VRKSHAYURVEDA

Ayurveda for Plants

Subhashini Sridhar, S. Arumugasamy,

K. Vijayalakshmi & A.V. Balasubramanian

CIKS

August - 2001
Title Vrkshayurveda
Ayurveda for Plants
Preface
It is now nearly ten years since our centre has started
Publication August 2001 looking into literature pertaining to Vrkshayurveda i.e.,
Ayurveda for plants. After some encouraging results with
Published by Centre for Indian Knowledge initial experiments for the first few years, we had wanted
Systems, Chennai to undertake an effort to look into the applications of
vrkshayurveda for rice which is the major crop of Tamil
Nadu and one of the major crops of India. When we
Funded by Department of Science and
discussed this possibility with the Department of Science
Technology, Science and
and Technology in 1996, Dr. C.J. Johnny (Head, Science
Society Division, New Delhi
and Society Division) was quite encouraging in his
response and invited us to formulate a proposal for
Copies can be had from Centre for Indian Knowledge looking at the relevance of vrkshayurveda based techniques
Systems for major pest problems of the rice crop and for growth
No.30, Gandhi Mandapam promotion. This book is a result of literature search,
Road, Kotturpuram, laboratory experiments and field trials that have been
Chennai - 600 085 carried out as part of this DST supported programme
 : (044) 4471087, 4475862 during the last two years.

This book provides an introduction to the literature on

Cover design Vistaas Design Solutions Pvt. Ltd. vrkshayurveda and the understanding of the constitution
Chennai. of plants, causes of and line of treatment for diseases as
described in vrkshayurveda. This is followed by sections
Cover photograph S.U. Saravanakumar, Ecotone, where we have shared our experiences of testing recipes
Chennai based on vrkshayurveda as well as analysis of farmer’s
practices. We feel that not only does the literature of
vrkshayurveda contain a lot of information and
Illustrations Uma Krishnasamy prescriptions of great value but also that the line of
thinking based on vrkshayurveda would be very valuable
Typesetting S. Ramesh in understanding and assessing farmer’s practices.

We are thankful to a large number of farmers from our field

Printed by Multi Craft area in the Kattankulathur block of Kanchipuram district of
94, Veeraperumal Koil Street Tamil Nadu who participated in these efforts as well as other
Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004 farmers such as Mr. Gomathinayakam and Mr.
Antonyswamy of Puliankudi who have shared their
experiences with us. We are also thankful to Dr. K. Natarajan
of Kodumudi, Erode District for experimentation with
panchagavya and propagating it widely amongst farmers. His
modified recipe of panchagavya is quite popular amongst
CONTENTS
farmers of Tamil Nadu.

We are thankful to A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar Research

Centre, Taramani, Chennai for providing us lab and
experimental space at their campus for this project. The Introduction 1
valuable assistance of Mr. K. Subramanian, Mr. N. Jaya
shankar and Mr. G. Neelamegam with the field
Farmers Practices and Rationale
experiments is also thankfully acknowledged. Our thanks
are also due to Mr. K.S. Sudhakar for research assistance.
from Vrkshayurveda 16

We hope that all these efforts would lead to a new interest

in exploring the current relevance and applications of Vrkshayurveda for Paddy Cultivation 22
vrkshayurveda.

Conclusion 31
1st August 2001 A.V. Balasubramanian
Chennai Resource Books on Vrkshayurveda 34

Guna : Ayurvedic Properties 39

Ayurvedic Classification of Drugs

Based on Therapeutic Action 41

Table of Plant Names 43

References 46
 Chapter – 1

Introduction
India is the repository of one of the richest biogenetic
resources in the world. Our countrymen have traditionally
shown a remarkable awareness and knowledge of its varied
flora and have in addition put it to diverse uses. In ancient
India there was a tradition of classifying and grouping arts
and crafts and knowledge into various categories known as
sastras or kalas. Sage Vatsyayana, for example, in his famous
text Kama Sutra, listed 64 kalas which is considered a
standard list.

There are several such lists available and in these lists, along
with subjects such as medicine or agriculture, there are
various other sastras listed that bear a relation to plants, such
as :

 Vrkshayurveda yoga Treatment for plants.

 Buruhaanaam dohada The art of grafting trees.

 Vrksharohanam Growth of trees.

 Pushparthoranam Decorations with flowers, etc.,

Vrkshayurveda
 For instance, the distinguished Indian meteorologist Prof. P.R.
Pisharoty has cited an example about folk knowledge of
weather forecasting that throws light on people’s knowledge
of plants. In Kerala, farmers observe the flowering behaviour
of a plant called ‘Karmikaram’ (Xanthophyllum arnottianum)
that gives an indication of the date of onset of rains over six
weeks before the event. The flowering depends on a
combination of temperature and soil moisture over a period
of time and this has been very carefully observed and made
use of in forecasting rain.

Prof. E.A.V. Prasad, a distinguished geologist, who has been

Understanding Plant Life specialising in the area of hydrology and water detection for
several decades has made a detailed study of the geological
Throughout ancient literature of plant life we find theories
and biological indicators for the presence of ground water.
about the evolution of plants, about the nature of plant life
These were described in the classic compendium of Sage
and the position of plants in the whole scheme of nature.
Varahamira called “Brihat Samhitha” (literally meaning the
Many references are available in these ancient texts to
“Master Compendium”). Prof. Prasad has found that many
vegetation, features or habitats of plants, and their uses in
of the indicators described by Varahamira are valid even
varied areas of life. In India we have always treated plants
today and he has successfully employed them for prospecting
as systems that have a direct or indirect bearing on the social,
for water in drought-prone regions of the country. Many of
economic and political life.
these techniques indicate an intensive knowledge of varied
Plants formed a distinct component of the immediate aspects of plant life and its relation with zoological and
environment of the vedic Indians. They made utensils, geological phenomena. (Two such water indicators are a ficus
weapons, agricultural implements, musical instruments and tree growing together with a palm tree and unusual pattern
practiced medicine using plant parts. The need to use plants of branching in a palm tree).
for various human requirements probably gave rise to the
study of plants. Charaka Samhitha defines a physician as one Source Material for Vrkshayurveda
who is well acquainted with the names and external features In general the word vrkshayurveda (literally meaning the
of plants and able to use them properly according to their “Ayurveda for plants”) is used to denote knowledge of plant
properties. life in all its varied aspects.
In India, knowledge regarding plants was not merely at the In Varahamithira’s Brihat Samhitha as well as in the Agni
level of identification of plants and their specific uses. Quite Purana there are separate sections dealing with
often traditional communities possess knowledge which vrkshayurveda. The very same term with the word gulma
suggests a deep understanding of the relationship of plants preceding it – Gulmavrkshayurveda occurs in Kautilya’s
with other plants and animals, soil moisture and temperature Arthasastra listing the functions of the officer in charge of
and to other geological phenomena.

