19 March 2025

1. Jivaniya Mahakashaya (Vitalizers) in Ayurveda Jivaniya Mahakashaya, as described in Charaka Samhita (Ch. Su. 4/8), consists of medicinal plants known for their life-sustaining, rejuvenating, and tissue-nourishing properties. These herbs help maintain Sapta Dhatus (seven body tissues), enhance vitality, and promote longevity. जीवनीय (जीवन) – जीवनम् आयुः तस्मै हितं जीवनीयम् । जीवनीयशब्देनेहायुष्यत्वमभिप्रेतम्। (चक्रपाणि च. सू. 4/8) जीवनीयं प्राणानां संधारकम् । (इन्दु on अ. सं. सू. 34) According to Chakrapani, “Jivaniya” refers to substances that are beneficial for life extension. Indu further states that Jivaniya Dravyas sustain Prana (life force), supporting overall health and well-being. Table: Jivaniya Mahakashaya – Ayurvedic & Pharmacological Profile SI No. Dravya (Herb) Botanical Name Rasa (Taste) Guna (Property) Vipaka (Post-digestive effect) Virya (Potency) Active Compounds 1 Jivaka Microstylis wallichii Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Alkaloids, Saponins, Flavonoids 2 Rishabhaka Microstylis mucifera Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Glycosides, Phenols 3 Meda Polygonatum cirrhifolium Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Steroidal Saponins, Flavonoids 4 Mahameda Polygonatum verticillatum Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Alkaloids, Tannins 5 Kakoli Fritillaria roylei Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Steroidal Saponins, Mucilage 6 Kshira Kakoli Lilium polyphyllum Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Glycosides, Flavonoids 7 Mashaparni Teramnus labialis Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Proteins, Amino Acids 8 Jivanti Leptadenia reticulata Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Leptadenosides, Alkaloids 9. Mudgaparni Phaseolus trilobus Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita – 10. Madhuka Glycyrrhiza glabra Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita – Therapeutic Applications The plants in Jivaniya Mahakashaya play a vital role in: Conclusion Jivaniya Mahakashaya consists of herbs that are highly valued in Ayurveda for their rejuvenating and strengthening effects. These plants contribute to health maintenance, disease prevention, and overall vitality, making them essential components of Ayurvedic therapeutics. 2. Brahmaniya Mahakashaya (Nourishing Herbs) in Ayurveda Brahmaniya Mahakashaya, as described in Charaka Samhita (Ch. Su. 4/9), consists of medicinal plants known for their nourishing, strengthening, and bulk-promoting properties. These herbs are particularly beneficial for individuals with Krisha (lean body constitution), helping in muscle growth, tissue development, and overall nourishment. According to Ayurveda, Brahmaniya Dravyas promote Dhatu Pushti (tissue nourishment) and enhance body strength by providing essential nutrients and supporting metabolism. Table: Brahmaniya Mahakashaya – Ayurvedic & Pharmacological Profile SI No. Dravya (Herb) Botanical Name Rasa (Taste) Guna (Property) Vipaka (Post-digestive effect) Virya (Potency) Active Compounds 1 Kshirini Euphorbia hirta Tikta, Katu Laghu Madhura Ushna Alkaloids, Flavonoids 2 Rajakshavaka Euphorbia microphylla Tikta Laghu Madhura Ushna Tannins, Glycosides 3 Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Tikta, Katu, Madhura Laghu, Snigdha Madhura Ushna Withanolides, Alkaloids 4 Kakoli Fritillaria roylei Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Steroidal Saponins, Mucilage 5 Kshira Kakoli Lilium polyphyllum Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Glycosides, Flavonoids 6 Vatyayani Sida cordifolia Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Alkaloids, Ephedrine 7 Bhadraudani Sida veronicaefolia Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Phenolic compounds 8 Bharadwaji Thespesia lampas Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Flavonoids, Tannins 9 Payasya Pueraria tuberosa Madhura Guru, Snigdha Madhura Shita Isoflavones, Tuberins 10 Rushyagandha Argyreia speciosa Madhura, Katu, Tikta Laghu, Snigdha Madhura Ushna Alkaloids, Steroids Therapeutic Applications The herbs in Brahmaniya Mahakashaya play a significant role in: Conclusion Brahmaniya Mahakashaya includes herbs that promote nourishment, enhance body strength, and help in weight gain. These plants are particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from malnutrition, debility, and excessive weight loss, making them a vital part of Ayurvedic therapeutics. 