E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Vishad Guna

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 11 NOVEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A critical analysis of Vishad Guna; Exploring its properties and uses in Ayurveda

Jangir M1*, Singh C2, Purvia RP3, Adlakha M4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.11.19

1* Mukesh Jangir, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Dravyaguna, Post Graduate Institute of Ayurved and Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

2 Chandan Singh, Professor and HOD, Dept of Dravyaguna, Post Graduate Institute of Ayurved and Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

3 Rajendra Prasad Purvia, Associate Professor, Dept of Dravyaguna, Post Graduate Institute of Ayurved and Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

4 Manoj Adlakha, Associate Professor, Dept of Dravyaguna, Post Graduate Institute of Ayurved and Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

All substances in the universe originate and develop with the inherent qualities of Satva, Raja, and Tama. This creation holds a significant position for its qualities. In material science, the characteristics of matter are influenced by its properties. These attributes differ from those of Sattvaadi. Understanding properties is crucial alongside understanding substances because all the qualities (Gurvadi Guna) attributed to substances are present in our bodies. When the body experiences decay for any reason, it can be restored to a balanced state by utilizing substances that possess similar properties. Conversely, when there is an excess of a certain property, substances with opposite properties are employed. Hence, qualities are also referred to as physical or medical qualities. Without an understanding of these properties, it is impossible to restore the body's metals to a state of equilibrium. Thus, understanding the properties existing in matter becomes imperative after exploring the matter. When a substance is combined or altered, it carries out diverse functions. Matter serves as a medium (Kaaran Dravya) for carrying out various actions.

Keywords: Gurvadi Guna, Vishad Guna, Cleanness property, Guna, Kshalana Karma

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Mukesh Jangir, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Dravyaguna, Post Graduate Institute of Ayurved and Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Email: 		Jangir M, Singh C, Purvia RP, Adlakha M, A critical analysis of Vishad Guna; Exploring its properties and uses in Ayurveda. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(11):137-142.
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Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-10-07 2024-10-17 2024-10-28 2024-11-08 2024-11-19
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© 2024by Jangir M, Singh C, Purvia RP, Adlakha Mand 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].

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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAims and ObjectivesMaterials and MethodsLiterary ReviewDiscussionConclusionReferences
Mukesh J et al. A critical analysis of Vishad Guna

Introduction

It can be said that "those who are dependent on matter due to Samvaya relation, who are free from efforts or actions, who are free from the properties of conjunction etc., who have non-independent causes for action, who are the causes in their quality, are called Gunas." [1]

The characteristics or definition of quality (Guna) can be defined in the following ways

a) According to Philosophy and
b) According to Ayurveda.

1. According to Philosophy[2]

Acharyas of different philosophies have described the characteristics of virtues. The symptoms mentioned by Acharyas are as follows:

(a) According to Vaisheshika Darshan

द्रव्याश्रव्यगुणवान् संयोगविभागेष्वकारणमनपेक्ष इति गुण लक्षणम्। ( वै.द.1/168)

The Guna characteristic is that it is matter-dependent and which is causeless and unexpected in combination and division.

(b) According to Saamkhya philosophy[3]

अथ दव्याश्रिता ज्ञेया निर्गुणा निष्क्रिया गुणाः। (कारिकावली)

Those which are dependent on matter, have no qualities (nirguna) and are free from action (nishkriya), are called Guna.

2. According to Ayurveda, various Acharyas of Ayurveda have defined the characteristics of Guna as follows-

(a) According to Acharya Charaka[4]

समवायी तु निश्चेष्टः कारणं गुणः। (च.सू. 1/51)

One who is dependent on the matter due to Samvaya relation (Samvaya is a Sanskrit word that means "to come together tightly", and it's used to describean intimate relationship between two things that makes them inseparable. It means they can't be separated without destroying themselves).

(b) According to Acharya Sushruta[5]

कर्मभिस्त्वनुमीयन्ते नानाद्रव्याश्रयाः गुणाः। (सू.सु. 46/521)

The various qualities (Guna) dependent on various substances are inferred by their actions.

Acharya Charaka has mentioned 41 types of Guna. In which he divided these into 4 types of groups.

