Two cents to Lord Ganesha

[Guest guest]

An Ayurveda Guru wanted to give the final test to his students before

sending them out to their independent practices. All of them had

fared very well in their studies, diagnoses and even medicine making

as an art, so far. He sent them into the forest and asked them to

bring back a few herbs which they considered were not useful as

medicine. While almost everyone brought some herb back to the Guru

and a few of the students brought back several herbs, one student

came back empty handed saying that there was not a single herb to be

found which could not be used as medicine for some disease. He was

ranked first out of all the students and was asked to take charge of

the Ayurveda school itself.

 

The reason in telling this story is that while allopathic medicine is

felt to be essential in some quarters for the management of infantile

epilepsy, even without a personal consultation, (post # 14000) the

author wishes here to relate that amongst several Ayurvedic remedies

described in the ancient texts, a simple and inexpensive herb

available perennially and in abundance in tropical areas, (and even

found in the cities) provides a cure for this condition in many

cases. The herb is Durva grass, a sacred grass that is offered during

prayers to Lord Ganesha. Bhringraj and Shatavari also have Ayurvedic

uses similar to this grass, but their availability is less common

compared to Durva. The author has received several emails (even from

non-members since our archives are open to the public) regarding the

availability of fresh Bhringraj. This post gives an inexpensive

alternative to Bhringraj and Shatawari to some extent at least in the

majority of health problems which these two can address. The purpose

of this post is to suggest an inexpensive but potent herb for many

health problems encountered in India, especially in the next two to

three months, when the grass is more frequently available.

The name of this grass is Durva or Neeldurva in Sanskrit. Dubla,

Durba, Dub in Bengali. In English language it has names such as

Bahama grass, Bermuda grass, Couch grass, Creeping panic grass,

Devil's grass, Dog's tooth grass. The Latin name is Cynodon Dactylon.

Its name in other Indian languages can be found at this link:

 

http://www.frlht.org.in/meta/index.php?

plantid=731 & calledFrom=VIEW_ALL_SPECIES & sortBy=D & gPAGE_NO=17 & gLOWER_LI

MIT=320#view

 

(To view this link please cut and paste the entire two lines into

your web browser)

 

The herb grows with a slender stem, prostrate, widely creeping,

glabrous, forming matted tufts, rooting at every node, with erect

flowering branches 3-7 cm high with leaves 2-10 cm long, finely

acute, soft, smooth distichous in the barren shoots and the base of

its stems with tight sheaths. The slenderness ratio of the leaves

(length/width) exceeds 75 when fully grown. Hence this herb shares

the cosmic energy absorption property of coconut leaves as discussed

in post #3066. This property is also enjoyed to some extent by the

herb Shatavari. The flowers are in the form of spikes 2-6 radiating

from the top of a slender peduncle, 2.5-5 cm long, green or purplish

and its fruits are in the forn of a grain, one mm long. It flowers

throughout the year. The herb contains protein, (10.47%) mucilage

(28.17%) and ash (11.75%) in its green variety. The ash contains

Calcium, (0.77%) Phosphorous, (0.59%) Magnesium, (0.34%) Sodium,

(0.23%) Potassium (2.08%) and a few other organic chemicals. The

smell of freshly cut Durva grass is similar to that of human blood.

To recognize durva grass in your neighbourhood, look at several

images which you can find by google search using keywords " Cunadon

Dactylon Jpeg image "

 

In India, we have three varieties of this grass, the green variety, a

whitish variety and another variety called Gandh or Gandur Durva.

These last two varieties are seen less frequently and are found

mainly in some parts of Karnataka and Tamilnadu. The growth of Durva

is particularly vigorous in warm, moist conditions in tropical areas.

This also means that it has the earth and water principles aplenty.

This imparts a pitta pacification property to the herb. While it is

considered as one of the ten worst weeds in the west, it is sacred in

India. It is very much liked by all milk giving herbivorous animals,

as it is nutritious for them and they enjoy its sweetness. The pitta

pacification property of cows' milk is enhanced when she eats this

grass. While wheat grass is " green blood " according to naturopaths,

this " green blood " is Durva for herbivores. Even wild animals appear

to know the medicinal use of this herb. Ancient acharyas taught

ayurveda as well as astrology through stories which make it easier to

both understand and memorize the Ayurvedic uses of herbs.

 

Durva in mythology and ritual:

 

The uses of Durva will be easier to remember by first studying the

mythological stories that surround it. Lord Ganesh is most loved and

revered in all India. He is worshipped, no matter what Puja or

ceremony is taking place. Why Durva is offered to Lord Ganesh can be

understood more clearly from a mythological story which also leads to

better understanding of the grass's medicinal uses:

 

http://www.riiti.com/2007-09-

why_we_offer_grass_durva_to_lord_ganesha.html

 

Durva is a prerequisite ingredient used in Vedic sacrifice or Yagya.

