Classical Uses of Medicinal Plants

DETAILS : 

• Author : Prof. P.V. Sharma
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chaukhamba Vishvabharati
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2018
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 848 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9381301484
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9381301487
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1200 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Classical Uses of Medicinal Plants is a definitive reference work by the legendary Prof. P.V. Sharma. This book serves as a vital bridge between ancient Ayurvedic texts and modern pharmacognosy. It provides an exhaustive compilation of the medicinal applications of plants as described in the "Big Three" (Brihattrayi)—Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya—as well as the "Lesser Three" (Laghutrayi) of Ayurveda.

Unlike many modern herbals that focus on chemical constituents, Prof. Sharma’s work prioritizes the classical indications. He organizes the plants by their Sanskrit names and provides detailed entries on their traditional uses for specific diseases, their parts used, and the various formulations (Yogas) in which they appear. This book is considered an essential desk reference for Ayurvedic physicians (BAMS/MD), researchers, and ethnobotanists looking to validate traditional wisdom through the lens of classical Sanskrit literature.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Prof. Priya Vrat Sharma (1920–2006) is often referred to as the "Doyen of Ayurveda" in the 20th century. He was the former Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and served as the head of the Department of Dravyaguna (Pharmacology).

Prof. Sharma was a prolific writer and a master linguist, authoring and translating over 50 books. He is perhaps best known for his monumental English translation of the Charaka Samhita, which made the text accessible to the international scientific community. His life's work was dedicated to the scientific systematization of Dravyaguna (the study of medicinal properties), and he is credited with modernizing the way Ayurvedic pharmacology is taught today.