Author: Vaidya Preeti Bhosle
HERB HERITAGE: AMLIKA / TAMARIND A spoonful of tamarind can transform an ordinary meal into one bursting with flavour. Whether it is sambhar, rasam, chutneys or traditional summer drinks, the unmistakable sourness of tamarind has become an integral part of cuisine across India. Because of this familiarity, tamarind is often perceived merely as a culinary ingredient. Ayurveda, however, offers a remarkably different perspective. For an Ayurvedic physician, Amlika (Chincha) is not simply a sour fruit but a dravya whose therapeutic role depends on Yukti—the thoughtful application of a medicinal substance according to the patient’s constitution, disease, season, dosage, processing and…
Few plants have travelled a journey as complex as Bhaanga (Cannabis sativa L.). Celebrated in mythology, employed in traditional medicine, restricted by law, investigated by western science and increasingly valued as a sustainable industrial resource, Cannabis occupies a unique place in human history. For many people today, the word Cannabis immediately evokes discussions around recreational use and intoxication. Yet this perspective captures only a fraction of the plant’s identity. Ayurveda, classical Indian literature and emerging scientific research collectively reveal a far broader narrative—one in which Bhaang appears as a carefully regulated medicinal herb, a subject of neurobiological research and a…
HERB HERITAGE: JATAMANSI In an age defined by constant connectivity, the human nervous system is under unprecedented strain. Notifications, prolonged screen exposure, and the cognitive demands of multitasking have created a state where the mind rarely switches off. Sleep is delayed, attention is fragmented and restfulness—once natural—has become elusive. Modern science describes this as chronic sympathetic activation and cognitive overload. Ayurveda, centuries earlier, described a similar state as Vata prakopa affecting the Manovaha srotas, leading to conditions such as Nidranasha (insomnia), Chittodvega (anxiety) and Manas vikara. Within this framework, Nardostachys jatamansi—known as Jatamansi—emerges as an herb of remarkable relevance. Traditionally…
HERB HERITAGE: DARUHARIDRA Modern lifestyles have transformed the landscape of disease. Sedentary routines, processed diets, environmental stress, and chronic metabolic overload have contributed to a steady rise in inflammatory disorders—ranging from metabolic dysfunction and fatty liver disease to acne, gut disturbances, and insulin resistance. Long before the language of “chronic inflammation” emerged, Ayurveda described similar pathological states through concepts such as Pitta dushti, Rakta dushti, Ama accumulation, and impaired Agni. Among the herbs repeatedly employed to address these conditions is Berberis aristata, traditionally known as Daruharidra or Daruhaldi. Though often overshadowed by Haridra (turmeric), Daruharidra occupies a distinct place in…
HERB HERITAGE: GOKSHURA In contemporary wellness discourse, Tribulus terrestris—popularly known as Gokshura—has been widely marketed as a natural enhancer of testosterone and athletic performance. From sports supplements to men’s health formulations, its identity has been narrowly framed around reproductive vitality. Adding to this trend, many nutraceutical brands today incorporate Gokshura either as a standalone extract or as part of multi-herb formulations, often positioned for vitality, endurance, or hormonal balance. While such formulations increase accessibility, they also tend to simplify its classical identity into a single functional claim. However, classical Ayurveda presents a far more nuanced understanding. Gokshura is not merely…
HERB HERITAGE: MANDUKPARNI (CENTELLA ASIATICA) Mandukparni is described among the Medhya Mahakashaya in the Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana 4), where Acharya Charaka lists herbs that promote intellect and mental clarity. The relevant passage reads: Mandukaparni, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi and Shankhapushpi are Medhya in action. The inclusion of Mandukparni in this elite group signals not only its cognitive action but its Rasayana potential. Further references in the Sushruta Samhita describe its utility in wound healing and inflammatory conditions, linking it to tissue repair and skin integrity. WHY ‘MANDUK’ PARNI? The name derives from manduka (frog), referring to the shape of its leaves…
HERB HERITAGE: ASHWAGANDHA In an era marked by chronic psychosocial stress, metabolic dysregulation, declining cognitive resilience, and accelerated biological ageing, the search for interventions that restore systemic balance has intensified. Traditional medical systems, once viewed as largely empirical, are now being revisited through rigorous scientific inquiry. Among the most extensively studied medicinal plants from Ayurveda is Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal)—a classical Rasayana that is increasingly interpreted as an adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory agent in modern biomedical terms. Ashwagandha’s contemporary relevance lies not in replacing conventional therapeutics, but in offering a translational framework—where Ayurvedic principles of tissue nourishment, stress adaptation, and…
HERB HERITAGE: CHANDAN Chandan, the sacred sandalwood of India, is a quintessential example of how Ayurveda integrates spirituality, sensory experience, and pharmacological intelligence. Its cooling touch soothes the heat of inflammation, the fire of anger, and the burden of disease. From ancient yajnas to modern clinical skincare, Chandan continues to serve as a symbol of healing, sanctity, and serenity. In an era seeking natural, holistic solutions, rediscovering Chandan is a return to balance—of body, mind and spirit. The Indian sandalwood tree (Santalum album), revered as Chandan in Ayurveda, holds a deep-rooted significance in the cultural, spiritual, and medicinal heritage of…
Ayurveda, India’s timeless science of life, is experiencing a quiet yet powerful transformation. Once confined to palm-leaf manuscripts and the wisdom of village vaidyas, it is now finding new expression through smartphones, cloud platforms, and artificial intelligence. The digital revolution is not replacing Ayurveda—it is reviving it. As the world shifts from reactive to preventive and holistic healthcare, Ayurveda stands as a ready guide. The COVID-19 pandemic, global lifestyle disorders, and a renewed interest in immune resilience have made people question chemical dependence and rediscover natural healing systems. At the same time, digital technologies are reshaping how healthcare is delivered,…
HERB HERITAGE: CHITRAKA Chitraka, with its rich history in Ayurveda and ancient Indian literature, continues to be a revered herb in the holistic health community. Its numerous therapeutic applications demonstrate its versatile nature and effectiveness as a natural remedy. With its deep roots in ancient Indian medical traditions and growing recognition in modern science, Chitraka remains an essential herb in the quest for balanced health and well-being. As Ayurveda evolves and integrates with modern wellness practices, Chitraka’s enduring legacy in healing continues to inspire and inform holistic health solutions. Chitraka is well-referenced in classical Ayurvedic texts, particularly the Charaka Samhita,…