A scientific review on nidrajanana (hypnotic) drugs in ayurveda
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A scientific review on nidrajanana (hypnotic) drugs in ayurveda
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Bidhan Mahajon
P.G. Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna Vijnanam, Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala, India.
R. Remadevi
Professor and HOD, Department of Dravyaguna Vijnanam, Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A scientific review on nidrajanana (hypnotic) drugs in ayurveda
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes a holistic approach to health and well-being, including the essential role of sleep or "Nidra." Recognized as one of the three pillars of life alongside nutrition and abstinence, sleep is deemed vital for promoting both physical and mental health. The increasing prevalence of sleep disorders globally has highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind sleep and the potential of Ayurvedic practices to address these issues. The Ayurvedic texts provide insights into sleep-inducing drugs known as "Nidrajanana" and their significance in managing insomnia and other sleep-related disorders.
The Importance of Oja in Sleep
A crucial aspect of Ayurvedic philosophy concerning sleep is the concept of "Oja," which denotes vitality and overall health. The research indicates that sleep-inducing agents may enhance the stability of Oja, leading to improved sleep quality. Ayurvedic texts link the depletion of Oja and Kapha (one of the body's basic humors) to sleep disturbances such as insomnia. Thus, drugs exhibiting properties similar to Oja are favored for promoting natural sleep. For example, substances like milk have been traditionally recognized for their nurturing properties that align with Oja, promoting relaxation and quality sleep.
Types of Nidrajanana Drugs and Their Mechanisms
Ayurvedic literature classifies sleep-inducing drugs based on their effects on Oja and their properties. Some drugs, such as narcotic substances like Bhanga (Cannabis) and Ahiphena (Opium), may induce sleep by displacing Oja, acting in opposition to its properties. Although effective, these substances can have harmful side effects. Conversely, other substances that share properties with Oja, like milk or certain herbs, nourish the body and consequently enhance sleep quality. This differentiation underscores the Ayurvedic emphasis on not just inducing sleep but fostering overall health and vitality through appropriate pharmacological choices.
Conclusion
The exploration of "Nidra" and the classification of Nidrajanana drugs within Ayurveda provides a nuanced understanding of sleep that parallels modern scientific findings. While Ayurveda highlights the duality of sleep-inducing agents—some nourishing Oja while others displace it—there is a clear call for further research to evaluate the long-term effects and safety of these options. Promoting natural sleep through holistic practices not only supports traditional Ayurvedic wisdom but also aligns with contemporary health paradigms, setting a foundation for integrative approaches to managing sleep disorders in modern society.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of sleep in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, sleep (Nidra) is considered one of the three pillars of life, essential for physical and mental health. It promotes vitality (Oja) and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of a well-modulated sleep pattern.
How does Ayurveda classify sleep disorders like insomnia?
Ayurveda categorizes insomnia (Anidra) as a Vataja Nanatmaja roga. It recognizes physiological and psychological factors that exacerbate sleep issues, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to treatment, including lifestyle and dietary adjustments.
What are Nidrajanana drugs and their role in insomnia?
Nidrajanana drugs are Ayurvedic remedies that promote sleep. They work by either nourishing Oja or inducing sleep through various mechanisms, including the use of natural ingredients that have calming effects on the mind and body.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A scientific review on nidrajanana (hypnotic) drugs in ayurveda�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Nidra:
According to Ayurveda, 'Nidra' (sleep) is one of the three pillars of life, along with 'Ahara' (nutrition) and 'Brahmacharya' (abstinence). A well-modulated sleep pattern brings delight and longevity.
2) Drug:
Ayurvedic hypnotic drugs are used to address sleep disturbances and induce natural sleep by harmonizing bodily doshas and enhancing 'Oja' (vitality).
3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, an ancient holistic medical system from India, emphasizes maintaining balance among bodily, mental, and spiritual levels for health, including the promotion of sleep.
4) Anidra:
'Anidra' or 'Nidranasha' is the Ayurvedic term for insomnia, attributed to 'Vata' and 'Rajas' dosha vitiation, resulting from physical or mental stressors.
