Category: Natural Eco-friendly Products
Hi Beautiful and Peaceful Soul,
In my previous blog, I requested all of you to like my blog on fountain pen (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2020/05/fountain-pen-boon-for-choked-earth-with.html), if anyone of you have decided to start using fountain pen. However, no one has liked it yet, it is bit disheartening as perhaps I am unable to convince even a single person to use fountain pen. This definitely would have been my limitation which I will try to improve in future. One of my biggest dream is to make this world as a nature loving community and I will keep working on it till to my last breath.
INTRODUCTION
Today, I am going to talk about one of the Holy Grass of ancient texts i.e., Kusha Grass. Kusha grass is also called as Darbha Grass in other languages (7). However, the proper identification of this grass has some contradicting views. One of the publications, "Medicinal Importance of Darbha: A Review" (3) published in Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine showed that in Vedic and Samhita period both Darbha and Kusha were recognized as two separate drugs as both have been mentioned separately at several places . It also mentioned that these two drugs have certain similar properties, actions and indications. On the basis of these similarities and morphological appearance, the later text of Ayurveda have mentioned Darbha and Kusha Grass as synonyms to each other, which is main point of contradiction.
Dalhana, commentator of Sushruta Samhita and field botanist of Ayurveda, clearly differentiates Darbha and Kusha on the basis of morphology as follows- Kusha is small, soft and has needle like leaves while Darbha is thicker with scabrid and longer leaves. However, he did mention Darbha and Kusha as synonyms. Though actions and indications of Kusha and Darbha are mentioned together, most of the Nighantus accepted both Kusha and Darbha as two different varieties and mentioned synonyms of each other. Regarding the botanical source of these plants, there is a great confusion. Many authors used Desmostachya bipinnata for both the drug, while others said that Darbha is large and more scabrid variety of Kusha. It means, both have same Genera, but different species. But, many others used even different Genera "Imperata cylindrical" for Darbha which clearly indicates that both are different plants (3, 4).
Friends, I am reading Asthanga Hridyam one page a day, so far I did not encounter the word Kushdavya and Dvidarbha. However, according to above discussed paper (3), Asthanga Hridyam has these words which indicates two types of both Kusha and Darbha, without any differentiation. I am sure to find these words in the later part of Asthanga Hridyam.
Out of these two grasses, let's discuss about Vedic Grass i.e., Kusha Grass. The scientific name of this grass is "Desmostachya bipinnata". It is commonly known as Halfa, Bigcord, Sali-Reed and Old World Perennial Grass (1). The former scientific name of Kusha was "Eragnostis cynosuroides" (12). Kusha Grass is also called Kusa which is derived from Sanskrit word Kusala meaning sharp, intelligent and wise because of the sharp nature of tip of Grass.
Grasses are the most successful plants on earth among all monocotyledonous plants. They have survived on planet despite various ecological changes. They have medicinal values and therefore considered as novel repositories. Any plant which has medicinal properties and is used in ritualistic practices is considered as sacred. This is the reason grass family is considered as sacred. It has great significance in Ayurveda because of medicinal and clinical properties. This grass constitutes vital ingredient in various Vedic sacrifices (Yagnas) and rituals. Due to this, it is also known as "Sacrificial Grass". In Atharvaveda, It is written that it is Soother of Anger because it brings calmness (14). It can be easily found along river beds and plains throughout India. It is a vital component of traditional medicinal formulation such as Tripan chamool and others. The later is used in the treatment of many disorders such as dysentery, jaundice and skin diseases supported by traditonal ayurvedic scriptures (1).
