Abstract

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF FLOWER AS PER ANCIENT LITERATURE IN CONTEXT OF AYURVEDA

*Dr. Anurag Mishra and Dr. Kavita Tiwari

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Abstract

Flower is the symbol of love and consciousness. In the yogic science each our bodily Chakra (Plexus) resembles the symbol of floret. Since Vedic period the flowers were used in the form of Pushpabhisheka, The flowers too have spiritual aspects. For example Lord Bramha, Goddess Laxmi is sitting on PadmaPushpa. Lord Shiva likes the Dhattura. Dronapushpi Pushpa for Abhisheka. Lord Vishnu likes Tulasi. Lord Ganesha likes Japa, likewise flowers are being used since Vedic period not only for ritual but also for therapeutic purpose. Ayurveda considered to be the science of life along with spiritual aspects.In day today life flowers has been used extensively .As,flowers contains active molecules called phyto-chemicals and have potential biological activities when administered in the body, which help to eradicate the diseases and to attain health. In ayurvedic scriptures like Charak Samhita, Susruta Samhita, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, etc., have mentioned separate chapters as “Puhspa Varga” mentioning about the therapeutic properties of plants. These medicinal flowers are marketed by pharmaceutical companies for making perfumes, colouring agents, and for medicinal purpose. The essential oils are prepared from the dried flowers as the essential oils are more potent. The medicinal flowers possess anti viral, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, mood stabilizing agents. In this article an attempt is made to explore the various types of medicinal flowers, their therapeutic actions which were dealt in Ayurvedic classical texts.

Keywords: Vedic Period, Ayurveda, Pushpa, Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, etc.