2 Introduction Vrkshayurveda 3
 Scope of Vrkshayurveda
Vrkshayurveda is of great relevance in agriculture,
horticulture and life sciences. It encompasses areas such as
collection, selection and storage of seeds; germination,
sowing, various techniques of plant propagation, grafting,
nursing and irrigation; testing and classification of soil and
selection of soil suitable for various plants/types of plants;
manuring; pest and disease management/preventive and
promotive care to build up disease resistance and to cultivate
healthy plants; nomenclature, taxonomy, description and
classification of plants to suit varied purposes; favourable
and unfavourable meteorological conditions for various
operations related to cultivation (such as sowing, harvesting)
and use of plants as indicators of weather, water, minerals,
agriculture, and his assistants. The three works in which this etc.
term is used and a complete section has been devoted to the
In today’s scenario the importance of understanding
subject, are not texts which are devoted to vrkshayurveda
vrkshayurveda has also increased because several crores are
completely.
being spent every year on pesticides to control pests. Apart
The first text Agni Purana, is a popular encyclopaedia of all from being costly the chemcial pesticides have proven to be
kinds of knowledge and practices; the second, the Brihat environmentally disastrous. A detailed study of
Samhitha is a manual containing directions for the vrkshayurveda would also provide us with information on
applications of the knowledge of astronomy and astrology in pest management based on sound ecological principles.
practice; the third, the Arthasastra, is a handbook discussing
matters relating to royal polity and the art of government.
Thus, all of them are non-botanical treatises; they are
intended not so much to acquaint the students with theories
as with practices. In all three, we can see an exclusive section
dealing with “vrkshayurveda”. Matters dealt with in these
sections are same.

Besides these texts there are texts like Upavana vinoda,

Krishisukthi, Krishiparasara, Vrkshayurveda of surapala which
deal exclusively with different aspects of vrkshayurveda.
Detailed information about these texts are provided in
Appendix-1.

4 Introduction Vrkshayurveda 5
Since the knowledge of plant life is so vast, so is the scope of vrkshayurveda. Some of the recipes that have been
vrkshayurveda. In this user's manual on vrkshayurveda we experimented with are described in the third chapter.
would focus on certain aspects of plant nutrition and pest
and disease management. Plant Disorders and their Management

Plant Nutrition in Vrkshayurveda Treating disorders in plants is dealt with in the extensive
work Brihatsamhitha of Varahamihira as well as in Agni
In Sanskrit literature, we come across the word “Dohada” purana. There are a number of other works such as
which means special treatment through manure or fertilizer. Vrkshayurveda of Surapala and Lokopakara which have a
The importance of green manure prepared from the straw of great wealth of information on treatment of plant
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and sesame (Sesamum indicum) and disorders. To quote Gunaratna: “Just as the human body
natural manure of animals like cowdung was recognized in is subject to health problems, plants too suffer from
increasing the productivity of the land. Kautilya’s Arthasastra similar problems such as displacement or dislocation of
discusses the usefulness of cowdung and bones as manure. flower, fruit, leaves, bark and by application of
appropriate remedies prescribed in vrkshayurveda
The cultivators not only knew the use of manure in unnatural growth, deterioration, wounds, fractures etc.,
agriculture, but also possessed a fair knowledge of can be cured in plants".
manufacturing it. Cowdung was stored in a pit specially dug
for the purpose for a long period until it decomposed and Texts of vrkshayurveda classify disorders in plants into
transformed into manure. two types – exogenous and endogenous. The endogenous
disorders are caused by the disturbance of the three doshas,
Rules for watering plants have been laid out clearly in the namely vaatha, pitta and kapha. The exogenous disorders
texts of vrkshayurveda. There are also several recipes provided are caused by factors such as pests, cold, hail, lightning,
for the general nutrition of the plants. Specific recipes for etc. According to vrkshayurveda, plants are also
increasing growth and yield for particular crops have also understood as having vaatha, pitta or kapha characteristics,
been provided. Preparation of special growth regulators and like human beings. We should have an overview of this
liquid manures like kunapajala are also dealt with in texts of concept to understand disorders in plants.

Prakrithi or Constitution of Plants

Plants can be classified into three types based on their
constitution. The broad classification is the same as the
classification for human beings, namely vaatha, pitta and
kapha constitution. The general characteristics of plants of
each of these types are listed below.

6 Introduction Vrkshayurveda 7
  Bear abundant flowers and fruits.
Characteristics of Plants with Vaatha Constitution  House many creepers and climbers around them.

 Slender and tall

Rationale of Plant Prakrithi : A Comparison with
 Light in weight the Human Constitution
 Have a rough surface According to ayurveda, vaatha prakrithi individuals possess a
slender and tall body, are light in weight, have rough and
 Their leaves wither or drop away with the slightest heat
dry skin with prominent (bony) joints and present an
of the sun.
emaciated look. Pitta prakrithi individuals possess a medium-
Characteristics of Plants with Pitta Constitution sized body with medium strength, have a tendency to early
baldness and greying of the hair, possess yellow or copper
 Are able to withstand bright light. coloured skin and have plenty of pimples and freckles on the
 Have weak branches which break away easily. skin. Kapha prakrithi individuals possess a short and bulky
body with good strength and withstand stress better than the
 Have abundant leaves and flowers.
other two types of constitution. They adjust well with all
 Bear fruits during off season. types of people.
 Are of medium size and height. As in the case of humans, it is also true in the case of plants
that single prakrithi type is very rare and what one normally
Characterisitcs of Plants with Kapha Constitution
encounters are combinations (eg.) vaata-pitta type, pitta-kapha
 Possess stout and bulky stems and branches. type, vaata-kapha etc.,

 Plenty of thick leaves.

8 Introduction Vrkshayurveda 9
Endogenous Disorders  The tumours and protuberances which develop on the
sides of the trees due to vaathaja disorders could be
Vaathaja Problems plastered with cowdung, marking nut (Semicarpus
anacardium) and fat and watered with carrion broth.
Causes
 An infusion of greater galangal (Alpinia galanga),
Feeding plants excessively with substances that are dry and winter cherry (Withania somnifera), mesua (Mesua
astringent vitiates vaatha. Vaatha is also vitiated during nagassarium) and long pepper (Piper longum) is used to
summer as a result of loss of moisture in the soil. water the plants.

Note : For details regarding Ayurvedic properties(guna) of  If conditions are acute, the tree is watered with an
drugs refer Appendix - II. infusion of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and dill
(Anethum graveolens) seeds.
Symptoms
 Fumigation with the leaves of five-leaved chaste tree
Plants affected by Vaathaja diseases are lean, deformed, full (Vitex negundo), Indian bdellium tree (Commiphora
of knots and globules on the leaves, rough, have low water mukul), ghee and seeds of karumarudu (Terminalia
content and exhibit a loss of sweetness. tomentosa) is also done.
Treatment  Dressing of the roots with goat’s excreta and oil cake
is also beneficial.
 Irrigation with flesh, fat, tallow and ghee could be done.

