Abstract

AN ENVISIONING ANALYSIS OF MADHU (HONEY) FROM AYURVEDIC LITERATURES

Shreyosi Ray*

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Abstract

Honey has been an integral part of our lives since ancient times. Be it for internal administration or external application the usage of honey is unparalled. It is derived from the hives of honeybees (A.indica, A.mellifera and other species) as a liquid sugary sweet substance for the usage of man. In Ayurveda honey is known as Madhu. Not only in Sanskrit language but the term madhu is used ubiquitously for honey in maximum known languages in India. It is one of the most nutritous and unprocessed form of carbohydrate that is used as a whole. Acharyas of Ayurveda in their texts have provided elaborate description about madhu, its properties, qualities, types, indications and mamy more. Not only has this but knowledge regarding the proper usage of honey in proper method also been provided in the texts for the betterment of life. Several studies regarding honeys has been done and are being done every now and then to explore about its activities. It is known to poccess pharmacological activities like anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, bronchodilator, and numerous others. This study is aimed towards the exploring of the various ayurvedic texts for the purpose of bringing out the knowledges that has been stored regarding Madhu.

Keywords: Madhu, Honey, Types, Properties, Purity standards.