Introduction
In Ayurveda, concept of Agraya Dravya holds significant importance as it identifies best or foremost substances for achieving specific therapeutic effects. Term “Agraya” translates to “foremost” or “chief” & “Dravya means “substance” or “herb”. These are substances or herbal drugs singled out for their exceptional efficacy in treating specific diseases, balancing Doshas, or promoting overall health & well-being.
Systematic identification & prioritization of Agraya Dravyas demonstrate scientific foundation of Ayurveda in offering precise treatments Furthermore, they serve as guiding tools for Ayurvedic practitioners, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes. Modern research continues to validate their efficacy, highlighting their relevance & application in integrative medicine. Understanding & utilizing Agraya Dravyas is an essential part of applying Ayurvedic princ. to achieve holistic health & treat specific dise. with precision & effectiveness.
Nirukti
Agraya word is derived by adding Ghanpratya in Agre Bhavam, Agra Pradhanam. It denotes the best one on other hand it denotes the Shreshtha Dravya that pacify the diseases.
Definition
When two medications have the same action, the one with the best Pathya (Wholesome) and the one with the best Apathya (unwholesome) is referred to as Agraya Aushadh.[1] Example Vritikar means sustaining daily life are Jala, Anna, Ahaara, Vihaar, Swapna, Brahmacharya from all these Anna i.e., food is best, so food is Agraya (best) for Vritikar.
Agraya Dravya in different classical texts
In Ayurvedic classical texts Agraya Dravya are mentioned.
1. In Charak Samhita Sutra Sthana chapter 25, 152 Agraya Dravyas are mentioned.[2]
2. Some single drugs mentioned for single diseases like Shirish- Vishaghan, Khadir- Kusthaghna Some single drugs in context are mentioned for more than one diseases like Pushkarmool - Hikka, Shwas, Kasa, Parshwashoolhar etc. Agravya Dravyas for Panchkarma are also mentioned e.g. Trivritta - Sukhvirechan.
Charak also mentioned Agraya Aushadh for preve. aspect like Ekras Abhyas - Daurbalyakar etc.
3. In Ashtanga Hridya Uttar Sthana Vagbhatta has mentioned 55 Agraya Dravya.
4. Vaghbhatta in Ashtanga Sangraha Sutra Sthana has mentioned 155 Agraya Aushadh.
Importance & Need of Aushadh Dravya
1) Easiness: It is simpler to utilize a best one drug for a specific ailment than to use numerous medications to create a formulation. It takes a long time to create the formulation. Agraya Aushadh can be use instantly.
2) Faster Action & Effectiveness: These substances provide quicker relief compared to other general herbal medicines.
3) Efficient in Small Doses: Due to their potency, even small amounts can produce significant therapeutic effects.
4) Benchmark in treatment: They serve as gold standard in their respective categories, ensuring the best results in therapy.
5) Precision in Dosha Balance: Each Agraya Dravya is highly specific in pacifying particular Dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) or balan. body systems.
6) Holistic Health Benefits: Many Agraya Dravyas support not just disease treatment but also rejuvenation, strength, and longevity (e.g. Rasayana like Amalaki).
7) Minimal side effect: When used in proper dosage and combination, these substances offer maximum benefits with minimal or no side effects.
8) Cost effective: A compound formulation, which contains numerous medications, is more expensive than a single drug.
9) Identification: Agraya Dravya which are typically single drugs or combinations of two or three drugs, are easy to detect whereas when a formulation is given to a doctor, it can be challenging to determine whether formulation is pure and real.
Materials and Methods
The methodology followed was scrutinizing of Available classical data from Charak Samhita and comparing it with modern relevant information.
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