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VIDHI VIMARSHA_ YAJJA PURUSHIYA ADHYAYA

Wholesome and unwholesome factors for holistic human being

Diet and lifestyle habits can favorably or adversely impact the development of holistic human being (purusha). Therefore, wholesome dietary and lifestyle factors are described in this chapter. A list of unwholesome dietary factors that can play role in etiopathogenesis of a disease is also given. Both are equally important in providing healthcare to an individual.

Classification of dietary articles and its utility

The best and worst food items in categories of cereals, pulses, milk, meat classes, oils, vegetables etc. are described based upon their beneficial and harmful effects on human biology. The beneficial food items can be used judiciously for health preservation and prevention of diseases.

Agraysangraha: A ready to use index in healthcare

Agryasamgraha is an index of all items that are beneficial in healthcare management. It includes a description of actions of various food preparations (aharavikara), medicines (aushadha), and associated factors (anubandhini). It is imperative to note that when more than one action (karma) is attributed to one factor, it is describing the collective action and not each action separately. The pharmacological activitiy profiles of dietary, medicinal and lifestyle factors can be easily referred from the list. Vagbhata focuses on specific dravya and its action in a particular disease.[A.Hr. Uttara Tantra 40] [1]

Superiority attributed in the list is relative to other materials (dravya) having similar actions. Some examples are given below. The following table extends description of articles listed in agryasamgraha [Gangadhara on Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40], their clinical utility referred in pathology and management of diseases and current evidences to support their activities.

