Abstract

AN OVERVIEW OF YAVAGU (MEDICATED GRUEL) MENTIONED IN CLASSICAL TEXTS OF AYURVEDA

Monu* and Asit Kumar Panja

.

Abstract

Introduction:- Preservation of health is the primary goal of Ayurveda. Diet is the vital factor for preservation of health. In Charaka Samhita, the importance of diet is deliberated at various levels. The Bheshaja Chatuska & Anupana Chatuska are the sections where the qualities of food material are explained in detail. The Yavagu formulations are the unique concept of Charak Samhita which is mentioned in the Apamagatanduliya chapter of Bheshaja Chatuska. The description of Yavagu is included as the wholesome diet formulation under the diet formulations after purification therapy. The different diet formulations are enumerated under the umbrella of Yavagu like Peya, Vilepi etc. The nomenclature of these formulations Yavagu, Vilepi, etc. is given according to the procedure and amount of ingredients used in the preparation method. The main ingredient of Yavagu formulations is Tandula (rice and other cereals). It has the properties like Laghu (light), Ushana (hot), Grahi, Agnideepana (ignition of digestive fire) and beneficial in many diseases like Jwara (fever), Atisara (diarrhea), etc. It is also indicated to treat Agnimandhya (diminished digestive fire) and complication like pain abdomen etc. appears after sodhana process and holds the major part of Samsarajanakarma. Material and Methodology: Literature search followed by interpretation in the light of classical text mainly Charaka Samhita was done. Discussion and Conclusion: Yavagu preparation mentioned in this particular chapter includes dietetic formulations for different conditions in different diseases.

Keywords: Diet, Disease, Peya, Samshodhana, Yavagu.