Pharmacognosy has evolved as an applied science primarily focused on the study of various natural medicines. However, its focus is on modern allopathic medicine. Throughout history, many civilizations have emerged and disappeared. However, the medical systems he created are still in use today in various regions of the world and are known as alternative medical systems. These systems are considered alternative because the modern allopathic system is widely recognized as the primary system of medicine. Therefore, all other systems prevalent throughout the world are considered alternative. The ideologies and fundamental beliefs of these alternative systems may vary greatly, but it is undeniable that they have played an important role in the treatment and control of diseases as well as in promoting the overall well-being of humanity. About 80% of the global population relies on and uses traditional medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine in China, Unani system in Greece, Ayurvedic system in India, Amaechi in Tibet and more recently Homeopathy in Germany are examples of these traditional medical systems. Although these practices were originally limited to specific regions or subcontinents, they have now become popular throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently showing keen interest in traditional treatment methods and is working to investigate the scientific effectiveness of these medicines that have been used for generations. The resurgence of significant interest in these ancient healthcare methods is of great importance in present times.
It is essential to study alternative systems to understand and benefit from them to fight disease and improve human health. Modern medicine has created many advanced and expensive diagnostic techniques, making healthcare inaccessible to many people. Many contemporary synthetic drugs may cause more harm than good in treating diseases due to their severe toxic effects. On the other hand, traditional treatments are preferred due to their safety, lack of harmful side effects and lower cost as compared to allopathic medicines. However, it must be acknowledged that many people are now turning to modern allopathic treatment, which offers advanced diagnostic techniques and highly effective medicines. This method of treatment is considered to be more effective than other medical systems currently available.
Indian Systems Of Medicine
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 80% of individuals in developing countries use traditional medicine as their main source of primary health care. India has a rich history of ancient traditional medicine. Indian traditional medicine is based on various systems like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. Given the growing global interest in exploring and using traditional healing methods from different cultures, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the valuable heritage of traditional medicine. Medicinal plants are essential components in most traditional medicines. India has a diverse heritage of ancient medicinal practices, with traditional healthcare systems thriving for centuries. In India, the Ayurvedic medical system has been using plant-based medicines since at least 1000 BC. Western medicine still displays the influence of traditional methods. For example, cardiac glycosides from Digitalis purpurea, morphine from Papaver somniferum, reserpine from Rauwolfia species, quinine from Cinchona species, and the active antimalarial compound artemisinin from Artemisia annua demonstrate the influence of traditional medicine on Western medicine.
Ayurveda Is An Indian System Of Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine is considered to be the oldest written medical system, which is considered more effective in some cases than modern medical methods. The origins of Ayurveda are obscure in ancient history, but its principles were developed between 2500 and 500 BCE. India is located in Southern Asia. It is bordered by many countries Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. India is known for its diverse culture, rich history and bustling cities. Delhi is the capital of India and Mumbai is the largest city in india. The official languages of India are both Hindi and English. India has a population of over 1.3 billion, making it the second most populous country in the world. Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest healthcare system, originating around 900 BC.
The word Ayurveda is derived from the combination of "Ayur", meaning life and "Veda", meaning science. Therefore, Ayurveda actually symbolizes the study of existence. Indian Hindu mythology refers to four Vedas written by the Aryans: the Rigveda, the Samaveda, the Yajurveda and the Atharvaveda. Ayurveda is considered an Upveda (branch) of Atharvaveda. Charaka Samhita is the oldest known book that discusses the practice of Ayurveda, dating back to 1900 BCE. This document details 341 plants and plant-derived products used in medical treatment. The Sushruta Samhita, dated to around 600 BCE, is an important Ayurvedic text that focuses specifically on surgical procedures. It lists 395 medicinal plants, 57 animal-derived medicines, 4 minerals and metals for treatment.
Basic Principles of Ayurveda
According to ancient Indian philosophy, the universe consists of five fundamental elements or Pancha Bhootas: Prithvi (earth), Jal (water), Teja (fire), Vayu (air), and Akash (space). All things in the universe, such as nutrition and physical form, have arisen from these elements. A fundamental harmony exists between the universe (macrocosm) and the individual (microcosm). Panchabhoota and the theory of the human body: The human body is constantly changing and in a state of dynamic equilibrium. The five elements are reflected in the human body in the form of dosha, dhatu and mala.
There are three doshas present in the body. The three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. These three doshas have direct counterparts, called tridoshas. It explains the entire biological phenomena that are controlled by the functions of the central and autonomic nervous systems. Elements that play a role in digestion, metabolism, tissue growth, heat production, blood color, endocrine gland function, and energy are manifestations of Pitta. The factors that strengthen the stomach and joints, provide strength to the organs and refresh the senses are representatives of Kapha. There are certain specific areas of the body where each dosha is prominent: Cough is predominant in the chest area, Bile is mainly found in the digestive organs, Vata is most active in the large intestine.