Agrya Indication Other dravya having similar action Examples of practical usage (preferably from Charakasamhita itself) Research references
1. Food (anna) Sustenance of life (vrittikara) -- Even in the context of langhana, light food (laghu asana) is advised for patient for sustenance of life, if the strength of the patient is too low.[Cha.Sa. Nidana Sthana 1/36], [A. Hr. Chikitsa Sthana 1/2] [1] Citation needed
2.Water (udaka) Acts as soothing and refreshing agent (ashwaskara) Assurance therapy, soothing words, monetary support, etc. Washing face with cold water after any exertion like walking, purificatory procedures (shodhana) like vamana etc., surgical procedures.[Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/17] [2] Citation needed
3.Wine (sura) Dispelling fatigue/wine among acopics (shramahara) Rest in comfortable position and suitable accommodation, Citation needed Citation needed
4.Milk (ksheera) Invigorating/vitilizers (jivaniya) Cold air, water, herbal tonics, Crepidium acuminatum (jivaka), Malaxis muscifera (rishabhaka) like herbs Milk is advised for patients debilitated with fever as vitilizer [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/169] Milk and dairy products [3]
5.Meat (mamsa) Nourishing (brimhana) Sweet substances, black gram (masha) Various meat preparations are advised for patients of debilitating disorders (rajayakshma) where there is severe depletion of strength and loss of muscles.[Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/149] Role of poultry meat in a balanced diet [4]
6.Meat soup (mamsa rasa) Refreshing/Demulcents (tarpana) Curd, substances with sour taste, Piper retrofractum (kola), Ziziphus jujube (badara) etc. Meat soup preparations in debilitating disorders (rajayakshma), fever (jwara) etc [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/149] Citation needed
7.Salt (lavana) Appetizer (ruchikaraka) for taste Black pepper (maricha), Ginger (ardraka), substances with a sour taste Salt is a major ingredient in various medicines for anorexia (arocaka). [A.Hr.Chikitsa Sthana 1/71-72] [1] --
8.Sour things (amla rasa) Tasty medication for the heart (hridya) Foods which are pleasing to the mind such as milk, curd, sugar, and other five tastes Formulations for virechana are made hridya using sour fruits like Punica granatum (dadima).?? Citation needed
9.Meat of chicken (kukkutamamsa) Strength promoting (balya) Ghee, milk Meat of chicken is mentioned in various aphrodiasic medicines, in patients debilitated by fever (jwara) and in injuries to various vital points. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/44] (Vrishyakukkutamamsaprayoga) Citation needed
10.Semen of crocodile (nakraretasa) Has aphrodisiac action/virility enhancers (vrishya) Milk, ghee Used in various aphrodisiac preparations.[Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/44] (Vrishyakukkutamamsaprayoga) Citation needed
11.Honey (madhu) Alleviates [[kapha] and pitta (shlesma pitta prashamana) Barley, wheat Citation needed Citation needed
12.Ghee (ghrita) Alleviates vata and pitta (vata pitta prashamana) Milk Citation needed Citation needed
13. Sesame oil (tila taila) Alleviates vata and kapha (vata shleshmana prashamana) Ripe tamarind (pakva tintidika) Citation needed Citation needed
14. Emesis (vamana) Eliminates kapha (shlesmahara) Fasting (upavasa) Citation needed Citation needed
15.Purgation (virechana) Eliminates pitta (pittahara) Drinks and foods which reduce pitta Citation needed Citation needed
16.Enema (basti) Eliminates vata (vatahara) Unction therapy (snehana karma) Citation needed Citation needed
17.Fomentation/sudation (swedana) Brings smoothness and soften the body tissues (mardavakara) Massage (mardana karma) swedana is used to bring softness to affected skin in skin diseases (kushtha) and in ulcers (vrana). [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/50] Role of sweating in human health [5]
18.Exercise (vyayama) Brings firmness of body and stability (sthairyakara) Other drinks and foods which brings about firmness/stability (sthairyakara) It is emphatically advised in diabetes (premeha) to bring back the firmness in the body. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/50] Benefits of physical exercise[6]
19.Alkalies (kshara) Causing impotency/impair manhood (punsatvopaghata) Chikpea (Chanaka) Alkalies are mentioned as a causative factor for vitiation of reproductive system (sukravaha srotas). [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 5/19] Citation needed
20. Diospyros Peregrina Gurke (Tinduka) Provides deliciousness to non-dietetic food articles. The false mangosteen among appetizers (annadravyaruchikara) Jamun (Jambu) Citation needed Citation needed
21.Unripe Feronia Limonia Swingle (kapittha) or unripe wood apple Causes harmful effect on the throat (akanthyanam) Substances of astringent (kashaya) taste like the fruit of Mimusops elengi (bakula) Citation needed Citation needed
22.Ghee of sheep milk (avikasarpi) Produces bad effect on heart/Non-cordials (ahridryakara) Ghee of milk of camel Citation needed Citation needed
23.Goat milk (ajaksheera) Produces wholesome and galactagogue effect, and cures consumption, and bleeding disorders (raktapitta) -- Goat milk is used in bleeding disorders (raktapitta) where vata dosha is predominant. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/83] Goat milk is advised for various purposes in the treatment of consumption. [Su.Sa.Uttara Sthana 42/56] [2] Advances in dairy goat products [7]
26.Immature (incompletely formed) curd (mandakdadhi) Obstructs channels of circulation/viscidifying agents (abhishyandakara) -- Immature curd is mentioned as a major causative factor for diseases like edema (shotha) and diabetes (prameha), erysipelas (visarpa) where obstruction of channels (abhisyandana) is a major pathogenesis. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/6], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/5], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/18] Citation needed
