Talk:Usheera
Usheera (Latin: Vetiveria zizanioides / Chrysopogon zizanioides, English: Cuscus grass) is a densely tufted perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae. In Ayurveda, the fragrant roots of Usheera are highly celebrated for their cooling (Sheeta), thirst-relieving (Trishnanigrahana), and Pitta-pacifying (Pittashamaka) therapeutic virtues.[1]
Botanical & Vernacular Names
- Latin Name: Vetiveria zizanioides (syn. Chrysopogon zizanioides)
- Family: Poaceae
- English Name: Cuscus grass, Vetiver
- Sanskrit / Classical Name: Usheera (Ushira)
Synonyms in Classical Texts
- Synonyms in Bhavaprakash Nighantu:[2]
- Virana – The plant entity yielding Ushira roots.
- Nalada – Possesses a delightful and pleasant natural aroma.
- Mrunala – The underground stem / root structure resembles a lotus stalk.
- Sevya – Highly beneficial and widely utilized in the treatment of diseases such as fever (Jwara).
- Samagandhik – Endowed with harmonious, persistent fragrance.
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, the properties (Rasa Panchaka) of Usheera are summarized below:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Cold (Sita) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Sweet (Madhura) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha) |
| 5 | Actions (Karma) | Pachana (digestive / carminative), Pittaghna (Pitta-pacifying), Stambhana (styptic / astringent), Vataghna (Vata-pacifying) |
References in Charaka Samhita
Usheera is widely cited in the therapeutic sections of Charaka Samhita:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charaka Samhita | Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/199 | Medicated decoction ingredient indicated in fever (Jwara) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/205 | Medicated decoction ingredient indicated in fever (Jwara) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/206 | Medicated decoction ingredient indicated in fever (Jwara) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/219 | Ingredient of medicated ghee preparation (Ghrita Yoga) for fever |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/245 | Medicated enema formulation (Basti Dravya) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/73 | Therapeutic drug used in bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/80 | Therapeutic drug used in bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/102 | Used in therapeutic baths (Avagaha), sprinkling (Parisheka), and medicated oil/ghee preparations |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/30 | Decoction (Kwatha) indicated in Pitta-dominant urinary disorders (Pittaja Prameha) |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/144 | Active ingredient of Mahatikta Ghrita |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/186 | Styptic / hemostatic formulation drug in the treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids (Raktarsha) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/76 | External therapeutic application (Lepa) in the treatment of erysipelas/herpes (Visarpa) |
Therapeutic Uses
Usheera is therapeutically indicated in the treatment of:[1]
- Jwara (Fever / Hyperpyrexia)
- Trushna (Excessive thirst / Polydipsia)
- Mutrakruccha (Dysuria / Painful urination)
- Vrana (Wounds and ulcers)
Dosage & Administration
- Powder (Churna): 3 – 6 g of the drug powder.[1]
Important Formulations
- Usirasava
- Yogaraja Guggulu
- Shadanga Kwatha
Habitat & Availability
- Status: Available
- Geographical Distribution in India: Widely distributed and cultivated across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and several South Indian states.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3: 99.
- ↑ Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Karpuradi varga, verse no. 86.