Dravyaguna Vijnana: Knowledge of Animal Drugs and Foods in Ayurveda

by J L N Sastry

1. This book deals with the important animal products and foods prescribed in Ayurvedic material media. The modern perspective of the respective drugs and foods in also provided.

2. Emphasis on the need of animal products like kasturi (musk), Puti (civet), Agnijara (amber) etc is laid while expressing the need for careful collection methods without sacrificing any animal. 

3. The scientific background for the classification of foods in the ancient Ayurvedic texts is substantiated with the support of modern literature. The nutritive values of these foods are also provided on the basis of available information. 

4. This work also deals with the indigenous methods of food processing in ancient India. Various puddings and their role in the management of health and disease are emphasized. 

5. Pharmacognostic identification of some important medicinal plants (12 plants) as described in the CCIM syllabus was also included. This will enable the students of Ayurveda to learn about the easier methods of identification of herbs. 

6. It may be concluded that this is the first English work on Dravyaguna which is in accordance with the CCIM syllabus.

About the author:

Dr J L N Sastry hails from a traditional Ayurvedic family. He is born at Narasapuram (W G Dist., Andhra Pradesh) on 06-07-1965). The author is the recipient of two gold medals from Nagarjuna Univ. (AP) fro the merit shown during BAMS (1988). He presented several clinical and scientific papers at Regional, National and International seminars.

Author also had given Radio-talks and given guest lectures at various prestigious institutes (both Ayurvedic & Modern Medicine). He published a book 40 years of research in Aired in A P (on behalf of grda, Hyderabad).