REVIEW ARTICLE Jan-Feb 2022

The relevance of Vrukshayurveda for organic

cultivation of medicinal plants
Ashwini Jeerankalagi1, Shivanand T Biradar2, Shashidhar P Naik3, D N Dhari4, Vidyalaxmi S Pujari5
1
Assistant Professor, 3Professor and Head, 4Professor, 5Associate Professor, Department of PG studies in Dravyaguna,
BLDEA’s AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.
2
Associate Professor, Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sai Ayurveda College, Vairag, Solapur,
Maharashtra, India.

ABSTRACT
Ayurveda was theorized few thousand years back and is practised upto this day. So as like the medical science for
humans (Ayurveda) similar science Vrikshayurveda was also developed for plants. Vrikshayurveda mainly deals with
various aspects of trees regarding procuring, preserving, treatment of seeds and planting materials, method of
irrigation, selection of soil, bio fertilizers and techniques for healthy growth and productivity of plant and plant disease
etc. Today, we are facing lot of health hazards due to chemical fertilizers and pesticides in human beings like Digestive
ailments, Cancer, Physical and Mental ailments, Reproductive abnormalities, Immune suppression, Hormone
disruption etc. It does because of our traditional practices of farming have been more or less replaced by modern
techniques, which are mainly dependent on chemicals for disease free and vigorous plants. Not only human health,
these are causing destructive effects on environment like contamination of air, soil, ground water and declining of
beneficial soil micro-organisms. It is necessary to validate effectivity of several ancient practices in the organic
production and managing medicinal plant diseases. An effort is made here to review Vrikshayurveda literature related
to agro techniques which can be used in the development of effective medicinal plants. It also highlights the current
status of research and recent trends in the field of Vrikshayurveda related to organic production.

Key words: Traditional Agriculture, Agro techniques, Vrikshayurveda, Research trends.

INTRODUCTION variety, properties, procurement and use. They have

Since long back Indians have wakefulness about health strong relationship with plant and animal resources.
and longevity. For the interest of good health they have Ayurveda is practised up to this day, even though it was
affinity towards the healthy diet and their resources. theorized few thousand years back. So as like the
Our ancestors have curiosity in the jungle to get such medical science for humans (Ayurveda) similar science
sources of plant origin. Our sages made immense Vrikshayurveda was also developed for plants.[1]
efforts in getting the knowledge of plants and assessed Ancient India recognised the importance of cultivation,
their medicinal value. It includes their identification, conservation, collection methods of plant bio-
Address for correspondence: resources and their rational use for therapeutic
Dr. Ashwini Jeerankalagi purpose and health promotion.[2]
Assistant Professor, Department of PG studies in Dravyaguna,
BLDEA’s AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Hospital and Research Vrikshayurveda is a Sanskrit term which means the
Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.
science of Plant life (Vriksha = tree). It is an ancient
E-mail: ashu.pj@gmail.com
Submission Date: 12/01/2022 Accepted Date: 21/02/2022
Indian science of plants. It is explained in various
Access this article online ancient texts. Vedas like Rigveda and Atharveda has
Quick Response Code lots of references regarding plants and environment.
Website: www.jaims.in Ayurveda is the knowledge of life, diseases, their
prevention and treatment. In Vrikshayurveda these
Published by Maharshi Charaka concepts are applicable to plants. It has been
Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur, completed in the form of Sanskrit Shlokas (325 in no)
Karnataka (Regd) under the license
CC-by-NC-SA
in a text Vrikshayurveda by Surapala (around 1000

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Jan - Feb 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 1 329
 Ashwini Jeerankalagi et al. The relevance of Vrukshayurveda for organic cultivation

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Jan-Feb 2022

years ago). He explained the importance of plants in Vrikshayurveda of Surapala from Bodlein Library,
human life. It explains procuring, preserving, treatment Oxford, UK. Dr Nalini Sadhale did the English
of seed and planting techniques. This text, deals with translation of the manuscript.[5]
various topic like planting a garden, importance of
Variety of information regarding nursery and agro
various plants, selection of land, characteristic of soil,
techniques such as selection of soil, method of
planting pits, different methods of irrigation, nutrition
irrigation, pre sowing treatment of seeds and planting
for plants, fertilizers, diseases of trees and their
materials, bio fertilizers, techniques for healthy growth
treatment.[3]
and management of pest control etc. [6-10]
Today, we are facing lot of health hazards due to
1. Soil selection: An ancient text related to
chemical fertilizers and pesticides in human beings like
Vrikshayurveda has given comprehensive
Digestive ailments, Cancer, Physical and Mental
information on selection of soil for varieties of
ailments, Reproductive abnormalities, Immune
plants.
suppression, Hormone disruption etc. It does because
of our traditional practices of farming have been more Bhumi (Type of Plants to be grown
or less replaced by modern techniques, which are Land)
dependent on chemicals (fertilizers) for disease free
and vigorous plants. Not only human health, these are Anupa Bhumi Panasa, Narikela, Jambu, Tala,
(Marshy land) Vamsha, Jambeera, Vata, Kadamba,
causing destructive effects on environment like
Kadali, Ketaki, etc.
contamination of air, soil, ground water and declining
of beneficial soil micro-organisms. It is the need of the Jangala Bhumi (Arid Ashoka, Shami, Bilwa, Shigru,
hour to validate effectively of several ancient practices land) Saptaparna, Shaka, Nimba, Karira etc.
in the organic production and managing medicinal
plant diseases.[4] Sadharana Bhumi Amra, Dadima, Champaka, Bijapuraka,
(Ordinary land) Priyangu etc.
An effort is made here to review Vrikshayurveda
literature related to agro techniques which can be used 2. Method of irrigation: Irrigation according to
in the development of effective medicinal plants. It also season is mentioned in Vrikshayurveda. In Vasanta
highlights the current status of research and recent (spring) irrigation should be done daily, in Hemant
trends in the field of Vrikshayurveda related to organic (pre winter) and Shishira (winter) every alternate
production. day and in Grishma (summer) it should be done
Vrikshayurveda in Ancient Literature thrice in a day.