5) Milk:
Milk, particularly 'Mahisa Kshiram' (buffalo milk), is advocated in Ayurveda for inducing sleep due to its 'Oja' enhancing properties, which are similar to natural sleep-inducing qualities.
6) Tama:
'Tama' (tamas) is one of the three mental humors (guna) in Ayurveda associated with darkness and inertia, playing a crucial role in inducing sleep.
7) Science (Scientific):
The article undertakes a scientific review of Ayurvedic texts to understand the mechanisms of sleep-inducing agents, emphasizing empirical methodologies.
8) Madakari:
'Madakari' refers to narcotic substances in Ayurveda, such as 'Bhanga' and 'Ahiphena,' that induce sleep by tampering with 'Oja' but are less desirable due to potential side effects.
9) Dravya:
'Dravya' refers to substances or materials used in Ayurvedic medicine, especially in the formulation of hypnotic or 'Nidrajanana' drugs.
10) Kapha:
'Kapha' is one of the three doshas (body humors) in Ayurveda, associated with physical and mental stability, which when balanced, supports natural sleep.
11) Vata:
'Vata' is a dosha in Ayurveda, involving movement and communication. Its imbalance is often the cause of insomnia or 'Anidra'.
12) Guna:
'Guna' refers to qualities or attributes; Ayurveda identifies three gunas: 'Sattva,' 'Rajas,' and 'Tamas,' which influence mental and physiological activities, including sleep.
13) Knowledge:
The text emphasizes the necessity of proper knowledge of Ayurvedic sleep-inducing drugs ('Nidrajanana') to treat sleep disorders without adverse effects.
14) Shambhava (Sambhava):
'Sambhava' means arising from; in the context of the review, it refers to the etiological factors or origin of various states of sleep and insomnia.
15) Shrama (Srama):
'Shrama' means fatigue or exertion. Physical ('Sharira Shrama') and mental exertion ('Manah Shrama') are factors that influence sleep, as per Ayurvedic texts.
16) Ahiphena (Ahi-phena):
'Ahiphena' (opium) is listed as a 'Madakari dravya,' a narcotic substance used in Ayurveda to induce sleep but requires caution due to its strong and opposite properties to 'Oja.'
17) Medicine:
In Ayurveda, medicines for inducing sleep are selected based on their properties to either balance doshas or resemble 'Oja' to promote natural, restorative sleep.
18) Indriya (Imdriya):
'Indriya' refers to sense organs in Ayurveda. During sleep, the mind ('Mana') detaches from the 'Indriyas,' which is a characteristic feature of 'Nidra.'
19) Kshaya (Ksaya):
'Kshaya' refers to depletion; in the context of 'Oja' (vital energy), its depletion can lead to symptoms like lethargy and poor sleep.
20) Bhanga (Bhamga):
'Bhanga' (Cannabis sativa) is a 'Madakari dravya' in Ayurveda, used for its sedative effects but considered less ideal due to its potential to displace 'Oja.'
21) Mental health:
Ayurveda places significant emphasis on the balance of mental health for ensuring good sleep, incorporating herbal remedies and lifestyle practices to address disorders like insomnia.
22) Purification:
Purification ('Shodhana') is a detoxifying process in Ayurveda, often recommended for narcotic substances like 'Ahiphena' to reduce adverse effects and align them with 'Oja' properties.
23) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
'Dravyaguna Vijnanam' is the study of the properties (guna) and actions (karma) of substances (dravya), essential in understanding Ayurvedic pharmacology.
24) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the imbalance or disturbance of doshas ('Vata,' 'Pitta,' 'Kapha'), often leading to disorders like insomnia ('Anidra').
25) Flavonoid:
Certain Ayurvedic herbs contain flavonoids which act on GABA receptors in the brain, promoting sleep through natural mechanisms similar to conventional sedatives.
26) Shodhana (Sodhana):
'Shodhana' is the purification process in Ayurveda, often applied to 'Madakari dravyas' to enhance their medicinal properties and reduce potential side effects.