1. Gurvadi Guna[6,7] - mentioned 20 types.

गुर्वादयः तु गुरु लघु शीत उष्ण स्निग्ध रुक्ष मन्द तीक्ष्ण स्थिर सर मृदु कठिण विशद पिच्छिल श्लक्ष्ण खर स्थूल सूक्ष्म सान्द्र द्रवाः विंशतिः।(च.सू. 25/36, (च.शा.6/10)

2. Paradi Guna - he mentioned 10 types of Guna in this category. Paratva, Apratwa, Yukti, Sankhya, Sanyoga, Vibhaga, Prathaktwa, Parimaan, Sanskar, and

3. Aatma Guna - in this category 6 types of Guna Buddhi, Sukha, Dukha, Icchha, Dwesha, and Prayatna.

4. Vaisheshika Guna - in this category 5 types of Guna according to Panchmahabhoota’s Like- Shabda, Sparsha, Roopa, Rasa and Gandha.

Here we describe one of the main qualities (Guna) Vishad Guna and its properties for this research article.

Aims and Objectives

1. To find out the characteristics of Vishad Guna.
2. Effect of Dravyas having Vishad Guna, and their Karma in different systems of the body.

Materials and Methods

Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavprakash Nighantu, and other traditional Ayurveda Compendia, Modern textbooks using digital media, Ayush research portal, PubMed, Google Scholar, articles and research papers related to this topic on the internet were extensively studied.

Literary Review

Vishad (Clarity) is one of the Gurvadi attributes. It is the opposite of un-cleanliness (Pichhila) quality. Clarity and stickiness are contrasting characteristics. They also complement each other. Clarity aids in clearing obstructions in the body's openings and pathways caused by an excess of mucus. Clearing away sliminess is aided by clarity, which opposes sliminess and helps remove stickiness from the body.

The properties of Vishad are evaluated by the functions of Kleda-Achusan and Ropana-Karma.


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Mukesh J et al. A critical analysis of Vishad Guna

Vishad Guna falls within the category of Vata Guna and can be explained by its action of Kshalana Karma. The concept of Kshalana could be understood as the cellular process of removing waste from the cell environment. Vishad Guna shows the ability to clean up and eliminate dead tissue, and pus, and expose wound for healing.[8]

Definition

यस्य क्षालने शक्तिः स विशदः। (हेमाद्रि)[9]

That which has the power to destroy laxity (Picchilata) is called Vishad Guna.

In other words

The Guna through which Dravya can perform functions like Shoshana of Cleda, Vranropana, Lekhana of Dhatu, Shoshana of Mala & Vata Vriddhi is called Vishad.[10]

Physical Appearance - क्लेदनाशकत्वं विशदत्वम् । (आतंक दर्पण)

Vishad Guna destroys the Cleda.

Physical Organization

धरानिलानलवृत्तिः । (आतंक दर्पण)

It contains an abundance of earth, air, and fire elements, but Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Vayu, Agni, and Akasha elements.[11]

Sensuality:[12] विशदो विपरीतोऽस्मात् क्लेदाचूषणरोपणः। (सु.सू. 46/524)

Unlike Pichhila Guna, Vishad is one who exploits the Cleda and plants the wounds.

क्लेदच्छेदकरः ख्यातो विशदो व्रणरोपणः ।(भा.प्र.)

According to Bhavprakash, Vishad is the destroyer of Cleda and the planter of wounds.

Functions[13]

Dosha - Vata enhancer, Kapha destroyer.
Dhatu - Lowering the Dhatus.
Mala - Mala exploitation.
Agni (Fire) - Fire enhancer
Others - Wound planter, Power lowering, Cleda exploitation ।

The clarity of a substance is determined by its ability to eliminate stickiness from the body and facilitate the separation and delineation of cells and body parts.

Thus, foods and medications that promote clarity in bodily components and eliminate stickiness are classified as possessing Vishad Guna. Sometimes, there can be obstructions in tissues and transportation pathways as a result of an abnormal rise in sliminess quality brought about by an excessive increase in Kapha, Ama, or fatty tissues. When this occurs, important nutrients and substances required to construct and maintain tissues will not flow easily. Tissues are damaged as a result of a lack of nourishment and assistance. Meanwhile, metabolic waste products, such as tissue toxins generated in cellular metabolism, are not removed from the body. The buildup of toxins and wastes can harm tissues and disrupt various functions. To address this abnormal condition triggered by excessive stickiness, an opposing characteristic with the ability to eliminate the stickiness will be necessary. To accomplish this, it is necessary to provide intervention through medicines, foods, and treatments that possess the quality of clarity, known as Vishad Guna.

The clarity of a product would eliminate too much slipperiness, thus getting rid of obstructions and healing ailments stemming from an excess of slipperiness. The presence of excess Kapha in the body is responsible for sliminess. Clearness, brought about by Vata, counteracts and harmonizes sliminess caused by Kapha, Ama, or fat. When Kapha and other disease-causing factors that have led to sliminess are managed by the quality of clarity, the sliminess also reduces. Therefore, clarity quality combats the effectiveness of slickness quality and removes obstacles. This will aid in restoring usual bodily functions.