 Fumigation with neem, cow’s horn, horse’s hair, ghee, Rationale

atis root and oil (Aconitum heterophyllum), pig’s fat, Therapy is done with ghee, fat, marrow, flesh, etc. for vaathaja
wild asparagus (Asparagus racemosus) and deodar disorders in human beings. The drugs administered should
(Cedrus deodara) could be attempted. have the properties associated with them in ayurveda, i.e. be
sweet, sour and salty in taste, hot in potency, etc. Infusion
and poultices are also used to reduce the pain which is
characteristic of vaatha dosha. The therapeutics is
predominantly what is known as “bulk promoting”. Drugs
such as winter cherry (Withania somnifera), greater galangal
(Alpinia galanga), marking nut tree (Semicarpus anacardium),
fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and five-leaved chaste tree (Vitex
negundo), possess these qualities. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare),
deodar (Cedrus deodara), winter cherry (Withania somnifera),
are also mentioned in Charaka for treatment of vaathaja
disorders.

10 Introduction Vrkshayurveda 11
Pittaja Problems nurtured with cold and perfumed rose water in which
sugar and embelia (Embelia ribes) has been dissolved.
If plants are irrigated with substances that are pungent, sour
and saline it vitiates pitta. Plants are also prone to pittaja  Fumigation with sugar, honey and ghee is also
diseases in summer and autumn. suggested.

Symptoms  Treatment is also given with khas-khas grass (Vettivera

zizanioides), nut grass (Cyperus rotundus), honey, milk
Yellowish discolouration of leaves, premature fruiting, and ghee.
oozing in fruits, emaciation due to excess activities of pitta
and subsequent burning up of body elements, languor of Rationale
leaves and flowers and fruits bearing a worn-out apperance,
For pittaja disorders the line of treatment is the use of drugs
are the symptoms of pittaja diseases.
which are predominantly sweet, bitter and astringent in taste,
Treatment cooling and those which are soft and viscous. Substances
such as ghee, milk and butter are used extensively.
 The plants should be irrigated with substances that are Application of fumes from aromatic substances such as
cooling and predominantly sweet in taste. Decoction sandal (Santalum album), khas-khas grass (Vettivera
of sweet liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), mahua tree zizanioides) etc. is also beneficial. All that is soft and cold in
(Madhuca indica) and milk mixed with honey is used nature is recommended.
for irrigation.
Kaphaja Problems
 Decoction of triphala (Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia
chebula, Phyllanthus emblica) mixed with ghee and Causes
honey is also recommended. The plants could be
Irrigating plants excessively with substances that are
sweet, unctuous, sour and cold, can cause kapha diseases.
Plants are more susceptible to kaphaja diseases in winter
and spring.

Symptoms
Deformity of leaves, slow maturing of fruits and less taste in
fruits are the general symptoms of kaphaja diseases.

Treatment
 Kaphaja diseases must be pacified with decoctions that
are pungent and hot in nature.

12 Introduction Vrkshayurveda 13
 Rationale
For treatment of kaphaja disorders substances possessing
pungent, bitter and astringent taste are used. Panchamoola
possesses these qualities and is specifically used in kapha and
vaatha disorders [Panchamoola is a combination of five plants.
They are the bael tree (Aegle marmelos), Indian trumpet tree
(Oroxylum indicum), coomb teak (Gmelina arborea), trumpet
flower tree (Stereospermum colais) and agnimandam]. Neem
(Azadirachta indica) and devil tree (Alstonia scholaris) are
mentioned in Sushrutha for treatment of kaphaja diseases.

Exogenous Disorders
 A paste of sugar and mustard is applied at the root and Vrkshayurveda also discusses the treatment of a large number
then the plant is irrigated with water mixed with the of exogenous disorders and their management. These
ashes of sesamum sp. disorders are of several kinds, such as those caused due to
 The mud and soil around the plant affected by kaphaja worm infestation, insect attack, trees affected by fire, hail,
diseases is removed and replaced with dry and hard soil. storm, cold winds, dried trees, cut and broken branches, trees
struck by lightning, etc.,
 Affected tree could be nurtured with tepid water.

 An infusion prepared from barks of parisah (Ficus

arnottiana), pilklan, country fig (Ficus racemosa) and
devil tree or biton bark (Alstonia scholaris), neem
(Azadirachta indica), sweet flag (Acorus calamus), nut
grass (Cyperus rotundus) and rohitaka tree
(Aphanamixis polystachya) is prescribed.

 Watering for seven days with decoction of yellow

berried nightshade (Solanum surratense), sahacara
(Barleria prionitis), neem (Azadiracthta indica), sweet
flag (Acorus calamus), cutch tree (Acacia catechu), black
catechu and rosha grass / rusa grass (Cymbopogon
martinii) is recommended.

 The roots of affected trees should be dressed with oil

cake of white mustard (Brassica juncea) and irrigated
with water in which sesamum and ashes are dissolved.

14 Introduction Vrkshayurveda 15
 Chapter - 2 Use of Gigantic swallow wort (Calatropis
gigantea)
Farmers Practices and Rationale Calatropis in irrigation channels
from Vrkshayurveda
Farmers divert the harvested rain water of adjoining fields
into the weed affected fields. Cut branches of Calotropis are
Introduction
kept at the entrance of the rain water channel. This practice
There are several indigenous practices followed by our minimizes weed population to a great extent if repeated for
farmers in agriculture. Based on our work in vrkshayurveda several times during rainy days.
we believe that the rationale of these practices can be
For control of aphids in lucerne (Medicago sativa) farmers
explained well based on principles of vrkshayurveda. How
place freshly cut branches of Calotropis in the irrigation
important is the analysis of these practices by farmers and
channel.
the understanding of their rationale in ayurvedic terms?
From our experience we feel that it serves a very important Calotropis for treatment of termites
purpose. Such an analysis lets us extend the scope and
application of farmers’ practices. For example, once we know Calotropis plant material (8-10 kg) is soaked in water for about
that a treatment is effective because it regulates vaatha, it twenty four hours and filtered. This liquid is poured on termite
opens up the possibility of modifying, extending or enhancing infested soil. The effectiveness is evaluated by placing pieces
the efficacy of treatment by trying out other substances or of wood at various points in the field. If the wood is not affected
regimens that can regulate vaatha. We can also evolve for one week then the treatment is considered effective.
treatments based on the properties of materials known from
vrkshayurveda to new conditions or situations not described
Rationale
or dealt with by vrkshayurveda. Calotropis is included in the arkadi gana * of Sushrutha and
swedopaga (sub-diaphoretic) gana of Charaka. It reduces kapha
and vaatha dosha, is teeksna (penetrative, quick) in guna (quality),
thiktha (bitter) in rasa (taste), katu (pungent) in vipaaka and is
krimighna (anthelmenthic) as well as vishagna (anti-toxic) in
property.

Use of Cactus milk for paddy pest control

Cactus milk is poured into the water inlets in the paddy field
to keep away certain insects.

Note : * Refer Appendix-III on ayurvedic classification of

drugs based on therapeutic action.

