A REVIEW ON THE THERAPEUTIC USES OF FLOWERS AS DEPICTED IN CLASSICAL TEXTS OF AYURVEDA and SIDDHA

Abstract

An attempt has been made to present the therapeutic uses of flowers that are used in Ayurveda and Siddha system of Medicine. Separate chapters have been dedicated to flowers in the ancient texts like Bhavaprakasha Nighantu . Likewise Siddha Vaidya has described the therapeutic utility of medicinal flowers. It is interesting to note that out of 38 medicinal flowers tabulated, about 25 flowers have some similar indications in Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicine. In some instances, the properties of the flower may differ from the properties of other parts of the plant, for example, Arka{Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R. Br.} Pushpa (flower) is madhura (sweet in taste) tikta (bitter) and is used as Kustagna, Krimigna (anthelmintic) whereas Arka ksheera (latex) is tikta (Bitter) and hot in potency. Similarly, Nirgundi (Vitex negundo Linn.) is a tree, whose other parts have ushna veerya (hot in potency). However, the pushpa is sheeta veerya (cold potency). Some special properties have been attributed to certain flowers like anti cancerous property is possessed by Vinca rosea(Sadapushpi) flower. Punica granatum L. (Dadima), flower has styptic properties, hence used in the form of juice for epistaxis (condition characterized by bleeding through the nostrils (Rakta pitta), similarly Justicia adhatoda L.(Vasa) flowers have Kashaya (astringent) Kasahara (antitussive) properties. The most popular flower buds of Lavanga { Syzgium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry} (forms the clove, which has been used as a spice as well the clove oil being used in dental problems. The most popular narcotic “Papaverine” is obtained from the flowers of Ahiphena (Papaver somniferum L.) Thus, flowers have got a distinct place in the plant kingdom as well in the field of Ayurveda and Siddha system of Medicine. Thus, the present review of medicinal flowers not only provides recognition to this knowledge, but also helps in its conservation vis-a-vis providing pharmacological leads for the betterment of human society.