Identifying Jalakumbhi in Ayurveda: A Critical Literature Review
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Establishing the Correct Identity of Jalakumbhi in Ayurveda: A Critical Analysis Based on Various Literatures
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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Sameeksha Rauthan
MD Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Patanjali Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttrakhanda, India.
Dhruv Mishra
Professor (H.O.D.), Department of Kayachikitsa, Patanjali Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttrakhanda, India.
Rajesh Mishra
Assistant Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, Patanjali Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttrakhanda., Scientist D, Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, Uttrakhanda, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Establishing the Correct Identity of Jalakumbhi in Ayurveda: A Critical Analysis Based on Various Literatures
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i1.846
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article explores the identity and medicinal significance of Jalakumbhi (Pistia stratiotes), a notable plant in Ayurvedic medicine. While Jalakumbhi is recognized for its therapeutic uses in treating various disorders, there has been a longstanding confusion between it and Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), which is often misidentified as Jalakumbhi. The confusion arises from similarities in habitat, morphology, and shared synonyms across different languages. The paper aims to elucidate the correct identification of Jalakumbhi, providing an analysis of its traditional usage as well as modern scientific insights into its properties.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Jalakumbhi
One of the main concepts highlighted in the article is the taxonomic distinction between Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes. The authors emphasize that while both are aquatic plants found in freshwater bodies, their characteristics, uses, and medicinal significance diverge greatly. Pistia stratiotes, a pan-tropical floating plant, is traditionally used in Ayurveda for its multifaceted health benefits, including diuretic, anti-hemorrhoid, and anti-thyroid effects. In contrast, Eichhornia crassipes is primarily viewed as a nuisance due to its invasive nature and its lack of advantageous medicinal qualities, which can lead to severe ecological issues such as clogging waterways. This distinction is critical for practitioners and herbalists to ensure the correct application of these plants in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Properties and Uses
Another significant aspect discussed in the article is the various therapeutic applications of Jalakumbhi. This plant is regarded for its effectiveness in treating conditions such as goiter (Galaganda), digestive issues, respiratory disorders, and skin ailments. Traditional Ayurvedic practices utilize different parts of the plant—leaves, roots, and ash—in various formulations. For example, its leaves are commonly employed to devise pastes for topical application on skin diseases, while its juice mixed with other natural ingredients serves to alleviate coughs and digestive concerns. Furthermore, the pharmacological properties of Jalakumbhi, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, are explored, offering a scientific basis for its use in traditional medicine.
Conclusion
The article concludes that recognizing Pistia stratiotes as the authentic Jalakumbhi in Ayurveda is essential for safeguarding the integrity and efficacy of herbal medicinal practices. Misidentification with Eichhornia crassipes can not only lead to ineffective treatments but also undervalue the unique properties of Pistia stratiotes. The knowledge compiled in this research provides a solid foundation for practitioners and researchers alike in distinguishing these two species and harnessing the therapeutic potential of Jalakumbhi in modern healthcare.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What plant is referred to as Jalakumbhi in Ayurveda?
Jalakumbhi is primarily identified as Pistia stratiotes, a free-floating aquatic plant. Its traditional uses in Ayurveda include treating various ailments such as bleeding disorders, emaciation, and respiratory issues.
Why is Jalakumbhi often confused with Eichhornia crassipes?
Jalakumbhi is frequently mistaken for Eichhornia crassipes due to their similar aquatic habitats, morphology, and overlapping regional names. This confusion persists despite significant differences in their medicinal properties.
What are the medicinal properties of Jalakumbhi?
Jalakumbhi exhibits various medicinal properties, including anti-thyroid, diuretic, antipyretic, and bronchodilator effects. It is used to treat conditions like goiter, skin diseases, and digestive disorders, making it a versatile Ayurvedic remedy.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Identifying Jalakumbhi in Ayurveda: A Critical Literature Review�. 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) Jalakumbhi:
Jalakumbhi is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant known for its properties and usage in various treatments. It is the subject of critical analysis to establish its correct identity, often confused with Eichhornia crassipes but more accurately identified as Pistia stratiotes.
2) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to Ayurvedic compendiums or classical texts that categorize various herbs, plants, and their medicinal properties. Jalakumbhi is mentioned under several Varga or categories in various Nighantu such as Bhav Prakash Nighantu and Kaiyadeva Nighantu.
3) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra is a common surname, and in this context, it refers to Dhruv Mishra and Rajesh Mishra, who co-authored the critical analysis of Jalakumbhi. Dhruv Mishra is the H.O.D. and Rajesh Mishra is an Assistant Professor and Scientist, contributing to Ayurvedic research.
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India. It uses various natural substances, herbal, and mineral preparations to treat illnesses. The plant Jalakumbhi, with its multiple therapeutic properties, is an important element in Ayurvedic medicine.
5) Disease:
Jalakumbhi is used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of diseases. It has properties like anti-thyroid, diuretic, and antipyretic, making it helpful in conditions such as bleeding disorders, emaciation, Sangrahani, Karnapaka, and more.
