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== Different examples of nomenclature according to modern science and Ayurveda ==
 
== Different examples of nomenclature according to modern science and Ayurveda ==
<p style="text-align:justify;">According to the contemporary approach, it can be stated that the plants can be named based on various factors like shape, habitat, morphology, taste, smell, appearance, touch, sound, leaf, flower, fruits, historical names, therapeutic description, and disease producing, resembling body parts and resembling animals. Some examples of these are illustrated in the table as follows:</p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;">According to the contemporary approach, it can be stated that the plants can be named based on various factors like shape, habitat, morphology, taste, smell, appearance, touch, sound, leaf, flower, fruits, historical names, therapeutic description, and disease producing, resembling [[Sharira|body]] parts and resembling animals. Some examples of these are illustrated in the table as follows:</p>
 
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{| class="wikitable"
 
|+'''Table 1: Examples of synonym of herbs and their context'''
 
|+'''Table 1: Examples of synonym of herbs and their context'''
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== Contemporary relevance ==
 
== Contemporary relevance ==
<p style="text-align:justify;">In an era dominated by modern medicine and technology, [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]], with its reliance on namarupa vijnana, continues to offer valuable insights into holistic healthcare. Integrative medicine approaches are increasingly recognizing the importance of considering mind, body, and spirit in healthcare, aligning with ayurvedic principles.<ref name="ref9">Mann M, Pathak SR. Chapter 12 - Ayurveda: A new dimension in the era of modern medicine. In: Tewari A, Tiwari S, editors. Synthesis of Medicinal Agents from Plants [Internet]. Elsevier; 2018 [cited 2023 Nov 22]. p. 283–303. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978008102071500012X</ref> <br/>The basis of nomenclature in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] is rooted in a systematic and holistic approach to classifying and naming various elements within the natural world. Nomenclature in ayurveda plays a crucial role in understanding and effectively utilizing herbs, diseases, bodily constituents, and other components of this ancient system of medicine. Here, we will explore the fundamental principles and factors that underlie the nomenclature in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]]:</p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;">In an era dominated by modern medicine and technology, [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]], with its reliance on namarupa vijnana, continues to offer valuable insights into holistic healthcare. Integrative medicine approaches are increasingly recognizing the importance of considering [[Manas|mind]], [[Sharira|body]], and spirit in healthcare, aligning with ayurvedic principles.<ref name="ref9">Mann M, Pathak SR. Chapter 12 - Ayurveda: A new dimension in the era of modern medicine. In: Tewari A, Tiwari S, editors. Synthesis of Medicinal Agents from Plants [Internet]. Elsevier; 2018 [cited 2023 Nov 22]. p. 283–303. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978008102071500012X</ref> <br/>The basis of nomenclature in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] is rooted in a systematic and holistic approach to classifying and naming various elements within the natural world. Nomenclature in ayurveda plays a crucial role in understanding and effectively utilizing herbs, diseases, bodily constituents, and other components of this ancient system of medicine. Here, we will explore the fundamental principles and factors that underlie the nomenclature in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]]:</p>
 
<ol style="text-align:justify;"><li style="font-weight:bold">Naming based on Sanskrit language:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Sanskrit is the primary language for nomenclature in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]]. It is a classical language with a rich vocabulary that allows precise and descriptive naming. The use of Sanskrit ensures consistency and clarity in communication among ayurvedic practitioners and scholars.</span><li>
 
