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4. Salakya (ENT and Ophthalmology and dentistry)
5. Shalya (Surgery)
6. Agada Tantra (Toxicology)
7. Rasayana (Rejuvenation Therapy)
8. Vajeekarana (Aphrodisiac therapy
INVENTORS OF AYURVEDA
One was the school of physicians called as ‘Dhanvantri Sampradaya’ (Sampradaya means tradition) and
the second school of surgeons referred in literature as ‘Atreya Sampradaya’. These schools had their
respective representative compilations- Charaka Samhita for the school of Medicine and Sushruta
Samhita for the school of Surgery
Sushruta Samhita primarily deals with different aspects of fundamental principles and theory of surgery.
Dissection and operative procedures are explained making use of vegetables and dead animals. It contains
description of about 650 drugs and discusses different aspects related to other surgery related topics such
as anatomy, embryology, toxicology and therapeutics. Vagabhata's „Astanga-Hridaya‟ is considered as
another major treatise of Ayurveda. The above three documents are popularly known as ‘Brihat trayees’
(the big or major three). In addition to these three scholarly and authoritative treatises a vast body of
literature exist in the form of compilations covering a period of more than 1500 years. Siddha system of
medicine is practiced in some parts of South India especially in the state of Tamilnadu. It has close
affinity to Ayurveda yet it maintains a distinctive identity of its own. The term ‗Siddha‘ has come from
‗Siddhi‘- which means achievement.
HERBS
There are many popular herbs with medicinal value and which still continue to be used in India, but here
are three which are the most popular.
Basil: used in malaria, bronchitis coughs, colds, fevers, headaches, lung problems, abdominal distention,
absorption, arthritis, colon (air excess), nasal congestion, nerve tissue strengthening, purifies the air, sinus
congestion, clears the lungs, heart tonic and gastric disorders. It also lowers blood sugar levels and its
powder is used for mouth ulcers. It is considered sacred and widely worshiped in India.
Ginger: prophylactic of nausea and vomiting associated with motion, sickness, seasickness and
pregnancy. Also known for its gastrointestinal benefits
Turmeric: balances cholesterol level, fights allergies, detoxifies the liver, stimulates digestion, boosts
immunity and enhances complexion. In fact it is popular among woman in India as a beauty aid.
Turmeric contains up to 5% essential oils and up to 5% curcumin, a polyphenol.The systematic chemical
name is (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione.
83 JBNB (Vol. I ) Issue I January’2013