Short takes
Ayurveda—a vast treasure of medicinal plants
Jaswant Singh

Health Rejuvenation and Longevity Through Ayurveda
by Dr Chander Mohan Ghai. Deep and Deep.
Rs 550. Pages 272.

HERBAL remedies form the basis of Ayurveda, India’s ancient science of health which dates from the early centuries of the Christian era. Dr Chander Mohan Ghai, the author of this book on herbal remedies, has made an effort to present a simple way to maintain good health and describes Ayurveda as a complete revolutionary philosophy of life. He gives his own comments on the practical application of plant-based treatment, free from any kind of side effects.

He draws on the medical texts by Charak, who was the royal court physician of Kanishka, who ruled the north-western part of India in the first century AD. Charak’s text enumerates a large number of diseases and gives methods of diagnosis and treatment. There is evidence to suggest that there were hospitals in Charak’s time.

Though the book draws on the vast treasure of herbs as the basis of the management of health problems, yet he points out these herbs have not been fully utilised by modern science. Traditional folk remedies have, however, led scientists to develop certain modern drugs.

Literally, Ayurveda means the knowledge or science (Veda) of longevity (Ayus). The author describes Ayurveda as the science that tells us which substances, qualities and actions are life enhancing and which are not. He calls it a science, art and philosophy aimed at promoting positive health.

The book has been divided into three parts. Part A deals with the changing trends and attitude towards plant-based treatment, types and characteristics of body constitution, preparation and administration of herbs and specific liquids used for administering herbal medicines. Part B is devoted to selected medicinal herbs which promote the physiological functions of the brain cells and prevent damage to the central nervous system. It also includes research studies conducted by modern science, Ayurveda, Siddha and Homoeopathy. This part has further been divided into six sub-sections describing herbs that (a) improve memory and intelligence (b) promote rejuvenation and longevity (c) strengthen the heart (d) enhance body defences and immunity (e) manage gastric and respiratory problems and (f) alleviate depression and anxiety. The third part lists herbs that are under trial and have shown the potential to prevent and manage dreaded diseases such as cancer.

If all the claims of the author are to be believed—and there is no reason to suspect the word of Dr Ghai, who has been working as an Ayurvedic Medical Officer in Punjab for 24 years—then the book offers useful material to those who are interested in good health, longevity and happy life.

Kashmir and Its People

edited by M.K. Kaw. A PH, New Delhi.
Rs 995. Pages 488.

HERE is an attempt to trace the march of the Kashmiris from ancient times to the present period. A number of Kashmiri thinkers and scholars have tried to analyse the factors that have influenced the Kashmiri society in different phases of history. It shows that though at one time they were at the peak of intellectual, artistic and spiritual attainments, today they find themselves in a state of misery. The chapters are written by different authors and each chapter contains a brief introduction of the writer.

Kashmir has long been a centre of Buddhist and Brahminical learning and the chapter on this aspect lists Kashmir’s contribution to Shaivite, Vaishnav and Buddhist thought, besides describing the unique architectural and painting traditions of Kashmir. The chapter on the genetic aspect explains that though the Kashmiri Pandits regard themselves as the descendants of Kashyap Muni, they have in fact descended from the saints and sages who lived on the banks of the mythical Saraswati and had migrated to Kashmir when the river dried up.

The account starts with a geological assessment of the formation of the high mountains and the valley of Kashmir. It also describes the early settlers, ancient art, and their religious beliefs and practices. In four sections, the book describes the early Kashmiris, the Kashmiri heritage, the influence of Islam and the Kashmiris in modern times. The section dealing with the modern times recounts how the Pandit community, driven away from its home, is trying to find its feet in new surroundings. However, the book suffers from the infirmity of considering the Pandit community alone to be the Kashmiris, though today they form a small minority in Kashmir.

HOME