27. Food Prepared of boiled Tritium aestivum Linn. (Job’s tears/gavedhuka) Emaciating/depleters (karshaniya) -- Gruel recipe advised for emaciation is prepared out of food prepared of boiled Tritium aestivum (gavedhukaannam). [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/25] Properties of Wheat grass [8]
28.Food prepared of boiled Paspalum scrobiculatum (uddalaka) Drying/reduces unctuous element in body (virukshaniya) -- Paspalum scrobiculatum (uddalaka) is mentioned where drying ([rukshana]]) is intended as a treatment, for example in treatment of Diabetes (prameha), skin diseases (kushtha) etc.[Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/6], [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/5] [2] It is also mentioned in the treatment of complications of intake of unctuous materials (snehapana). [A.S.Sutra Sthana 25/39] [9] Citation needed
29.Sugarcane (ikshu) Produces diuresis / increases the quantity of urine (mutrajanana) -- Sugarcane (ikshu) is described twice in treatment of dysuria caused by pitta. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/49] , [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/50] Health aspects of sugarcane [10]
30.Barley (yava) Increases fecal bulk (purishajanana) -- Barley is used in the treatment of depletion of faeces. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 6/11] Effect of barley on bowel movements[11] Effect of whole-grain barley on the human fecal microbiota.[12]
37. Cassia fistula Linn (aragvadha) Causes mild purgation (mriduvirechana) -- Cassia fistula (aragvadha) used in various formulations for jaundice (kamala), where mild purgation is advised.[A.Hr.Chikitsa Sthana 16/41] [1] Health benefits of Cassia fistula[13]
38.Milk of Euphorbia nerifolia Linn.(snuhi/thorny milk hedge plant) Causes strong purgation (tikshnavirechana) -- -- Health benefits of Euphorbia[14]
39. Achyranthes aspera Linn. /Rough chaff (apamarga) Eliminate doshas from head/these are errhines (shirovirechana) -- It is the first drug mentioned for nasal instillation (nasya) [[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/3] Effect of Achyranthes aspera on inflammation[15]
40. Embelia ribes (vidanga) Kills parasites/among all anthelmintics (krimighna) -- Embelia ribes (vidanga) is described numerous times in Vyadhita Rupiya Vimana in the management of parasites/micro organisams (krimi) eg. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/17], [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/19],[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/21], [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/22], [Cha. Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/23-24], [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/25], [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/26] etc. Anthelmintic Herbs[16]
41. Albizzia lebbeck (shirisha) Produces antitoxic effects/among all antidotes (vishaghna) -- Formulations like Shirishadi nasya and anjana, Panchashirisha agada, Gandhahasti agada, Mahagandhahasti agada, Amrita ghrita and numerous other descriptions in Visha Chikitsa [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/51-52], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/53], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/99], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/201-202], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/204], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/212-214] Anti-inflammatory activity of Albizzia lebbeck[17]
42. Acacia catechu (khadira) Cures obstinate skin disease including leprosy/dermic remedies (kushtaghna) -- Formulations like Mahakhadiramghritam, Madhvasava, Kanakabinduarishta, and numerous other descriptions in Kushtha Chikitsa [[Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/96-97], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/100-101], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/119], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/129], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/158], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/159], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/166] Anti-bacterial activities of Acacia catechu[18]
43. Pluchea lanceolata Oliver and Hiern (rasna) vata alleviating (vatahara) -- Formulations like Rasnaditaila, Balataila, Amritadyataila, Vrishamuladitaila, Mulakataila, Jivaniyaghrita, and other descriptions in Vatavyadhi Chikitsa as well as Vatarakta Chikitsa chapters [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/122], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/136-137], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/81] Potential of Pluchea lanceolata [19]
44. Emblica offiinalis Gaern or Emblic Myrobalan (amalaka) Anti–ageing / causes rejuventation (vayasthapana) -- Numerous rasayana in Rasayana Chikitsa, Abhayamalakiya Rasayana Pada such as Amalaka Rasayana, Amalaki ghee, Amalaka avaleha, Amalaka powder, Amalakayasa Brahma Rasayana, Kevala Amalaka Rasayanam etc. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana.1/1] Nutraceutical effects of Emblica officinalis [20]
45. Terminalia Chebula (haritaki) or Chebulic Myrobalan Produces wholesome effect (pathya) -- Terminalia Chebula (haritaki) is mentioned as the first rejuvenating drug (rasayana dravya) mentioned in the context of rasayana. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana1/1] The development of Terminalia chebula in clinical research[21]
46.Root of Ricinus communis Linn (eranda) or castor oil Increases virility and alleviating vata (vrishyavatahara) -- Formulations like Amritadyataila. Antimicrobial potential of Ricinus communis [22]
47.Root of Piper longum Linn or long pepper (pippali) Digestive stimulant, carminative, relieves abdominal distension (Deepaniyapachaniyaanahprasamana) -- -- Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of Piper [23]
48.Root of Plumbago zeylanica (chitraka) or white flowered lead wort Promotes digestion, carmination, inflammation in anal region, curing of piles, subside colic pain [Deepaniyapachaniyagudashothaarshashulaharanam] -- Formulations like takrarishta, pippalyadighrita, chavyadighrita, nagaradighrita used in the treatment of piles (arshachikitsa). [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana14] Citation needed