16 Rationale for Farmers Practices Vrkshayurveda 17

Rationale
The latex of cactus may have similar properties to that of Treatment for Ash gourd
common milk hedge (Euphorbia ligularia) which is very
As a child I was very fond of gardening and at home we
teekshna (penetrative, spreads quickly) and ushna (hot) in
had a small kitchen garden. We had an ash gourd
quality and also reduces kapha dosha and is purgative.
(Benincasa hispida) plant which had flowered profusely
but not a single flower bore fruit and all the flowers
Use of Asafoetida
withered away. An old man used to come home once in a
Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is applied on the rotten portion while to help with gardening. During one of his visits I
of the bottlegourd and a fine bandage cloth is tied around it. mentioned this to him. “Oh, it’s very simple to treat this,”
The disease is cured in a week’s time. he exclaimed and asked for a piece of asafoetida (Ferula
asafoetida). He dug a pit near the root and put the
Asofoetida is also used to prevent flower and fruit dropping. asafoetida into it. Within two weeks I noticed that the
Plants of the gourd family are root fed with asofoetida flower did not wither anymore and found tiny fruits. To
solution for this purpose. our amazement that year we had a bumper crop of more
than 100 ash gourds from one single plant!
Rationale
It was more than 15 years after this event when I started
Asafoetida or hingu as it is called in Sanskrit, helps in correcting
looking at the literature on vrkshayurveda that I was able
vaatha dosha in living systems. Since the process of
to comprehend the rationale behind it.
transformation of flowers to fruits is governed by vaatha dosha,
any imbalance in the functioning of this particular dosha will K. Vijayalakhsmi
hamper the process and the flowers will wither away. The
application of asafoetida near the root of the plant alleviates
the imbalance and sets in motion the normal functioning of the
system. It is customary in Indian households to use hing powder
mixed with warm water or buttermilk to relieve vaatha problem
in humans. It is also beneficial in relieving abdominal gas
especially in children and old people. Hingu or asafoetida is
ushna (hot) in veerya (potency), katu (pungent) in rasa (taste)
and vipaaka and is krimighna (antihelminthic) in property.

Use of Oilseed Cakes

The oilseed cakes of castor (Ricinus communis), neem
(Azadirachta indica), mustard (Brassica juncea) groundnut
(Arachis hypogea) and indian beech (Pongamia pinnata) when
incorporated into the soil have been found highly satisfactory

18 Rationale for Farmers Practices Vrkshayurveda 19

in controlling plant parasitic nematodes. They remained In Nepal, the farmers use Adhathoda leaves as a manure in rice,
effective for over six months in the soil. potato and maize fields. The leaves are chopped and applied
prior to planting where they decompose rapidly, within seven
Rationale to ten days in summer. This controls termite infestation. Rice
treated with Adhathoda leaves at the rate of ten tonnes of leaves
According to Vaidya. Vilas M. Nanal of Pune, oil seed cakes are
per hectare yielded forty percent more than rice treated with
considered rooksha (dry) i.e., devoid of water or oil content and
equivalent amounts of chemical fertilizers.
ushna (hot) in property which are diametrically opposite to that
of the internal environment which harbours worms and Rationale
parasites (krimi). Therefore all such substances which are katu
(pungent), thiktha (bitter) or kashaaya (astringent) in rasa (taste) Adhathoda is kashaaya and thiktha (astringent and bitter) in rasa
and is rooksha (dry), teekshna (quickly acting) ushna (hot) and (taste), katu (pungent) in vipaaka; ushna (hot) in veerya (potency)
laghu (light) would be effective in one way or the other in the and is a potent drug against phlegmatic diseases caused by kapha
management of pests. Similarly, substances having strong, dosha.
unpleasant odours also act as a pest repellent.
Mixed Cropping with Hibiscus
Use of Malabar nut (Adhathoda vasica) Hibiscus cannabinus (Nali) seeds are sown with rice in upland
dry rice fields for controlling termite attack. The red variety is
Farmers use Adhathoda as a manure, pesticide, fuel for water
considered better than the green variety.
purification and for medicinal purposes. It is used as a hedge
plant to prevent goats and other animals from entering the Rationale
cultivated fields. It is also used around betel gardens to protect
the creeper from hot winds. The leaves are used to cover wet Hibiscus flower and leaves are used extensively in hair oils
seeds about to be sown for a second crop in order to induce which is useful in conditions such as dandruff and skin
sprouting. Leaves of Adhathoda are used by farmers to kill disorders, due to their krimighna (antihelminthic) and kaphagna
aquatic weeds which form thick floating mats and prevent (reduces Kapha dosha) properties.
tillering in rice fields.
Cow Urine to control Pest of Fennel
Urine of cow is sprinkled on the fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
crop to minimise aphid infestation.

Rationale
Gomootra (Cow’s urine) is rooksha (rough) and teekshna
(penetrating) in guna (quality), ushna (hot) in veerya (potency),
katu (pungent) in rasa (taste) and vipaaka and is lavana in anurasa
(subserviant taste). It is krimighna (antihelminthic) in property.
Cow dung (karisa) also has similar properties.

20 Rationale for Farmers Practices Vrkshayurveda 21

 Chapter - 3 1. Use of Cow's urine
a) Cow's urine for resistance to Leaf spot
Vrkshayurveda for Paddy Cultivation disease in paddy
Introduction Symptoms of the disease
The leaves show round to oval or irregular brown spots which
This chapter provides information on certain tested recipes
may coalesce to cause withering of tissues. A velvetty growth
of vrkshayurveda. These experiments have been done on the
may be seen on the glumes. Sometimes browning or greyish
paddy crop. We request our readers to read the entire booklet
browning may be seen at the neck region. The grains show
completely and exercise due care and precautions before
reddish brown discolouration. These spots are like sesamum
taking up trials with the prescriptions mentioned in this book.
seeds. Hence this is also called as sesamum leaf spot disease.
Kindly bear the following factors in mind.
Treatment
1. The field trials that we have reported in this book are
largely on the paddy crop - if you are making trials with Paddy seeds required for sowing in 1 acre of land should be
other crops they need to be tested out separately. taken. This would be roughly 35 kilos. These seeds should be
soaked for two days in water and it should have sprouted. In
2. Even if you are making trials with the paddy crop fact, it should be ready for sowing in the nursery.
kindly bear in mind that there may be variations in
results due to factors such as - Take 1 liter of cow’s urine and mix it with 5 litres of water.
The cow’s urine should be collected two days earlier. The
 the variety of paddy that is cultivated. paddy seeds which have already been soaked in water and
sprouted should be soaked in the mixture of cow’s urine and
 the crop season in which the test is carried out water. It should be soaked for half an hour. After this it
and should be taken out and shade dried for 15 minutes. It should
 the climatic conditions prevailing in your area. then be sown in the nursery. This provides resistance to the
crop from leaf spot disease.
3. If you wish to test a recipe under your field conditions,
it would be best to test it initially in a small
Caution
experimental plot or even in paddy grown in pots. Do not increase the quantity of cow’s urine. This could
Please study the results that you obtain carefully and decrease the germinating capacity.
extend the trials to large or significant areas only after
you have tested the results and find them satisfactory
b) Cow’s urine for increasing yield
for at least two consecutive crop seasons. For spraying in one acre 6 litres of cow’s urine is required.
This cow’s urine should be collected two days earlier. It
NOTE : PLEASE ALSO GO THROUGH THE CONCLUDING
should be mixed with 60 litres of water and sprayed. When
CHAPTER BEFORE YOU INITIATE EXPERIMENTAL
this is sprayed during the vegetative stage the growth rate is
WORK.
increased and the crop also becomes resistant to diseases.