3. Lekhaniya Mahakashaya (Emaciating Herbs) in Ayurveda Lekhaniya Mahakashaya, as described in Charaka Samhita (Ch. Su. 4/10), consists of medicinal plants known for their Lekhana (scraping) and Karshana (emaciating) properties. These herbs help in removing excess Meda Dhatu (fat tissue), clearing obstructed channels (Srotoshodhana), and managing obesity (Sthoulya Chikitsa). According to Yogendranath Sen, “Lekhana” refers to substances that cause depletion (Karshana), reducing excess fat and Kapha accumulation. Indu further states that Lekhaniya Dravyas help remove pathological deposits from the body. Table: Lekhaniya Mahakashaya – Ayurvedic & Pharmacological Profile SI No. Dravya (Herb) Botanical Name Rasa (Taste) Guna (Property) Vipaka (Post-digestive effect) Virya (Potency) Active Compounds 1 Musta Cyperus rotundus Tikta, Kashaya Laghu, Ruksha Katu Shita Flavonoids, Essential Oils 2 Kushtha Saussurea lappa Tikta, Katu Laghu, Ruksha Katu Ushna Sesquiterpenes, Alkaloids 3 Haridra Curcuma longa Tikta, Katu Ruksha, Laghu Katu Ushna Curcuminoids, Volatile Oils 4 Daruharidra Berberis aristata Tikta, Katu Ruksha, Laghu Katu Ushna Berberine, Alkaloids 5 Vacha Acorus calamus Tikta, Katu Laghu, Tikshna Katu Ushna Beta-asarone, Flavonoids 6 Ativisha Aconitum heterophyllum Tikta, Katu Laghu, Ruksha Katu Ushna Alkaloids, Diterpenoids 7 Chitraka Plumbago zeylanica Katu, Tikta Laghu, Tikshna Katu Ushna Plumbagin, Tannins 8 Katurohini Picrorhiza kurroa Tikta, Katu Laghu, Ruksha Katu Ushna Kutkin, Glycosides 9 Chirabilva Holoptelia integrifolia Tikta Ruksha, Laghu Katu Ushna Tannins, Alkaloids 10 Haimavathi Iris germanica Katu, Tikta Laghu, Tikshna Katu Ushna Flavonoids, Saponins Therapeutic Applications The herbs in Lekhaniya Mahakashaya are widely used for: Conclusion Lekhaniya Mahakashaya includes herbs that are highly effective in obesity management, detoxification, and improving metabolism. These plants play a significant role in Ayurvedic weight management, lipid metabolism regulation, and prevention of lifestyle disorders. 4. Bhedaniya Mahakashaya (Purgative Herbs) in Ayurveda Bhedaniya Mahakashaya, as described in Charaka Samhita (Ch. Su. 4/9), consists of medicinal plants known for their Bhedana (purgative) and Malashodhana (cleansing) properties. These herbs help in removing vitiated Doshas and accumulated waste (Mala) from the body, making them beneficial in conditions like Vibandha (constipation), Pitta-Kapha disorders, and detoxification therapies such as Virechana (therapeutic purgation). According to Ayurveda, Bhedaniya Dravyas stimulate bowel movements, clear intestinal toxins, and regulate digestion, thus supporting gut health and metabolic balance. Table: Bhedaniya Mahakashaya – Ayurvedic & Pharmacological Profile SI No. Dravya (Herb) Botanical Name Rasa (Taste) Guna (Property) Vipaka (Post-digestive effect) Virya (Potency) Active Compounds 1 Suvaha Operculina turpethum Katu, Tikta Laghu, Ruksha Katu Ushna Glycosides, Resins 2 Urubaka Calotropis procera Katu, Tikta Laghu, Tikshna Katu Ushna Cardiac Glycosides, Alkaloids 3 Eranda Ricinus communis Katu, Madhura Snigdha, Tikshna Madhura Ushna Ricin, Fatty Acids 4 Agnimukhi Gloriosa superba Tikta, Katu Laghu, Tikshna Katu Ushna Colchicine, Alkaloids 5 Chitraka Plumbago zeylanica Katu, Tikta Tikshna, Ruksha Katu Ushna Plumbagin, Flavonoids 6 Chirabilva Holoptelia integrifolia Tikta, Kashaya Laghu, Ruksha Katu Ushna Tannins, Saponins 7 Shankhini Euphorbia dracunculoides