over 3000 years ago. Susruta Samhita is considered one
of the four principal books on surgery and the only work still existing today. Dhanvantari
(an incarnation of Vishnu ), Susruta’s teacher, is believed to have given the knowledge as
every chapter begins with the words, "Vathovaca bhagavan Dhanvantari Susrutaya", or
"As Susruta was taught by the honorable Dhanvantari". Susruta-Samhita consists of five
parts and an appendix that was added later and has 184 chapters. This ancient surgical
text is an invaluable and practical compendium. Many surgical concepts and treatments of
this classical text have been adapted into modern surgical procedures.

The Susruta Samhita describes various diseases of the eyes (76 eye conditions), 51 of which
were treated surgically. The author counts 101 blunt and 20 sharp surgical instruments
that are surprisingly similar to the instruments used today. The human hand, the most
important instrument, is included in this count. Surgical intervention was used in a rational
and conservative manner, and only when non-invasive treatments could not promote
healing.

Susruta Samhita discusses 1120 illnesses, including injuries, illnesses relating to aging and
mental illness. These discussions include 700 healing plants, 57 preparations derived from
animal sources and 64 preparations derived from minerals.

The Ashtanga Hridaya

The Astanga Hridaya, which is a condensed version of the earlier Astanga Samgraha by
the same author, is particularly favored by scholars because of the clarity of its
presentation. It author, Vagbhata, was born in Sindh (a province in Pakistan) circa 500 AD
and was taught Ayurvedic medicine by his father and a Buddhist monk, named Avalokita.
The Ashtanga Hridaya samhita is a systematized text of human illness and therapy in six
sections which incorporates the Eight Branches, known as Ashtanga Hridaya in Sanskrit:
Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Toxicology, Basic Surgery,
Rejuvenation Therapy, Geriatrics.

The treatise is written in 7120 easily understood poetic verses that embody the essence of
Ayurvedic knowledge. It is to some extent a summary clearer presentation of the Caraka
and Sushruta samhitas, but also includes much new information which did not appear in
earlier texts. There are section s on longevity, personal hygiene, the causes of illness,
influence of season and time on the human organism, types and classifications of medicine,
the significance of the sense of taste, pregnancy and possible complications during birth,
Prakriti, individual constitutions and various aids for establishing a prognosis. There is
also detailed information on panchakarma therapies including: therapeutically induced
vomiting, the use of laxatives, enemas, complications that might occur during such
therapies and the necessary medications.

The Bhavaprakasa of Bhavamisra

Bhavaprakasa written by Bhava Misra is a more contemporary authoritative text on

Ayurveda and is widely referenced and utilized by students, teachers and physicians of
Ayurveda ever since it was written around 1550 AD. Bhava Misra was the son of Lataka
Misra and lived in Benares. The Bhavaprakasa is comprehensive, dealing with basic
principles, causes, symptoms, and treatment of all diseases. It describes about 500 drugs
belonging to vegetable, mineral and animal kingdoms. This wide spectrum of naturally-
derived medicinal drugs (Nighantu Bhaga) is considered by many to be the seminal
contribution of this text since in incorporates many new drugs unknown--or at least
unmentioned--at the time of Charaka and Sushruta. In the treatment of diseases both
kasthausadhas (plant drugs) and rasausadhas (metallic and mineral drugs) have been
prescribed. This two-volume text systematically deals with the origin of Indian medicine,
cosmology and anatomy, embryology, physiology, pathology, medicine, disease of children,
botanical therapeutics, dietetics, tonics, and elixirs to promote longevity. He clarified many
of the obtuse and disputed views of ancient writers in lucid language and literary style He
is the first to mention medical drugs of countries, other than India, and is the first to give a
description of syphilis in Ayurvedic literature.

The Dravyaguna Vijnana

The Dravyaguna Vijnana is the first work of its kind which comprehensively describes
more than 500 of the most commonly used Ayurvedic herbal medicines. For each plant the
following information is given: botanical name, common name, Sanskrit and regional
names, plant description, flowering and fruiting times, distribution, parts used, chemical
composition, pharmacodynamics, properties and actions, therapeutic uses, and common
dosages. The author, Dr. Gyanendra Pandey, wrote the material with the guidance of the
Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) third year curriculum. The book is intended
as a textbook for graduate and post-graduate level studies as well as a reference book for
higher studies at the doctoral level for physicians, researchers, pharmacologists, medicinal
plant scientists, and the interested layperson. Some terms are given in Sanskrit but a useful
glossary of technical and medical terms is provided. An extremely valuable Ayurvedic
herbal reference. Publication date: 6/2001