22 Vrkshayurveda for Paddy Cultivation Vrkshayurveda 23

2. Use of Milk for resistance to Tungro 3. Sweetflag (Acorus calamus) for general
virus disease resistance and increasing
Symptoms of Tungro virus attack
germination
Paddy seeds required for sowing in 1 acre of land should be
Older leaves turn yellow orange starting from the tip and
taken. This would be roughly 35 kilos. These seeds should be
margin. Young leaves are mottled with pale green to whitish
soaked for two days in water and it should have sprouted. In
spots. Root development is poor and grains are usually
fact, it should be ready for sowing in the nursery.
covered with dark brown blotch. Plants become stunted and
bear poor panicles with empty glumes. This disease is Quarter kilo of sweet flag (Acorus calamus) should be
transmitted by green leaf hopper (Nephotettix virescens). powdered and soaked in 3 litres of water. This should be
soaked overnight. Filter the extract next day. Take 1 litre of
Treatment this extract and dilute it in 5 litres of water. Soak the sprouted
Paddy seeds required for sowing in 1 acre of land should be paddy seeds in this extract for half an hour. Dry it in shade
taken. This would be roughly 35 kilos. These seeds should be for 10 minutes before sowing. By this treatment the
soaked for two days in water and it should have sprouted. In germinating capacity increases and also the plant becomes
fact, it should be ready for sowing in the nursery. resistant to a wide variety of diseases.

1 litre of milk should be mixed with 5 litres of water. It is 4. Use of Mint in seed treatment for
better to use cow’s milk. The paddy seeds soaked in water increasing crop growth and yield
and sprouted should be soaked in this mixture of milk and
water for half an hour. After this the seeds should be dried The following is a recipe for increasing crop growth and yield.
and then sown in the nursery. 200 grams of mint (Mentha arvensis) leaves should be mixed
with water and ground well. To this 5 litres of water should
Note be added. The sprouted paddy seeds should be soaked in this
for half an hour. It should then be shade dried. After this it
In Andhra Pradesh tobacco farmers dip their hands in milk
could be sown. This helps in increasing the crop growth and
before transplanting the seedlings of tobacco. It is an
yield.
indigenous practice. This prevents the tobacco mosaic virus
from attacking the tobacco seedlings.

24 Vrkshayurveda for Paddy Cultivation Vrkshayurveda 25

5. Growth regulator or Kunapajala for 6. Use of Panchagavya for Paddy
yield increase Panchagavya is a combination of 5 products obtained from
Materials required : the cow which is used in traditional medicine extensively.
These are cowdung, cow's urine, cow's milk, curd and ghee.
Goat’s meat – 1 kg
This is also mentioned in vrkshayurveda texts and it has been
Sesame – ¼ kg
experimented by us and other farmers. It has a significant
Black gram – ¼ kg
role in providing resistance to disease, pests and increasing
Cow’s milk - 1litre
the overall yield.
The goat’s meat should be washed properly and put in 5 litres
Note : The panchagavya preparations mentioned here are
of water and boiled till it reduces to half the quantity. After
slightly different from what has been mentioned in the
this the flesh should be removed and the extract alone should
vrkshayurveda texts. These modified versions have been
be filtered. Black gram and seasame should be properly
standarised by experimental trials.
powdered. The mixture of these powders should be mixed with
the meat extract after it is cooled. After mixing this it should Materials required
again be boiled. After boiling the mixture is cooled and then
milk should be added. This should now be transferred to a mud 1. Cowdung mixed with water – 500 ml.
pot. The mouth of the mud pot should be tied with a cloth. The 2. Cow’s urine – 300 ml.
pot should be buried under the ground or under the compost 3. Cow’s milk – 200 ml.
pit. The extract should be mixed well at least once a day.
4. Curd – 200 ml.
After 10 days the extract should be removed and properly 5. Ghee – 100 ml.
filtered. It should be transferred to another pot and closed. 6. Yellow plantain – 2 nos.
Fermentation takes place during this period.
7. Coconut water – 300 ml
This extract (kunapajala) can be applied near the roots or used
as a spray. For application near the root zone 3 litres of Total 1500 ml.
growth regulator is required. This should be applied near
Preparation
the irrigation channel so as to mix with the water.
All the products mentioned above should be put in a mud
500 ml of extract should be mixed with 10 litres of water for
pot, mixed properly and kept open for 10 days. It should
use as a foliar spray. This is sprayed twice during the
be mixed every day. It is ready for use in 10 days time.
vegetative stage. By using this there is an increase in the
This preparation is based on the method followed by
number of grains per ear head and also a general increase in
Dr. K. Natarjan of Kodumudi.
the yield. The weight of the grains also increase.

After irrigating the field in which the seedlings are The methods of use of panchagavya for specific conditions are
transplanted the growth regulator can also be applied using described in the next few pages.
a hand sprayer on the surface of the water.

26 Vrkshayurveda for Paddy Cultivation Vrkshayurveda 27

Panchagavya for Leaf blight treatment of the year 2000. He raised the seedling for one acre using
40 kgs of seeds. The seedlings were transplanted on the
Symptoms of Bacterial leaf blight disease 30th day. He used 40 loads of farmyard manure while
preparing the main field. Before transplantation he
It is characterized by the appearance of yellow colour
irrigated the main field with dilute slurry. On the 25th day
water soaked lesions on both the edges of the leaves. Later
after transplantation he irrigated the field with cowdung
they coalesce and the entire surface turns into straw solution. On the 30th day a litre of cow’s urine diluted in
colour. The affected leaves roll completely, droop and
10 litres of water was sprayed. On the 40th day he sprayed
ultimately the tillers wither away. These symptoms
panchagavya using a power sprayer. Only one weeding was
usually appear 4 to 6 weeks after transplanting. Affected done.
plants produce chaffy grains.
Preparation of Panchagavya
Treatment
For preparing panchagavya Sri Gomathynayagam had
A 5% panchakavya extract is sprayed on the paddy crop taken 5 litres of slurry, 3 litres of cow’s urine, 2 litres of
when bacterial leaf blight symptoms are noted. Within 1 cow’s milk, 2 litres of curd prepared from cow’s milk and
week the bacterial leaf blight symptoms disappear 1 litre of ghee. All these were put in a wide mouthed vessel
completely. For preparation of 5% extract one should use and left in a shady place. The solution was mixed with
50 ml. of the panchavkaya prepared for 1 litre of water. hand everyday in the morning and evening. The
panchagavya is ready on the 9th day and can be used for
Use of Panchakavya in Other crops
the next 30 days. Since ghee does not dissolve easily he
When a 3% panchakavya was sprayed on chilli crop within used a power sprayer. 3 litres of panchagavya was diluted
10 days of spraying it became dark green. In the case of with 100 litres of water and sprayed. After spraying
lemon a 3% panchakavya was sprayed during the panchagavya on the 40th day after transplantation he
vegetative stage and the flowering stage. This gave irrigated the field. 130 days after transplantion the crop
increased yield. was ready for harvest. He got an yield of 1400 kg of
paddy.
Experiences of a farmer using Panchakavya for
rice cultivation According to Sri Gomathynayagam this variety was easy
to cultivate and tasty to eat. It was extremely good for
Given below is the experience of a farmer who had used preparing pongal and pepper rice. Sri Gomathynayagam
panchakavya for rice cultivation. He had cultivated the mentions that the yield could be increased over a period
indigenous variety kitchili samba. This is a traditional rice of time by increasing the soil fertility gradually. He plans
variety popular for its use in the South Indian meal and to distribute seeds of this variety to others in his area. He
also for making a special dish “biriyani”. Sri. suggests that to preserve the soil quality and the
Gomathynayagam of Vivasaya Seva Sangam, Puliyangudi, environment it is better to cultivate such varieties
Tirunelveli Dist. obtained seeds of this variety from CIKS organically.
and cultivated it during the samba season (Aug. - Dec.)

