Ayurveda in Ramayana and Mahabharata (रामायणे तथा महाभारते आयुर्वेदः)

This article needs editing. Add and improvise the content from reliable sources.

Ramayana and Mahabharata are ancient epics in the form of poetry originally written by Valmiki and Vyasa respectively. These are collectively called as itihasa (Samskrit: इति‍हास), that form the Smriti (Samskrit: स्मृति) part of the Prasthantrayi. Ramayana narrates the history of Lord Rama's activities in the world. While Mahabharata, is chiefly the story of two branches of a family - the Pandavas and Kauravas - who, in the War, battle for the throne. Interwoven into this narrative are several smaller stories about people dead or living, and philosophical discourses. Bhagvad Gita, the holy religious text, which is in the form of a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, is narrated in the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata. Although the subject matters of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are diffrerent from that of Ayurveda, one can find multiple references in these 2 texts that mention concepts, application, practice and medicine in Ayurveda at relevant places. Looking at the references one can understand that Ayurveda was known and practiced in quite an evolved stage during the times of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Ayurveda in Ramayana

Incidentally, some words related to Ayurveda are found in this Ramayana. These words are mainly related to surgery. However, the most popular reference of Ayurveda medicine found in Ramayana is that of herb Sanjeevani which was brought by Hanumana following the prescription given by royal physician Sushena to revive the Laxmana and other army.