<ol style="text-align:justify;"><li style="font-weight:bold">Naming based on Sanskrit language:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Sanskrit is the primary language for nomenclature in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]]. It is a classical language with a rich vocabulary that allows precise and descriptive naming. The use of Sanskrit ensures consistency and clarity in communication among ayurvedic practitioners and scholars.</span><li>
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Naming of herbs and plants:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">[[Herbs details|Herbs]] and plants used in ayurvedic medicine are named according to their physical attributes, qualities, and actions. Descriptive names help in identifying the therapeutic properties of each herb. For example, "Tulasi" (Ocimum sanctum) is also known as Holy Basil. Its name "Tulasi" signifies its sacred and purifying nature.</span><li>
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Naming of herbs and plants:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">[[Herbs details|Herbs]] and plants used in ayurvedic medicine are named according to their physical attributes, qualities, and actions. Descriptive names help in identifying the therapeutic properties of each herb. For example, "Tulasi" (Ocimum sanctum) is also known as Holy Basil. Its name "Tulasi" signifies its sacred and purifying nature.</span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Rasa, virya, and vipaka:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">The taste (rasa), potency (virya), and post-digestive effect (vipaka) of substances are considered in their nomenclature. These qualities provide insights into how a substance interacts with the body. For instance, a bitter-tasting herb with cooling potency and a post-digestive sweet effect may be used to pacify excess heat in the body. For instance, chilly is termed as katuveerya, Picrorhizza as katuka. </span><li>
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<li style="font-weight:bold">[[Rasa|Rasa]], virya, and [[Vipaka|vipaka]]:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">The [[Rasa|taste (rasa)]], potency (virya), and post-digestive effect ([[Vipaka|vipaka]]) of substances are considered in their nomenclature. These qualities provide insights into how a substance interacts with the [[Sharira|body]]. For instance, a bitter-tasting herb with cooling potency and a post-digestive sweet effect may be used to pacify excess heat in the [[Sharira|body]]. For instance, chilly is termed as katuveerya, Picrorhizza as katuka. </span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Classifying body constituents:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">In [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]], the body is described in terms of its doshika composition and its physical and functional components, known as "dhatu" and "mala." Each of these components is named and classified according to its specific attributes. For example, "rakta" represents blood, and it is characterized by its red colour, liquid nature, and association with the [[Pitta dosha|pitta dosha]].</span><li>
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<li style="font-weight:bold">Classifying [[Sharira|body]] constituents:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">In [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]], the [[Sharira|body]] is described in terms of its doshika composition and its physical and functional components, known as "[[Dhatu|dhatu]]" and "[[Mala|mala]]." Each of these components is named and classified according to its specific attributes. For example, "rakta" represents blood, and it is characterized by its red colour, liquid nature, and association with the [[Pitta dosha|pitta dosha]].</span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Nomenclature of ayurvedic therapies:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Various therapeutic procedures and therapies in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] are named based on their techniques, effects, and the substances involved. For instance, "shirodhara" involves the continuous pouring of herbal oils or liquids onto the forehead (shira) and is used for relaxation and balancing the mind.</span><li>
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<li style="font-weight:bold">Nomenclature of ayurvedic therapies:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Various therapeutic procedures and therapies in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] are named based on their techniques, effects, and the substances involved. For instance, "[[Shirodhara|shirodhara]]" involves the continuous pouring of herbal oils or liquids onto the forehead (shira) and is used for relaxation and balancing the [[Manas|mind]].</span><li>
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Cultural and historical significance:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Many names in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] carry cultural and historical significance. They indicate historical figures, ancient sages, or traditional practices. These names serve to connect ayurvedic knowledge to its cultural and historical roots.</span><li></ol>
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Cultural and historical significance:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Many names in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] carry cultural and historical significance. They indicate historical figures, ancient sages, or traditional practices. These names serve to connect ayurvedic knowledge to its cultural and historical roots.</span><li></ol>
 
<p style="text-align:justify;">In summary, nomenclature in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] is a comprehensive system that combines linguistic precision, doshic considerations, qualities of substances, and clinical observations to name and classify elements within the realm of ayurvedic medicine. This systematic approach aids in effective communication, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment, contributing to the holistic and time-tested nature of [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] as a healthcare system.</p>
 
<p style="text-align:justify;">In summary, nomenclature in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] is a comprehensive system that combines linguistic precision, doshic considerations, qualities of substances, and clinical observations to name and classify elements within the realm of ayurvedic medicine. This systematic approach aids in effective communication, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment, contributing to the holistic and time-tested nature of [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] as a healthcare system.</p>
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<li style="font-weight:bold">Descriptive naming:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Ayurvedic plant names are often descriptive, providing information about the plant's appearance, properties, or uses. This descriptive naming helps practitioners and herbalists identify [[Herbs details|herbs]] accurately and understand their therapeutic potential. For example:
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Descriptive naming:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Ayurvedic plant names are often descriptive, providing information about the plant's appearance, properties, or uses. This descriptive naming helps practitioners and herbalists identify [[Herbs details|herbs]] accurately and understand their therapeutic potential. For example:
<ul><li style="font-weight:bold">Ashwagandha<span style="font-weight:normal">(''Withania somnifera''): "Ashwa" means horse, and "Gandha" means smell, indicating that this herb has a horse-like odor when its roots are freshly dug.</span><li>
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<ul><li style="font-weight:bold">[[Ashwagandha|Ashwagandha]]<span style="font-weight:normal">(''Withania somnifera''): "Ashwa" means horse, and "Gandha" means smell, indicating that this herb has a horse-like odor when its roots are freshly dug.</span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Amalaki<span style="font-weight:normal">(''Emblica officinalis''): "Amala" means sour, signifying the sour taste of this fruit.</span><li></ul></span><li>
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<li style="font-weight:bold">[[Amalaki|Amalaki]]<span style="font-weight:normal">(''Emblica officinalis''): "Amala" means sour, signifying the sour taste of this fruit.</span><li></ul></span><li>
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Qualities and actions:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">The qualities ([[Guna|guna]]) and actions (karma) of plants play a significant role in their nomenclature. Ayurvedic texts describe these aspects in detail, allowing for the classification of plants based on their therapeutic properties. For example:
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Qualities and actions:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">The qualities ([[Guna|guna]]) and actions (karma) of plants play a significant role in their nomenclature. Ayurvedic texts describe these aspects in detail, allowing for the classification of plants based on their therapeutic properties. For example:
 
<ul><li style="font-weight:bold">Trikatu:<span style="font-weight:normal">"Tri" means three, and "katu" means pungent. Trikatu is a compound formula consisting of three pungent herbs: ginger, black pepper, and long pepper. Its name reflects its heating and digestive qualities.</span><li></ul></span><li>
 
