ANUPANA TARANGINI: A BOOK REVIEW

Abstract

Ayurveda is the science of life aimed at promoting health and curing disease. It suggests several principles and concepts to achieve these aims, such as dinacharaya (daily regimen), ritucharaya (seasonal regimen), ahara (food), vihara (regimen), etc. Anupana (co-administers with medicines) is composed of two words ‘Anu’ and ‘Pana’, meaning paschat (later) and drinking. Anupana (co-administers with medicines) is mentioned by different Acharya’s in their classical books such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hrudaya, etc. A book named Anupana Tarangini is also available which describes “anupana” (co-administers with medicines) of rasa dravyas (mineral drugs). This book was written in 17th century by "Pandit Raghunath Prasad" and was written as a conversation between kavi (poet) and kavayitri (poetess). It contains six chapters. The chapters are titled vichi, which means "waves". In this book, “Lokanatha rasa" nasya (errhine therapy) is told with the horn of deer and shweta durva (Cynodon dactylon). This nasya is impossible today due to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972. Hypnotism is also discussed in this book with lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum) and gorochana (inspissated bile) mixed with vanga (tin) bhasma (calyx of tin). The author has also mentioned to use yukti (logical management) for anupana (co-administers with medicines) of tamra bhasma (calyx of copper). Anupana (co-administers with medicines) is a vehicle used with medicines to improve their therapeutic effects and transport them to their targeted site. Physicians who practice rasaushadis can turn to this well-written, brief work.