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Chapter-52 Ayurvedo-Herbal Medicines—The Need of the Time

BOOK TITLE: Herbal Drugs: A Twenty First Century Perspective

Author
1. Singh N Heramani
ISBN
9788180618505
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10352_52
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2006
Pages
13
Author Affiliations
1. Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal
Chapter keywords
Ayurveda, Excels ethno-medicines, Herbal medicines, Herbs, Chronic diseases, Ayurvedo-herbal medicines

Abstract

This is an article for introducing the basics of Vedic/Ayurvedic concepts along with understanding of holistic medicines. Most of the modern doctors of medicines and research scientists talk about the therapeutic concepts only. In the light of modern medical attitudes, Vaidyas claim hi-fi system of Ayurveda and usually practice allopathic medicines. To make scientists and doctors of modern medicines aware a simplified review of the knowledge of Ayurveda, its association with research and development of herbal medicines is described which will benefit scientists of Armed forces as well as those who are interested in the knowledge of ancient system of medicines.Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit words Ayush “Life” and Veda “Wisdom” or “Sciences”. Ayurveda is considered the mother of medicines and has spread throughout the world in many forms. It has six philosophical systems (Darshanas). Disease, decay and death have always co-existed with life, and the herbs are the natural source available to man for his health care and disease since the dawn of civilization. Rigveda is the oldest book in the library of man (5000 BC). Ayurveda is the greatest source of ethnic medical knowledge in the present day scenario of man’s health and disease, needs fast rejuvenation. We have described Veda and Ayurveda together as Ayurveda is considered as the “Upaveda” of Veda. Man-cum- environment was the best way of life. During the recent past, man has changed his style of living with fast developments for his comforts. However, these have proved to be deleterious for human health because of high pollution through chemical poisons of different kinds creating hazards for health. To save ourselves from the hazards, we need Ayurvedic herbs through organic farming and from the wild (toxic chemical-free). After four decades of experimental and clinical studies we have studied 50 plants with scientific tools and we present some example of their pharmoclinical activity and usefulness in man. These plants are Tulsi (antistress/adaptogen), Ashwagandha (nervine tonic), Sahijan (hypotensive + nutritional support) and the formulations Liver-kidney care viz., combination of hepatorenal protective, a herbs (Katuki, Punarnava, Bhumyamalaki), Heart care, a combination of cardioprotective herbs (Arjun, Jatamansi, Sahijan, Reetha) Sugar Balance (Bimbi, Bougainvellia, Sadabahar) an antidiabetic with insulin receptor sensitizing properties. We recommend herbal medicines in all stress-related diseases, chronic diseases and diseases not amenable to modern therapy. Thus, Ayurvedo-herbal medicines are the need of the time.

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