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<p style="text-align:justify;">The basis of nomenclature of plants in ayurveda is a systematic and holistic approach rooted in the Sanskrit language, which allows for precise and descriptive naming. The nomenclature of plants in ayurveda serves several essential purposes, including identification, classification, and understanding of the therapeutic properties of herbs and plants.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The basis of nomenclature of plants in ayurveda is a systematic and holistic approach rooted in the Sanskrit language, which allows for precise and descriptive naming. The nomenclature of plants in ayurveda serves several essential purposes, including identification, classification, and understanding of the therapeutic properties of herbs and plants.</p>
# '''Sanskrit language''':
Sanskrit is the primary language used for naming plants in ayurveda. This classical language is chosen for its rich vocabulary, precision, and the ability to convey the qualities and actions of plants effectively. Sanskrit names are typically composed of various syllables that describe the plant's attributes and uses.
# '''Descriptive naming''':
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 accurately and understand their therapeutic potential. For example:
· '''Ashwagandha''' (''Withania somnifera''): "Ashwa" means horse, and "Gandha" means smell, indicating that this herb has a horse-like odor when its roots are freshly dug.
· '''Amalaki''' (''Emblica officinalis''): "Amala" means sour, signifying the sour taste of this fruit.
# '''Qualities and actions''':
The qualities (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:
· '''Trikatu''': "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.
'''4. Taste (rasa), potency (virya), and post-digestive effect (vipaka)''':
Ayurvedic plant nomenclature considers the taste, potency, and post-digestive effect of herbs. These attributes help in understanding how herbs interact with the body and mind. For example:
· '''Guduchi''' (''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).
# '''Doshika considerations''':
Ayurveda categorizes herbs based on their influence on the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and 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) due to its potent ''vata'' pacifying actions.
# '''Historical and cultural references''':
Some plant names in 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 is termed as Vaidehi due to its abundant occurrence in Videha region.
# '''Common and regional names''':
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.[i] For instance, Neem (in English) is termed as Nimba in Ayurveda texts while mentioned as Kadunimba in Marathi regional language
----[i] Patil DA, Vernacular plant names: Their origin and utility in Dhule district (Maharastra), Ethnobotany, 10 (1-2), 130-132
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