Plants and Ayurveda

Ayurveda (Devanāgarī: आयुर्वेद, the 'science of life') is a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian Subcontinent and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine.

In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda consists of the words āyus, meaning 'life', and veda, meaning 'related to knowledge' or 'science'.Evolving throughout its history, Ayurveda remains an influential system of medicine in South Asia.

The earliest literature of Ayurveda appeared during the Vedic period in India.

The Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita were influential works on traditional medicine during this era. Ayurvedic practitioners also identified a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for curing various ailments and diseases.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda About Ayurveda Etymologically Ayurveda has two word- Ayu and Veda. Ayu means life and Veda stands for the knowledge. So strictly speaking Ayurveda is knowledge for life. For what this knowledge is? What is the aim of Ayurveda? Talking about both Paramount Scholars of Ayurveda- Charka and Sushruta has told that- Aim of Ayurveda is to prevent the diseases in a healthy person and to cure the diseased one. They have given these following definitions of Ayurveda- Ayurveda is a science of life. It tells what is good and what is not for the healthy life. A science dealing with the details about the life, its endurance and eminence is Ayurveda. An eternal knowledge, aimed to cure the diseases of all creatures is Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a science which tells us how to use foods, herbs and other natural resources for maintenance of health. All natural things and their effect on body is where discussed that science is known as Ayurveda. Where all ailments of body, psyche and consciousness are cured and made healthy is Ayurveda. From these definitions it is clear that Ayurveda is a complete knowledge about life, how to live life in a healthy way and to achieve harmony with the nature. Eight limbs of Ayurveda Ayurveda is a science which was offered to students by the teachers in a chain. This knowledge was totally classified and systemized so that pupils can retain it and understand in a better way. These eight parts are known as ASHTANG AYURVEDA- Kaya Chikitsa - Healing and detoxifying measures are discussed under this part of Ayurveda. Shalya Chikitsa- dealing with extraction of foreign bodies Shalakya Chikitsa- Dealing with disease of supra-clavicular region- ENT. & Ophthalmology Agad-tantra. dealing with alleviation of poison, artificial poison and toxic symptoms due to in take of antagonistic substance Kaumar Bhritya- Deals with the pregnant ladies and babies Bhoot Vidya- dealing with spirit or organisms- Psychiatry Medicine Rasayana- dealing with promotional measures – Rejuvenates Bajikarna- dealing with aphrodisiacs In these eight parts, Rasayana and Bajikarana are meant to promote health and to prevent the diseases. Rests are aimed to cure different diseases of different parts. He, who has completed, Knowledge of all these eight limbs in detail, Is the real Vaidya “A Physician”!! (Charka Samhita, Sutra Stahana)

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