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SOME MEDICINAL HERBS USED
IN THE VEDIC AGE
B.K. Mishra
Ayurveda is regarded as one of the four Upavedas connected with Atharvaveda. It is also mentioned as 'Veda'. There were eight specialised branches of Ayurveda and one had to master all of them for having a place among the proficient vaidyas. In this article I would like to describe some of the important medicinal herbs used in the vedic age.
The importance of medicinal herbs can be seen from the fact that a separate Sukta has been dedicated to its praise. It has been stated that the herbs sprang up three ages earlier than the Gods.1 The word ausadhi has been used several times into Rgveda and the Atharvaveda. As mothers has a prominent role in the nourshing of their child, similarly the herbs also act as the life saving drugs.
Herbs are the embodiment of nourishment and strength, which regenerate the human mind and body-Herbs are described as relievers and restorers. Yaska has defined them as one possessing the capacity to generate energy in the body and one which removes deseases from the body, The herbs have been dividend into fruitful and fruitless, those that blossom and blossomless.
Ajasrngl-- Ajasrngi is botanically known as odina pinnata and gynandropsis pentaphylla D.C. This plant was first mentioned in the Atharvaveda.• It was termed as a demon destroyer. It cures cough, thirst, dysentery, consumption and vomiting. Its pungent smell, when burnt drives away mosquitoos. It is found in the holter parts of India from extreme North-West along the foot of the Himalaya, ascending to 4000 ft.
Aparajita Botanically known as clitoria ternatea, was a herbal plant having blue flowers. Its literal meaning is unconquered. Its root is used as a diuretic and emulcent and the seeds are given to the children in colic.
Arka-Arka is a kind of shrab found in the drier parts of India. Its flowers and fruits were used in certain sacrifices. The flowers are
Tulsr-Prajõu, Ladaun : Vol. 23 No. 3
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