It is second most sacred herb in Veda after Soma. It is tufted perennial grass and good cattle fodder and sand binder to prevent soil erosion. It is the most aggressive weed in agricultural field. It is native to north, northeast and west tropical Africa, countries in Middle East and temperate and tropical Asia. Leaves of this grass attain a length up to 50 cm and is 1 cm broad at the base. It is distributed throughout India at+ hot and dry places. It is believed that this Grass is capable of absorbing light radiation and acoustic vibrations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS ON MEDICINAL USES
Roots of this grass are used in Indian traditional system of medicine as coolant, sweet, astringent, diuretic and galactagogue. According to Vitthalrao Bhimasha Khyade et al (1) the phyto-chemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, and coumarins have been extracted from this grass. These all have proven bioactivity as indicated in animal trials (6,7). A review paper "Pharmacological and therapeutic importance of Desmostachya bipinnata: A Review" explained the pharmacological effects of this grass as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anticancer, diuretic, antioxidant (10), hepato-protective, antidiabetic, and antihistamine (9). Scientific paper "Mootrala Karma of Kusha and Darbha-A comparative Study" published in Ayu. Journal of national center for biological information (5) revealed the positive effect of these two drugs as diuretic in healthy volunteers without any significant difference among these two drugs. This study was based on the fact that Acharya Sushruta has placed the two drugs in the Veerataravadi Gana, mainly indicated for the treatment of Mootrakruchchhra (Dysurea). I am really glad to share this information with you people that this study proved the truth of our ancient text again.
OTHER USES BASED ON SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
1. ACTS AS NATURAL PRESERVATIVE
2. PROTECTS FROM RADIATION
Kusha grass is also used around the home to help shield people from radiations. This grass has been found to block X-rays. This study was done by a Doctor SadhaShiv Rao (2) who covered his hand with grass followed by taking an X-ray his palm. Surprisingly, this grass absorbed 60% of the X-rays. Therefore, if it can absorb powerful X-rays radiations then it can definitely absorb ill radiations from environment. This is the reason that ring made from this grass is worn in finger along with recitation of sacred verses (1). As per opinion of an anonymous Vedic Scholar who is also a scientist, this ring is modern Mobius coil (13). It is also placed on all four sides of fire to help block negative radiations. It helps to protect against toxic radiations and negative energies of all types.
3. NATURAL COOLANT
The mat prepared by this grass was used by Buddha as his meditation seat when he attained enlightenment under Bodhi tree. Mat and asana made out of this grass was used to perform Vedic rituals in Vedic era. This mat is also known as seat for priests and God. Kusha Grass is specifically recommended by Lord Krishna in Bhagvat Gita as an ideal seat for Meditation (14). This mat is also used for normal sitting and sleeping. It acts as a natural coolant. It helps keeping the body cool along with protective action against radiations (7).
4. NATURAL PURIFICATION AGENT
This grass has the highest value in conducting phonetic vibrations through its tips. That is why priests recite selective verses by holding bunch of this grass and placing the tip of it over water containing vessel. The recited vibrations are absorbed by water in the vessel through the grass. This water is then sprinkled all over the place to purify it. It fills the place with Sanskrit phonetic sound and vibrations of mantras dampening ill effective and harmful sounds. Sanskrit phonetic sound and vibration when pronounced with correct intonations increases its effectiveness in filling the atmosphere with positivity. Moreover, this water is also used for religious ceremonies. One important point to remember is that without tip, grass is of no use (7, 11). A scientific study "Effects of Tulsi, Kusa, Copper on conductivity, turbidity and pH properties of water" revealed that Kusa, tulsi and Copper serve as eco-friendly, cost-effective and point-of-use method to purify the water (14).
In modern science, we hear a lot about the influence of music on growth of crops. Kusha is a very good conductor of acoustic vibrations and these positive sound vibrations could energize water (13). Ghee and some other items used in Homa cannot be disinfected. So, there is practice to place this Grass on these items.
5. ACTS AS NATURAL INSULATOR
Kusha grass prevents discharge of energy, generated either during meditation or during any other communion with God, through our body into the ground. It can also protect us from electric shocks.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH KUSHA GRASS
I bought Kusha Grass mat from Amazon, which I use for pooja and meditation daily. Since it is an insulator, so it does not give a hot or cold feeling in summers and winters, respectively.
My friends, as I mentioned earlier that there is a controversy on identification of Kusha Grass. So, I have not concentrated on information based on common name of this Grass. All the information provided here is on the basis of scientific name i.e., Desmostachya bipinnata.
I have a dream to see world doing research on facts given in Vedas, especially in the field of medical science.
