E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Vrikshayurveda

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2023 Volume 8 Number 7 July
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Vrikshayurveda - A Capital for Conservative Agronomy

Kishore Kumar K.1*, Brijesh K.2
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.8.7.22

1* Krishna Kishore Kumar, Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, J.S. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Nadiad, Gujarat, India.

2 K Brijesh, Professor & HOD, Department of Agadatantra, J.S. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Nadiad, Gujarat, India.

Nature conservation has changed from an idealistic philosophy to a serious technology understanding of the nature of plant conservation is very much need of the hour that has elaborately mentioned in the literatures of Ayurveda. The interrelationships between conservation and sustainable use are considered, as well as the impact of the development of the discipline of conservation biology should be understood by the common man to save the Plant Kingdom. Traditional knowledge is vital for sustainability of natural resources including medicinal plants. Biodiversity conservation can be learnt from the context - specific local knowledge and intergenerational transmission of knowledge, skills and strategies, concern for well-being of future generations. The ancient text of Vrikshayurveda consists of about 170 different plant species including herbs, shrubs and trees. The text deals with Agri horticulture, home gardening, intercropping and storage etc. This paper intends to understand the traditional knowledge on biodiversity, practices and principles of Varahamihira’s, Brhat Samhita - Vrikshayurveda the text of 9th century AD in Growth, Conservation, Pest control and in-turn to check the diseases in Medicinal plants.

Keywords: Varahamihira, Vrikshayurveda, Conservation, Agri Horticulture, Intercropping

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Krishna Kishore Kumar, Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, J.S. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Nadiad, Gujarat, India.
Email: 		Krishna Kishore Kumar, K Brijesh, Vrikshayurveda - A Capital for Conservative Agronomy. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(7):121-123.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2513

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-05-27 2023-05-29 2023-06-05 2023-06-12 2023-06-19
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 18%

© 2023by Krishna Kishore Kumar, K Brijeshand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2023;8(7)121
Kumar K et al: Vrikshayurveda A Capital for Conservative Agronomy

Introduction

Today, when people throughout the world are disturbed by the degradation of the environment and disastrous consequences; traditional ethics of nature conservation could be looked upon as a source of inspiration and guidance for the future. Vrikshayurveda, recognizing the significance of plant bio- resources of varied values in ancient India, emphasis has been laid on conservation of flora, deals with various tree and plant species and ensure the healthy growth and productivity. Ancient texts contain many descriptions of the uses and management of forests and highlight sustainability as an implicit theme. Treatise called Vrikshayurveda mentions in depth about the plants, its importance, diseases, treatment, protection from external factors, increasing the yield, conservation techniques like protection of plants from mist, pests etc. Chemical fertilizers show dramatic short-term benefits, but in the longer run they adversely impact the soil, water and nutritional quality of the plants. Hence there is great scope to integrate traditional practices for better productivity of quality planting materials. Cultivation, germination and storage process in general were described and specifically for few medicinal plants by preparing Kunapajala (Biofertilizer - which is an organic product derived from animal and plant products).

Contribution of Vrikshayurveda towards Conservation of Plant species

Soil management is done by cultivating Tila plants initially, when once it starts flowering the entire crop is then ploughed off so as to take out the hardness followed by planting of few tree species initially like Arishta, Ashoka, Punnaga, Shirisha & Priyangu etc. after growing to certain height, planting of Herbs or Climbers to be planned.

The technique of Vegetative propagation was also very well-known and elicit few plants like Kadali, Lakucha, Dadima, Ashoka, Panasa etc. for propagation. The author also gives the appropriate time for transplanting trees at various ages so that the environmental factors contribution is high towards their growth like, if the plants are too young with few or no branches, should be planted during early winter, whereas plants with emerged branches in late winter and plants with well-developed branches during rainy season.

Before planting the tree in the soil, it should be anointed with the paste of mixture of Tila, Kshaudra, Usheera, Ghritha, Vidanga, Ksheera & Gomaya the individual should follow all the sacred rituals with pure body and soul. It should be watered twice regularly during summer, alternate days in winter and when soil dries up in rainy seasons. The distance between the trees should be maintained ideally as Vimshatihasta, if not properly planned it will result in improper growth and falling of fruits during their respective season.

In order to cure or prevent the pathological conditions initially the infected part should be cut off, apply the paste of Vidanga, Ghritha, Kunapa Jala & Silt (Mud mixed with plenty of water) subsequently. To increase flowering & fruiting the plant or tree it should be treated sprinkled with the mixture of Kulattha, Masha & Mudgara. To increase the growth of trees author mentions to prepare the manure using 2 parts of dried powdered dung of Aja & Avika, one part of Tila with small quantity of Saktu (Zinc) and few grams of Gomamsa with sufficient quantity of water should be kept in vessel for 7days and on the eighth day the paste should be smeared on trees which subsequently increases the yields of flowers and fruits; the author also stated the seed treatment before sowing.

Seed Treatment

Before sowing, the seeds are smeared with Ghee and immersed in milk for some time, later it should be removed from milk, dried and again the process is repeated for 10 consecutive days.

Subsequently the seeds should be mixed with cow dung, flesh of pig, deer and then sown in the soil. The soil should be watered and mixed with milk.

Conclusion

Vrikshayurveda illustrates several significant aspects which are similar to the use of Green Manure or Organic Manure, Vegetative Propagation, Transplantation techniques etc. which are similar to modern Agricultural techniques of plant growth & conservation.

References of pathological condition of plant and trees and the treatment of these are uniquely mentioned in Vrikshayurveda where the author is very much beholding in controlling if done in a classical way.


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The symptoms of Pandupatrata (chlorosis), Pravalaavriddhi (Falling of Buds), Shakhashosha and Rasaasruti (Exudation of Sap or Gummosis - which is the self defence mechanism of plant species) points out the Observational Capacity and high Inquisitiveness of ancient Acharyas. The Elucidation of Environmental factors are responsible for the plant disease and the presaging to avoid close planting indeed gives us a distant vision and discoveries that were subsequently made in modern Agri-Techniques.

Acknowledgement

I express my sincere gratitude to my Co-author of this review article Dr. Brijesh K., Principal & Medical Superintendent, Sarvdev Ayurvedic Medical College & Matha Mrityunjay Hospital, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh for imparting insights that helped me to pen this work.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to my friend Dr. Veeraj Hegde, Professor, Department of Swasthavrittha and Yoga, Yenopoya Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Manjanade, Mangalore for inspiration and support in writing this work.

References

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2. Srikanth N. The science of plant life (Vriksha ayurveda) in archaic literature: an insight on botanical, agricultural and horticultural aspects of ancient India. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2015;4(6):388. 6. Sharma PV.

3. Caraka Samhita, Vimanasthana, Choukambha Orientalia. Varanasi: Chapter Charakasamhita, Kalpasthana -1/10); 1983.

4. Vedic botany by Dr. S. Sundara Rajan, Vardhana Publications, Bangalore, Chapter 4, Page. No. 22-27

5. Conservation and preservation of medicinal plants-leads from Ayurveda and Vrikshayurveda. Int J Complement Alt Med. 2018;11(5):275‒279. DOI: 10.15406/ijcam.2018.11.00412

6. Bhat Savitha D. Importance of Kunapajala (traditional liquid organic manure) of Vrikshayurveda in medicinal plant cultivation. GJRMI. 2012;1(7):272–279.

7. Suresh G, Haridasan K, Krishnamurthy KV. Relevance of Vṛikṣāyurveda and other traditional methods for organic production of nursery seedlings of useful plants. Anc. Sci Life. 2013;33(1):60–70


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