49. Inula racemosa (pushkaramula) or orris root Curetive of hiccups, dyspnea, pleurodynea, cough (hikka shwasa kasa parshvashulahara) -- Formulations like hinguadiyavagu, dashamuladiyavagu, pushkaradiyavagu, shatyadichurna used in treatment of hiccups and dyspnea (hikka shwasa chikitsa) and forumlations like Duralabhadighrita, Jivantyadighrita and churna mentioned in Rajayakshma Chikitsa [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/101-102] [24]
50. Cyperus rotundus Linn. (musta) or Nut grass Has astringent effect, promotes digestion & carmination (Sangrahikadeepaniyapachaniya) -- Digestive formulations (pachana yoga) in ama grahani [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/98-99] and other formulations like Chandanadyaghrita, Nagaradyachurna, Bhunimbadyachurna, Moolasava, Panchamakshara etc. described in Grahani Chikitsa, pramathya in diarrhea (atisara) [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/20-22], Shadangapaniya [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/50],[Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana19/52] etc. [25]
51. Pavonia odorata Willd. (udichya) or fragrant Sticky mallow Produces cooling effect (refrigerant), promoting digestion and carmination curing vomiting and diarrhea (Nirvapanadipaniyapachaniyachhardiatisarahara) -- Pramathya in diarrhea (atisara) [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/20-22] Properties of Pavonia odorata [26]
52. Oroxylum indicun Vent. or free of heaven (shyonaka or katvanga) Has astringent effect and digestive stimulant, (Sangrahikapachaniyadipaniyanam) -- Citation needed [27]
53. Hemidesmus indicus R.B. or Indian sarsaparilla (ananta) Has astringent effect, curing bleeding disorders (sangrahikaraktapittaprashama) -- Bhadrashriyadigana used in Raktapitta Chikitsa and other references like [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/76], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/82], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/101] Citation needed
54. Tinospora Cordifolia miers (guduchi/amrita) Acts as astringent, curative of vata, promotes digestion, curative of vitiation of kapha and blood (sangrahikavataharadipaniyashleshmashonitavibandhaprashamana). Formulations like Amrutaditailam and various other references in Vatarakta Chikitsa such as [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/71], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/121] etc.
55. Aegle Marmelos Corr or bael (bilva) Has astringent effect, promote digestion, alleviating vata and kapha (sangrahikadipaniyavatakaphaprashamana) -- Citation needed Therapeutic potential of Aegle marmelos[28]
56. Aconitum Heterophylum wall or atips (ativisha) Has astringent effect, promotes digestion, carmination and alleviates all the doshas or curative of all the disorders. (dipaniyapachaniyasangrahikasarvadoshaharanam) Gruel for diarrhoea [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/22] and numerous other references in Grahani Chikitsa and Atisara chikitsa and use as medicine for children due to its effect to reduce all dosha (sarvadoshaharatva) in formulations like balachaturbhadrachurna [29]
57.Pollens of Nymphaca alba Linn. (utpala), kumuda (a variety of utpala) and Nelumbo nucifera gaertn. (padma) or pollen of blue and white water lilies Astringent effect, alleviating bleeding disorders (sangrahikaraktapittaprashamana). -- Used in Raktapitta Chikitsa [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/44], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana. 4/67] [30]
58. Fagonia cretica Linn. (duralabha) or cretsn prickly clover Curative of pitta and kapha (pitta shleshmaprashamana) Drulalabhasava [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/152-155] is indicated in bleeding disorders (raktapitta) and other disorders caused due to kapha. Medicinal significance of Fagonia cretica [31]
59. Callicarpa macrophylla Vahi. or the perfumed cherry (priyangu) Alleviates the plethoric condition of blood and pitta (shonitapittatiyogaprashamana) -- Callicarpa macrophylla (priyangu) is indicated as diet in treatment of bleeding disorders (Raktapitta Chikitsa) [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/36] as well as a medicine in bleeding disorders (raktapitta) [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/66], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/70], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/73], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/81], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/94] etc. It is included in Bhadrashriyadigana [32]
60.Bark of Holarrhena antidyscenterica wall. or kurchi bark (kutaja) Is an astringent and dessicant of kapha, pitta, and the blood (shlesma pitta raktasangrahikopsosananam). -- Formulations like Kutajadirasakriya [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/188-190], picchabasti, etc. Dalhana, commenting on [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana.6/13] states that Kutajaphanita is indicated in bleeding piles associated with blood and pitta (kaphapittanubandharaktajaarshas) [33]
61.Fruit of Gmelina arboria (kashmari) or fruit of white teak Causes haemostasis and cures bleeding disorders (raktapitta) (raktasangrahikaraktapittaprashamana) Gmelina arboria (kashmari) is indicated as diet in treatment of bleeding disorders [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/39] Citation needed
62. Uraria picta Desv. (prishniparni) or painted leaved uraria Has astringent effect, alleviates vata, promotes digestion and is aphrodisiac (sangrahikavataharadipaniyavrishyanam) Citation needed [34]
63. Desmodium gangetium D.C. or tick trefoil (shalaparni / vidarigandha) Aphrodisiac and alleviates all doshas. (Vrishyasarvadoshaharanam) -- Citation needed [35]
64. Sida Cordifolia Linn. or the heart leaved sida (bala) Has astringent effect, promotes strength and curative of vata (sangrahikopshoshananam). -- Formulations like Balatailam, Amritaditailam etc. [36]
