Comprehensive Swotting of Floral therapy finite to Charakasamhita

Introduction

Flowers are signature of nature’s beauty, they are matchless ornaments to the queen, “Nature”. Even though Ayurveda gives due importance to therapeutic usage of flowers, the scattered information has led to a gap in knowledge of its utility among the physicians. History of flowers goes beyond human’s perception because the Brahma (considered as creator of this universe) is called as “Pushpa Sambhavan” or one who is born out of flowers. They have been an integral part of human life because of its ornamental beauty and medicinal benefits. Ayurvedic formulary of India (API and AFI) reveals 42 types of medicinal flowers till date¹ . The properties of flower may differ from other parts of the plant, for instance Nirgundi‘s Pushpa is Sheeta Virya where as its other parts are Ushna Virya² . The usage of flowers for medicinal use are known to mankind since ancient era. It is more interesting but less explored part of Ayurveda, only few researchand review papers related to flowers are available. Thus, the present review aids in providing knowledge of medicinal flowers explained in Charaka Samhita in curing aliments and thus helps in its conservation.

Research Question – whether the utility of floral therapy described in Charaka Samhita?

Objectives

To collect the scattered information and to analyze the therapeutic utility of medicinal flowers demonstrated in Charaka Samhita.

Material and Methods

Ayurveda classic Charaka Samhita with Chakrapaniand Gangadhar Roy commentary were utilized manually for Systematic compilation of literature. Other related translated books like Dravya Guna Vijnana by JLN Shashtry and Prof.D.S Lucasfor details of drugs, published articlesandinformation from authentic Website (IJRAP, Ancient Science of Life, Research Gate accessed from 11/12/2019 to 18/12/2019) relevant to the topic were accessed.

Review of Literature

Pushyati Vikasayati Ya³ , one which unfolds and blows or expands or shines is called Pushpa (flowers). It has synonyms like Prasuna, Kusuma, Sumanasa andSumana. All Sthavara Dravya’s (immovable substance) are basically classified into 4 types- Vanaspatya, Vaanaspatya, Viruda and Oushada. The one which owns Pushpa (flowers) are classified as Vaanaspatya4 .Charaka mentions 18 different parts of plant for its medicinal utility and Pushpa (flowers) is one among them, which is used in different conditions. Charaka not only mentions benefits of flowers but also narrates diversity of plant depending onflowers color. For instance, two varieties of Kutaja are enumerated while explaining Vatsaka Yoga, the plant with white flowers are considered as male Kutaja and the one with red flowers as female Kutaja, even though they have dissimilarity in their healing efficacy. Chakrapani further explains only to facilitate their identifications these distinctive features of both varieties are described.Prakruta Vayu is responsible for the Utpanna (origin) of Pushpa (flowers).In general, flowers should be collected according to their blooming season for their therapeutic employment⁵ . Flowers are described in Charaka Samhita not only for medicinal cause but also for other assets likeLavanga, a flower bud is utilized daily in the form Tambula Sevana⁶ . Arjuna Pushpa along with Shweta Aparajita is used for fumigation. Other uses like,

1. Flowers as an etiological factor

2. Flowers in the management of diseases

3. Benefits of flowers in Panchakarma

4. Utilization of flowers as Bahirparimarjana Chikitsa (External application)

5. Others preparations made out of flowers

6. Flowers as an ingredient in Formulations

7. Usage of flowers for worshipping

8. Noxious Flowers

9. Flowers as an Analogy

10. Important flowers in Charaka Samhita

Flowers as an etiological factor to disease

Some flowers are mentioned as etiological factor to diseases.

For example,Agantuja Shotha is caused by touch of Bhallataka Pushpa⁷ .

Flowers in the management of diseases: Due to its abundant healing property, Flowers are widely demonstrated in Charaka Samhita, they are most useful in the conditions like,

1. Rakta Pitta (Hemorrhagic disorders)- Shalmali Pushpa, Kovidara Pushpa, Karbudhara Pushpa and Shana Pushpa’s Pushpa Shaka should be used as Pathya (wholesome) in Rakta Pitta Vyadhi. KamalaKesara, Neela Kamala, Nagakesara along with other drugs should be taken in one Karsha Pramana Pramana in total and usedalong with honey and ghee as Shamana Aushadhi. Powder of flowers of Khadira, Priyangu, Kovidara and Shalmali mixed with honey acts as Rakta Pitta Nashaka. Tarpana Prayoga- in Kapha Samsrushta Urdhvaga Rakta Pitta, the flowers of Madhuka is used in the form of Shadanga Paniya along with other Dravya’s.Kopidara Pushpa (Kanchanara Pushpa) should be taken in the form of Annapana.