27) Prabhava:
'Prabhava' refers to the specific potency or special effect of a substance that cannot be explained by its general properties, significant in understanding Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics.
28) Prakrita (Prakrta):
'Prakrita' refers to natural or normal; in Ayurveda, 'Prakrita Kapha' signifies the balanced state of Kapha, which supports natural sleep.
29) Svabhava (Sva-bhava):
'Svabhava' pertains to the inherent nature or characteristic of a substance or being, crucial in Ayurveda for determining the natural attributes of sleep-inducing agents.
30) Agantuki:
'Agantuki Nidra' refers to sleep induced by external factors, such as consumption of certain herbs or medicines, as categorized in Ayurvedic texts.
31) Madhura:
'Madhura' (sweet) is one of the tastes in Ayurveda, often associated with grounding and nourishing qualities that promote sleep and balance doshas.
32) Samhita:
A 'Samhita' is a classical text in Ayurveda, such as the 'Charaka Samhita,' often referenced for comprehensive guidance on medical knowledge including sleep and its disorders.
33) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
'Hridaya' (heart) is considered the center of consciousness in Ayurveda, where the mind ('Mana') and sense organs ('Indriyas') connect, influencing sleep patterns.
34) Snigdha:
'Snigdha' means unctuous or oily. This quality is often attributed to substances like milk that support sleep and balance doshas by nurturing 'Oja.'
35) Sharira (Sarira):
'Sharira' means body. Physical exertion ('Sharira Shrama') is one key factor influencing sleep, as it contributes to the body's overall need for rest and recovery.
36) Disease:
In Ayurveda, sleep disorders like insomnia are considered diseases ('Roga') that require addressing both physiological and psychological factors through holistic treatments.
37) Ruksha (Ruksa):
'Ruksha' means dry or rough, a quality found in some 'Madakari dravyas' which are considered less ideal for inducing natural sleep because they deplete 'Oja.'
38) Vaidya:
'Vaidya' refers to a physician. An 'Ideal Vaidya' is someone skilled in managing sleep and its disorders, understanding the balance of doshas and the properties of herbs.
39) Brahmi:
'Brahmi' (Bacopa monnieri) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its calming and sleep-inducing properties, often used in the treatment of insomnia and mental fatigue.
40) Kerala:
Kerala is a state in India noted for its rich tradition in Ayurvedic medicine; the study is conducted in 'Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier Ayurveda College,' located here.
41) Castor:
'Castor' oil is mentioned in the context of Ayurvedic treatments such as mixing with 'Upodika' juice to form an effective remedy for insomnia.
42) Vataja (Vata-ja):
'Vataja' refers to conditions or diseases caused by the imbalance of 'Vata' dosha, which includes insomnia or 'Anidra.'
43) Dosha (Dosa):
'Dosha' refers to the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) whose balance is essential for health, including sleep regulation.
44) Ushna (Usna):
'Ushna' means hot, a property in some 'Madakari dravyas' which contrasts with the cooling and nourishing properties of 'Oja' needed for natural sleep.
45) Ahara:
'Ahara' means food or nutrition, one of the three pillars of life in Ayurveda; it plays a crucial role in maintaining health and inducing sleep.
46) India:
India is the birthplace of Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that emphasizes holistic health practices including sleep management through natural remedies.
47) Death:
In the context of sleep studies, severe depletion of 'Oja' can lead to stages like coma, delirium, and ultimately death if left unaddressed.
48) Guru:
'Guru' means heavy, a quality that promotes grounding and stability, important for natural sleep. Foods and herbs with 'Guru' properties are often recommended in Ayurveda for sleep.
49) Roga:
'Roga' means disease in Ayurveda. Sleep disorders like 'Anidra' (insomnia) are considered 'Vataja rogas' requiring specific treatments to restore balance.
50) Raja:
'Raja' (Rajas) is one of the three gunas (mental qualities) in Ayurveda. Its imbalance can lead to restlessness and sleep disturbances.
51) Food:
Food plays a significant role in Ayurvedic treatment of sleep disorders. Nutritional balance ('Ahara') is crucial in maintaining healthy sleep patterns.