The Vedic altar itself was constructed with cow dung bricks bound

together with knots of Durva. Much of the Ayurvedic tradition becomes

easier to remember if one studies the deeper meanings in the rituals

that are used.

 

The author will give just one example of experiences through which

most of us have passed. Durva is also used in the cloth knot used in

the marriage ceremony. Marriage brings together two individuals by

symbolically tying the loose ends of their scarf and veil, or other

clothing. Tying of the knot also symbolizes that the two bodies and

minds are tied together for a common purpose and the relationship is

irrevocable. It is customary to tie a coin, a flower, turmeric, Durva

and rice, within the knot. Each of these has a particular

significance. Durva is evergreen and symbolic of everlasting love and

care. Durva never dries up. Even when it looks dried, a little water

turns it green. In the same way, there must be great love and

intimacy between the couple. A rough patch in the relationship can be

watered down to turn the life green again. In the author's opinion,

the use of Durva here has a medical significance in the married life

and fertility, which is discussed later in this post.

 

The mythological story goes that amrita [nectar of immortality] was

obtained as a result of churning the sea and during its distribution

among the gods, some drops fell on the grass which further sanctified

it, imbuing it with healing properties. Furthermore, the grass

became immortal, with limitless fertility. This story leads to some

medicinal uses mentioned here later. Since this is a healing herb, in

the traditional first hair-cutting of Vaishnava toddlers, the hair is

touched with Durva before it is cut. The Bhagavad Gita (Ch. 6)

stipulates that the seat made from dried Durva grass, then covered

with a skin and a cloth, is an appropriate seat for meditation.

Therefore it was one of the first offerings made to the Lord Buddha.

 

Durva is used for all kinds of worship, be it the domestic

Satyanarayana Puja or the public Ganesha/Durga Puja. It is

indispensable during any sacrifice and is also used in Arghya

offered to Kali, the black goddess at Dakshineshwar, in Kolkata.

 

Whenever water has to be offered in prayer, it is done by dipping a

bunch of Durva into the water and sprinkling it on the deity. Thus

Durva is considered a purifier. Hence, after puja, all the leaves and

flowers are thrown into the water tanks and wells etc. It is also

used to purify cremation sites by sprinkling durwa water. It is

believed that with this purification, the soul of the dead will go to

heaven, even without the recitation of mantras. This gives credence

to the use of Durva in controlling the effects of Rahu in a patient's

natal chart and also in disorders categorized under Grahapeeda in

Ayurveda. The Sanskrit name Bhuthantri also suggests its use in

mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Rahu is associated with the

black magic arts in astrology.

 

Durva is mentioned in the Rig-Veda as being most auspicious. The

Vamana Purana states that it can be used as medicine. According to

the Agni-Purana, Durva cures problems relating to bile. It is also

given the status of a female deity who is invoked to satisfy long

standing desires.

 

Durva came to be called Goroma. (Go is 'Mother Earth' and roma is her

hair). Therefore Durva is also considered the hair of Mother Earth.

This is because compared to other grasses, Durva is very firmly

rooted in the ground and difficult to pull out. This leads to remedy

for hair loss discussed later.

 

According to Vamana Purana, Durva was produced from Vasuki's tail.

However, in the Bhavishya Purana, Durva is believed to have been

produced from the hair on Vishnu's hands and thighs (other sources

say it was from his back) as he supported the Mandara mountain during

the samudra manthan (churning of sea). As the mountain moved with the

churning, it rubbed against him. Some of his hair fell down, touched

by amrita, as Durva.

 

Durva as medicine:

 

In medicine, the entire herb is used. Durva is made into medicine

after it dries out, however in a few conditions, green Durva is also

used. It is used more as a home remedy, although ancient texts

mention its medicinal uses.

Guna: Shital, (cooling) Mutral, (diuretic) Vranaropak, Grabhsthapak.

In taste it is katu, (pungent), kashya, (astringent, acrid) and sweet.

 

It is described as astringent, sweet, cooling, conceptive, blood

purifier, haemostatic, depurative, vulnerary, constipating, diuretic

amd tonic, and is useful in vitiated pitta, kapha, urticaria,

anaemia, eczema, sphidis, calculi, epistaxis, miscarriage,

hyperdipsia, burning, haemoptysis, haematuria, wounds, haemorrhoids,

conjunctivitis, cephalagia, erysipelas, leprosy, skin diseases,

vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentery, strangury, colporragia and general

debility, by herbalists in some recent compendiums.

