CONCEPT OF MEDHYA RASAYANA IN AYURVEDA: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Ayurveda is the ancient science of medicine in the world; its legacy goes back to the Vedic era. Ayurveda has a unique holistic approach towards life, health, and cure. It has two main aims - one is to maintain good health and the second is to cure diseases. The Rasayana or rejuvenation is one of the eight specialized branches of Ayurveda that primarily deals with the maintenance of health. The focal basis of Rasayana is accelerated and appropriate nutrition to improve the biological competence of body. A good intellectual power acts as a catalyst in all aspects of life. All Rasayanas are nutrition promoters in general but there is certain target specific Rasayanas viz. Medhya Rasayana for the brain, Hridya Rasayana for the heart, Caksusya Rasayana for eyes and so on. Medhya Rasayana is claimed to promote cognitive functions of the brain and helps in regeneration of neural tissues besides producing antistress, adaptogenic and memory enhancing effect, and retarding brain aging. Four Medhya Rasayana are mentioned in the 1 st chapter of Charak Samhita. Acharya Charaka used Swarasa (fresh juice) of Mandukaparni leaves, Churna (powder) of Yasthimadhu root & stolon along with milk, extract of Guduchi stem and paste of the whole plant of Shankhapuspi. All these drugs have multi-dimensional actions having an influence on mental health. They not only enhance the Dhi (Power of acquisition), Dhriti (power of retention), Smriti (power of recollection) but also rejuvenate the whole system and their pathways.