“Annam Vruttikaranam Shreshtham: Importance of diet in Brihattrayi.”

Abstract

The diet is one of the most important entity for Vrutti (Sustenance of life). The major treatises of Ayurveda (Brihattrayi), namely Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya (sometimes, Ashtanga Sangraha also) give logical and didactic explanation for it. The present review was aimed at compiling available information about importance of Ahara (diet) from these four treatises. The review can be helpful for understanding various concepts related to food in Ayurveda and can be implied in future studies.

The Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika commentary by Chakrapani, The Sushruta Samhita with Nibandha Sangraha commentary by Dalhana, The Ashtanga Hridaya with Sarvanga Sundara commentary by Arunadattta and Ashtanga Sangraha with Shashilekha commentary by Indu, were mainly reviewed for the present study. Supporting materials from ancient and contemporary sources were also reviewed.  The classification of Ahara (diet) as well as Ahara Vidhi Vidhana (dietetic rules) have been reviewed from all four major treatises of Ayurveda. The aim of Ahara (diet) has been described in an all-inclusive approach converging to most important i.e. Vrutti (sustenance of life). This ultimate approach can be utilized in development of various diet plans for healthy as well as diseased people. As Ahara (diet) is the root cause and treatment of almost all diseases, this knowledge can prove to be useful for successful management of various conditions.