Salient features of clearness quality

  • Clarity within the body is evident through its function of clearing sliminess and blockages caused by excess Kapha: The absence of sliminess or decrease in Kapha symptoms indicates the presence and effectiveness of clarity. A decrease in sliminess occurs by consuming items with Vishad Guna, which is the quality of clearness.
  • This attribute also plays a role in the division and distinction of various body parts, resulting in a decrease in stickiness between components and the preservation of the body's structure. It prevents components from being close to each other."

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Elemental relationship[14]

The level of clarity in a substance is linked to three fundamental components: Vayu, Agni, and Akasha. Hence, the clarity level of a substance is determined by the abundance and dominance of these elements within it.

Effect on Dosha and Dhatu[15]

The elimination of moisture (Cleda) from the body leads to a degradation of body tissues (Dhatu Kshaya), which in turn causes an increase in the Vata dosha and a decrease in Kapha Dosha. Clearness is one of Vata's characteristics. Clearness quality enhances Vata and hence reduces Kapha. Vata promotes clarity in the body due to its clarity attribute. Similarly, everything that raises Vata promotes clarity. Anything that improves clarity also enhances Vata. The influence on Pitta Dosha stays unaffected.

Effect on Mala[16] (Body wastes)

The property will cause dryness of Mala (Body waste) by removing or absorbing moisture. This will result in obstructed bowels with adecreased rate of removal. Clearness quality removes moisture and fluidity from excreta, particularly from feces, and dries it. Clearness makes the stools dry, devoid of liquidity, and firm, which aids in curing conditions like diarrhea or in other conditions where there is an excessive release of fluids in the form of excreta. This clarity quality can be used as a treatment in the form of foods and medications.

Effect on Tissues[17]

Clearness quality scrapes tissues remove extra fluidity from tissues, and promotes wound healing. The ability to remove stickiness from tissue is known as clarity. When there is excessive stagnation of fluids in tissues leading to the build-up of pressure within tissues and hampering the smooth conduct of tissue functions that fluid, as well as the deposit of excess wastes and unnecessary tissue, should be removed. Clearness-quality foods and drugs relieve congestion in tissues and channels by removing fluid buildup and exfoliating tissues. Even in wounds and ulcers, we might detect a lot of congestion and the accumulation of inflammatory fluids and undesirable tissues near the injury. Clearnessmedicines and diets help to clear fluids and congestion, scraptissues, and speed up wound healing.

Effect on Srotus[18] (Body Channels)

Increased Kapha levels in tissues and channels promote fluid accumulation and congestion. Clearness quality raises Vata, which is opposed to Kapha, and removes both Kapha and the congestion. Clearness is used to remove congestion and obstructions caused by increased sliminess and stickiness from Kapha, Ama, and Fat tissue. When blockages and congestion are removed, channels open up. This allows for the free movement of nutrients and vital components throughout the body. Even in this way, clarity quality assists in treating and eliminating undesired fluids and tissue accumulation in the body.

Effect on Manas[19]

It is important to recognize that this characteristic has an impact on Manas because it reduces moisture, which causes dryness. Loss of moisture, which keeps the person more focused, alert, and high in spirituntil they are using their energy level at its best. However, the mind will get fatigued and lethargic as a result of a drop in energy levels when the energy runs out.

Effect of excessive consumption

Excessive consumption of these types of foods causes excessive loss of tissues and fluidity in the body, as well as excessive drying of feces, which leads to disorders such as constipation. Excessive clarity also results in an unnatural increase in Vata. Excessive clearness can completely eliminate its opponent feature in the body, namely sliminess, which is required for many bodily activities. However, if this cleansing activity increases as a result of an unnatural rise in clearness quality, normal tissues are scraped off, as well as protective fluids required for physiological processes. This leads to tissue damage, which causes a pathological rise in Vata. This Vata further damages tissues, resulting in many Vata diseases as well as a loss of strength, vigor, and immunity.

Examples of herbs having the property of Vishad Guna acting on different systems of the body

Digestive - Nimb (Azadirecta indica), Khadir (Acasia catechu), Meshshrangi (Gymnema sylvestre), Latakasturi (Abelmoschus moschatus), Dadima (Punica granatum), Bhandir (Clerodendrum infortunatum), Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Embelia officinalis, Terminalia belerica).