28 Vrkshayurveda for Paddy Cultivation Vrkshayurveda 29

Are the Prescriptions of Vrkshayurveda Exotic and Chapter - 4
Expensive?
At first glance, a reader may wonder if the prescriptions of Conclusion
vrkshayurveda are exotic and expensive. The frequent mention
of ingredients like honey, ghee and milk may also make one In this booklet, we have made a beginning in terms of
wonder if these are practical. We can, however, assure the reader understanding the principles of vrkshayurveda and applying
that there are indeed a large number of recipes that are easy to them practically to the field situation, particularly for the
put to practical use. Even in cases where relatively expensive rice crop. We have also made an attempt to comprehend the
ingredients are specified, they are often in quantities that make rationale or theory behind certain traditional practices based
the effort entirely worthwhile. on the principles of vrkshayurveda. Testing out the recipes of
vrkshayurveda has presented a large number of problems. For
Here is the response of a reader K.K. Somani published in a
example, quite often the texts do not give a very detailed
journal called Jeevaniya. This was in response to a reference made
description in terms of the relative proportions of the
by another reader that vrkshayurveda recipes are expensive.
components or even the precise manner in which the
“I had some trees of “sitaphal” (Custard apple) at our Nashik farm treatment has to be carried out. This would not pose a
which were not yielding any fruit for 15 years. The fruit would form problem in a text of ayurveda which has a large number of
but would drop off only after a small growth and this was in spite of practitioners as well as scholars since there are not only
using fertilizers and full irrigation. specific conventions on this matter but also practitioners who
will be using the recipes constantly to give guidance to
After reading vrkshayurveda, I applied about 1 kg milk together with somebody who wants to make use of prescriptions practically.
various pulses, ghee and honey, all together costing less than Rs.50/-
only once in the last winter of 1994. Within three months, I got a We are faced with the fact that in the case of vrkshayurveda,
record crop of sitaphals which were also extremely delicious. while there are a large number of texts and recipes there is
nothing in the nature of a - “scholarly tradition”. For
In the second instance, I had ordered some small plants of fruit trees
example, a text may state that we should soak seeds in milk
from Delhi for plantation at Nashik. Out of 20 plants, about four
before sowing. However, while we translate this into
plants (3 to 4 days after reaching Nashik) started drying and dying.
practice, we have to face questions such as -
I immediately applied on the entire plant the above mix of milk, honey
and ghee with various pulses and replanted the same. Not only did  What is the source of milk to be used ? (in some cases
the small plants come alive again in just 15 days but started growing this may be mentioned).
with new leaves without further damage. The cost of this treatment
was less than Rs.10/- per plant. It can be seen therefore that the cost  Should the milk be boiled or used raw ?
of treatment is not high nor is it irrelevant today in spite of all the
 How long should it be soaked in milk ?
progress of our so-called science. I am sure that the various diseases
of plants which are treated by pesticides can be more conveniently  If the soaking is for a long period then should it be
and less expensively treated with what has been suggested in dried intermittently ?
vrkshayurveda."

30 Vrkshayurveda for Paddy Cultivation Vrkshayurveda 31

Hence, to arrive at a practical prescription we may have to 1. Techniques that are already in use by farmers can be
test out each of the above questions through practical examined rigorously in the field as well as analysed in
experiments. The situation is in reality much more complex the light of ayurvedic theory.
since several recipes of vrkshayurveda mention procedures
that involve a large number of components or several steps - 2. Using the principles and theories of ayurveda, one can
in such cases there are uncertainties in each step. The extend the use of currently available and used material
problem in our case is multiplied several fold since we are to new situations and problems.
dealing with the paddy crop. This is not a short duration 3. Finally it seems possible that one can come up with a
plant and if an experiment is to take a look at the growth or line of treatment for various ‘new’ pest and disease
yield we would need anywhere from 3 - 6 months for a single conditions (i.e. hitherto not described in the literature
trial. Ideally we would like to try something for at least 2 or on vrkshayurveda) starting from the basic principles
3 crop seasons before we feel that the procedure has been and theories of vrkshayurveda.
standardized. Further, there are several paddy varieties
which vary from each other in terms of - age, suitability to
climatic conditions, type of soil required etc. and ideally tests
must be repeated with the same variety and also in the similar
crop season. For example, if a test is made with a particular
variety in Tamil Nadu in the crop season where we get it sown
in the Tamil month of adi (mid July - mid August), the results
would be obtained only the following year in January /
February. If we are to repeat this trial, then ideally one should
carry out the repetition by sowing in adi in the subsequent
year to make the conditions comparable.

All this means that, in these trials and experiments, we have

only made a beginning and we have to travel a long path
before we can produce satisfactory prescriptions starting
from a textual reference.

Future Prospects
Nevertheless, we have been encouraged by the results
obtained thus far and we feel that there is a lot of scope for
further research and the prospects are bright. Methods
drawn from vrkshayurveda can constitute a valuable starting
point in three different ways -

32 Conclusion Vrkshayurveda 33
 Appendix - I preparation of different kinds of manures and also
recommends the kind of manure which should be applied to
various crops, trees and plants. It also talks about plant
Resource Books on Vrkshayurveda diseases and their treatment.

