Bharat Bhaishajya Ratnakar Part 01

Book Summary: Bharat Bhaishajya Ratnakar Part 01

Title: Bharat Bhaishajya Ratnakar Part 01 Authors: Nagindas Chaganlal Shah, Gopinath Gupt, Nivaranchandra Bhattacharya Publisher: Unza Ayurvedic Pharmacy

Overview:

The first part of "Bharat Bhaishajya Ratnakar" (Jewel Treasury of Indian Medicines) is a comprehensive treatise on Ayurvedic medicine, compiled to address the lack of a standardized pharmacopoeia in the field. This volume meticulously collects and organizes over ten thousand ancient and modern remedies, gleaned from hundreds of Ayurvedic texts. The work is structured encyclopedically, making it easy for practitioners to locate specific formulations and treatments.

Key Features and Content:

• Encyclopedic Structure: The book follows a "Kosh" or dictionary-style format, allowing users to easily find treatments based on the name of the formulation. This also conveniently compiles various uses of the same medicine found across different texts and chapters into a single entry.
• Extensive Collection of Formulations: It encompasses a vast array of Ayurvedic preparations categorized by their dosage forms, including:
  • Kwath (Decoction): Boiling medicinal herbs in water to extract their essence.
  • Churna (Powder): Finely ground medicinal herbs.
  • Avaleha (Linctus/Jam): Medicinal preparations made into a paste or jam consistency.
  • Gutika (Pill): Medicinal preparations in the form of pills or tablets.
  • Ghrita (Medicated Ghee): Ghee medicated with various herbs.
  • Taila (Medicated Oil): Oils medicated with herbs.
  • Rasa (Mercurial/Mineral Preparations): Preparations involving processed minerals and metals.
  • And others like Kashaya, Him, Phanta, Lepa, Nasya, etc.
• Disease-Specific Index: A detailed index named "Chikitsa Path Pradarshini" is provided at the end, allowing readers to find treatments based on specific ailments.
• Source Citation: The book provides citations for the sources of the remedies, mentioning the name of the original text and the relevant chapter or section.
• Practical Utility: The compilation is highly practical for Ayurvedic practitioners, researchers, and students, serving as a valuable reference for accurate formulations and their therapeutic applications.
• Historical Context: The first edition was published between 1924-1937, indicating its long-standing relevance and use in the Ayurvedic community. The reprint in 1985 further highlights its continued importance.

Authors and Contributors:

• Rasavaidya Nagindas Chaganlal Shah: Credited as the compiler, he is highlighted as the founder of Unjha Ayurvedic Pharmacy.
• Bishagratna Gopinath Gupta: The commentator, who provided explanations and elaborations.
• Kaviraj Nivaranchandra Bhattacharya: The reviser, who ensured the accuracy and authenticity of the text.

Overall Purpose:

"Bharat Bhaishajya Ratnakar Part 01" is a monumental work aiming to consolidate and present a vast repository of Ayurvedic knowledge in a systematic and accessible manner. It serves as an essential guide for understanding and utilizing traditional Indian medicinal practices, emphasizing the efficacy and applicability of these ancient remedies in modern times. The book's dedication to providing comprehensive and reliable information makes it a cornerstone resource for anyone involved in the study or practice of Ayurveda.