 

Being shital, it can be used in a variety of Pitta problems,

excessive thirst, anorexia, vomiting, nausea, fainting, dizziness,

biliousness, burning sensations, bad taste in the mouth,

hallucinations, epileptic fits, fatigue, leprosy, scabies, skin

diseases, dysentery, fever, erysipelas, (a streptococcal bacterial

infection) raktadushti, raktapitta and vat-rakta. Some vatic diseases

and the nervous diseases are also covered. Migraines, vertigo and

excessive thirst is brought under control very rapidly by this herb.

Notice that Durva is abundantly available in the lunar month

Bhadrapada, when Sharad Rutu is about to start and the Pitta problems

are likely to increase. The acumen and wisdom of the ancients in

arranging the festivals thus should be highly commended. In Ayurveda,

certain herbs spread their medicinal property in the air around them,

neem and Durva are the best examples of this quality, telling us why

neem twigs are tied in the door frame, when chicken pox visits

toddlers. Hence, in houses where Lord Ganesh is worshipped during

festivals with Durva, pitta problems are reduced. The offerings to

Lord Ganesh are also such that the prasada balances pitta.

 

Great benefits are found when Durva is used in complaints with

coughing and diarrhoea (Amatisar) which have been caused by food

poisoning. The anti-diarrhoeal properties of the juice of Durva can

be enhanced by adding a pinch of ginger powder, fennel seed powder

and crystal sugar. Children will accept the juice readily that way. A

general dose for children is a maximum of 10 ml and for adults 20 ml,

but the Vaidya can override these dosages based on his own assessment

of the patient.

 

Gandur Durva is equally effective in all these conditions. White

Durva is diuretic. Hypertensive patients on anti-coagulant medication

or blood thinning medication are susceptible to nose bleeds

(epistaxis) or blood in the saliva in the months of August through

October in South India. Fresh Durva juice can be used in nasya for

stopping nose bleeds in just 10 minutes. Patients suffering from

hives appearing as a result of Ace inhibitor medication can apply

Durva juice over the skin. It can also be used to stop the bleeding

from wounds. The wounds can be washed with Durva juice which works as

a disinfectant. Durva has Rakta-shodhak properties, where it cleanses

and purifies the blood. Hence it is also useful in skin diseases.

Psoriasis patients get burning sensations on the affected skin and

the juice is very useful here to relive this burning. Those who are

sensitive to sunlight and the itching caused by sweating during the

sultry climates of coastal towns will benefit by rubbing Durva juice

on the affected skin. The importance of Durva can be fully

appreciated by giving the fresh juice to cancer patients. Its

properties of removing toxins from the body helps them. Its use in

cancer is attributed to Vitamin B-17 or laetrile present in it,

similar to wheat grass. Detailed procedure is given at:

 

http://www.cancerhope.org/wheatdurwagrassjuice.html

 

White Durva is especially useful for raktapitta and cough. Gandur

Durva acts as a blood thinner and Grahi which means it is useful in

diarrhoea. The availability of Gandur Durva less than other types;

but it is very useful for blood disorders, kapha diseases, kushta,

pitta and fevers. When there is blood in the urine, 25-50 ml fresh

juice of Gandur Durva can stop it in a day or two. White Durva is

balya, meaning it increases the strength of the patient and is also

medha-vardhak. It offers discriminating wisdom to the patient, hence

the word Kusha is also used for Durva.

 

One exceptional property of Durva is its use in amenorrhoea. Durva

juice and the powder of its dried leaves is useful when the periods

have stopped for more than 4 months. If there are recurrent

miscarriages the juice of fresh Durva taken on an empty stomach in

the morning will reduce this possibility. The decoction with other

herbs having similar properties is also recommended by the

traditional Vaidya. The flower buds of pomegranates taken together

with Durva juice, or the decoction of these dried buds with Durva

powder, relieves dys-menorrhoea. Durva helps balance excessive

bleeding in menorrhagia. Secondly, if girls suffer from viral fever,

typhoid etc., for a period of more than ten days during peri-pubertal

years, this causes a kind of acidic environment (artav dushti) in the

uterus, which does not allow sperm to fertilize the ovum, or if

fertilized, miscarriage will occur in the first trimester. Durva

grass is the remedy of choice among many others selected by

traditional Vaidyas,. Trees which give this remedy are all sacred in

India. While there are thousands of herbal creams and powders to be

used as pastes to reduce blood oozing acne, the most successful and

inexpensive remedy is one of soaking rice with Durva overnight,

grinding it into paste next morning and applying it for an hour on

the cheeks. Just observe what difference can be seen in only ten

days.

