A CRITICAL REVIEW OF AHARIYA DRAVYA (DIETARY SUBSTANCES) AS VARNYA IN NIGHANTU

Ayurveda is Holistic science and it has well known traditional sacred values.1 The Nighantus- Dhanvantari, Madanpala, Kaiyadeva, Raj and Bhavprakasha are like Kosa (compendium), containing the synonyms, properties, actions and their 27 uses of Dravya (Drugs). Dravya related to improve varna (complexion) of skin is known as Varnya. Varna means colour, “Ya” suffix indicates 1 “wholesomeness”. This study concludes Ahariya dravya as varnya among various Nighantus which may help in internal and external use.