What is Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Dictionary) ?

 What is Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Dictionary) ?

Ans: 

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu is said to be placed between 15-17th century. 

Some of its manuscripts available in Jammu Kashmir Library belongs to 1665AD. 

The work was done by Acharya Bhavamishra. 

The Bhavaprakasha Nighantu is on of the Laghutrayi. 

The book is divided into three sections Viz; Purvakhanda, Madhyama Khanda, Uttara Khanda.

 The text includes total 24 Vargas. 

25th one is miscellaneous section. In this the Medicinal flowers section is fourth one.

Ayurveda explains the longevity of life along with spiritual aspects. 

In day today life use of flowers were mentioned elaborately.

 For example the Dronapushpi flowers are used for Abhisheka. 

The Dhatura flower is offered to Lord Shiva, Tulasi for Lord Vishnu, Kamala for Lord Bramha, Lord Buddha, The Langali flower is for Lord Ganesha and the list goes on. 

Since ancient times flowers were using as decorative and spiritual aspects as well as in treatment aspects. 

The therapeutic properties of medicinal flowers were seen in our classical texts. The separate section is being mentioned called Pushpa Varga. 

These medicinal flowers are marketed by pharmaceutical companies for making perfumes, colouring agents, and for medicinal purpose.

 The essential oils are prepared from the dried flowers as the essential oils are more potent. The medicinal flowers possess anti viral, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, mood stabilizing agents. 

BAKULA (Mimosa elengi Linn )

 

BAKULA OR MAULASHRI : -

 Botanical Name : Mimosa elengi Linn 

Family:- Sapotaceae 

Synonyms:- Madhugandha, Simha Kesaraka 

Pharmacological Actions:- 

1)Bakula is Kashaya(Astringent), Katu Vipaka(Pungent in post digestive effect), Anushna(Slightly hot in potency), Guru(Heavy), Subsides Kapha, Pitta, Visha(Poisons), Shwitra(Vitiligo), Krimi(Worms), Dantagada(Dental problems). 

2)The powder of the flower of the Bakula is given as Nasya(Nasal administration) cures headache, fatigue, and cardiac complications.

Davanam (Artemesia vulgaris Linn,)

 Davanam : 

DAMANAKA - 

Botanical Name- Artemesia vulgaris Linn,

 Family:- Asteraceae 

Synonyms:- Danta, Muniputra, Tapodhana, Gandhotkata, Bramhajata, Vinita, Kalapatraka. 

Pharmacological Actions:- 

Damanaka is Kashaya(Astringent), Tikta(Bitter), Hridya(Good for heart), Vrushya(Aphrodisiac), Sugandhika(Fragrant smell),

 It cures Visha(Poison effects), Kustha(Skin diseases), Asra Kleda(Diseases of Blood and secretions), Kandu(Itching), and all the Tridoshas(Vata, Pitta, Kapha Doshas). 

Maruvam (Ocimum gratissimum)

 Maruvam : 

MARUBAKA -

Botanical Name:- Ocimum gratissimum

 Synonyms:- Maruta, Marubaka, Maruta, Maru, Phani, Phanijjaka, 

Pharmacological Actions:-

Marubaka is Agniprada(Stimulates appetite), Hridya(Good for heart), Teekshna(Penetrating), Ushna(Hot in potency), Pittakaraka, Laghu(Light), Ruchikaraka(Stimulates taste), Katu Vipaka(Pungent in post digestive effect), Katu(Pungent in taste), Ruksha(Dry), Sugandhita(Has good odour).

It cures Vrischika Visha(Scorpion bite), Shleshma, Vata Doshas, Kustha(Skin diseases), Krimi(Worms).

Medicinal Flowers mentioned in Bhavaprakasika Book (Traditional Ayurveda Book) :

 Medicinal Flowers mentioned in Bhavaprakasika Book (Traditional Ayurveda Book) :

These medical  flowers are the integral part of Dravyaguna Vijnana(Indian Pharmacology) and highlighted the medicinal values which helps in the alleviating the diseases and maintains the health of the person.

 The essential oils are prepared from the dried flowers as the essential oils are more potent.

 The medicinal flowers possess anti viral, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, mood stabilizing agents. 

Here an attempt is made to screen out the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu related only medicinal flowers and their therapeutic effects. Further study is required too cultivate such medicinal plants and evaluate the clinical activities like anti viral, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, mood stabilizing agents. 

There are 39 medicinal flowers. Viz;-

 Kamala(Lotus), :Botanical Name- Nelubium speciosum willd, Family- Nymphacea

Padmini, 

Samvartika, 

Karnika, 

Keshara,

 Mrinala, 

Sthala Kamalini, 

Kumuda, Kumudini, 

Varivarni, Shaivala, 

Shatapatri(Rose), 

Vasanti(Ixora paviflora), 

Varshiki or Bela, 

Malati(Chameli), 

Yuthika, 

Champaka, 

Bakula, 

Brihadkumuda, 

Kadamba, 

Kubjaka, 

Mallika(Jasminum savebac), 

Madhavi(Clustured hiptage), 

Ketaki(Pandanus osoratissimus),

 Karnikara, 

Ashoka, 

Banapushpa, 

Saireyaka, 

Kunda, 

Muchakunda,

 Tilaka, 

Bandhujiva,

Japa Pushpa, 

Sindhuri, 

Agastya, 

Tulasi, 

Marubaka(Ocimum gratissimum), 

Damanaka, 

Barbari.