Rasayana: Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation / Edition 1

by H.S. Puri

Overview

Until relatively recently, much of the information on India's research into their medicinal plants has remained within India, mainly published within Indian journals. However, today the field of Ayurveda is expanding, with the integration of herbs and minerals discovered in other countries and the strengthening of academic knowledge networks worldwide. Focusing on Rasayana, the least understood branch of Ayurveda, this volume provides detailed information on the plants used in various polyherbal, polymineral Rasayana preparations and describes their therapeutic benefits for numerous disorders. It is a comprehensive reference suitable for anyone involved in medicinal and aromatic plant research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415284899
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/17/2002
Series:	Traditional Herbal Medicines for Modern Times , #2
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	632,519
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

After graduating, Dr Puri joined the Composite Drug Research Scheme of the Indian Council of Medical Research to investigate the plants used in Ayurveda. On the basis of this research he obtained his doctorate and was awarded the Commonwealth postdoctoral scholarship to work at the Pharmacognosy group at the University of Bath CUKl. On his return to India, Dr Puri joined the newly created Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, and later the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. During this period he carried out extensive ethnobotanical surveys throughout India, and served as a Consultant to international agencies such as UNIDO, FAO and the American Herb Association. He was also awarded the INSA Royal Society Fellowship tenable at the University of Nottingham CUK). He has published numerous research papers, articles and reviews, and is the author of three books and co-author of the book Major Medicinal Plants of India.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. What are Rasayana? 3. Tridosha 4. Rasayana Preparations 5. Aak (Calotropis spp.) 6. Akrakara (Anacyclus pyrethrum) 7. Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica) 8. Anantmul (Hemidesmus indicus) 9. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) 10 Badam (Prunus amygdalus) 11. Bala (Sida spp.) 12. Banslochan 13. Bhalatak (Semecarpus anacardium) 14. Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata) 15. Bhuiamla (Phyllanthus spp.) 16. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) 17. Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) 18. Chuara (Phoenix dactylifera) 19. Draksha (Vitis vinifera) 20. Gaduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) 21. Gokshru (Tribulus terrestris) 22. Guggal (Commiphora wightii) 23. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) 24. Hing (Ferula foetida) 25. Jaiphal and Javitri (Myristica fragrans) 26. Kabab Chini (Piper cubeba) 27. Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) 28. Kawanch (Mucuna pruriens) 29. Keshar (Crocus sativus) 30. Kikar (Acacia nilotica) 31. Kuchla (Strychnos nux vomica) 32. Kulanjan (Alpinia galanga) 33. Kutaki (Picrorhiza kurrooa) 34. Kuth (Saussurea laooa) 35. Malakangani (Celastrus paniculatus) 36. Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) 37. Mundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) 38. Musli (Curculigo orchioides) 39. Neem (Azadirachta indica) 40. Peepali (Piper longum) 41. Punernava (Boerhavia diffus) 42. Pushkarmul (Inula racemosa) 43. Salai Guggal (Boswellia serrata) 44. Salep (Orchis latifolia) 45. Semal Musli (Bombax ceiba) 46. Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricanulis) 47. Shatawari (Asparagus racemosus) 48. Som Ras (Amanita muscaria) 49. Sonth (Zingiber officinale) 50. Talamkhana (Hygrophila spinosa) 51. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) 52. Vacha (Acorus calamus) 53. Vata Vriksh (Ficus spp.) 54. Vatsnabh (Aconitum spp.) 55. Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) 56. Vidari Kand (Pueraria tuberosa) 57. Vidhara (Argyreia speciosa) 58. Some Rasayana formulations Part 3. Some Rasayana Formulations

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Mary Beth Holz, MS, RN, FNP, HNC (Private Practice)
Description: This book, second in the series, Traditional Herbal Medicines for Modern Times, covers Rasayana and specifically addresses ayurvedic herbs used to promote longevity and rejuvenation. Originating in India approximately 7,000 years ago, Ayurveda is known as the "science of life" and Rasayana is one of the eight disciplines of this system. Each volume in the series provides information on herbal remedies or plant medicines of a particular country.
Purpose: The book is intended to serve as a reference for practitioners and scientists with an interest in the investigation of Rasayana herbal remedies. Historically, Rasayana has been equated with methods used to promote rejuvenation and longevity. Subsequently, many of the herbs used have been identified as adaptogens. As interest in Ayurveda education spreads globally, there is a need for reference texts documenting research available. The author has met these objectives, while specifying that further research will evolve.
Audience: This book is intended for scientists with an interest in the study of this classification of remedies, as well as practitioners who are engaged in a serious course of study in Ayurvedic traditions. Dr.Puri is a credible authority on this subject and has been cited as researcher on the doctoral and post-doctoral levels.
Features: The book includes a definition of Rasayana with brief reference to terms most frequently used. Rasayana preparations and methods of administration are described. Plants are illustrated and identified by botanical name. Descriptions include distribution region, uses in folklore and ayurveda, preparation methods and therapeutic indications. A chapter on Rasayana formulas has been included. The best feature of this book is the reference to scientific data. However, most references originate from India.
Assessment: As interest in Ayurvedic medicine grows, reference books such as this will be beneficial to clinical researchers in the field.

Doody's Review Service