Atharvaveda and its materia medica.

ABSTRACT

Atharvaveda is the fourth and last Veda of Hindu literature. Its oldest name was 'ATHARVANGIRASAH', because it was contributed by two sages, ATHARVAN and ANGIRA. It is also known as 'Bhaishajjvaveda'. Atharvaveda gives information regarding plants, minerals and animal products with their usage for medical purposes. For example, 'Apamarga', a plant is useful for cough, piles, itching and abdominal pain, wherea 'Lavana' is useful for pimples; 'Shankha' useful to protect from diseases and 'Mriga Shringa' is useful for pulmonary consumption and other chronic diseases etc.