A comprehensive review of Aśvacikitsā Prakāra: An insightful ancient text on equine medicine
摘要
Historically, horses have played a pivotal role in the empires of kings, with Āyurvedic physicians using herbal remedies to maintain and treat their health. This review is based on the book Turaṅgaratnamālā, written by Krishna Dasa Kavi, the court poet of King Sarfoji II, and edited by Sri A. Krishnaswami Mahadika Rao Saheb during the 18th Century in Marāṭhī. The book, highlighting veterinary knowledge, is presented to ensure wider accessibility for scholars of Āyurveda and veterinary sciences. The book’s second part, known as Aśvaśāstracikitsā Prakāra (types of horse treatment), is analysed to explore significant contributions to equine diseases. It offers critical observations on the fundamentals of disease diagnosis and remedial measures for managing common horse ailments. The book also discusses distinctive Āyurveda tenets in detail. Additionally, it provides comprehensive information on herbal and mineral formulations, including their scientific names, dosage forms, modes of administration, and seasonal regimes. It enriches our understanding of the traditional medicine system of Paśu Āyurvēda, specifically Aśvāyurveda, in the current context.