52) Diet:
Diet or 'Ahara' is one of the three pillars of life in Ayurveda, influencing 'Dosha' balance and overall health, including the promotion of natural sleep.
53) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Known as 'Yastimadhu' in Ayurveda, Glycyrrhiza glabra has neurological properties that can enhance sleep through GABA receptor modulation.
54) Calophyllum inophyllum:
Known as 'Punnaga,' its xanthones have shown sedative effects in animal studies, supporting its use as a sleep aid in Ayurveda.
55) Mandukaparni (Manduka-parni, Mamdukaparni):
Also known as 'Centella asiatica,' this herb is used in Ayurveda for its calming effects, supporting mental health and improving sleep.
56) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha, one of the three bodily humors, is associated with stability and nourishment. Balanced Kapha supports restful sleep.
57) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is used in Ayurveda for its calming and sleep-inducing properties, helping to alleviate insomnia.
58) Vatapitta (Vata-pitta):
Vata-pitta refers to the dual-dosha imbalance, often implicated in sleep disorders like insomnia ('Anidra') due to their combined effects on the nervous system.
59) Nidranasha (Nidranasa, Nidra-nasha):
Nidranasha is the Ayurvedic term for insomnia, a condition attributed to 'Vata' and 'Rajas' dosha imbalances, affecting mental and physical health.
60) Perception:
In Ayurveda, sleep is when the mind ('Mana') detaches from sensory perceptions ('Indriyas'), creating a state of rest and rejuvenation.
61) Discussion:
The section of the article analyzes the concepts of Ayuverdic sleep-inducing drugs, their mechanisms, and how natural remedies align with modern scientific understanding.
62) Detachment:
Detachment of 'Mana' from 'Indriyas' is a key feature of sleep ('Nidra') in Ayurveda, signifying the mind's withdrawal from sensory activities.
63) Depression:
Depression is one of the symptoms associated with chronic insomnia, highlighting the interconnectedness of mental health and sleep disorders.
64) Vaishnavi (Vaisnavi):
A type of sleep described in Ayurveda, generally characterized as natural and desirable, akin to the nourishing aspects of 'Bhootdhapratika' sleep.
65) Aparajita:
Known as 'Clitoria ternatea,' its extracts are used in Ayurveda for their calming and sedative properties, aiding in the treatment of insomnia.
66) Substance:
Substances or 'Dravyas' are used in Ayurveda to treat various ailments including sleep disorders. Their properties are carefully studied for efficacy and safety.
67) Devadaru (Deva-daru):
Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) is an Ayurvedic herb whose essential oil has shown sedative effects, contributing to its use in treating sleep disorders.
68) Fainting (Fainted):
Fainting or delirium can occur in the advanced stages of 'Oja Kshaya,' emphasizing the importance of maintaining vitality for health and sleep.
69) Upodika:
The juice of Upodika (Basella alba) leaves mixed with castor oil is used as a topical remedy for insomnia in Ayurvedic treatments.
70) Prakopa:
Prakopa means aggravation; 'Vata Prakopa' refers to the exacerbation of Vata dosha, often causing sleep disturbances and insomnia.
71) Punnaga (Pumnaga):
Punnaga (Calophyllum inophyllum) is used in Ayurveda for its sedative xanthones, helping in the management of insomnia and anxiety.
72) Vishaya (Visaya):
Vishaya refers to objects or subjects of the senses. During sleep, the detachment from 'Vishaya' occurs, leading to a state of rest.
73) Avastha:
Avastha means states. Ayurveda describes four states of mind and soul 'Jaagradavastha,' 'Svapnavastha,' 'Sushuptiavastha,' and 'Tureeyavastha,' each playing a role in sleep phenomena.
74) Anupana:
Anupana refers to the adjuvant taken with medication; in sleep therapies, milk is often the 'Anupana' to enhance the effects of 'Nidrajanana' drugs.
75) Atiyoga:
Atiyoga refers to excessive purification therapies which can lead to Vata vitiation and consequently sleep disorders like insomnia.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 112]
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