AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH OF VEERATARU (Dichrostachys cinerea Linn.) ON VATAVYADHI W.S.R TO SANDHIGATA VATA

Abstract

Neurological disorders are of excellent incidence today and affect our day-to-day lives. More than 600 known neurological disorders and conditions affect the human nervous system and are hampering the working potential of humans. For many of them, treatment options are minimal. The increasing dissatisfaction with the side effects and long-term consequences of today’s potent and fast-acting medications has led people to seek alternatives. Hence, many are looking towards the safest alternative therapies, of which Ayurveda stands in the first line. This trend indicates the potential for Ayurveda to emerge as a significant medicinal science globally, not only just in India. Neurological disorders can be correlated in Ayurveda under Vatavyadhi. Vata vyadhi is not a single disease but a group of disorders affecting all body systems. Pakshaghata (hemiplegia), Ardita vata (facial paralysis), Sandhigata vata (osteoarthritis), Grdhrasi (sciatica), etc., come under vata vyadhis. Traditionally, a large number of herbs are used to manage Vata vyadhi. One among them is Veerataru (Dichrostachys cinerea Linn.), which is not highlighted in the practice of Ayurveda. Acharya Susruta quoted Veerataru in Veerataradi gana as having complex actions like HANTI VATAKRTAN GADAN (eradicates diseases of vata), RUJAPAHA (reduces pain), and Bhavamisra mentioned in Guduchyadi varga and it is attributed to have the property of action like ANILARTIJIT (overcomes the pain due to vata). Raja Nighantukara mentioned it as VATAMAYA VINASANA (destroys diseases of vata), VATA VIKARANUT (acts on vata disorders), etc., as described by various Acharyas which are essential in treating Vatavyadhi.