Ayurveda in Puranas (पुराणॆषु आयुर्वेदः)

Purana meaning old or ancient. Puranas in Vedic literature refer to the Bharatiya texts, based on the Vedas and Vedangas, which influence the lifestyle of people of Bharatavarsha. Those were written in the Sanskrit language in the form of stories, Puranas were written for the people of the late Vedic period for a better understanding of the Vedic concepts in a much simpler language. There are 18 major Puranas and 18 minor puranas which date back to the 7th century BCE. Maharishi Vyas, who narrated Mahabharat, is considered the compiler of the Puranas along with his disciple “Lomaharsha” and his two disciples.

Some references related to the knowledge of Ayurveda can also be found in Puranas since the source of these both are the Vedas (four major literature in Hinduism).

Ayurveda in Brahma Vaivarta Purana

The origin of Ayurveda is mentioned in Brahma Vaivarta Purana and specifically in Brahma Khanda. It is well known that the knowledge of Ayurveda originated from Brahma, who then further passed down this knowledge to Daksha and so on, but according to the Brahma-vaivarta purana, Brahma passed on his knowledge to “Bhaskara” and he further taught it to his disciples.

Ayurveda in Agni Purana

In Agni Purana treatment aspects are mentioned not just in Humans but animals as well.  Specific hymns are mentioned regarding Visha Chikitsa or toxicology and pediatric disease aspects. There are certain medicinal formulations which are exactly similar with those mentioned in the samhitas. For instance, Shadanga Paniya which is a herbal medicinal drink in Pitta Jwara. (Ag.Pu.278/4) and (Char.Chik.3.145).

1. Agni Purana mentions single drug usage as well like, usage of Durva Swarasa() for nasal bleeding.
2. For treatment of Kasa(cough), Chhardi(vomoting), and Jwara(fever) a lehya or linctus made from Ativisha(),Krushna/pippali(piper longum) and others with honey.(Ag.Pu.282.2)
3. Usage of Guduchi in vatarakta (correlated with Gouty Arthritis)
4. Use of Khadira () in Kustha (skin disrders) (Ag.Pu.287.14) and Manashila () and Hartala() for external application.
5. Triphala administration in eye disorders.

There are references of usage of dhatu Bhasma (medicinal mineral ashes) (Ag.Pu.285.13). These days the utilization of Bhasma is rare and limited to few formulations, but the above references state there also was consumption could be to a greater extent during purana period.

Ayurveda in Garuda Purana

In Garuda Purana, apart from the herbs and medicinal formulations there are references regarding ratnas(gems), their origin, identification, uses and etc.(Ga.Pu.68.9,10)

Agastya Samhita, a part of Garuda Purana mainly deals with the description of these Gem stones. It mansions nearly 14 gems including emerald, pearl, ruby and etc along with its detailed description.

Along with the technicalities, its mythological theories an astrological importance have also been described.

https://jaims.in/jaims/article/download/882/899/

There are appx 56 Adhyaya(chapters) which mentions disease and treatment aspects, anupana(), mukha lepa(), hair masks, oils, rasayana and vajikaran, eye disorders and etc.

According to Garuda Purana, the incubation period of Jwara(fever) according to Vata dosha, Pitta dosha and kapha dosha is 7, 10 and 12 days accordingly which if not treated can lead to death as well. In Sangraha nidana which is the first chapter in context of diagnostics, there are references of raktapitta nidan(bleeding disorders), kasa(cough), shwasa(breathing disorders), hikka(hiccups), yakshma(tuberculosis), arochak(loss of appetite), hridroga(heart diseases), madatyaya(intoxication/ alcoholism) and etc.

In the chikitsa or the treatment aspects, a whole diffrent chapter has been dedicated to the management of various diseases along with the description and classification in correlation to Doshas. Various Yogas or formulations with ghrita(ghee/ clarified butter) and taila (oil) have been mentioned in treatment of various disorders.

While describing Anupana(precisely a vector or vehicle for the better effect of drug/dravya) the properties of drugs and uses have been explained. Also the basics of food regimen an the classification of the dravyas are described.

Ayurveda in Skanda Purana

Description of “Arogyashala” or Hospital is mentioned starting from the choice of place, Various medicines to be kept in it. Skanda Purana mentions that the food and suitable beverages must be provided to the Rogi(patient) from the hospital itself hence, the food must also be kept in stock.

Virtues of a vaidya are mentioned, as

1. A vaidya or physician should be intelligent and skillful,
2. well versed in Shastras(doctrines, treatises) and medicines and medicinal formulations.
3. Must be aware of the collection and harvesting and storage of herbs as well. Must know the properties of food substances like rice, wheat, meat and etc.

In Puranas, due importance is given to “jeevandan” (the boon of life) and “arogyashala” or a hospital.

Ref - https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n109/mode/2p