A classical ayurveda review on haridra
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A classical ayurveda review on haridra
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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Swagata Chakraborty
Assistant Professor, Department of Roga Nidana & Vikriti Vigyana, Belley Sankarpur Rajib Gandhi Memorial Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Kushdanga, West Bengal, India.
Aparajita Das
2Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Belley Sankarpur Rajib Gandhi Memorial Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Kushdanga, West Bengal, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A classical ayurveda review on haridra
Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v7iSupply1.579
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Haridra, known scientifically as Curcuma longa Linn., is a prominent medicinal plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family widely recognized in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Renowned for its broad medicinal properties, Haridra is a key ingredient in various Ayurvedic formulations such as Chandraprabha Vati and Dashamulaarista, valued especially for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. The name Haridra, which translates to "yellow," reflects its distinctive color and signifies its long-standing ritualistic importance in Indian culture.
The Therapeutic Diversity of Haridra
One of the most significant aspects of Haridra is its extensive therapeutic spectrum, categorized according to its Rasapanchak, which includes attributes such as Rasa (taste), Guna (properties), and Karma (action). In Ayurvedic texts, Haridra is described as having Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) tastes with Ruksha (dry) and Ushna (hot) properties, making it beneficial for treating various conditions, particularly those associated with Pitta dosha imbalance. Its uses extend across numerous domains, including managing ailments like Prameha (diabetes), Aruchi (anorexia), and Krimi (worm infections). The rich documentation of its medicinal benefits in classical texts solidifies its status as an indispensable herb in Ayurveda.
The Importance of Haridra in Classical Texts
Haridra's recognition in classical Ayurvedic texts showcases its multifaceted applications. For instance, in the Caraka Samhita, it is categorized under several Mahakashayas for its role in treating skin disorders and as a blood purifier. Additionally, it is mentioned in Sushruta Samhita for external applications in wound healing and infection management. Various synonyms highlight Haridra's extensive recognition in Nighantus, reflecting its significance across different Ayurvedic traditions. Importantly, formulations containing Haridra, including Curna and Ghrita preparations, illustrate its integral role in Ayurvedic therapeutics, emphasizing its combination with other healing herbs for enhanced efficacy.
Conclusion
The review of Haridra underscores its historical significance and the myriad of uses it has in Ayurveda, characterized by its unique pharmacological properties and therapeutic versatility. With its foundational role in classical texts and modern recognition in holistic health, Haridra continues to be esteemed as a "golden drug" in Ayurveda. Its applications across diverse health conditions, coupled with a rich heritage, highlight its enduring legacy and importance in both traditional and contemporary practices. The ongoing exploration of Haridra’s properties emphasizes the necessity for further research into its potential benefits and uses in modern medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the main medicinal properties of Haridra?
Haridra (Curcuma longa) exhibits various medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antifungal, and hepatoprotective effects. It's widely utilized in Ayurveda for treating conditions like Prameha, Krimi, Aruchi, and more, emphasizing its extensive therapeutic potential.
How is Haridra classified in Ayurvedic texts?
In Ayurvedic literature, Haridra is categorized based on its properties and therapeutic uses. It is classified under Mahakashayas like Lekhaniya and Kusthaghna, and various Ganas in texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, indicating its significant role in Ayurveda.
What is the historical significance of Haridra in Ayurveda?
Haridra has a rich historical significance dating back to Vedic times. It is revered in Hindu mythology and was prominently used in traditional rituals. Ayurvedic texts emphasize its cosmetic and therapeutic uses, establishing it as a staple herb in ancient and modern practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A classical ayurveda review on haridra�. 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) Haridra:
Haridra, also known as Curcuma longa, is a prominent medicinal plant in Ayurveda with a rich historical background and extensive use across various formulations and treatments due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties.
2) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to lexicons or glossaries in Ayurveda that categorize herbs like Haridra and provide their synonyms, properties, and therapeutic uses. Examples include Dhanvantari-nighantu and Sodhala-nighantu.
3) Varga:
Varga signifies a category or group in Ayurvedic texts where herbs like Haridra are classified. For instance, Haridra is listed under Guduchyadi Varga in some Nighantu texts.
4) Turmeric:
Turmeric, commonly known in Ayurveda as Haridra, is valued for its medicinal properties and is widely used in different formulations to treat various diseases.
5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine that utilizes medicinal plants like Haridra for therapeutic purposes, as seen in its extensive documentation across classical texts like the Caraka Samhita.
6) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa is the botanical name for Haridra or Turmeric, a plant from the Zingiberaceae family known for its yellow rhizomes and wide medicinal use in Ayurveda.
7) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita refers to medicated ghee used in Ayurvedic preparations. For example, Haridra is an ingredient in formulations like Mahatikta ghrita.
8) Samhita:
Samhita are ancient compendiums of Ayurveda like Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita, which document the therapeutic usage of herbs including Haridra.
9) Shan (San):
[see source text or glossary: Shan]
10) Drug:
In Ayurveda, Haridra is a 'drug' widely used for its pharmacological effects in treating a broad spectrum of diseases.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 232]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �A classical ayurveda review on haridra�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurveda, Medicinal properties, Traditional usage, Disease treatment, Historical background, Botanical name, Different name, Pharmacological activity, Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Ayurvedic text, Anti-inflammatory agent, Curcuma longa Linn, Haridra Khand, Cosmetic value, Chemical constituent, Taxonomical position, Rasapanchak, Major ingredient, Cosmetic disorders.