Abstract

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MILLETS

Dr. Priyanka Dhanorkar* and Dr. Pallavi Gune

Abstract

Year 2023 was declared as international millet year. Millets are harvested all over world. It is highly recommended by every one for regular consumption. Although millets contain lots of micro nutrients, it is not a diet for regular consumption. It has therapeutic value; it is highly recommended as a treatment food in anabolic diseasessantarpanjanya diseases such as metabolic disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, skin diseases, etc. Many varieties of millets are described in Ayurveda. Shymak-sama millet, kodrav-kodo millet, nivar, kangu-foxtail millet, jurn-sorghum, java-barley, venuyva-bamboo rice, are few of them. The study aims to elicit the the therapeutic potential of Kudhanya/Kshudra Dhanya (millets) in Ayurvedic perspective substantiated with conventional scientific findings. In this review methodology followed includes review of various literature beginning from ancient Ayurvedic classics, conventional scientific and researchoriented publications comprising research papers, journals, periodicals etc. Ayurvedic classical literature replicate that since long time Kshudra Dhanya (millets) have been widely utilised in day today practice as a supplementary dietary product as well as therapeutic potential to overcome sedentary lifestyle induced epidemic of Non-communicable diseases (Santarpana Janya Vyadhi). In Ayurveda explanation of millets in terms of its properties, therapeutic potential, indications, contraindications, processing are explained well. Millets are endowed with rich source of minerals, micronutrients, phenolic -componds, anti-oxidants. This analysis was tending to put forth the proper usage of millets to better enhancement of health in mankind.

Keywords: Millets, Kshudra Dhanya, Phyto-chemicals, biological activity.