<ul><li style="font-weight:bold">Trikatu:<span style="font-weight:normal">"Tri" means three, and "katu" means pungent. Trikatu is a compound formula consisting of three pungent herbs: ginger, black pepper, and long pepper. Its name reflects its heating and digestive qualities.</span><li></ul></span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Taste (rasa), potency (virya), and post-digestive effect (vipaka):<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Ayurvedic plant nomenclature considers the taste, potency, and post-digestive effect of [[Herbs details|herbs]]. These attributes help in understanding how [[Herbs details|herbs]] interact with the body and mind. For example:
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<li style="font-weight:bold">[[Rasa|Taste (rasa)]], potency (virya), and post-digestive effect ([[Vipaka|vipaka]]):<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Ayurvedic plant nomenclature considers the taste, potency, and post-digestive effect of [[Herbs details|herbs]]. These attributes help in understanding how [[Herbs details|herbs]] interact with the [[Sharira|body]] and [[Manas|mind]]. For example:
<ul><li style="font-weight:bold">Guduchi<span style="font-weight:normal">(''Tinospora cordifolia''): The synonym ''Tikta'' indicates a bitter taste (tikta rasa), ''Amrita'' which corresponds to its cooling potency (shita virya) and ''Madhurasa'' indicates post-digestive sweet effect (madhura vipaka).</span><li></ul></span><li>
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<ul><li style="font-weight:bold">Guduchi<span style="font-weight:normal">(''Tinospora cordifolia''): The synonym ''[[Tikta|Tikta]]'' indicates a [[Tikta|bitter taste (tikta rasa)]], ''Amrita'' which corresponds to its cooling potency (shita virya) and ''Madhurasa'' indicates post-digestive sweet effect ([[Madhura|madhura]] [[Vipaka|vipaka]]).</span><li></ul></span><li>
<li style="font-weight:bold">Doshika considerations:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">[[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] categorizes [[Herbs details|herbs]] based on their influence on the three [[Dosha|doshas]] ([[Vata dosha|Vata]], [[Pitta dosha|Pitta]], and [[Kapha dosha|Kapha]]). This classification helps in selecting herbs that balance specific doshika imbalances. For instance, Eranda (''Ricinus communis'') is termed as Vaatari (enemy of [[Vata dosha|vata dosha]]) due to its potent ''[[Vata dosha|vata]]'' pacifying actions.</span><li>
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<li style="font-weight:bold">Doshika considerations:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">[[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] categorizes [[Herbs details|herbs]] based on their influence on the three [[Dosha|doshas]] ([[Vata dosha|Vata]], [[Pitta dosha|Pitta]], and [[Kapha dosha|Kapha]]). This classification helps in selecting herbs that balance specific doshika imbalances. For instance, [[Eranda|Eranda (''Ricinus communis'')]] is termed as Vaatari (enemy of [[Vata dosha|vata dosha]]) due to its potent ''[[Vata dosha|vata]]'' pacifying actions.</span><li>
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Historical and cultural references:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Some plant names in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] carry historical and cultural significance, often referencing historical figures, ancient sages, or traditional practices. These names connect ayurvedic knowledge to its cultural and historical roots. For instance, [[Pippali|Pippali]] is termed as Vaidehi due to its abundant occurrence in Videha region.</span><li>
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Historical and cultural references:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Some plant names in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] carry historical and cultural significance, often referencing historical figures, ancient sages, or traditional practices. These names connect ayurvedic knowledge to its cultural and historical roots. For instance, [[Pippali|Pippali]] is termed as Vaidehi due to its abundant occurrence in Videha region.</span><li>
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Common  and regional names:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">While Sanskrit names are widely used, Ayurvedic professionals also need be familiar with common and regional names for herbs, as these names can vary across different languages and regions. Many local names are given based on some salient features like appearance, shape, size, habit, habitat, smell, taste, colour, utility, and other peculiar character, etc of the plants. These local or regional names are testament to traditional and ethnomedicinal use of such herbs for centuries.<ref name="ref10">Patil DA, Vernacular plant names: Their origin and utility in Dhule district (Maharastra), Ethnobotany, 10 (1-2), 130-132</ref> For instance, Neem (in English) is termed as Nimba in [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] texts while mentioned as Kadunimba in Marathi regional language</span><li></ol>
 
<li style="font-weight:bold">Common  and regional names:<br/><span style="font-weight:normal">While Sanskrit names are widely used, Ayurvedic professionals also need be familiar with common and regional names for herbs, as these names can vary across different languages and regions. Many local names are given based on some salient features like appearance, shape, size, habit, habitat, smell, taste, colour, utility, and other peculiar character, etc of the plants. These local or regional names are testament to traditional and ethnomedicinal use of such herbs for centuries.<ref name="ref10">Patil DA, Vernacular plant names: Their origin and utility in Dhule district (Maharastra), Ethnobotany, 10 (1-2), 130-132</ref> For instance, Neem (in English) is termed as Nimba in [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] texts while mentioned as Kadunimba in Marathi regional language</span><li></ol>

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