The Great Three Classics of Ayurveda

Charaka Samhita
The Charaka Samhita is believed to have arisen around 400-200 BCE. It is felt to be one of the oldest and the most important ancient
authoritative writings on Ayurveda. It is not known who this person was or, if indeed, this represents the work of a "school of thought." It could
have been from a group of scholars or followers of a man known as Charaka or an original composition from a single person named
Charaka. This work is sometimes considered a redaction of an older and more voluminous work, Agnivesha Samhita (46,000 verses), which
is no longer extant. Dridhabala, living about 400 AD, is believed to have filled in many verses of missing text (perhaps up to 20%) in the
Chikitsasthana and elsewhere, which disappeared over time.

The language of Charaka is Sanskrit and its style is poetry, with meter and melody. Poetry was known to serve as a memory aid. For
example, Charaka contains over 8,400 metrical verses, which are often committed to memory, in toto, by modern medical students of
Ayurveda.
It presents most of the theoretical edifice of Ayurveda and concentrates on the branch of Ayurveda called kayachikitsa (internal medicine).
This is largely the theory of the internal fire--of digestion--or internal medicine, in modern terms. Charaka never discusses the sub-types of
pitta and kapha, but does list and describe the 5 sub-types of vata.

Seen from a greater perspective, this work seems to represent a certain value of consciousness that is different from other works. It gives
more discussion about the notion that life is fundamentally a field of intelligence and pure knowledge. This field is self-aware; it is the Knower
as well as the object of perception, and for Charaka this is part of what is to be treated by the physician.

The P.V. Sharma translation comes in four volumes, two of original text and two of commentary about the original work. Sharma's English
version is said to be a scholarly and relatively faithful work. It has numerous appendices and an extensive index. The B. Dash / R.K. Sharma
version lacks these features but does have extensive commentary incorporated in with the original text. All three translators have excellent
academic or/and clinical credentials supporting their works.

Sushruta Samhita
The Sushruta Samhita presents the field of Ayurvedic surgery (shalya). This branch of medicine arose in part from the exigencies of dealing
with the effects of war. This work also is said to be a redaction of oral material passed down verbally from generation to generation. It is
thought to have arisen about the same time period as the Charaka Samhita, slightly after or before it according to different authorities. Its
style is both prose and poetry with poetry being the greater portion.

The Sushruta Samhita, while dealing with the practice and theory of surgery, is an important source of Ayurvedic aphorisms. For example,
the most comprehensive and frequently quoted definition of health is from Sushruta. This work is unique in that it discusses blood in terms of
the fourth doshic principle. This work is the first to enumerate and discuss the pitta sub-doshas and the marmas. With its emphasis on pitta,
surgery, and blood, this work best represents the transformational value of life.

This work, also originally written in Sanskrit, is now available in English with Devanagari. Bhishagratna's translation is English and Sanskrit.
P.V. Sharma has recently written a translation with both the Sanskrit/Devanagari and English that includes Dallana's commentary. Dallana
has been regarded as the most influential commentator on Sushruta's work.

Ashtanga Hridayam and Ashtanga Sangraha

Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashtanga Hridayam are the work of a person named Vagbhata. There are two works by a person or persons with
this name. The Ashtanga Sangraha is nearly 40% greater in size (by verse count) and is primarily poetry with prose. The Hridayam (about
7800 verses) is written in prose and seems to have a slightly different organization of material than the former. Both works have been dated
about the same time and are thought to date after the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas (400 CE).

The exposition is relatively straightforward and also deals primarily with kayachikitsa. In this work, we see the kapha sub-doshas are listed
and described for the first time, completing our modern edifice of vata, pitta, and kapha with their five sub-types. Its emphasis on treating the
physiology of the body and suggestions for therapeutic use of metals and minerals means the perspective of the treatise represents the
gross, material value of life more than its counterparts Charaka and Sushruta. While Charaka has entire chapters dealing with the Self, these
works merely mention that the body is the home for the Self without any elaboration.

Srikantha Murthy's translation includes the Sanskrit/Devanagari for those who want to delve into the original text. S. Murthy has translated
many of the ancient Ayurvedic writings into English, for which we are indebted. He has weighty credentials and brings them to bear in this
work.