The literature of Vrikshayurveda found from various 3. Pre sowing treatment of seeds (Bijopti Vidhi):
texts like Agni Purana, Brihatsamhita, Sharangdhara Certain pre sowing treatment of seeds are
Paddhati of Sharangdhara. The term ‘Vrikshayurveda’ mentioned which are beneficial for seed sowing
was first mentioned in Koutilya Arthashastra but purpose.
details are explained in Brihatsamhita and Agni a. Seeds are extracted from dried fruit, is then
Purana. Text such as Vishvavallabha, Krishi Parashara, sprinkled with milk and dried for five days. It is
Manasollas, Shivatatvaratnakara and Lokopkara also then smoked with mustard seeds mixed with
contain the information related to the art of Vidanga (Emblia ribes Burm. f).
plantation. Vrikshayurveda is a text written by Surpala
(1000AD) highlighting the importance of agriculture b. Seeds sprinkled with milk rubbed with cow
practices. It is an Independent Ancient Sanskrit Text dung, dried and profusely smeared with
(325 Shlokas) on Plants. Mr Y. L. Nene (Chairman Asian Vidanga Choorna and Madhu will definitely
Agri-History Foundation) procured a manuscript of sprout.

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 Ashwini Jeerankalagi et al. The relevance of Vrukshayurveda for organic cultivation

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Jan-Feb 2022

c. Seeds soaked in milk, dried well in shade and c. Trees that don’t bear flowers and fruit should
rolled in the powder of Brihati (Solanum be treated with cold mixture of sesame, barley,
indicum L.), Tila (Sesamum indicum L.) and Kulattha (Dolichos biflorus L.), green gram and
mixed with mustard are excellent for sowing. black gram.
4. Specific planting months d. In Vrikshayurveda Panchmoola is combination
of five plants mainly Bilva (Aegle marmalos L),
Plants Specific planting month
Agnimanth (Clerodendrum phlomides L.),
Dadima (Punica granatum L.), Shravana (Rainy)
Shonak (Oroxylum indicum Benth.), Patala
Bakula (Mimusops elengi L.) (Stereospermum suaveolens Roxb.), Gambhari
(Gmelina arboria Roxb.) are used in various
Amra (Mangifera indica L.), Bhadrapada (when rains are forms to treat different diseases in plants. It is
Lakucha (Artocarpus lakoocha receding)
also used for pest control and as a bio fertilizer
ROXB.)
to enhance plant yield.
Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris Kartika (Start of dry season)
8. Pest control in trees was followed in those days
L.)
like fumigation with Sarshapa, Hingu, Vidanga
Patola (Trichosanthes Phalguna (beginning of (Embelia ribes), Vacha (Achorus calamus) and
cucumerina L.) spring) water and mixed with powder of Bhallataka
(Semicarpus anacardium).
Kadali (Musa paradisiaca L.) Vaishakha (beginning of
summer) 9. Paste prepared by pounding the barks of Karanja
(Pongamia pinnata), Aragwadha (Cassia fistula),
5. Bio fertilizers in the name of Kunapa Jala which is Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
special liquid manure is mentioned in Surapala’s with cows urine is applied to the roots of infected
Vrikshayurveda which enhances growth and plant.
development of plants.
Research / Publications related to Vrikshayurveda
6. Preparation of Kunapa Jala (Surapala): The
excreta, flesh, brain, bone marrow, head of boar, 1. Mohan B. Evaluation of Organic growth promoters
mixed with water and stored underground called on yield of dry land vegetable crops in India. J Org
as Kunapa. It is then boiled after mixing with water Sys. 2008; 3: 23-26
and mixture should be stored in oiled pot after This study recommends the use of Panchagavya as an
adding sufficient quantity of husk, after roasting it organic growth promoter for small and marginally
in an Iron pot. Sesame oil cake, honey and soaked profitable vegetable crop farms.
black gram also added. A little ghee should be
2. Brageshwar, Joshi AK, Dey S. Effect of Kunapa Jala
poured.
and fertilizers on Senna (Cassia angustifolia) Indian
7. Various cultivation techniques: to increase yield is forester. 2007; 133:1235-1240
mentioned in Vrikshayurveda like sprinkling of
This study highlights the importance of Kunapajala
ghee with cold milk.
with special emphasis on cultivation of medicinal
a. Panasa (jack fruit) when watered with Triphala plants like senna (Cassia angustifolia)
decoction and covered immediately with husk,
3. Ankad GM, Hiremath J, Patil RT, Pramod HJ,
bears big sized fruits.
Hegade HV. Nutrient analysis of Kunapa Jala and
b. Orange tree bears good quality of fruit when Panchgavya and their evaluation on germination of
treated with water mixed with flesh, jaggery Ashwagandha and Kalamegha seeds; a
and milk.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Jan - Feb 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 1 331
 Ashwini Jeerankalagi et al. The relevance of Vrukshayurveda for organic cultivation

