Hatha-yoga-pradipika plants

[Guest guest]

>

> Dear David,

> I have been through various translations of

> Hatha-yoga-pradipika and each translator has different

>

>

> 1) Jeevanti - Leptidenia reticulata

 

There is some debate if in fact the Jivanti referred in the ancient

texts really is Leptandenia reticulata. In his book Wealth of

Sushruta, KH Krishnamurthy states that L. reticulata is mostly

inedible. But I've seen other sources stating it and similar species

Leptandenia genus to be a pot herb. Perhaps someone from India or

Africa can comment because I've never actually seen it up live and

personal. Krishnamurthy further states that some vaidyas use various

orchids such as Dendrobium macraci for Jivanti instead of Leptandenia.

 

 

> 2) Vaastumulya or Vaastu (according to one

> interpretation, but while reference to vaastuka as a

> vegetable is available, there is no mention of

> vastumulya) - Rumex vesicarius

 

I wonder how a Rumex could be an important vegetable - the oxalate

levels are quite high esp. as the plant ages. Oxalic acid of course is

a chelating agent that inhibits mineral absorption. Thus only the

tender spring greens should be eaten, and even then, in small amounts.

It should be generally avoided by folks suffering from rheumatism,

arthritis, gout, kidney stones, hyperacidity etc.

 

> 3)Aksi or Mulyakshi (according to the above mentioned

> interpretation, it is obvious that the word mulya has

> been interpreted as per convenience, however no

> reference of mulyakshi is available in dravya-guna

> books, however the word Aksiva is used for a

> vegetable) - Moringa oleifera

> 4) Meghanada - Amaranthus spinosus

> 5)Punarnava - Boerhavia diffusa

 

>

> The leaves of the above mentioned plants are regularly

> used among the tribal population of India. While

> 1,2,4,5 are herbs or creepers, 5 is a big tree whoose

> roots are used in ayurvedic medicine. Also the fruits

> of 5 are used for making vegetables (Drumsticks).

 

Punarnava is not a tree at all, but a perennial weed up to a meter in

height. I think you meant that (5) Moringa is a medium-sized tree,

and is the source of drumstick (i.e. the fruiting pods).

 

best...

Caldecott

phyto

http://www.wrc.net/phyto