65. Tribulus terrestris Linn. or the small calatrops (gokshura) Cures dysuria & vata (mutrakrichchraanilahara) Formulations like Sthiradighrita [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/23] and use in dysuria caused by vata (vatikamutrakrichra) [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/46] [37]
66.Extract of Ferula narthex Boiss or asafoetida (hingu) Causes excision or splits up the morbid humours, digestive stimulant, corrective of peristalsis or downword movement of vata. Alleviates vata and kapha (chedaniyadipaniyaanulomikavatakaphaprashamananam) -- Formulations like Hingvadichurna and gutika [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/79-84], Hingusauvarchaladyaghrita [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/69-70] etc described in treatment of abdomimal lumbs (Gulma Chikitsa) medicinal properties of Asafoetida[38]
67. Rheum emodi wall. (amlavetasa) Causes purgation (laxatives), digestive stimulant, corrective of peristalsis and curative of vata and kapha (bhedaniyadipaniyaanulomikavatashleshmanharanam). -- Formulations like Hingvadichurna and gutika [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/79-84], Shatyadichurna and gutika [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/86-90] and references like [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana5/162], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/166] etc described in treatment of abdomimal lumbs (Gulma Chikitsa) therapeutic uses of Rheum emodi wall. [39]
68. Barley ash (yavasukah) Has laxative effect causing carmination, relieves piles, (stramsanapachanaarshoghna) -- Ingredient of Dashamooladyaghrita [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/82-86], Ksharaghrta [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/171-172] described in Grahani Chikitsa Citation needed
69.Habitual use of buttermilk (takrabhyasa) Curetive effect on gastrointestinal disorders (grahani), oedema, piles, and complication due to improper administration of oleation therapy (grahanidoshashophaarshoghritvyapatprasaman) Formulations like Takraishta [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/120-121], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/72-75], Panchamooladyaghrita and choorna [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/88-93], and references like [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/115-119], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana14/76-88] and [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 13/70-78] Properties of buttermilk [40]
70.Habitual use of meat soup of carnivorous animal (kravyadmamsarasaabhyas) Relieves gastrointestinal disorders (grahani), treatment of assimilation disorders, consumption and piles (grahanidoshashoshaarshoghnanam) References like [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/209-210], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/149-155] etc. Citation needed
71.Habitual use of milk & ghee (kshiraghritabhyasa) has rejuvenation properties (vitilizer) (rasayananam) Milk and ghee are advised to delay aging which indicates its rejuvenative effect. [A.Hr.Uttara Sthana 40/54] [1] Citation needed
73.Habitual gargling with sesame (tila) oil (tailagandushaabhyasa) Promotes taste of food and strength of teeth. (dantabalaruchikaranam) It is advised in various disease conditions like sensitivity of teeth (data harsha), loose teeth (cala danta) where strength of the teeth are to be restored.[A.S.Sutra Sthana 31/4] Citation needed
74.Application of sandlewood paste Removes foul odour and removes burning sensation of body (durgandhahardahanirvapanlepananam) Shirishadipradeha [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/29], [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 6/31] [41]
75.Application of Pluchea lenciolata Oliver and Hiern. (rasna) or Indian groundsel and Aquilaria agalocha Roxb. (aguru) in ointment form or eagle wood Application of these dispel coldness of body (shitapanayanpralepananam). -- [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 6/16] Citation needed
76. Geranium grass (Cymbopogon JivarancusaSchult) (lamajjaka) and Vetiveria Zizanioides Nash. (ushira) or cus-cus Cures burning sensation skin deseases and sweating (dahatvagadoshaswedapanayan). Shirishadipradeha [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/29] therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus[42]
77.Massage and poultice of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke (kushtha) Alleviates vata (vatahara) and useful in unctions and poultices (vataharaabhyangopanahopayoginan) Citation needed Citation needed
78. Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. or liquorice (madhuka) Beneficial for eye, virility, hair, throat, complexion and promote pigmentation and healing (cakshushyavrishyakeshyakanthyavarnyaviranjaniya) Citation needed [43]
79.Fresh air (vayu) Restores animation and consciousness (or gives life) (pranasajnapradanahetunam) -- In a patient of coma (sanyasa), blowing , needling which helps to stimulate vayu is done to bring back the counsciousness.[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 24/46/47] Citation needed
80.Heat (agni) Curative of indigestion (ama disorder), stiffness, chill, colic pain and shivering (ama stambhashitashulodvepanaprashamana) Fomentation using sand (valukasveda) used in Rhematoid disorders (amavata) to alleviate stiffness, chill, pain etc. [Cakra dutta, AmavataChikitsa] [44] Citation needed
81.Water (jala) Produces astringent effect (stambhaniyanam) Intra nasal drug administration (nasya) of plain water is advised in bleeding disorders (raktapitta) so as to arrest bleeding. [A.S.Sutra Sthana.29/8] [9] Citation needed
82.Water with a hot clod of earth plunged therein (mrudbhrushtaloshtranirvapitudaka) Alleviates acute attack of thirst and vomiting (trishnachhardiatiyogaprashaman) Water with a hot clod of earth plunged therein is advised in vomiting due to pitta (pittajachardi) [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/30] and in attack of thirst due to pitta (pittajatrishna) [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 22/45] Citation needed