2. Shwasa(respiratory disorders)- Swarasa of Shirisa Pushpa added with Pippali Churna and honey is recommended in Kapha Pitta Anubandhi Shwasa.

3. Visarpa (Herpes)- Kamala Kesara, Neela Kamala andNagakesara along with other drugs should be taken in equal quantity and made into Kwata(decoction) form, this should be taken daily.

4. Visha (poison)- Shirira Pushpa Swarasa is used to prepare Vati with other drugs and used in Astama Vega Visha Chikitsa, it is said to be equal to Amruta (nectar).Shirisha Pushpa along with other drugs used to make Dhuma agada (anti-poisonous fumigation) which alleviates all types of poison and swelling.Kakubha flowers makes an excellent fume to destroy Serpents, Rats, Insects and tiny insects of cloths.Powder of flower stalk of white Tulasi is used to make pills which alleviates all poisons.

5. Chardhi(vomiting)- Dvishtarta Samyogaja Chardhi is treated by aroma of Mano Anukula Pushapa Gandha.

6. Atisara(diarrhea)- Dhataki Pushpa in the form of Yavagu is useful in all types of Atisara. Utpala (water lilly) and Dhataki Pushpa along with Dhadima Twak and Shunti should be taken to alleviate Pitta Atisara.

Benefits of flowers in Panchakarma: Flowers are not only useful inShamana Aushada but also has utility in Panchakarma.

a) Vamana- Greya Yogas for Vamana are typically made up of flowers which are usefulfor Sukumaras and Aushadhi Dweshi. Method of Greya Yoga preparations-Madhana Phalashould be well impregnated with the decoction of different Phalaand made fine powder and sprinkled over Lotus Flower. Kept overnight and next day morning powder is collected from over the Lotus petals and used for inhalation, through which it induces Vamana. The Swarasa and Churna of dried flowers of Iksvaku should be sprinkled over garland, only by the smell of this garland Vamana is induced. Flowers of Utpala, Saugandhika and Kamala should be impregnated with the powder of Dhamargava, which causes emesis by inhalation. Powder of Tilwaka should be impregnated with the decoction of Kampillaka for ten times and should be taken with thedecoction of Kampillaka for emesis.

b) Virechana- After intake of Virechana Dravya to mitigate Vamana, should inhale odor of Hrudhya Pushpa’s.

c) Basti- Shalmali Pushpa of two Phala in quantity and Padma Keshara in Kalka form is used in Piccha Basti, it is useful inPravahika, Gudabramsha, RaktaSrava andRakta Arshas.

d) Nasya– flower of Nelotpala in Swarasa formis used for Avapidana Nasya in Nasikagata Rakta Pitta. Swarasa of Dhataki Pushpaand Dhadima Pushpa is usefulinAvapidana Nasya form in Nasagata Rakta Pitta for hemostasis. Swarasa of Shirira Pushpa is kept for seven days along with Shweta Maricha, dried, made into powder and used for Nasya and Anjana in Sarpa Visha. Fresh juiceArka Pushpais very useful for Shirovirechana.

Utilization of flowers as Bahi Parimarjana Chikitsa

1. Kushta (Skin disorders)- Flowers of Twak, Dhataki and Malati in Kalka form is used for external application in all types of Kushta

2. Visarpa(Herpes)- After Shodhana to remove Twak Dosa, Mamsa Ashrita Dosa or Alpa Prakupita Dosa external application should befollowed.Kalka of Kamalakesara, Nelakamala, Nagakesara along with other mentioned drugs should be taken in equal quantity and used for external application with ghee. Churna of Nagakeshara along with ghee is useful for external application.Kalka of Shirira flowers with Nirgundi Shakain equal quantity is beneficial in Kapaja Visarpa.

3. Visha (Poison)- Shirira Pushpa Churna is used in GandhahastinamaAgada which should be applied overhead, so that Shiragata Visha will be cured quickly.Kusumbha Pushpa in Kalka form is useful for Karnika Patana in luta visha (spider poison).Shirisha flowers along with other parts of Shirisha and ghee is used for external application in all types of Kita Visha (insect bite).

4. Shopha (Inflammation)- Kalka of Nagapushpa (Nagakeshra) along with other drugs is an excellent cooling application for inflammation.

5. Netra Roga (Eye disdoers)- Varti is prepared withFlowers of Shigru, Bruhati, Erandha Mula Twak, Saindhava Lavana and Aja Ksheera, it is used in all types of Vataja Netra Roga.

