Ayurveda in Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदे आयुर्वेदः)

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Introduction

Atharva Veda or Atharvanveda is one of the four major and ancient literary texts which is likely compiled around 1200-1000 BCE. Atharvaveda was originally composed by Rishi Atharvan along with Angiras, and sage Angiras is related to Ayurveda and Physical science.(https://www.academia.edu/32087578/%C3%80YURVEDA_AS_DEPICTED_IN_ATHARVAVEDA?email_work_card=view-paper) Hence the name Atharvaveda. Atharvan is also synonymous with “Bheshaja” meaning medicine. Ayurveda according to certain historians is considered a Upaveda of Atharvaveda. Atharvaveda consists of a detailed description of herbs, mentioning their form, availability, properties, and uses, which is a major part of the management aspects of any disease. There are references to approximately 50 diseases in Atharvaveda.

Atharvaveda consists of around 600 mantras divided into 20 texts. It is also often referred to as “Brahmaveda” as well.

Etymology

https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%83

मङ्गलानन्तरारम्भप्रश्नकार्य्ये-ष्वथो

(SKD-1/032)

“Atharvan” are the hymns present in the Atharvaveda or Atharvanveda, which means the procedures or “karya” after the auspicious start of the day.

In a nutshell, the hymns which represent the everyday procedures or activities mean “atharvan” and Atharvaveda is the knowledge of these hymns.

Ayurveda in Atharvaveda

Causes of diseases

Doshas

In Atharvaveda, Tridoshas are one of the reasons for disease development. Vata dosha is categorised as Prana, Apana, Udana, Samana, and Vyana. Pitta doshas are stated as Pitta dosha itself and Kapha dosha is stated as Kapha and Balasa in certain references.

Varuna is correlated with Vata dosha and it treats diseases afflicting Yakrit, Kloma, etc . Agni is correlated with pitta dosha.

https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n29/mode/2up

There also are references to prayer mantras, to Prana Vayu to protect from death.

http://www.ccras.nic.in/sites/default/files/viewpdf/jimh/BIIHM_2002/1%20to%2014.pdf

Krimi

Krimi or worms are considered one of the major causes of diseases according to Atharvaveda. Some of them are mentioned to be “sukshma” (tiny) and not visible to the naked eye. There are references to mantra chikitsa in the context of krimi management. In humans and animals as well.(Ath.2.31.3) (Ath.2.31.4,5)

https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n29/mode/2up

Along with the mantra as the chikitsa method, Suryakiran or the sunlight is used as therapy for the treatment of certain krimi(worms).

Atharvaveda mentions the presence of krimi in various parts of the body like eyes, ears, etc along with the external environment like mountains, trees, water, etc.

There is a specific description of a krimi with a floating head and is colourless which resembles a roundworm or threadworm.

http://www.ccras.nic.in/sites/default/files/viewpdf/jimh/BIIHM_2002/1%20to%2014.pdf

Infectious diseases

The infectious diseases are mentioned in Atharvaveda with a metaphor of an eagle flying away from the nest in the context of the spread of diseases in the form of pustules and sores.

Yakshma(disease entity?) occurs due to excessive cohabitation and spreads like a bird flying from one place to another.

GENERAL MEDICINE IN ATHARVAVEDA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO YAKSMA (CONSUMPTION/TUBERCULOSIS) P.V.V. Prasad*

Seasonal variations

Variation in seasons can lead to different diseases, for instance, a fever caused during the Rainy season is called “varshika”, a fever occurrence during summer is termed “graishma” and a fever during autumn is called “sharada”.

http://www.ccras.nic.in/sites/default/files/viewpdf/jimh/BIIHM_2002/1%20to%2014.pdf

Role of Devas in correlation with Ayurveda

“Takman” who is the son of Varuna is correlated with fever and “jalodara” which is a disorder in Ayurveda correlated with Ascites is Varuna himself. Thus, according to Atharveda God’s like Varuna, Soma, Rudra, Aditya, maruta, etc can be the cause and the cure for diseases. And Rudra is considered the best among the physicians.

http://www.ccras.nic.in/sites/default/files/viewpdf/jimh/BIIHM_2002/1%20to%2014.pdf

In Vedas also “shiras” are given due importance. The shiras of Atharva rishi are compared with a “Yogi” who has control over his senses and is considered as “devkosha”(literally translates to that which envelopes devas) and is regulated by prana(life energy), mana(), and anna(food). And this kind of shareera is compared with the “Ayodhya Nagari” which is considered the town of the God’s that was considered victorious or undefeatable. Thus “shareera” like this cannot be afflicted with Rogas and if so has the power to defeat the disease similarly.(Ath.10.2.32)

https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n37/mode/2up

Classification of treatments according to Atharva Veda

https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n37/mode/2up

Atharvaveda classifies diseases into four aspects, Atharvan, Angirasai, Daivi, and Manushi.

