Abstract

CHARKOKTA MAHAKSHAYA - A BOTANICAL REVIEW

*Dr. Rosy Gupta

ABSTRACT

Charak Samhita is the foremost important Ayurveda classic of Kayasampardaya. The concepts laid here by different Acharyas (Atreya, Agnivesh, Charak, Dridhbal) can only be understood by putting our feet in their shoes. We need to generate the vision for clearly understanding the concisely mentioned concepts. Among many concepts the topic of Charkokta Mahakshaya has always been talked about in the Ayurveda world, as different scholars have been putting forward different logistics behind this simple looking classification. Also called Panchashat Mahakshayas and Dashemani, these fifty groups have been delineated in the fourth chapter of Charak Samhita Sutra Sthana - Shadvirechanshataashrityaadhayaye. Framed on the basis of common pharmacological actions, these Panchashat (fifty) groups / Mahakshaya consist of ten drugs / Kshaya Dravyas each e.g. all nutrients have been kept under the group - Jeevniya Mahakshaya. Similarly others like Bruhmneeya, Lekhaneeya, Bhedaneeya etc. fifty groups have been formulated. Mostly of plant origin, kshaya dravyas mentioned in these groups are of prime clinical importance and handy for general practice of Ayurveda. Proper identification of these dravyas is still a challenge. Here an attempt has been made to botanically identify them and some points have been raised for the intellectuals to contemplate.

Keywords: Mahakshaya, Charak Samhita, Panchashat, Botanical identification.