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The garden cress in indian medicine

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: The garden cress in indian medicine
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

C. J. Meulenbeld


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: The garden cress in indian medicine

Year: 1985

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The article by C. J. Meulenbeld provides a comprehensive overview of the garden cress, scientifically known as Lepidium sativum Linn., and its significance in Indian medicine. Although cultivated widely in India as a salad plant, it is not indigenous to the region. Historical references trace its recognition back to ancient Greco-Roman times and suggest that its introduction to Indian medicine likely occurred through Muslim influence, evidenced by the absence of any mention in Sanskrit medical texts prior to around 1200 CE.

Medicinal Properties and Historical Context

One of the central themes of the article is the historical evolution and the medicinal properties of Lepidium sativum. The text highlights various Sanskrit names associated with the plant, primarily “candrasura,� which first appears in the Bhavaprakasanighantu, a significant work in Ayurvedic literature. Alongside, earlier documentation in texts such as Sodhala’s Sodhalanighantu and Trimala’s Brhadyogatarangini adds depth to the historical narrative of cress within Indian medical practices. These texts illustrate that garden cress was not only valued for its edible qualities but was also recognized for its therapeutic effects, including its utility in treating fevers and various disorders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article elucidates the journey of Lepidium sativum from its foreign origins to its established role in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Its introduction around 1200 CE corresponds with a burgeoning interest in herbal treatments influenced by Muslim scholars, marking a notable convergence of cultures in medicinal practices. The consistent references to its medicinal applications across centuries underscore the importance of garden cress in the traditional health lexicon of India. Overall, Meulenbeld’s examination of garden cress manifests the intricate interplay between culture, history, and medicine.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the primary focus of the article on garden cress?

The article discusses the history, names, and uses of garden cress, Lepidium sativum Linn., in Indian medicine, highlighting its introduction and significance in medicinal practices.

How did garden cress become known in India?

Garden cress was likely introduced to India by Muslims around 1200, as it is absent in earlier Sanskrit texts, becoming documented in texts from that period and later.

What are some medicinal properties attributed to garden cress?

Medicinal uses of garden cress include treating fevers, hikka (hiccups), and eye diseases, as well as benefiting domestic animals, particularly in increasing urine production and serving as fodder.

What are the different names for garden cress in various texts?

Garden cress is known by several names, including candrasura, asalima, ahittha, and halim, with these variations appearing across texts from different centuries in Indian medicine.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The garden cress in indian medicine�. 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) Bhavaprakashanighantu (BhÄvaprakÄÅ›anighaṇṭu, Bhavaprakasha-nighantu):
The Bhavaprakasanighantu is a significant Sanskrit text that includes details on various medicinal plants, including garden cress. It identifies the plant as candrasura and as part of the compound caturbija, highlighting its importance in traditional Indian medicine, particularly regarding its uses and therapeutic properties.

2) Medicine:
The term 'medicine' in this context refers to the traditional practices and botanical remedies employed in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It includes the application of plants like garden cress for various ailments, showcasing the intersection of culture, history, and herbal knowledge through texts that document these practices.

3) Sharngadhara (ÅšÄrá¹…gadhara, Sharnga-dhara):
Sarngadhara refers to an author of a notable Ayurvedic text, often associated with the compilation of medical prescriptions including herbal medicines. His work, specifically Jvaratrisati, prescribes garden cress for treating types of fevers, reflecting the plant's significance in the Ayurvedic medicinal system.

4) Horse:
In the discussed texts, garden cress is noted for its suitability as fodder for horses. This association highlights the herb's versatility, not only in human medicine but also in veterinary applications, indicating its broader agricultural importance during the historical period of Indian medicine.

5) Kameshvararasa (KÄmeÅ›vararasa, Kameshvara-rasa):
Kamesvararasa is referenced as part of the text containing a lesser-known name for garden cress, 'candrabodha.' This indicates the continuous evolution of botanical nomenclature in Ayurveda, emphasizing the richness of ancient texts and their contributions to the understanding and documentation of medicinal plants.

6) Sinduvara (SinduvÄra, SinduvÄrÄ, Simduvara):
Sinduvara is mentioned in the context of the Bhaisajyaratnavali, where it represents a compound significant in Ayurvedic treatment. Its mention alongside other plants indicates the diverse formulations in traditional medicine, and it serves as an example of how ancient texts categorize herbal remedies.

7) Caturbija (Caturbīja, Catur-bija):
Caturbija, a compound name from the Bhavaprakasanighantu, includes garden cress among its components. This term illustrates the holistic approach of Ayurvedic medicine, which often combines multiple herbs to enhance therapeutic efficacy, showcasing the complexity and wisdom embedded in ancient Indian botanical practices.

8) Samnipata (SannipÄta, SaṃnipÄta, Sannipata):
Samnipata refers to a type of fever described in Ayurvedic texts. The association of garden cress with treating samnipata emphasizes its medicinal significance and the theoretical frameworks of Ayurveda where specific herbs are utilized to address particular health conditions.

9) Substance:
In the context of Ayurveda, the term 'substance' relates to the various herbs and plants used for healing. Garden cress is analyzed as both a medicinal substance and a food, reflecting its dual role in the diet and in therapeutic practices in ancient Indian lineage.

10) Shankara (Saá¹…kÄra, Saá¹…kara, ÅšÄṃkara, Åšaá¹…kara, Åšaṃkara, ÅšÄá¹…kara, SaṃkÄra, Saṃkara, Sham-kara):
Samkara is noted as an author of a seventeenth-century text that integrates garden cress into treatments for eye diseases. This demonstrates the continuity of traditional herbal knowledge and adds to the historical context in which garden cress was utilized across various medical disciplines.

11) Science (Scientific):
In this article, 'science' refers to the systematic study of herbs and their medicinal properties within Indian traditional medicine. The historical aspect of this science illustrates how ancient societies cataloged their understanding of plants, emphasizing a connection between culture and empirical observation in healing practices.

12) Jvara (JvarÄ):
Jvara signifies fever in Sanskrit and is a primary area of focus in various Ayurvedic texts. The use of garden cress in treating jvara exemplifies the targeted therapeutic applications of specific plants, reinforcing the detailed phytotherapeutic knowledge embedded within Ayurvedic traditions.

13) Hikka (HikkÄ):
Hikka, representing a type of ailment (believed to be hiccups or respiratory distress), is one of the conditions treated with garden cress in historical texts. This correlation underlines the targeted medicinal applications of herbs in Ayurveda, providing insights into how these remedies were utilized for specific health issues.

14) Roman (Roma):
The term 'Roman' in this context refers to the influence of ancient Roman botanical knowledge on the transmission of plant species like garden cress. Noting its historical names in Roman texts emphasizes the trans-cultural exchange of medicinal knowledge and the influence of different civilizations on Indian herbal practices.

15) Drug:
The word 'drug' encompasses the various herbal preparations and medicinal compounds derived from plants like garden cress in the context of traditional medicine. This underscores the broader understanding of herbal therapeutics in Ayurveda, where plants serve as both remedies and preventive health measures.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �The garden cress in indian medicine�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Bhavaprakashanighantu, Garden cress, Medicinal properties, Indian medicine, Rasayogasagara, Fodder plant.

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