Abstract

FROM FLAVOUR TO THERAPY: THE MULTIFACETED BENEFITS OF DHANYAK, SHUNTHI/ADRAKA, AND HARIDRA IN SHARANGDHAR SAMHITA

*Sheetal Kailkhura, Munna Kumar Yadav and Ajay Singh

.

Abstract

Our ancient sages employed a variety of cooking techniques, including the use of different cooking spices, to prepare daily meals and understood the importance of Aahara Aushadhi, or remedies in the form of diet. Few of such spice that are used in Indian subcontinental cuisine are Dhanyak, Shunthi/Adraka and Haridra. Though most people may not be aware of their advantageous therapeutic characteristics, they are utilized as spices in cuisine. Furthermore, Dhanyak, Shunthi/Adraka and Haridra has adjustable dosage and are effective for treating a number of ailments, such as Jwara (fever), Atisar (diarrhoea), Grahani (irritable bowel syndrome), Daha (burning sensation), and others. While Ayurveda describes a great number of formulations that contain Dhanyak, Shunthi/Adraka and Haridra; we shall concentrate on those contained in the Sharangdhar Samhita since it is considered one of the most significant Samhitas belonging to Laghutrayee. The current review discusses the use of Dhanyak, Shunthi/Adraka and Haridra as Aahara (kitchen spices) and as a pharmaceutical to treat different ailments. After careful screening, the following is a compilation of the formulations that call for the common Indian spices Dhanyak, Shunthi/Adraka and Haridra; and are described in the Sharangdhar Samhita. The study's findings indicate that the Sharangdhar Samhita mentions 37 formulations totaling Dhanyak in 11 distinct dose forms, 133 formulations of Shunthi/Adraka in 13 distinct dosage forms and 38 formulations of Haridra in 7 distinct dosage forms. According to the assessment, these three ingredients improve food flavor when used in the kitchen, but it also cures most illnesses when used as medicine. Maximum formulations are mentioned for treating fevers of all kinds, followed by digestive disorders, joint pain, etc.

Keywords: Dhanyak, Shunthi, Haridra, Aahara, Aushadhi, Sharangdhar Samhita.