Abstract

IMPORTANCE OF ANUPANA IN AYURVEDA - A CRITICAL REVIEW

*Samruddhi Damodar, Ashvin Bagde, Manoj Nimbalkar, Arun Bhatkar and
Sonali Fulkar

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is a traditional science of Life and Medicine. It has its unique concepts such as Sadvritta (ways of living), Dinacharya (daily rooutine), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) and even Aushadh Sevana Yojana. In Aushadh Sevana, various Acharya's have mentioned the intake of proper 'Anupana’ (vehicle). Anupana is one of the unique concepts of Ayurveda. Anupana means vehicle which carries the drug to their target site. Anupana is a substance (liquid, solid, etc)which can be taken before, along with and/or after Aushadh (medicines) or Aahara (food). Anupana before, with or after Aushadh to make it more palatable and also reduces adverse effect of that particular Aushadh. Anupana helps in fast spread and absorption of drug in the body as well enhances rapid drug action. Thus it is known as Yogavahi which
means bio-enhancer and has synergist effect. It assists the action of the Aushadh, it is decided in accordance to Srotas (channels), Vyadhi (disease), Dosha concerned, properties and consistency of the medication. Anupana with or after Aahara for proper digestion and absorption for nourishment of body. Best Anupana is Mahendra Jal. The information about Anupana is scattered in all Ayurvedic texts. Here an effort is made to bring all the details of Anupana and state the importance from ayurvedic texts.

Keywords: Anupana, vehicle, Sahapana, post prandial drink, Aushadh, Aahara, Doshas, Vyadhi.