Classification of Agrya Dravya

The 152 entities can be better understood by categorizing them into these 6 sets.

  1. Wholesome substances for both healthy and patients (swasthaturahita drayva).Eg: Food, Water, Milk, Meat, etc.
  2. Wholesome actions for both healthy and patients (swasthaturahita karma).Eg: Emesis, Purgation, Enema, etc.
  3. Unwholesome substances (swasthaturaahita dravya)Eg: Diospyros malabarica (tinduka), Limonia acidissima (kapittha), Ghee of sheep milk etc.
  4. Food articles that are wholesome for patients (aturahita anna).Eg: Milk of goat, Milk of Buffalo, Sugarcane juice, etc.
  5. Medicines that are wholesome for patients (aturahita aushadha).Eg: Randia dumetorum (madanaphala), Embelia ribes (vidanga), Pluchea lanceolata (rasna) etc.
  6. A group of actions which are either wholesome or unwholesome (hita/ ahita karma)Eg: Suppression of natural urges (vega sandharanam), timely intake of food (kalabhojanam) etc.

Pathyam (wholesomeness)

Pathyam is another term for wholesomeness (hitam). The definition of pathya encompasses both body and mind (good for the body and pleasing for the mind). The wholesomeness of a substance/activity is in terms of the final effect that it brings about in the body and not in its immediate or local effect. For example, the use of bitter medicines is not pleasing for the mind when advised in fever (jvara), but when it cures the fever (jvara), the final result becomes pleasing for the mind. Thus, while advising pathya, it is necessary to counsel the patient to ensure patient compliance. In healthy, the wholesomeness can definitely be attributed to certain articles, but in patients, the wholesomeness of a particular substance is to be evaluated against various factors like the state of the disease, season, the quantity, etc. For example, though water in moderate quantity is pathya in healthy, it is forbidden in diseases like anemia (pandu), ascites (udara), piles (arsha) etc.Citation needed

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