Abstract

IMPORTANCE OF DEEPANIYA MAHAKASHAYA IN TODAY’S CLINICAL PRACTICE

Dr. Nileshkumar Tiwari* and Dr. Geeta Parulkar D.

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Abstract

The concept of Maha Kashayas is a remarkable pharmacological classification elucidated by Acharya Charaka in Sutra Sthana, Chapter 4 of the Charaka Samhita, titled Shad Virechana Shatashritiya Adhyaya. In this chapter, Charaka systematically groups five hundred medicinal herbs into fifty distinct categories, each comprising ten herbs sharing similar therapeutic actions. These fifty groups, collectively known as Maha Kashayas, serve as a foundational framework in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics and therapeutics. Each group is named based on its primary pharmacological effect — such as Jeevaniya (lifepromoting), Bruhmaniya (tissue-nourishing), Lekhaniya (anti-obesity), Deepaniya (digestive fire-enhancing), Balya (strength-promoting), and Jwarahara (antipyretic), among others. This classification encompasses a wide spectrum of therapeutic activities including digestive regulation, wound healing, immunomodulation, reproductive health, and management of systemic disorders like fever, edema, dyspnoea, and colic. Additionally, some groups serve as Upaga dravyas (adjuvants) in specific Panchakarma therapies such as Vamana, Virechana, and Basti. The Maha Kashaya system reflects the comprehensive and holistic vision of Ayurveda towards individualized treatment and disease management, offering a structured approach to selecting appropriate medicinal plants based on their pharmacodynamic properties. It continues to hold significant clinical and academic relevance in modern Ayurvedic practice and research.

Keywords: Maha Kashaya, Charaka Samhita, Shad Virechana Shatashritiya Adhyaya, Ayurvedic pharmacology, Herbal classification, Therapeutic groups, Panchakarma adjuvants, Jeevaniya, Bruhmaniya, Lekhaniya, Balya, Jwarahara, Ayurvedic therapeutics, Phytomedicine, Ayurv