 

One can make a Ghrut out of Durva and other herbs. Take White, green

and Gandur durva, amruta, (Guduchi) bottle gourd pulp, the flowers of

the rose, Jasminum Officinale, Jasminum Humilie, amalki bark, Tulsi

seeds, Jatamansi and Curcuma Zedoria, all equal parts by weight,

together with Indian Cow ghee and make the Ghrutam by boiling the

decoction with ghee until the water is boiled away. This decoction

can be made as described in the procedure in post #14095. This Ghruta

is useful for Vitiligo, burns and the sensation of skin burning,

worms, shit-pitta eruptions, (hives) and T.B. (Rajyakshma). It can

also be used as galactagogue and fertility tonic, the dose being 5-10

gm with a little honey at breakfast and bedtime. For epilepsy, the

nasya of this Ghruta can be taken, (2 drops in each nostril) and also

in warm milk twice a day. Regular nasya of the fresh juice is also in

itself sufficient, if making this Ghrut is difficult. This Ghrut

also offers useful support while treating acne. Few pharmacies market

this ghrut under the name Durvadi Ghruta but the exact contents may

vary slightly. Durvadi Taila is also available and a tincture made

from Durva is used by Homeopaths for a similar spectrum of ailments.

 

Roots of the Durva grass, taken with pure honey, becomes a supportive

treatment for diabetes. One may be surprised to find honey being used

here. Such exceptions are frequent in traditional Ayurveda. Roots of

the Durva grass, when tied to the wrist of the patient, bring a

chronic fever under control. These roots must be chosen from hilly

but cool areas. This is another instance where a herb need not be

ingested or paste applied. Just its presence is enough. Another

example is the use of the roots of Arka, (Indian Madar) when tied to

the hair of a woman in labor and then the need for induction using

synthetic hormones (Oxytocin, Pitocin, Cytotec, Misoprotosol) is

eliminated.

 

The effect of rahu in mood and mental disorders is discussed in

message # 13831. The connection between Durva and mythological nectar

from the sea suggests the use of Durva for controlling the effects of

Rahu. If the Rahu is well placed in an individual's horoscope, it

leads to inspiration, originality, insight and uniqueness. It is

worshipped by those having Rahu in a trouble zone in the natal chart

(2,4,6,8 or 12th house). In these cases the Durva juice has been

found to be useful. Durva Bhasma is also useful for controlling the

effects of Rahu. The use of Durva Bhasma is believed to lead the

individual to wealth and fortune by the right decisions at the right

time. Rahu gives political acumen and among the planets having power

of giving material benefits, Rahu is the leading planet. If the

planet Rahu is ill placed in the horoscope it leads to paranoia,

addiction, mental ailments such as schizophrenia, seizures, stress

and anxiety-panic problems. Medical astrology associates Rahu with

poisoning. Autistic children, the victims of mercury poisoning

through vaccines, will benefit from Durva Ghrut mentioned earlier.

The use of Durva Bhasma also removes ill effects of Rahu. Such flimsy

and unscientific connections have become very significant in

alternative health care, since the connection between vaccines and

diabetes, as a risk to children, is now beyond doubt:

 

http://health./message/6708

 

It takes a long time, money and energy, apart from the dedication

required to establish a scientific basis regarding new remedies which

arise from mythology, astrology or spiritual vision. Many remedies

mentioned in samhitas were suggested and established by spiritual

consideration which may not yet be open to scientific enquiry.

Ayurvedic tradition is embedded within a larger conceptual framework

based upon descending knowledge (posts #12695, 12925). Spiritual

insights and spiritual wisdom is always meant to precede scientific

discovery for the safety and protection of mankind.

 

An exceptional belief about Durva is that one can eat its leaves and

he will be considered as fasting. Sage Durvasa fasted on this grass

alone. This grass fasting could keep his anger within control. So

this illustrates one more medical use for mental disorders which

cause irritability and violent actions. Patients trying to reduce

their doses of psychotropic drugs please note. The name Durva for

this grass may have become established after Sage Durvasa. Several

interesting stories about him are to be found here:

 

http://www.salagram.net/gp-durvasas.htm

 

Herbal henna leaf powder, white Durva grass, Khus grass, (Chrysopogon

Zizanioides) ash of amalki and Geru (an earthy-red colour used to

paint flowerpots and tree bases) are all mixed equally by weight to

make a paste, by adding water and grinding together. The paste is

then kept overnight and applied to the head/forehead in the morning

to cure Raktapitta, pittaj fever, burning sensation, excess thirst,

dizziness, blanking out and migraines etc. If instead of white Durva

grass, one adds fresh Durva juice, the paste is highly effective in

stopping hair loss. When the fresh grass is available, instead of

Geru, one can use the soil under the grass itself to make the paste.

