Abstract

QUEEN OF HERBS SHATAVARI -SYNONYMS REVIEW FROM NIGHANTUS

Dr. Monika Sharma (BAMS)* and Dr. Ankita (BAMS, MD)

Abstract

Nomenclature of any object has essential and significant role. As, it discerns a particular thing from others and also helps to communicate to others to identify a Dravya (substance) properly. It also helps to understand hidden meaning which is present with the name. Ancients Seers were keen observers of nature and coined exact Paryaya (Synonyms) to designate specific characters of plants. The synonymous word in Ayurveda for Dravya (Drug) identification is "Nama-Rupa gyana which includes Nama (Name), Guna (Properties) and Karma (Action) of the drug. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) is considered as Queen of herbs is an indigenous plant. The nomenclature of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) is sum of Shata and Vari where Shata means hundred and Vari stands for Spouse. The one which possesses hundred Spouses. In Nighantu’s various Paryaya (Synonyms) of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) are mentioned.

Keywords: Paryaya, Shatavari, Nighantu, Namarupa Vigyana.