6) Varga:
Varga refers to the categories or classes within Ayurvedic compendiums where plants and herbs are classified. Jalakumbhi is found under various Vargas such as Pushpavarga in Bhav Prakash Nighantu and Aushadhi Varga in Kaiyadeva Nighantu.
7) Drug:
In the context of Ayurveda, Jalakumbhi is referred to as a drug used in the treatment of various ailments. All parts of the plant are utilized for medicinal preparation, demonstrating its versatile application in Ayurvedic treatments.
8) India:
India is the native land of Jalakumbhi, specifically Pistia stratiotes. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, heavily incorporates this plant in its treatments due to its abundant availability in the country.
9) Kshupa (Ksupa):
Kshupa refers to the plant in its entirety. For Jalakumbhi, this term is used to describe it as a free-floating aquatic plant with medicinal properties, as mentioned in various Ayurvedic texts.
10) Laghu:
Laghu is a Guna or quality attributed to Jalakumbhi in Ayurvedic pharmacology. It means light, suggesting that the plant is easy to digest and has beneficial effects on the body's doshas.
11) Ratnamala (Ratna-mala):
[see source text or glossary: Ratna-mala]
12) Kumbhika (Kumbha-ika):
Kumbhika is one of the synonyms used for Jalakumbhi in several classical Ayurvedic texts. It highlights the circular shape of the plant, resembling a pot (Kumbha).
13) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is a city in India known for being a center of Ayurvedic learning and publication. Many classical Ayurvedic texts, including Bhav Prakash Nighantu, are published here.
14) Sita (Shita):
Shita refers to the Virya or potency of Jalakumbhi, which means it has a cooling effect. This property makes it useful in treating conditions associated with heat and inflammation.
15) Priya:
[see source text or glossary: Priya]
16) Patanjali:
Patanjali Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, is the institution where the authors of the study on Jalakumbhi are affiliated. This institute specializes in Ayurvedic research and treatments.
17) Galaganda (Gala-ganda, Galagamda):
Galaganda is the Ayurvedic term for goiter. Jalakumbhi has shown promising results in the treatment of goiter, both in reducing its size and alleviating symptoms.
18) Medicine:
In Ayurveda, Jalakumbhi serves as a potent medicine with various formulations such as extracts, oils, powders, and Bhasma (ash), used to treat ailments ranging from thyroid disorders to skin diseases.
19) Shosha (Sosa):
Shosha is a condition related to emaciation or wasting of the body. Jalakumbhi is used in Ayurveda to treat Shosha by providing nourishment and supporting overall health.
20) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma refers to various authors and editors who've contributed to Ayurvedic texts. For instance, P.V.Sharma has documented classical uses of medicinal plants like Jalakumbhi in his works.
21) Tikta:
Tikta is one of the Rasa or tastes of Jalakumbhi in Ayurvedic pharmacology. It means bitter, which contributes to the plant's efficacy in various treatments, including digestive issues and fever.
22) Guna:
Guna refers to the qualities of substances in Ayurveda. Jalakumbhi has several Gunas like Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), and Shita (cool), which determine its effects on the body.
23) Kaiyadevanighantu (Kaiyadeva-nighantu):
Kaiyadeva Nighantu is a classical Ayurvedic compendium where Jalakumbhi is listed under Aushadhi Varga, detailing its properties and therapeutic uses.
24) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha is another Guna (quality) attributed to Jalakumbhi. It means dry, which complements its other properties and makes it effective in treating certain conditions like excess Kapha and swelling.
25) Kumbhi:
Kumbhi is yet another synonym for Jalakumbhi found in classical Ayurvedic texts. It signifies the plant’s pot-like shape, reinforcing its identification in traditional medicine.
26) Kumar:
[see source text or glossary: Kumar]
27) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are the chemical compounds produced by plants. Both Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes possess varying phytochemicals that contribute to their medicinal properties.
28) Pesticide:
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has the unique ability to remove pesticides dissolved in water, which makes it useful in environmental applications beyond its medicinal properties.
29) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
[see source text or glossary: Ashtanga]
30) Samhita:
[see source text or glossary: Samhita]
31) Paryaya:
Paryaya refers to synonyms in Ayurvedic texts. Jalakumbhi has multiple Paryaya names such as Kumbhika and Kumbhi, indicating its various identifications across different regions and texts.
32) Habitat:
Both Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes share similar aquatic habitats, leading to confusion in their identification. The correct habitat contributes to accurately categorizing Jalakumbhi.
33) Kumuda:
Kumuda is one of the synonyms of Jalakumbhi in classical texts, referring to its resemblance to the plant
34) Utpala:
Utpala.
35) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to taste, one of the key aspects in Ayurvedic pharmacology. Jalakumbhi has several Rasas like Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), and Madhura (sweet), which influence its therapeutic effects.
36) Pushpavarga (Puspavarga, Pushpa-varga):
Pushpa-varga is the category under which Jalakumbhi is classified in Bhav Prakash Nighantu, indicating its flower-based classification for medicinal use.
37) Science (Scientific):
[see source text or glossary: Scientific]
38) Prakasha (Prakasa):
[see source text or glossary: Prakasha]
39) Swelling:
Jalakumbhi is traditionally used to treat swelling due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it effective in conditions that cause accumulation of fluids in the body.
40) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient Indian language in which many Ayurvedic texts, including references to Jalakumbhi, are written. Multiple Sanskrit synonyms exist for Jalakumbhi, highlighting its diverse usage.
41) Sharadi (Saradi):
[see source text or glossary: Sharadi]
42) Kumbha:
Kumbha means pot in Sanskrit. Jalakumbhi's pot-like shape is frequently mentioned in its synonyms such as Kumbhika and Kumbhi, which also indicate its identification in different Ayurvedic texts.
43) Paniya:
Paniya is a Sanskrit term meaning water. Since Jalakumbhi is an aquatic plant, it’s often associated with water-related synonyms like Paniyaprushthaja.
44) Family:
The family classification of Jalakumbhi helps in its correct identification. Pistia stratiotes belongs to the family Araceae, whereas Eichhornia crassipes belongs to Pontederiaceae.
45) Carman (Carma):
Charma refers to skin. Jalakumbhi is used in Ayurvedic treatments for various skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
46) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda. Jalakumbhi has properties that help balance Kapha, making it useful in treating Kapha-related disorders like respiratory issues and swelling.
47) Arshas (Arsa, Arsha, Arsas):
Arsha refers to hemorrhoids. Jalakumbhi is used in treating Arsha by applying its paste or powder externally, due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
48) Roga:
Roga in Sanskrit means disease. Jalakumbhi is utilized in Ayurveda to treat various rogas (diseases) like thyroid disorders, bleeding issues, and emaciation.
49) Toya:
Toya means water in Sanskrit. Jalakumbhi is an aquatic plant, and its name often includes references to this habitat, like in Toyakumbhi and Toyacchada.
50) Katu:
Katu is one of the rasas (tastes) of Jalakumbhi. This pungent taste contributes to its efficacy in treating digestive issues and respiratory problems.
51) Genu:
[see source text or glossary: Genu]
52) Cow urine (Cow's urine):
In Ayurveda, cow's urine is used in formulations for enhanced medicinal effects. Jalakumbhi Bhasma (ash) is often prepared or taken with cow's urine to treat conditions like goiter (Galaganda).
53) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological properties of Jalakumbhi include anti-thyroid, diuretic, antipyretic, and bronchodilator effects. These properties are researched in both modern and Ayurvedic contexts.
54) Pharmacology:
In Ayurvedic pharmacology, Jalakumbhi is studied for its therapeutic benefits, such as its Tridoshanashak property, which helps balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
55) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are one of the phytochemical constituents found in Jalakumbhi. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to its medicinal efficacy.
56) Aushadhi (Ausadhi, Aushadhin, Ausadhin):
Aushadhi in Ayurveda refers to medicinal herbs and plants used in treatments. Jalakumbhi is categorized under Aushadhi Varga in several Nighantus, indicating its widespread medicinal use.
57) Language:
Language is essential in understanding Ayurvedic texts. Jalakumbhi is referred to by many names across different Indian languages, each highlighting a specific characteristic of the plant.
58) Chandra:
[see source text or glossary: Chandra]
59) Sushena (Susena):
[see source text or glossary: Sushena]
60) Soldier:
[see source text or glossary: Soldier]
61) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut is used in various traditional remedies. For example, Jalakumbhi leaves mixed with coconut milk are used to treat dysentery, highlighting the plant's diverse medicinal applications.
62) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to ash in Ayurveda. Jalakumbhi Bhasma is an important formulation, particularly effective in treating thyroid disorders and goiter when taken with cow's urine.
63) Vaidya:
Vaidya is a traditional Ayurvedic practitioner. They utilize plants like Jalakumbhi in treating various ailments based on their knowledge of Ayurvedic texts and medicinal properties.
64) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
65) Spider:
[see source text or glossary: Spider]
66) Powder:
Powdered forms of Jalakumbhi are used in various Ayurvedic treatments. Fine powder mixed with honey is effective in treating leprosy and other skin conditions.
67) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda. Jalakumbhi, due to its cooling and bitter properties, helps in balancing Pitta and treating related disorders like inflammation and fever.
68) Divya:
Divya Prakashan, associated with Patanjali Ayurvigyan Evum Anusandhan Sansthan, publishes various Ayurvedic texts, including studies on Jalakumbhi, promoting traditional medicine.
69) Gupta:
[see source text or glossary: Gupta]
70) Virya:
Virya refers to the potency of a substance in Ayurveda. Jalakumbhi is Shita Virya, meaning it has a cooling effect, beneficial in reducing heat-related disorders and inflammation.
71) Bhaga:
[see source text or glossary: Bhaga]
72) Sugar:
In Ayurveda, sugar (Mishri) is often used with herbs. For example, Jalakumbhi leaves mixed with sugar candy and rose water help alleviate respiratory disorders like Kapha and Shwas roga.
73) Honey:
Honey is used in many Ayurvedic formulations. Jalakumbhi powder taken with honey is effective in treating conditions like leprosy, as it enhances the medicinal properties of the herb.
74) Cina:
[see source text or glossary: China]
75) Inci (Imci):
[see source text or glossary: Inchi]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 157]
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