Sitting for an hour in the morning sun with the paste applied

topically will enhance the effectiveness of this treatment. This

paste gives miraculous results in the case of a migraine and if the

paste is applied to the cheeks the acne symptoms will be reduced in

just a fortnight.

 

Durva is used much more frequently as a home remedy. Thus for

children's eczema, take freshly grown Durva grass and grind it on a

grinding stone or mortar and pestle (do not use an electric mixer)

along with half a tablet of camphor. Rub a sandalwood stick on a

stone and make a thick paste of about half a teaspoon in quantity.

Mix the grass paste, sandalwood paste and apply over the affected

skin overnight. If the eczema is extensive, apply even during the day

time.

 

If there is Blood in the urine or a burning sensation in passing

urine, (dysuria) grind 1 tablespoon of Bhumi amalaki (Phyllanthus

niruri ) along with 2 tablespoons of Durva grass into a very fine

paste. Mix this paste with 1 cup of buttermilk and take this mixture

every morning. A teaspoon of Durva juice mixed with fresh milk also

helps to reduce the burning sensation when urinating.

In clinical studies the oral application of Durga juice mixed with

honey taken 2-3 times a day for a few days helps in menorrhagia, the

local application of the paste on the lower abdomen reduces the

excessive bleeding. A decoction of the grass mixed with crystal sugar

taken 2-3 times a day is found useful with urinary retention. It is

also helpful in cases of oedema.

 

Dr Oswal from Pune, with more than 25 years practice in brain and CNS

related problems, is researching the use of Durva grass in curing

thrombocytopenic purpura and bone marrow depression and has obtained

very encouraging results.

 

A well known home remedy to cure throat soreness, swelling and

hoarseness is to mix powders of valvet leaf (Cissampelos pareira ,

Laghu pata, paatha), rasvanti (extract of daru haridra) Berberis

Aristata, and the roots of Durva, Malkaangani (Celastrus Paniculata,

Jyotishmati) and lick this mixture after adding honey.

 

Durva is an exceptional grass, growing largely from root stocks and

stolons. It's seeds are not important in its dispersal. Due to this

limitless fertility, the traditional Vaidyas use Durva as aphrodisiac

in combination with other herbs. The Sanskrit name sahastravirya

suggests this application similar to shatawari herb. Some of them

suggest washing the genitals with fresh juice of Durva. The juice is

believed to be capable of removing harmful pathogens from the

genitals. The decoction of the whole herb, roots, stem, leaves,

flowers and seeds, taken with milk or curds, cures gonorrhoea,

according to some Vaidyas. The fresh juice applied to piles reduces

the pain and the itching. Simultaneously, the powder of the leaves

taken in curd, when the stomach is empty during the early morning,

rapidly relieves the problem of piles. But unless we remove the root

causes the piles will reappear.

 

Lastly, Durva grows rapidly when it is exposed to sunlight. Tulsi is

another sacred herb that also enjoys this property as well as aloe

vera, the fertility herb and many other sacred trees like the Peepul

and the Banyan. Even the Indian cow likes to graze in the sun whereas

all the other breeds of cow and the buffalo dislike sunlight. The

yellow color in cow's milk as well as the curd and the ghee comes

from the Beta carotene content, a strong anti-oxidant and the

precursor to Vitamin A. The Vitamin A content is partly due to the

cow eating Durva grass and the more time she grazes in the sunlight,

the more Gold (Hipuric hydroxide) is in her milk which gives immunity

to all those who drink it. Indians call the cow Gomata, (mother)

since after feeding her calf, she feeds our children too.

 

The author is grateful to Mr. Pankaj Audhia for sharing some of his

research notes, Vaidya Kharche ( Khamgaon) and Shri Kesarichand Mehta

(Vardha) also for sharing some of their traditional knowledge.

 

The contribution of Jane MacRoss in editing this article is

gratefully acknowledged.

 

Dr. Bhate

[Guest guest]

Dr. Bhate,

Hari Om !

Please do accept my thanks for a nice 'article'. ..........Thanks

to Mr. Pankaj Audhia for sharing some of his research notes, Vaidya

Kharche ( Khamgaon) and Shri Kesarichand Mehta (Vardha) also for

sharing some of their traditional knowledge. May I extend my thanks

to Jane MacRoss for editing this article, as you have quoted ?

With best wishes,

Swami Brahmavidyananda Saraswati

A Hindu Sannyasi from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

__________________

http://health.ayurveda/message/14198