CONCEPT OF VRIKSHAYURVEDA AND ETHNO MEDICINE

CONCEPT OF VRIKSHAYURVEDA AND ETHNO MEDICINE

• The science of medicinal plants and their therapeutic use is a core component of Dravyaguna Vijnana.

• Two important allied concepts that enhance the understanding of medicinal botany are Vrikshayurveda (plant life science) and Ethno medicine (folk healing systems).

• These disciplines represent both ancient scientific knowledge and indigenous traditional practices.

VRIKSHAYURVEDA – ANCIENT INDIAN PLANT SCIENCE

• Vrikshayurveda is the Ayurveda of plant life, dealing with plant health, growth, pathology, and healing.

• Derived from classical Sanskrit texts, it is the botanical counterpart of human Ayurveda.

DEFINITION AND MEANING

• “Vriksha” means tree or plant; “Ayurveda” means science of life.

• Hence, Vrikshayurveda implies scientific knowledge of the life of plants.

CLASSICAL SOURCES

• References are found in ancient texts like

  • Vrikshayurveda by Surapala (10th century CE)

  • Kashyapa Krishi Sukti

  • Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita in indirect botanical contexts

RELEVANT SHLOKA
सर्वं द्रव्यं पञ्चभौतिकम् – (च.सू. 26/11)
Meaning – Every substance (including plants) is composed of five basic elements (Panchamahabhuta).

SCOPE AND APPLICATIONS

• Seed selection and preservation (Beeja sanskara)

• Soil selection and fertilization techniques

• Plant diseases (Vriksha roga) and their management

• Use of natural growth enhancers, biopesticides, and organic manure

• Importance of Nakshatra, Muhurta, and ritucharya in plant growth

MODERN CORRELATION

• Related to agronomy, botany, agroecology, and organic farming

• Application of biotechnology in seed propagation and plant protection

• Importance of conservation of endangered medicinal species

ETHNO MEDICINE – INDIGENOUS MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS

DEFINITION AND MEANING

• Ethno medicine refers to the traditional medical practices of ethnic communities.

• Based on cultural beliefs, environmental adaptation, and intergenerational transmission.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Use of local herbs, rituals, mantras, spiritual healing, and diagnostic customs

• Practiced by tribal vaidyas, folk healers, bonesetters, herbalists, and midwives

• Remedies are prepared using kitchen herbs, wild plants, and animal products

EXAMPLES OF TRIBAL COMMUNITIES USING ETHNO MEDICINE

• Gond, Bhil, Santhal, Kurumba, Toda, Irula – tribes in India with strong herbal traditions

• Use of Ashwagandha for strength, Neem for skin conditions, Guduchi for fever

RELEVANT SHLOKA
जीवितं धारणं चैव यत् तत् आयुः स्मृतं बुधैः – (च.सू. 1/41)
Meaning – That which sustains life and supports well-being is called Ayu.

SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION AND IMPORTANCE

• Modern research has validated many tribal practices:

  • Curcuma longa (turmeric) – Anti-inflammatory

  • Ocimum sanctum (tulasi) – Immunomodulator

  • Azadirachta indica (neem) – Antibacterial

• Ethno pharmacology helps in discovering new drugs through traditional knowledge

• Important in bioprospecting and patent protection (Traditional Knowledge Digital Library)

CHALLENGES AND PRESERVATION

• Risk of knowledge loss due to urbanization and deforestation

• Need for documentation, validation, and ethical usage

• Government initiatives like AYUSH, TRIFED, and CSIR's Tribal Health Mission

MODERN HERBOLOGY PERSPECTIVE

• Herbal medicine as an independent system practiced globally (e.g., Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Herbalism)

• Usage of standardized extracts, herbal supplements, and phytopharmaceuticals

• Focus on active constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes

• Clinical application in:

  • Adaptogens – Ashwagandha, Rhodiola

  • Antioxidants – Amla, Grape seed extract

  • Digestive aids – Fennel, Ginger

• Global trend toward integrative medicine incorporating traditional systems

INTEGRATION INTO AYURVEDA AND DRAVYAGUNA

• Vrikshayurveda helps in understanding cultivation, conservation, and potency of medicinal plants

• Ethno medicine offers valuable empirical knowledge to be integrated with Ayurvedic pharmacognosy

• Both support plant-based drug development, eco-sustainable practices, and community health empowerment