Abstract

A CLASSICAL REVIEW OF HERBS OF LEKHNEEYA MAHAKASHAYA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO STHOULYA (GENERAL OBESITY)

Ajay Kumar Garg* and Rohit Johari

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is an ancient stream of knowledge that emphasizes life balance, proper thinking, healthy food, active lifestyle, and the use of herbs for health maintenance and disease prevention. Charak Samhita and Ashtang Sangrah mention a number of herbs with lekhneeya dravya i.e ability to scrap out excess tissues essential for decreasing body weight. Sthoulya or obesity is described in Ayurveda as excessive accumulation of Meda and Mamsa leading to flabbiness of hips, abdomen, and breast, and it is considered one of Santarpanottha Vikaras or diseases due to excessive calorie consumption. Ayurveda offers timely administration of Aushadha (medicaments), Aahara and Vihara (diet and lifestyle) to restore doshik balance and keep obesity in check. The present study will focus the potential of herbs narrated by ancient literature with special reference to sthoulya (obesity).

Keywords: 1. Ayurveda 2. Lekhneeya dravya 3. Sthoulya 4. Doshik balance 5. Aushadha 6. Medodushti.