The Lesser Three Classics of Ayurveda

Sharngadhara Samhita
The Sharngadhara Samhita is a concise exposition of Ayurvedic principles. Its author, Sharngadhara, has offered his work as a digested
version of Ayurvedic knowledge, deliberately omitting much detail because the works of The Great Three were already widely known. This
treatise is thought to have originated in the 15th century AD. The Sharngadhara Samhita is prized for its enumeration and description of
numerous pharmacological formulations used in panchakarma and contains the first textual elaboration of diagnosis by means of the pulse.
Its subject matter is again the field of kayachikitsa. This work is available in Sanskrit/Devanagari and English translation by Srikantha Murthy.

Bhava Prakasha
Bhava Prakasha is just now available in English translation. It is the most recent of the classical texts, written in the 16th century. It is a well-
organized and compact re-presentation of the earlier classics. There are about 10,268 verses of varying meters. It deals with kayachikitsa
generally and has a large section entitled Nighantu, which gives the characteristics of many foods, plants, and minerals. Many of it sutras are
direct quotes from earlier writers. Sri Kantha Murthy again does this Sanskrit/Devanagari and English translation.

Madhava Nidanam
Madhava Nidanam, available here in Sanskrit/Devanagari and English translation by Srikantha Murthy, deals with the classification of
diseases in Ayurveda. Its taxonomy is slightly different at times from those given by Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata, while for the greater
part its verses are seemingly direct quotes from them. This work is dated around 700 AD and is prized for covering a wide range of diseases
in the fields of bala (children and women's disorders), shalya, damstra (toxicology), shalakya (ear, nose and throat), and kayachikitsa. While
this treatise gives detailed description of disease etiology (disease doctrines), prodroma and cardinal signs and symptoms, it does not give
explanation or suggestions for chikitsa (treatment).
Ayurveda (Devanagari: आयर्वे
ु द) or Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system of
health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is presently in daily use by
millions of people in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and it was a major influence
onbabiesand the development of Unani, Chinese and Tibetan Medicine[citation needed].
The word "Ayurveda" is a tatpurusha compound of the word āyus meaning "life", "life
principle", or "long life" and the word veda, which refers to a system of "knowledge".
Thus "Ayurveda" roughly translates as the "knowledge of life", or "knowledge of a
long life". According to Charaka Samhita, "life" itself is defined as the "combination
of the body, sense organs, mind and soul, the factor responsible for preventing
decay and death, which sustains the body over time, and guides the processes of
rebirth" [1][2] According to this perspective, Ayurveda is concerned with measures to
protect "ayus", which includes healthy living along with therapeutic measures that
relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. Ayurveda is also one among
the few traditional systems of medicine to contain a sophisticated system of surgery
(which is referred to as "salya-chikitsa").

[edit] The aim and types of Rasayana

Rasayana therapy enriches rasa with nutrients to help one attain longevity, memory,
intelligence, health, youthfulness, excellence of luster, complexion & voice, optimum
development of physique and sense organs, mastery over phonetics, respectability
and brilliance.
Types of Rasayana[4]

1. Kamya Rasayanas are promoters of normal health.

These boost body energy levels, immunity and
general health.
 Pranakamya – Promoter of vitality and longevity
 Medhakamya – Promoter of intelligence.
 Srikamya - – Promoter of complexion.
2. Naimittika Rasayanas help to fight a specific
disease.
In pursuit of these matters, herbal prescriptions with many herbal substances,
preserved in ghee and honey are given. Chyawanprash is one of the traditional
rasayanas. Specific adaptogenic herbs are also included in rasayanas including
amla, shilajit, ashwaganda, holy basil, guduchi and shatavari.
Several rasayana herbs have been tested for adaptogenic properties:
The whole, aqueous, standardized extracts of selected plants (Tinospora cordifolia,
Asparagus racemosus, Emblica officinalis, Withania somnifera, Piper longum and
Terminalia chebula) were administered orally to experimental animals, in a dose
extrapolated from the human dose, following which they were exposed to a variety of
biological, physical and chemical stressors. These plants were found to offer protection
against these stressors, as judged by using markers of stress responses and objective
parameters for stress manifestations. Using a model of cisplatin induced alterations in
gastrointestinal motility, the ability of these plants to exert a normalizing effect, irrespective
of direction of pathological change was tested.... All the plant drugs were found to be safe in
both acute and subacute toxicity studies. Studies on the mechanisms of action of the plants
revealed that they all produced immunostimulation. The protection offered by Tinospora
cordifolia against stress induced gastric mucosal damage was lost if macrophage activity
was blocked. Emblica officinalis strengthened the defence mechanisms against free radical
damage induced during stress. The effect of Emblica officinalis appeared to depend on the
ability of target tissues to synthesize prostaglandins. Recent data obtained with Tinospora
cordifolia have led researchers to suggest that it may induce genotypic adaptation, further
opening the arena for more research and experimentation. [5]