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Jan-Feb 2022

comparative study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. This study on the basis of germination parameters
2017;9(1):13-19 proves the method mentioned in Vrikshayurveda is
beneficial alternative in terms of better and safe
This study emphasis on preparation of Kunapa Jala,
germination.
Panchagavya and also its effect on germination of
Aswagandha and Kalamegha seeds. 9. Shahane Prachi, Khobragade Pramod. Evaluation
on the seed germination rate of Ashoka (Saraca
4. Shubhasree MN, Matapathi S, Dixit AK.
asoka (Roxb.) De Wilde) w.s.r. to Vrikhsayurveda.
Conservation and preservation of medicinal plants
International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma
leads from Ayurveda and Vrikshayurveda. Int J
Research. 2016;4 (10): 29-32
Complement Alt Med. 2018;11(5):275-279
This paper emphasizes on the seed germination rate,
This paper emphasizes on the conservation of plants as
which is increased by Vrikshayurveda method.
per Vrikshayurveda. It mentions the concept of
Nakshatra Vana and Rashi Vana and also the 10. Ankita Patil, Meenal Lad. Comparative study of
advantages of organic farming. quantitative evaluation of alambu fruit (Cucurbita
maxima duch. Ex lamk.) Grown by Vrikshayurveda
5. Vidyanath Ratnakaram. Antique cultivation and
cultivation method and conventional cultivation
conservative techniques of Vegetation w.s.r. to
practice. IAMJ: Vol 7, issue 10, Oct-2019
Vrikshayurveda. ISSN 0976-0075 Ayurveda e-
Journal Rasamritam, 5:36 Nov 2013 This study on quantitative evaluation of Alambu fruit
through Vrikshayurveda cultivation method showed
This paper focuses on the Vrikshayurveda techniques
good results than conventional cultivation practice.
and hazards caused by chemical fertilizers and
pesticides. It also tells about the treatment of diseased CONCLUSION
condition of plants mentioned in Vrikshayurveda.
By adoption of various Vrikshayurveda based agro
6. Ramachandran CK. Vrikshayurveda (Arboreal techniques, we can have drugs free from harmful
medicine in Ancient India) Anc Sci chemical, availability of potent drugs and more active
Life.1984;4(2):110-1 principles, which can be easily accessed through
This paper discusses the special branch of ancient modern parameters. It would certainly promote the
Indian Sciences on plant life as mentioned by sustainable management of medicinal plants with
Vrikshayurveda. value addition which ultimately enhance the quality as
well as production of raw material for the production
7. Anjan Kumar Sinha, P. K. Mishra. Effect of liquid
of medicines. It is the need of the hour to procure
Biofertilizer(Vrikshayurveda) prepared from
healthy growth and productivity of plants and build eco
Brassica alba on the cultivation of Rice. Journal of
friendly environment. So, the developments of
Applied and Natural Science 5 (2): 427-429(2013).
Vrikshayurveda based techniques are beneficial to
This study clearly indicated that in comparison to urea, improve the viability of the seeds of endangered plant
Brassica alba treated paddy plant performed higher species for better germination and it also gives scope
plant height, higher yield production, higher husk to integrate traditional medicine.
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T Biradar, Shashidhar P Naik, D N Dhari, Vidyalaxmi S
6. Surapala Vrikshayurveda: Ancient treatise on plant life.
Pujari. The relevance of Vrukshayurveda for organic
Editor Dr SriKrishna Juganus, Chaukhamba Sanskrit
cultivation of medicinal plants. J Ayurveda Integr Med
series office, Varanasi.2004.
Sci 2022;1:329-333.
7. Sadhale N, Nene Y Lancient Indian traditional and
scientific thought on plant: Sir J C Bose and Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None
declared.

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Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Jan - Feb 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 1 333