Haridra, (Curcuma longa Linn.,Zingiberaceae), has been well documented in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias which includes Samhita (treatise), Nighantus (lexicons), Chikitsagrantha (compendia of Ayurveda) and Rasagrantha (compendia related to alchemy ). This paper provides a collective information regarding Haridra, its morphological characters, properties and actions, from Nighantu, Samhita and Rasagrantha. The study reveals that plant Haridra has about eighty synonyms( paryaya), highlighting its morphological characters and pharmacological properties. It is attributed with properties like
Dahahara (alleviating burning sensation), Rujahara (alleviating pain), Varnya (complexion promoter) and Vishodhana (cleansing of the body)etc. As a single drug, Haridra is indicated in about fifteen clinical conditions inclusive of Prameha (increased frequency and turbidity of urine), Kustha (diseases of skin), Pandu (anemia), Visha (poisoning), Vrana (Ulcer) etc. Haridra is used for Shodhana (processing), Marana (calcination) and Jarana (incineration) of various metals and gems in Indian alchemy. This review may enrich to documentary research and may provide collective and detailed information
about Haridra as is presented in ayurvedic classical texts .
Key words: Ayurveda, Curcuma longa, Haridra, Haladi, Nisha, Rajani, turmeric
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