Upavana Vinoda Krishi Sukthi

The Upavana Vinoda is a chapter in Sarangadhara’s Krishi Sukthi is a Sanskrit work on agriculture which is
encyclopaedic work, “Sarangadhara Paddhati”, which is an narrated by the sage Kashyapa. It is arranged in four parts
anthology compiled by Sarangadhara. It deals with a variety and it contains the description and methodology of paddy
of subjects like asceticism, medicine, politics, economics, cultivation, growing of vegetables, description of the order
botany, philosophy etc. It almost covers the whole of human of eatables and uneatable substances and the description of
life in its most general as well as its deeper aspects. The the rules containing information about the various oblations.
author of this treatise Sarangadhara was a courtier of King The date of the work in its present form is uncertain. But
Hammira of Sakambari Desa (Bundelkhand) and lived in the there is a good reason to date the core of the work to the 8 –
13th century A.D. (1283 – 1301). Upavana Vinoda deals with 9 th century A.D. The text most probably belongs to the
topics such as (i) glory of trees (ii) selection of soils for Vaishnava tradition of South India more exactly to the school
planting various trees (iii) classification of plants (iv) the of Vaikhanasas. Kashyapa as an authority on agriculture is
process involved in sowing of seeds and planting (v) watering mentioned by Bhattotpala in his commentry on Brihat
(vi) examination of soils where wells are to be dug (vii) rules Samhitha.
for the nourishment of the plants (viii) pest and disease
management and (ix) botanical marvels. Amarakosha
Amarakosha is a Sanskrit lexicon (6th Century A.D.) compiled
Brihat Samhitha
by pandit Amarasimha and is also called as
Brihat Samhitha is a treatise in sanskrit compiled by Namalinganusasana. The book comprises of three parts or
Varahamihira in 500 A.D. Varahamihira’s patron King was khandas and is also called as Trikandakosha. Since it deals
Harsha Vikramaditya of Ujjain who lived in the 6th century with the language sanskrit called as Devabhasha (celestial
A.D. This text deals mainly with astrology but also discusses language) it is also called as Devakosha and is well known
topics like rain clouds, science of plants and plant life, winds, among the sanskrit literary works. The first and second part
indication of yield of crops from the blooming of flowers, or khanda consist of ten chapters or vargas each and the third
vegetable horoscopy, ascertaining presence of water in a dry part of khanda has only six chapters or vargas. The importance
region, architecture etc. of this book is that it mentions both paryaya shabdha
(synonyms) and nanartha shabdhas (different meanings of the
Vrkshayurveda of Surapala words). Chapters like bhoomi varga, vanoushadhi varga and
vaisya varga give a comprehensive glimpse of the art of
Vrkshayurveda of Suraphala is a manuscript on horticulture
classification of soil, land, implements used etc.
and botany and contains an interesting account of the

34 Resource Books Vrkshayurveda 35

Krishiparasara like Bhava prakasha are found in this work. The dravyas
mentioned in this work are grouped in twenty three vargas
Krishiparasara is a sanskrit work attributed to sage Parasara based on principles like roodhi, prabhava, aakrithi, upama,
devoted exclusively to the different agricultural operations. deshyokthi, veerya and utpathisthana.
It is difficult to determine authoritatively the date of this
work. Krishiparasara may have been written in the period Bhava Prakasha Nighantu
between 950 – 1100 A.D. It is difficult to ascertain exactly
the part of the country to which the author belonged. The This is a standard book of materia medica in Ayurveda written
most remarkable feature of this work is that it considers by Bhava Misra of Bengal in the 16 th century A.D. The
agriculture as depending merely on rainfall – “Vristi mula speciality of this work is that the auhor has discussed plants
krishi sarva”. There are mentions of signs of immediate like pudina (mint), aalukam (potato) and garijara (carrot)
rainfall such as rising of ants from their holes, sudden which are of recent origin. He has also given a detailed
croaking of frogs as well as particular position of the sun, description of qualities of soil, their types and suitability to
moon and other planets. Regarding seed collection, particular crops and also the particular part of a plant to be
preservation and sowing, detailed rules and methodology used for specific purposes. He was also the first to introduce
which is of a great practical value are mentioned in this work. Unani medicine. He is also known to have served as a
physician in Akbar’s court.
Dhanvantri Nighantu
Note : Some standard editions of the above texts are listed
This work in Sanskrit is a materia medica compiled in the below.
11th Century A.D. There is no clear mention or reference to
1. Vrkshayurveda of Surapala, manuscript available in
the author of this work. In this work 373 Dravyas are
Bodleian Library, Oxford University, Oxford No.324 B
explained under seven ganas or groups namely (i) Guduchyadi
(Ms. Walkar 137), Oxford, London.
(ii) Shatapushpadi (iii) Chandanadi (iv) Karaveeradhi (v)
Aamradi (vi) Suvarnadi and (vii) Misrakadi. The author of this 2. Upavana Vinoda of Sarangadhara, English translation by
work says that for the better understanding of the plants in G.P. Majumdar, published by Satis Chandra Seal for
the forest etc. the physician should get the help of people The Indian Research Institute, Calcutta, 1935.
living in the forest, local folk and tribes.
3. Brihat Samhitha of Varahamihira, English translation by
Raaja Nighantu M. Ramakrishna Bhat, published by Motilal
Banarasidass, 1987.
This book in sanskrit is a materia medica compiled in the 11th
Century A.D. and is also called as Nighantu Raaja and 4. Amarakosha of Amarasimha, Edited with Hindi
Abhidana Choodamani. The author of this work is Pandit commentary and notes by Pandit Haragovinda Sastri,
Narahari who was the son of Eswarisuri who lived in Kashmir. published by Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan,
The work is compiled by refering books like Dhanvantri Varanasi, 1982.
nighantu, Madhanapala nighantu, Amarakosha etc. Drugs like
sarpakshara, karpoora thaila etc. which are not found in books

36 Resource Books Vrkshayurveda 37

5. Krishiparasara of Parasara, Edited and translated by Appendix - II
Girija Prasanna Majumdar and Suresh Chandra
Banerji, published by Asiatic Society, Calcutta, 1960.
Guna : Ayurvedic Properties
6. Raaja Nighantu and Dhanvantri Nighantu, Edited by
Vaidya Narayana Sharma, printed and published by There is a wealth of information available in the texts of
Anandashram Press, Pune, 1986. ayurveda and the medical lexicons regarding properties of
plants (and also substance of animal or mineral origin).
7. Krishisukti of Kashyapa, Edited and translated into
However, these properties are given in ayurvedic terms and
English by Gyula Wojtilla, published by Acta Orientalia
this is a language and terminology that is different from what
Academiae Scientiarum, Budapest, Hungary, 1985.
one would find in modern texts where properties of
substances may be described in terms of chemical
composition. Some of the factors based on which ayurvedic
texts describes the nature of a substance are - rasa or taste,
guna or property etc. For example, if one takes the term guna,
there are about twenty Gunas occuring in ten pairs which
are freqently used to describe properties of substances. These
are listed below -

