Authentic Ayurveda Medicines and Practices from the Land of Ayurveda
In chemical terms, properly prepared lime water is a dilute aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide. Ayurveda employs it mainly as a processing medium rather than as an ordinary drink. It may be used for soaking, washing, detoxifying, firming or modifying selected fruits, vegetables and medicinal substances before they enter a formulation.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India identifies the medicinal drug Talisa as the dried leaves of Abies webbiana Lindl., belonging to the Pinaceae family. Modern botanical databases, however, treat Abies webbiana as a synonym of the currently accepted name Abies spectabilis (D.Don) Mirb. Thus, both names may appear in Ayurvedic books, pharmacopoeias and herbal products.
The initiative is being supported through programmes of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), with a growing focus on cultivation, processing, quality testing, market access and value addition.
Pushkaramula is not the same plant as orris root. Orris root generally refers to the dried rhizomes of certain Iris species used mainly in perfumery and traditional European herbal preparations. Ayurvedic Pushkaramula refers specifically to the root and rhizome of Inula racemosa. Confusing the two can lead to incorrect identification and inappropriate medicinal use.
Vibhitaki is best known as one of the three ingredients of Triphala, together with Haritaki and Amalaki. Its traditional reputation, however, extends well beyond Triphala. Ayurvedic texts associate it particularly with Kapha disorders, sluggish digestion, cough, excessive mucus, bowel irregularity and disturbances involving Meda, or adipose tissue.
The accepted botanical name is Grewia asiatica L. The spelling “Grewia asiatical” sometimes seen in secondary documents is incorrect. Modern taxonomy places the plant in the Malvaceae family, although older botanical and Ayurvedic publications often classify it under Tiliaceae. Kew recognises Grewia asiatica as an accepted species native across a broad region extending from southern Iran through the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia to Queensland.
Surana occupies a distinctive position in Ayurveda because it is regarded as nourishing when properly prepared while also possessing strong digestive and channel-clearing qualities. Classical descriptions particularly associate it with weak digestion, abdominal heaviness, piles and certain Kapha–Vata disorders. Its pungency and occasional irritating effect, however, make correct cooking and judicious use important.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India contains separate monographs for the fresh and dried fruits of Phoenix dactylifera. Modern botanical authorities place the species in the palm family, Arecaceae.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India lists Jati leaf as Jasminum officinale L., belonging to the Oleaceae family. The National Medicinal Plants Board also records Jasminum officinale under the names Jati and Ban Chameli.
The botanical source of Laja is Oryza sativa L., the cultivated Asian rice plant. The accepted scientific spelling is Oryza sativa, and the species belongs to the grass family Poaceae. Rice begins as Tandula or grain, while the application of heat transforms selected paddy into Laja. This processing changes its structure, density, digestibility and Ayurvedic action.