Atharvani management includes Japa (prayer), Homa(sacred fire), etc.

Angirasi treatment includes spiritual aspects.

Daivi chikitsa(treatment) includes vayu, jala, prithvi.

Manushi treatment aspect includes treating with the help of herbs.

Herbs in  Atharvaveda

https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n37/mode/2up

Herbs in Atharvaveda are mentioned individually along with their properties. The usage of herbs was also in the singular form majorly.

Below mentioned are certain major herbs in Atharvaveda along with their uses.

Herbs	Use
Pippali (Ath.6.106.1-3)	Vataroga(Vata Dosha involvement), apasmara(epilepsy), unmada(Psychological disorder)
Apamarga (Ath.4.17.6-8)	Kshudha, Trishna, infertility
Prishnaparni (Ath.2.25.3)	Various gynaecological disorders
Rohini (Ath.4.12)	Wound healing, helps overall growth
Kustha	In various Fevers, Yakshma(TB)

Alos, certain herbs like Ashwath, Nyagrodha, Arjun and etc are capable of removing toxicity and germs from the nearby water merely by existing further stating their uses in drinking water purification. (Ath.4.37.4-6)

Management aspects

Chikitsa Sukta in Atharva Veda mentions the way Aushadhi or medicine or herbs works in the Shareera, stating several plants consist of several uses when administered by an ideal physician frees us from illness and sorrows.

https://www.academia.edu/32087578/%C3%80YURVEDA_AS_DEPICTED_IN_ATHARVAVEDA?email_work_card=view-paper

In reference to diseases

1. Kustha and kilasa - these are described as skin lesions that are red in color and are treated with a herb named “Shyama”.
2. Klibatva - klibatva meaning impotence is treated with “karkatshringi” herb
3. Ashmari - one of the treatment methods mentioned is the removal of obstructed urine in case of mutrashaya vikruti(bladder-related disease)
4. Yakshma - this is correlated with Tuberculosis occurring in both humans and animals and the treatment and the description are vast. Drugs or herbs like Kustha, Arundhati and etc are mentioned for the treatment of the same. Yakshma is also a general terminology used in certain references which means “Roga” or disease in general.

https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n37/mode/2up

Atharvaveda also describes diseases like headache,earache, juandice, certain psychological disorders and many more in detail, categorising them as the one’s occurring during different seasons, disorders occurring in different organs, gynecological disorders and etc.

https://www.academia.edu/32087578/%C3%80YURVEDA_AS_DEPICTED_IN_ATHARVAVEDA?email_work_card=view-paper

In reference to Rasayana and Vajikarana

Rasayana or Rejuvenation therapy precisely and Vajikarana which is correlated with Aphrodisiac, are mentioned in Atharvaveda. For instance “Kapikacchu” herb is mentioned as a highly potent aphrodisiac along with the juice of “Vrisha”(certain herb/shunthi?). This and many such references are mentioned stating the need and usage during the Vedic times and the in-depth knowledge of various herbs.

The “Rasa” in rasayana is associated with water in general, stating it has various properties like delaying senility, building immunity, improving skin lusture and etc.thus, water was considered as “Rasayana” or elixir that cures various diseases, brings about skin lusture, cures deformities and many more medicinal properties.

http://www.ccras.nic.in/sites/default/files/viewpdf/jimh/BIIHM_2002/1%20to%2014.pdf

In reference to AgadaTantra or Toxicology,

There are various references about poisonous snakes along with types, scorpions, and poisonous plants. There are references to the antidotes of then as well. plants like Soma, Taudi, Darbha grass, Shweta and etc are used as antidotes for snake poison. Sting of Scorpion and poisonous insects were treated with herb named “Madhula”.

References of usage of poisoned arrow is mentioned in Atharva veda which can be inferred them being used during wars.

http://www.ccras.nic.in/sites/default/files/viewpdf/jimh/BIIHM_2002/1%20to%2014.pdf

Food and Atharvaveda

https://www.academia.edu/32087578/%C3%80YURVEDA_AS_DEPICTED_IN_ATHARVAVEDA?email_work_card=view-paper

Food along with knowledge, strength, and sleep is essential for a long and healthy life according to Atharvaveda.

Atharvaveda explains the importance of a balanced food which gives us strength and energy stating one can overcome death with the help of a balanced meal.

The plants and trees which are responsible for providing us the food are also prayed for and praised for their curative properties.

Certain animal byproducts like milk and their made products are also mentioned to be one of essential food substances.

Herbs like Ashwath are mentioned along with corn, rice, and barley for they are a few of the plants that help nourish the body.