Other Preparations made out of flowers: Flowers are also used in alcoholic preparations. In total 10 different alcoholic preparations are made out of following flowers⁸

1. Padma

2. Pundarika

3. Utpala (Neela Kamala)

4. Shatapatra (Kamala Bheda)

5. Nalina (Padma Bheda)

6. Madhuka

7. Kumuda (Utpala Bheda)

8. Priyangu

9. Sowgandhika

10. Dhataki

Some alcoholic preparations are named differently based on their method of preparation like, Asava prepared out of Dhataki Pushpa, Guda and Dhanyamla is called Maireya. Asava prepared out of Madhuka Pushpa, which is Tikshna and Chedhana is known as Madhvasava.

Madya which is prepared naturally without Kwata by using Dhataki Pushpa iscalled Sharkara.

Usage of flowers for worshipping: Without the presence of flowers many occasions like religious ceremony, marriage, rituals cannot be successful. Charaka mentions the same for instance, in Adhyapana vidhi Guru before providing Shikshastudents should perform Yagna by offering to the gods. Here speciallyusage of white flowers for Yagnavidhi9 is mentioned. As white flowers are closely associated with honesty, purity, innocence and perfection.

Noxious Flowers: Along with medicinal property some flowers possess toxicity. While describing Sthavara Visha only the word Mulaja is usedwhich indicates, the number of root poisonous are more but the same plant flowers should also be considered as poisonous10. So toxic flowers are- Mustaka, Paushkara, Kroncha, Vatsanabha, Balahaka, Karkata, Kalakuta, Karavira, Palaka, Indrayudha, Taila, Medhaka, Kusha Pushpaka, Rohisha, Pundarika, Langali, Anjanabha, Sankocha, Markata, Srungivisha and Halahala. Interpretation of names of these poisons plant should be known from the tribal people who are its authority, these flowers does not kill the person but causes chronic illness.

Flowers as an Analogy: Because of flowers popularity and uniqueness Charaka quotes some instances of flowers for the easy understanding of the Shastra, like

1. While explaining formation of Sukra it is stated that, just like Sugandha which will not come out of flower buds but can be sensed once it blooms, in the similar way Sukrotpatti occurs in Sharira¹¹.

2. The color of Sidhma Kushtha is compared with Alabu Pushpa Varna¹² (flower of Langenaria sicareria) which is white in color, shows its significance for diagnosis.

3. Arista Lakshana’s are specific Purvarupa to death just as flowers are definite indicative of forth coming fruits¹³ which is indicative of Avyabhichari Sambhandha.

4. While explaining Akalaja Mrutyu it is stated that, as flower blossoms in appropriate season and sometimes in inappropriate season also, in the same way death occurs in appropriate and sometimes in inappropriate time also14.

5. Color of Swarna Shilajatu is compared with the color of Japa Pushpa¹⁵.

Observation and Discussion

Present study emphasized the therapeutic utility of 28 flowers species. 10 species of flowers are used for the alcoholic preparations and 21 different species are indicated as toxic flowers. Charaka not only mentions benefits of flowers but also narrates diversity of plant depending on flowers color. Because of flowers popularity and uniquenesssome instances of flowers are quoted for the easy understanding of the Shastra. Benefits of flowers are seen in fresh as well as in dried form, it isutilized in different forms like Kalka, Swarasa, Kwatha, Churna and Asava.Blossom are used in different conditions not only as medicine but also used as Patya (Wholesome), in Tambula Sevana and for Fumigation. In Visha Chikitsa, flowers of Shirisha are abundantly used. Flowers in the form of Nasya are useful in acute conditions like epistaxis. For Sukumara and Aushadhi DweshiGreya Vamana Yogas are used, which is prepared exclusively by using different kinds of Flowers. As white flowers are closely associated with honesty, purity, innocence and perfection, they are used for worshiping God and Guru, Brahmanas.

Conclusion

Flowers apart from ornamental value, share their medicinal properties with mankind since ancient era, it is more interesting but less explored part of Ayurveda. 18 different parts of plant are mentioned for its medicinal utility and Pushpa (flowers) is one among them.In general, flowers should be collected according to their blooming season for their therapeutic employment. Through Charaka Samhita one can appreciate the benefits of flowers be it through fresh or dried form. Flowers are not only used as Shamana Aushadha but also has its immense utility in Shodhana like Greya Yogas prepared out of flowers are useful for Sukumara and Aushadhi Dweshi. Apart from its therapeutic utility,flowers arenarrated to give similes, as causative factor for disease, as toxic flowers and also in the treatment of toxicity. Even in the Asatama Vega of Vishaflowers are used for treatment which indicate its significance. As most of the flowers are Sheeta Virya, it is extremely used in Pitta Pradhana Vyadhi like Rakta Pitta Visarpa, Kustha, Visha and Netra Roga, not only for internal use but also has its immense utility in external application.