Aushadha
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Aushadha means medicine or drug. It is used for the preservation of health and the treatment of diseases. Aushadha is used for regaining health, and its appropriate use is as beneficial as nector, whereas inappropriate use makes it a poison.[1] The aushadha may be used either in combination or as a single drug. In the context of using a single aushadha, a description of agrya prakarana (superior aushadha) with 152 entities is found in Charak Samhita [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 25/40] and 155 entitites in Ashtanga sangraha.[2] Ashtanga Hridaya described 55 entities.[3] [A. Hri. Uttar Tantra 40/48-58] Aushadha is among the four aspects of the healthcare system with the physician, attendant, and patient. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 9/3] All dravya in the world are derived from five mahabhutas (prithvi, apa, agni, vayu and akasha). The sharira is a constitution of panchamahabhuta in variable proportion. Any imbalance in this proportion can alter homeostasis and cause disorders. Dravya of a particular panchamahabhautika composition is required to normalize the composition of panchamahabhuta in sharira. For example, if a disease originated due to insufficiency of apa mahabhuta, then dravya rich in apa mahabhuta is administered to patient to increase the quantity of apa mahabhuta back to normal. Since all dravyas have a specific panchamahabhautika constitution, they can be used to establish normal homeostasis of panchamahabhutas of sharira and treat disease. Since aushadhi too is a dravya and similarly treats the disease, thus all the dravyas are aushadhi[4] [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/12] [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 41/9] Effectively managing a disease requires correct identification, dosage and time of administration of aushadha. Selection of the right aushadha requires understanding its mode of action. To prevent the untoward effects of aushadha, it’s essential to know that the aushadha are patient-specific, location-specific, and season specific. Examination of aushadha must not be missed prior to its use. This chapter describes various aspects of aushadha.
| Section/Chapter/topic | Concepts / Aushadha |
|---|---|
| Authors |
Bhojani M.K.1, Rahul Anand1 |
| Reviewer | Basisht G.2 |
| Editor | Deole Y.S.3 |
| Affiliations |
1 Department of Kriya Sharira, A.I.I.A., New Delhi, India, 2 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A., 3 Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India |
| Correspondence email |
meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in, carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India |
| Date of first publication: | December 13, 2022 |
| DOI | 10.47468/CSNE.2022.e01.s09.120 |
Etymology and derivation
- The vegetations that die when their fruits mature are called ‘aushadhi’. Example, the plants of banana and grain.[5]
The rasa (essence) is called osa. Entity that contains this rasa is called ‘aushadhi’. As disease-free state is obtained through rasa, so the entity that contains rasa is called aushadha.[6]
- Aushadha is the plant which perish after fruits mature. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/73].
Synonyms [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/3]
- Chikitsita: That which alleviates disorders.
- Vyadhihara: destroyer of diseases.
- Pathya: beneficial for the channels in body.
- Sadhana: that which is an instrument for performance.
- Prayaschitta: expiation.
- Prashamana: pacification.
- Prakritisthapana: that which helps recovery.
- Hita: wholesome.
- Bheshaja: therapeutics
Classification
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References
- ↑ Satyapala, editor, (1st ed.). Commentary Vidyotini of Kashyap Samhita, Khila Sthana; Bheshajyopakramaniya Adhyaya: Chapter 3, Verse 4. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, 2015; 363.
- ↑ Tripathi R.D., (1 st ed.). Commentary Saroj on Astanga Sangrah of Vridhavagabhata, Sutra Sthana; Agryasangraha Adhyaya: Chapter 13, Verse 3. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, 2015; 269-271.
- ↑ Murthy K.R.S., editor, (8th ed.). Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridayam, Uttar Tantra: Vajikaranavidhi Adhyaya: Chapter 40, Verse 48-58. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy, 2011; 420.
- ↑ Shastri A D, editor, (1st ed.). Commentary Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika of Ambikadutta Shastri on Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana; Dravyavisheshavigyaniya Adhyaya: Chapter 41, Verse 9. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, 2015; 199.
- ↑ Dev R.R.K., editor, (1st ed.). Shabdakalpadrum, Kand 1. Delhi: Amar Publications, 2018; 303.
- ↑ Satyapala, editor, (1st ed.). Commentary Vidyotini of Kashyap Samhita, Khila Sthana; Bheshajyopakramaniya Adhyaya: Chapter 3, Verse 27. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, 2015; 366.