Your's Well Wisher
Purnima Ghai
References:
1.http://www.worldscientificnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/WSN-100-2018-35-50.pdf
2https://hareraama.in/articles/srimukha/scientific-reason-for-wearing-darbhapavitram/
3.http://www.ayurvedjournal.com/JAHM_201623_08.pdf
4.https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/18479
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665103/
6.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281874292_Tradition_to_therapeutics_Sacrificial_ medicinal_grasses_Desmostachya_bipinnata_and_Imperata_cylindrica_of_India
7.https://www.easyayurveda.com/2017/10/05/kusha-desmostachya-bipinnata/
8.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276455719_Hierarchical_Nanofeatures_Promote_Microbial_Adhesion_in_Tropical_Grasses_Nanotechnology_Behind_Traditional_Disinfection
9.https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/PHARMACOLOGICAL-AND-THERAPEUTIC-IMPORTANCE-OF-A-Al-Snafi/f273d9c877e8a6c7236e9dbb71be9a7a539a2ad2
10.http://jprsolutions.info/newfiles/journal-file-56f76845681a71.70881842.pdf
11.https://sanskritdocuments.org/articles/Plant_Biology_of_Yajurveda_by_Raghava_Boddupalli.pdf
12.https://insa.nic.in/writereaddata/UpLoadedFiles/IJHS/Vol22_4_2_SMahdihassan.pdf
13.http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2017/04/darbha-sacred-grass-in-hindu-worships.html
14.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322714061_EFFECT_OF_TULSI_KUSHA_COPPER_ON_CONDUCTIVITY_TURBIDITY_AND_pH_PROPERTIES_OF_WATER
Other Accounts:
https://in.pinterest.com/bhoomiphd83/
https://www.instagram.com/
https://twitter.com/explore
INTRODUCTION
Today, I am going to talk about one of the Holy Grass of ancient texts i.e., Kusha Grass. Kusha grass is also called as Darbha Grass in other languages (7). However, the proper identification of this grass has some contradicting views. One of the publications, "Medicinal Importance of Darbha: A Review" (3) published in Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine showed that in Vedic and Samhita period both Darbha and Kusha were recognized as two separate drugs as both have been mentioned separately at several places . It also mentioned that these two drugs have certain similar properties, actions and indications. On the basis of these similarities and morphological appearance, the later text of Ayurveda have mentioned Darbha and Kusha Grass as synonyms to each other, which is main point of contradiction.
Friends, I am reading Asthanga Hridyam one page a day, so far I did not encounter the word Kushdavya and Dvidarbha. However, according to above discussed paper (3), Asthanga Hridyam has these words which indicates two types of both Kusha and Darbha, without any differentiation. I am sure to find these words in the later part of Asthanga Hridyam.
Out of these two grasses, let's discuss about Vedic Grass i.e., Kusha Grass. The scientific name of this grass is "Desmostachya bipinnata". It is commonly known as Halfa, Bigcord, Sali-Reed and Old World Perennial Grass (1). The former scientific name of Kusha was "Eragnostis cynosuroides" (12). Kusha Grass is also called Kusa which is derived from Sanskrit word Kusala meaning sharp, intelligent and wise because of the sharp nature of tip of Grass.
Grasses are the most successful plants on earth among all monocotyledonous plants. They have survived on planet despite various ecological changes. They have medicinal values and therefore considered as novel repositories. Any plant which has medicinal properties and is used in ritualistic practices is considered as sacred. This is the reason grass family is considered as sacred. It has great significance in Ayurveda because of medicinal and clinical properties. This grass constitutes vital ingredient in various Vedic sacrifices (Yagnas) and rituals. Due to this, it is also known as "Sacrificial Grass". In Atharvaveda, It is written that it is Soother of Anger because it brings calmness (14). It can be easily found along river beds and plains throughout India. It is a vital component of traditional medicinal formulation such as Tripan chamool and others. The later is used in the treatment of many disorders such as dysentery, jaundice and skin diseases supported by traditonal ayurvedic scriptures (1).