[edit] Rasayana formulas

Puri[6] has given detailed account of Classical formulations such as Amrit Rasayana,
Brahm Rasayana, Jawahar Mohra, Kamdugdha Ras, Laxami Vilas Ras, Laxman
Vilas Ras, Madanoday Modak, Makrdhawaj vati, Manmath Ras, Mukta Panchamrit
Rasayana, Nari Kalyan Pak, Navjeevan Ras, Navratna Ras, Navratnakalp Amrit,
Panchamrit Ras, Paradi Ras, Ramchuramni Ras, Rattivalbh Pak, Shukar Amrit Vati,
Smritisagar Ras, Suvarn Malini Vasant, Suvarn Vasant Malti, Swapanmehtank,
Vasant Kusmakar Ras, Visha Rasaayana, Vrihda Vangeshwar Rasa.
These classical Rasayana formulas, contain a large number of ingredients, including
minerals, pearl, coral and gems, and include a specially processed (samskara)
mercury (the word ras indicates mercury as an ingredient). Because of negative
publicity and cost factor, the use of the classical rasayana formulas has declined
considerably, and most of the preparations available now have herbal ingredients
with a couple of mineral and animal products. The non-availability and wild life
protection act has made the use of musk, amber and parts of wild-life animals,
nearly impossible.
The current Rasayana formulas are based on such ingredients as amla (Emblica
officinalis which has very high stable Vitamin C), Terminalia belerica, Terminalia
chebula, Shilajit (a mineral exudate high in fulvic acid), Long pepper, Black pepper,
Ginger, processed Guggul, Guduchi, Ashwaganda, Shatavari and similar
ingredients.
Here are some of the best known rasayana remedies and their modern uses. Since
rasayana formulas are general and nontoxic,they are frequently prescribed with
more specific formulas that address specific concerns. Nonetheless they may also
have specific affinities as shown[7][8]:

 1. Alarasayana (standard formula). Blood tonic.

 2. Chandanadi powder (standard compound). Anti
toxic, anti cancer,energy
 3. Gokshuradi Guggulu pills (Sarngadhara Samhita).
Anti toxic,urinary tonic
 4. Kaisara Guggulu pills (Sarngadhara Samhita). Anti
cancer, anti toxic
 5. Kanchanara Guggulu pills (Sarngadhara Samhita).
Anti cancer
 6. Shilajita Triphala pills (Shilajita with Triphala) for
Diabetes, anti toxic,
 7. Trikatu pills (Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Zingiber
officinalis) Digestive
 8. Triphala pills (Emblica officinalis / Terminalia
belerica / Terminalia chebula) Digestive, anti toxic.
laxative
 9. Triphala Guggulu pills are made from Guggulu gum
resin (Commiphora wightii), Triphala (Emblica
officinalis / Terminalia belerica / Terminalia chebula)
and Pippali fruit (long pepper / Piper longum).
(Sarngadhara Samhita). Anti toxic, anti cancer
 10. Yogaraja Guggulu pills (Bhaisajya Ratnabali).
Nerve tonic
 11. Chyawanprash (standard formula) Lung tonic,
See also: List of herbs and minerals in Ayurveda
 Rasayana has meanings beyond healthful
substances. Rasayana Shastra in Ancient India was
much less developed than today. Nevertheless, the
use and practice of Rasayana was widespread in
Ancient India, and some examples of applied
rasayana include paints used in the caves of Ajanta
and Ellora, Maharashtra state, the steel of
Vishnustambha (literal meaning: the tower of Vishnu),
and a processed wood sample in the Kondivade
caves near the Rajmachi fort in Maharashtra.

Ayurveda holds that the tastes of foods or herbs have specific physiological effects.
Those tastes that transform after digestion (Vipaka) are more powerful.
Sweet - Madhura
Sweet foods nourish, cool, moisten, oil, and
increase weight
Sour - Amla
Sour foods warm, oil, and increase weight
Salty - Lavan
Salty foods warm, dissolve, stimulate, soften, oil,
and increase weight
Bitter - Katu
Bitter foods cool, dry, purify and decrease weight
Pungent - Tikta
Pungent foods warm, dry, stimulate, and decrease
weight
Astringent - Kasaya
Astringent foods cool, dry, reduce stickiness