Abstract

APPLICATION OF MEDHYA RASAYANA IN ASHTANGA AYURVEDA: A REVIEW

Dr. Vishesh Duggal*, Dr. Omprakash Sharma and Dr. Naresh Garg

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Abstract

Medhya rasayana are those drugs which improve comprehension. Medhya rasayana mentioned in Charaka Samhitha are Mandukaparni Swarasa (freshly extracted juice of Centella asiatica leaves), Yashtimadhu choorna with Ksheera (Powder of Glycirrhiza glabra root) with milk, Guduchi Swarasa (freshly extracted juice of Tinospora cordifolia leaves), Shankhapushpi Kalka (Paste of Convolvulus pleuricaulis panchanga). Other drugs in practice for Medhya benefit are: Brahmi (Bacopa monniera), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamamsi), Jyothishmati (Celastrus panniculata), Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida), Vacha (Acorus calamus). Some poly herbal preparations promoting Medha are Kalyanaka Ghritha, Panchagavya Ghritha, Mahapaishachaka Ghritha, and Saraswatharishta. These drugs have intellect promoting activity. They also have plenty of other clinical applications, apart from promoting Medha. Their applications are seen in all eight branches of Ayurveda. i.e. Kayachikithsa, Balaroga, Graha, Shalakya Tantra, Shalya Tantra, Agada Tantra, Jara and Vrisha Chikithsa. This paper attempts to emphasize upon the wide range of clinical applications of these Medhya drugs.

Keywords: Rasayana, Ashtanga Ayurveda, Medhya rasayana.