1. Guru (heavy) Laghu (light)

2. Manda (slow) Tikshna (sharp)

3. Sheetha (cold) Ushna (hot)

4. Snigdha (unctuous) Rooksha (dry)

5. Slakshana (smooth) Khara (rough)

6. Saandra (viscous) Drava (liquid)

7. Mrudu (soft) Katina (hard)

8. Sthira (stable) Sara (unstable/moving)

9. Sookshma (subtle) Sthoola (gross)

10. Vishada (clear) Picchila (slimy)

38 Resource Books Vrkshayurveda 39

For example, let us take the first pair, Guru / Laghu. Guru Appendix - III
literally means heavy and in this context it means substances
that are heavy to digest. These usually have an effect of
increasing the bulk or weight of the body. As against this,
Ayurvedic Classification of Drugs
substances that are lagu are light to digest. Typically, oils Based on Therapeutic Action
are Guru / heavy and something like puffed rice is laghu or
light. Similarly, consider the pair, sheetha / ushna. Sheetha In ayurveda, plants are grouped according to their
means that which is cooling to the body (of humans, animals pharamacological actions. The two major classics of
or plants) and Ushna means that which is producing heat. ayurveda, namely - Charaka Samhitha and Sushrutha Samhitha
This is understood not in the sense of increase of body have classified plants based on pharmacological actions.
temperature but the sensation of heat as we experience it. There is only a slight difference in the methods of
For example, unripe mangoes are considered ushna - that is classification. Charaka has classified plants into fifty groups
they increase body heat. Hence, we are advised that if we according to the action on the body such as vitalising, bulk
eat a lot of such mangoes, it would be a good idea to drink promoting etc. Each of these groups contain ten plants and
milk (which has a cooling effect) so as to maintain the is termed as mahakashaayas. Sushrutha has grouped plants
balance. The plant which is suffering from excess of pitta into thirty eight groups (two groups, namely ushakadi and
may be treated by irrigating it with substances that are trapwadi consist of minerals) and are termed as ganas. These
sheetha or cool in potency such as sweet liquorice (Glycyrrhiza ganas are named according to the primary drug or first drug
glabra). in the group. Sushrutha has grouped them according to their
specific action on the doshas, diseases and for some other
particular functions.

Charakas’s Classification
Given below are a few of the fifty ganas listed by Charaka,
along with the approximate english translation. An example
in each case is also cited.

1. Jeevaneeya - Vitaliser
eg. Jivaka (Microstylis wallichii)

2. Brimhaneeya - Bulk promoting

eg. Aswagandha (Withania somnifera)

3. Lekhaneeya - Emaciating
eg. Musta (Cyperus rotundus)

40 Guna Ayurvedic properties Vrkshayurveda 41

4. Bhedaneeya - Scabula breaking Appendix - IV
eg. Arka (Calotropis gigantea)

5. Sandhaaneeya - Healing Table of Plant Names

eg. Priyangu (Calicarpa macrophylla)
Note : This table gives the Sanskrit names and Latin names
Sushrutha’s Classification
(systematic botanical name) corresponding to the common
Here we have listed a few of the categories of Sushrutha with name of the plants. Wherever the common name in English
a description of each type and also given the Latin name of is not available it has been given in an Indian language.
the lead entry. The name of each gana is derived from the [(S) - Sanskrit, (T) Tamil]
sanskrit name of the lead plant of the gana (eg.) Aaragwadha
or Cassia fistula is the lead plant of the aaragwadhadi gana.
Common / English Sankrit Name Botanical Name
1. Vidaarigandhaadi - reduces pitta, vaatha; tumour of Name
Vaathic type, emaciation, lassitude, dyspnoea, cough
(Vidarigandha - Desmondium gangetium).
Asafoetida Hing Ferula asafoetida
2. Aaragvadhaadi - reduces kapha; poison, diabetes, skin Ash gourd Kusumandah Benincasa hispida
diseases, fever, vomitting, ulcers (aragvadha - Cassia
fistula). Atis root Ativisha Aconitum heterophyllum

3. Rodhraadi - reduces kapha meda; uterine disorders, Bael tree Vilvah Aegle marmelos
astringent, anti-poison, promotive of complexion Barley Jav, Jau Hordeum vulgare
(Rodhra - Symplocos racemosa)
Belleric myrobalan Vibhitakah Terminalia bellerica
4. Arkaadi - reduces kapha, meda; worms, skin diseases,
Black catechu - -
ulcers (Arka - Calatropis gigantea)
Castor Eranda Ricinus communis
5. Surasaadi - reduces kapha; worms, respiratory diseases,
anorexia (Surasa - Ocimum sanctum). Chebulic myrobalan Haritaki Terminalia chebula

Chunga Lodhra Symplocos cochinchinensis

Common Milk hedge Snuhi Euphorbia ligularia

Coomb teak Gambhari Gmelina arborea

Country fig or Gular fig Udumbara Ficus racemosa

Cutch tree Kadhira Acacia catechu

42 Classification of Drugs Vrkshayurveda 43

Deodar or Himalayan Devadaru Cedrus deodara Mint Pudhina Mentha arvensis
cedar
Munnai (T) Agni Mandam -
Devil tree Saptaparna Alstonia scholaris
Nali (S) Hibiscus cannabinus
Dill Satapuspa Anethum graveolens
Neem Nimba Azadirachta indica
Edible - stemmed vine Hadjod, Hadjora Cissus quadrangularis
or Adamant creeper Nut grass Musta, mustaka Cyperus rotundus

Embelia Vidanga Embelia ribes Pilklan (S) - Ficus arnottiana

Fennel Saumph Foeniculum vulgare Priyangu (S) - Calicarpa macrophylla

Five leaved chaste tree Nirgundi Vitex negundo Rodhra (S) - Symplocos racemosa

Gigantic swallow work Arkah Calotropis gigantea Rohituka tree Rohitaka Aphanamixis polystachya

Greater galangal Rasna Alpinia galanga Rosha grass/Rusa grass Dhyamakah Cymbopogon martinii

Ground nut Bhucanakah Arachis hypogea Sacred Basil Surasa Ocimum sanctum

Indian bdellium tree Guggulu Commiphora mukul Sahacara (S) - Barleria prionitis

Indian beech Karajah Pongamia pinnata Sandal wood Chandana Santalum album

Indian Gooseberry Amlaki Phyllanthus emblica Seasame, Gingelly Til Sesamum indicum

Indian Laburnum Aragvadha Cassia fistula Shoe flower Japa Hibscus rosa-sinensis

Indian mustard Sarsapah Brassica juncea Sweet flag Vacha Acorus calamus

Indian trumpet tree Syonakah Oroxylum indicum Sweet liquorice Yastimadhuh Glycyrrhiza glabra

Jeevak Jivaka Microstylis wallichii Trumpet flower tree Patala Stereospermum colais

Karumarudu (T) - Terminalia tomentosa Vidarigandha (S) - Desmodium gangeticum

Khas-khas Usira Vettiveria zizanioides Wild Asparagus Satavar Asparagus racemosus

Long pepper Pippali Piper longum Winter cherry Ashvagandha Withania somnifera

Mahua Madhuka Madhuca indica Yellow berried Kanthakari Solanum surratense

nightshade
Marking nut tree or Ballataka Semicarpus anacardium
oriental cashew

Mesua, Iron-wood tree Naga kesara Mesua nagassarium

44 Plant Names Vrkshayurveda 45

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46 References Vrkshayurveda 47