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Endocrine - Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Devdar (Cydrus deodara), Dhanyak (Coriandrum sativum), Kanchnar (Bahunia varigata), Karela (Momordica charantia), Bhandir (Clerodendrum infortunatum)

Urinary - Khadir (Acasia catechu), Vat (Ficus benghalensis), Udumber (Ficus glomerata), Pipal (Ficus raligiosa), Plaksh (Ficus lacor)

Reproductive - Kustha (Saussurea lappa), Elvaluk (Prunus cerasus), Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) Shwetark (Calotropis gegenticum), Katphal (Myrica esculenta), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Ashok (Saraca indica)

Nervous/Sensory - Jyotishmati (Celestrus peniculatus), Vidang (Emblica ribes), Apamargbeej (Achyrenthus aspera), Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea), Shigru Beej (Moringa oleifera), Kutki (Piccrorhiza currova) , Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Katphal (Myrica esculenta)

Integumentary - Bhringraj (Eclipta alba),, Nimb (Azadirecta indica) , Jati (Jasminum officinale), Madyantakia (Lawsonia inermis), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Asan (Pterocarpus marsupiam), Palash (Butea monosperma), Irimeda (Acacia farnesiana)

Muscular/Skeletal - Yava (Hordeum vulgare), Dadima (Punica granatum), Ashok (Saraca indica), Shal (Shorea robusta), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), Shastik.

Hematopoietic/Lymphatic - Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guduchi, (Tinospora cordifolia), Kesar (Crocus sativus), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Mamajjak (Enicostemma littorale).

Discussion

The concept of "Guna" or qualities in both philosophical and Ayurvedic frameworks reveals a rich interplay between theoretical principles and practical applications. In philosophy, Gunas are understood as inherent qualities dependent on matter, characterized by their lack of independent causation and action. The Vaisheshika Darshan describes Gunas as matter-dependent, causeless in their combination, and variable in their properties, while the Samkhya philosophy highlights their non-action and lack of independent qualities.

These explanations highlight the fundamental part that Gunas plays in determining the characteristics of material things and how they interact. Ayurveda expands on this philosophical foundation by categorizing Gunas in practical terms. For instance, Vishad Guna, or the quality of clarity, is particularly significant in Ayurvedic medicine. Vishad Guna is identified by its ability to counteract excess stickiness (Kapha) in the body, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining balance.

This quality facilitates the elimination of excess moisture and fluidity, promoting the clearing of obstructions and aiding in tissue repair. In various body systems, such as digestive, endocrine, nervous, Integumentary, muscular, lymphatic urinary, and reproductive, Vishad Guna helps manage conditions characterized by excess Kapha and sliminess, thus improving overall bodily functions.

The Ayurvedic classification of Gunas into categories such as Gurvadi Guna and Paradi Guna provides a detailed framework for understanding their roles in health and disease. For example, Vishad Guna impact on Vata and Kapha dosha illustrates its therapeutic potential in treating conditions like congestion and fluid accumulation. By promoting clarity and reducing excess moisture, Vishad Guna contributes to improved tissue health and effective waste management.

Overall, the study of Gunas bridges philosophical concepts with practical applications, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding their influence on health and disease. This integrated perspective enhances our ability to apply traditional Ayurvedic principles to modern therapeutic practices, ensuring a balanced approach to health management.

Conclusion

The concept of "Guna," or qualities, as this is understood in Ayurvedic and philosophical contexts, represents an advanced knowledge of the characteristics and roles that affect matter and its relationships. Guna is defined philosophically by their qualities or role in action, their causelessness, and their dependence on matter. This concept is seen in various philosophical systems, including Samkhya, where Gunas are represented as devoid of independent activity and dependent on matter.


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These characteristics are expounded upon in further detail by Ayurvedic viewpoints, which see them as essential to both functional and physical facets of health. For example, the clarity quality known as Vishad Guna is essential to the removal of excess stickiness (Kapha) and supports body functioning by removing blockages and assisting in the healing of wounds. It affects many different systems, including the reproductive, endocrine, urinary, and digestive. Vishad Guna capacity to eliminate excess fluidity and moisture is essential for improving the body's inherent processes and controlling Kapha-related diseases. Understanding these Gunas highlights the significance of maintaining a balance between these attributes for the best possible well-being and offers insightful information on their applications in health and medicine. Both conventional and modern techniques can benefit from these insights to enhance therapy practices and health outcomes by thoroughly analyzing their distinctive features and implications.

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6. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; 2020. Sutrasthana, Chapter 25, Verse 36.

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17. Boyd W. Textbook of Pathology. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger Publication.

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19. Concept of Guna – Vishad vs. Picchila Guna. Ayursoln [Internet]. Available from: https://ayursoln.com

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