Ancient Wisdom.
Modern Understanding.

Abhrak (Mica / अभ्रक)

Mica (complex aluminium silicate)

Abhrak (Mica) is one of the most important minerals in Rasa Shastra. Four types are described based on color: Shveta (white), Rakta (red), Peeta (yellow), and Krishna (black). Krishna Abhrak is considered the best. Abhrak Bhasma is prepared through extensive Puta processes (up to 1000 Putas for Sahasraputi Abhrak Bhasma). It is a supreme Rasayana used in tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, chronic fevers, diabetes, anemia, and general debility. Higher quality Bhasma (more Putas) is more effective and safer. It is considered the 'Amrita' among minerals. Verses: 94-100.

Acacia / Shatala (सातला / शातला)

Acacia concinna DC.

Shatala (Acacia concinna) is mentioned in the text as Shikakai, widely used for hair care. The pods contain natural saponins that serve as a gentle hair cleanser. It is also used as a mild purgative and blood purifier. The pod decoction is used for skin diseases.

Agarwood (Agaru / अगर)

Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.

Agarwood is Krimija, the resinous heartwood born of fungal infection. Hot, bitter, and pungent, it calms Vata-Kapha, eases Hridroga, asthma, and stubborn skin disease.

Agastya Flowers (Agasti Pushpa / अगस्ति पुष्प)

Sesbania grandiflora Linn.

The flowers of Agastya (Sesbania grandiflora) are large, white or red, and edible. They are used as a vegetable, especially in South Indian cuisine. The flower juice is used for nasal polyps and sinusitis as nasal drops. The flowers have anti-inflammatory properties. They are cooling and useful in Pitta disorders.

Agnimantha / Arani (अग्निमन्थ / अरणी)

Premna integrifolia Linn.

Agnimantha (Premna integrifolia), also known as Arani, is one of the Dashamula (Laghu Panchamula -- five small root drugs) group plants. The name 'Agnimantha' literally means 'fire churner', indicating its strong digestive fire-kindling properties. It is a large shrub or small tree found across India. The root bark is the main medicinal part. It is highly valued for its Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestive) properties. Two species are described: Premna integrifolia (larger variety) and Premna latifolia Roxb. The plant is an important constituent of Dashamula formulations.

Ailanthus / Maharuksha (महारुख / ऐलैन्थस)

Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.

Maharuksha (Ailanthus excelsa) is described as a large tree reaching 60 feet in height with compound leaves of 8-12 paired leaflets. It is found throughout India in hilly regions and plains. The bark is the primary medicinal part. The text describes it as a variety often confused with Mahaneem due to similar appearance. It has cooling and antipyretic properties and is used in fevers and parasitic conditions.

Ajwain (Carom Seeds / यवानी)

Trachyspermum ammi syn. Trachyapermum copticum, Carum copticum/roxburghianum/ajowan, Ptychotis ajowan

Deliciously aromatic, ajwain is a wonderful remedy for sluggish digestion and coughs. A truly warming seed.

Alexandrian Laurel (Nagakesara Khala Variety / नागकेसर)

Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. & Hook. f.; Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.

Khala Nagakesara is described as a variety of Nagakesara obtained from Ochrocarpus longifolius or Calophyllum inophyllum. It is used as a substitute for true Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea). The flowers and oil are used for wound healing and skin diseases. The oil (Calophyllum oil) has significant wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

AIDS (HIV Infection)

Full-blown ojo-kshaya beginning with high tejas and pitta, manifesting as repeated flu, fever, and lung infections before progressing to immune collapse.

Abdominal Colic (Shula)

Vit-Shula is colic, dry foods deranging Vata and snuffing Agni until pain seizes the lower belly. Hingvashtaka with ghee, warm castor oil, and Haritaki release it.

Abdominal Tumors (Gulma)

Gulma is a palpable abdominal mass: Vata, Pitta, Kapha, or post-partum blood. Hingvashtak churna, castor oil, and Punarnava decoctions dissolve it.

Acid Reflux (Amlapitta)

Acid reflux is Amlapitta, sharp Pitta scorching the stomach lining. Avipattikar churna cools the burn, Shatavari milk soothes, Amla at dawn rebuilds Agni without heat.

Acne (Yauvana Pidaka)

Acne is Yauvana Pidaka, Pitta surfacing through Rakta and Bhrajaka in the skin. Manjistha and Neem cool the blood, Triphala clears the gut, Kumari gel calms flares.

Acute Fever (Nava Jwara)

New or acute onset fever

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage)

Ayurvedic oil massage that serves as one pathway to communicate with pithara agni at the cellular level.

Basti (Medicated Enema)

Medicated enema; one of the five panchakarma procedures, primarily used to eliminate excess vata via the colon.

Nasya (Nasal Therapy)

Panchakarma (Five Purification Therapies)

Ayurvedic cleansing therapies including snehana (oil massage), svedana (sweating), and basti that stimulate pilu and pithara agni to burn cellular ama.

Raktamokshana (Bloodletting)

Shirodhara (Oil Pouring Therapy)