Abstract

KAMAL (NELUMBO NUCIFERA GAERTN.) – A LITERARY REVIEW FROM NIGHANTU ERA

*Vd. Vedanti Ashok Kulkarni and Vd. Nilesh N. Joshi

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Abstract

Ayurveda, strongly emphasises use of various herbs as medicine. These medicinal herbs includes some aromatic, traditionally workshiped herbs as well. Kamal (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) being from such a category, is an effective remedy useful for numerous health disorders. Padmini, Padma, Utpala are some of the snonyms of Kamal, all of them signifies the presence of Goddess Lakshmi. Among various Pushpa(flowers) that are useful in workshiping and medicinal practices, Kamal has signifying Holy as well as traditional medicinal importance. Vedic era evidences the use of various parts of Kamal in many ways. While in medieval period Acharya Charak mentioned it in Raktapitta Chikitsa, Pittaj vikara chikitsa, also found in Sushruta samhita and other medieval literature evidences the medicinal as well as other traditional references of Kamal. In Nighatu era where detailed glossary of drugs with their various syonyms, properties, action, and indications is found Kamal is nearly elaborated in almost all Nighantus. Acharya Bhavamishra in Bhav Prakasha Nighnatu (1600 AD) describes in detail about Varnya action, Visrpa-Visphota hara, Rakatapittahara action of it. Also almost all Nighantus have elaborated it in detail, describing its parts along with its properties separately. Also emphasising on its types and their properties in detail. Article reveals review of Kamal from Nighantu era from 1000 AD onwards.

Keywords: Kamal, Nighantu era, Ayurveda, Nelumbo nucifera, Literary review.