Metals are essential components of the body that form the basic structure of the body, with each metal performing its own unique functions. There are seven types of dhatus: rasa (food juice), rakta (hemoglobin part of blood), meat (muscle tissue), meda (fat tissue), asthi (bone tissue), madja (bone marrow), and shukra ( Semen). Feces are by-products of metals, which are partly used by the body and partly excreted as waste after digestion is complete. These substances play a supporting role within the body, and when they are removed, their supporting function ceases. The beneficial substances that are absorbed by the body are retained as Prasad (beneficial substances), while those that are excreted are called Mal (waste substances). The main wastes are urine, feces and sweat. To maintain good health in the body, it is necessary to have a balance of three primary components – dosha, dhatu and mala. Any disruption in these elements can lead to poor health and diseases.
Diagnosis
In Ayurveda, diagnosis involves constant monitoring of the balance between health and disease. Disease is caused by the interaction between bodily fluids (doshas) and tissues (dhatus), which are also affected by the environment. The traditional clinical assessment in Ayurveda is known as Ashta Sthana Pariksha (Eight-Point Diagnosis) and involves observing various physical indicators as well as analyzing the condition of the doshas. The eight-point diagnosis includes pulse diagnosis, urine examination, nervous system evaluation, evaluation of digestive fire and metabolic secretions, evaluation of mucus and mucous secretions, stool examination, tongue examination, and examination of body sounds.
Treatment
In Ayurveda, it is important to identify the constitutional type of a person before starting treatment. Medicines are prescribed according to the patient's body type and the specific disease or imbalance of the doshas they are experiencing. All factors affecting the patient's health, such as their daily activities, time of day, and current weather, must be considered. In simple terms, healthcare providers consider patients as unique individuals in the context of their environment. Ayurvedic medicine aims to harmonize the vata, pitta and kapha bodily fluids, as well as enhance digestion and remove ama (undigested food).
Ayurvedic treatment usually begins with shodhana (cleansing) to remove or neutralize emotional or physical toxins. After finishing refinement, shaman (palliative treatment) is used to reduce the severity of the disease and restore balance to the imbalanced doshas. Ultimately, Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy) aims to maintain health and reduce the harmful effects of disease. In Ayurveda, various substances such as vegetables, animals, minerals or metals are used for their therapeutic properties. The metals identified as medicines were gold, silver, copper, lead, tin and iron. Apart from these materials, elements like arsenic, antimony, sand and lime from the earth were also used. In the past, 600 medicinal plants were documented in Ayurveda, but now there are more than 1200 medicinal plants.
Properties Of Herbs
Ayurvedic herbs are classified on the basis of five main properties: taste (rasa), physico-chemical properties (guna), potency (virya), effect after digestion (vipaka), and unique effect of the medicine (prabhava). As soon as digestion begins, the food or medicine is affected by digestive juices and an enzyme called agni. Rasas are divided into six main categories: sweet (madhur), sour (amla), salty (lavna), pungent (katu), bitter (tikt), and astringent (kashay). Each flavor is made up of a mixture of two of the five fundamental elements (earth, water, fire, air and sky). Each taste affects three physical doshas (vata, pitta and kapha). Properties refer to the physical properties of a medicinal substance. The five main categories of properties range from dryness of air; And light from the sky. Properties are usually seen in pairs: cold/hot, wet/dry, soft/hard, and stable/unstable. Semen shows the effective aspect or potency of the medicine. The two divisions are Sita Virya (represents Kapha dosha) and Ushna Virya (represents Pitta dosha); Vata remains neutral.
Vipaaka is a quality that a substance acquires after it has been processed by the body (after digestion). The three categories of Vipak include madhur (increases kapha), sour (increases pitta) and katu (increases vata). The range of foods responsible for sweet, sour and pungent tastes includes carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Effectiveness is the operation or effect of the drug in the system. The taste, properties, potency and post-digestion effect of drugs may be similar, but the specific effect may vary depending on the chemical structure.
Branches Of Ayurveda
Ayurveda claims a clear connection between disease and the spiritual state of the individual. Medical treatment approaches focus on the person rather than the disease. Ayurveda consists of eight branches: Kaya Chikitsa (therapy), Shalya Chikitsa (surgery), Salakya Chikitsa (ENT treatment), Bal Chikitsa (pediatric treatment), Geriatrics (treatment related to genetics), Rasayana Chikitsa (treatment with chemicals. ), Vajikaram Chikitsa (treatment with rejuvenating and aphrodisiac drugs), Graham Chikitsa (planetary influences) and Vish Chikitsa (toxicology). Tibetan medicine, which is widely used by Tibetans in India and neighboring countries, developed from or was influenced by Ayurveda. Studies in traditional medicine have validated the effectiveness of many natural substances used in Ayurvedic practices. The principles, treatments and philosophy of Ayurveda are considered one of the most effective systems to address human needs. It includes many effective treatments with minimal negative reactions. Therefore, Ayurveda follows a holistic treatment approach that considers the entire body, with less emphasis on specific diseases. This may explain why treatment in Ayurveda takes time, but the results are permanent.