It is second most sacred herb in Veda after Soma. It is tufted perennial grass and good cattle fodder and sand binder to prevent soil erosion. It is the most aggressive weed in agricultural field. It is native to north, northeast and west tropical Africa, countries in Middle East and temperate and tropical Asia. Leaves of this grass attain a length up to 50 cm and is 1 cm broad at the base. It is distributed throughout India at+ hot and dry places. It is believed that this Grass is capable of absorbing light radiation and acoustic vibrations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS ON MEDICINAL USES
Roots of this grass are used in Indian traditional system of medicine as coolant, sweet, astringent, diuretic and galactagogue. According to Vitthalrao Bhimasha Khyade et al (1) the phyto-chemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, and coumarins have been extracted from this grass. These all have proven bioactivity as indicated in animal trials (6,7). A review paper "Pharmacological and therapeutic importance of Desmostachya bipinnata: A Review" explained the pharmacological effects of this grass as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anticancer, diuretic, antioxidant (10), hepato-protective, antidiabetic, and antihistamine (9). Scientific paper "Mootrala Karma of Kusha and Darbha-A comparative Study" published in Ayu. Journal of national center for biological information (5) revealed the positive effect of these two drugs as diuretic in healthy volunteers without any significant difference among these two drugs. This study was based on the fact that Acharya Sushruta has placed the two drugs in the Veerataravadi Gana, mainly indicated for the treatment of Mootrakruchchhra (Dysurea). I am really glad to share this information with you people that this study proved the truth of our ancient text again.
OTHER USES BASED ON SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
1. ACTS AS NATURAL PRESERVATIVE
Kusha Grass is traditionally used to protect cooked food from toxic radiation during eclipse. During solar and lunar eclipse, the atmosphere is full of toxic radiation. It is said that cooked food kept during an eclipse can become toxic. If Kusha grass is kept on top of cooked food covered in a container then it will shield the food from toxic rays. It is a natural food-preservative. It is proved by research paper "Hierarchial Nanofeatures promote microbial adhesion in tropical grasses: Nanotechnology behind traditional disinfection" published in Journal of BioNanoScience. This research proved why this grass is used to prevent spoilage of easily fermentable food during solar and lunar eclipses, a practice that is followed even today. To understand the role of this grass on food during eclipses, cow's curd was chosen as fermentable food item as representative. It was found that this grass reduces microbial population in food item in the absence of bactericidal ultra-violet and blue rays during eclipse. The disinfecting ability of this Grass was compared with five other trophical grasses chosen on the basis of presence/absence of nano structures, antibacterial effect and hydrophobic surface. Based on comparative studies with these grasses, it was concluded that the disinfecting ability of this grass is attributed mainly to the hierarchical micro/nano features present on the grass surface which attracts enormous number of bacteria and thus prevents bacterial growth in curd (8).
2. PROTECTS FROM RADIATION
Kusha grass is also used around the home to help shield people from radiations. This grass has been found to block X-rays. This study was done by a Doctor SadhaShiv Rao (2) who covered his hand with grass followed by taking an X-ray his palm. Surprisingly, this grass absorbed 60% of the X-rays. Therefore, if it can absorb powerful X-rays radiations then it can definitely absorb ill radiations from environment. This is the reason that ring made from this grass is worn in finger along with recitation of sacred verses (1). As per opinion of an anonymous Vedic Scholar who is also a scientist, this ring is modern Mobius coil (13). It is also placed on all four sides of fire to help block negative radiations. It helps to protect against toxic radiations and negative energies of all types.
3. NATURAL COOLANT
The mat prepared by this grass was used by Buddha as his meditation seat when he attained enlightenment under Bodhi tree. Mat and asana made out of this grass was used to perform Vedic rituals in Vedic era. This mat is also known as seat for priests and God. Kusha Grass is specifically recommended by Lord Krishna in Bhagvat Gita as an ideal seat for Meditation (14). This mat is also used for normal sitting and sleeping. It acts as a natural coolant. It helps keeping the body cool along with protective action against radiations (7).
4. NATURAL PURIFICATION AGENT
This grass has the highest value in conducting phonetic vibrations through its tips. That is why priests recite selective verses by holding bunch of this grass and placing the tip of it over water containing vessel. The recited vibrations are absorbed by water in the vessel through the grass. This water is then sprinkled all over the place to purify it. It fills the place with Sanskrit phonetic sound and vibrations of mantras dampening ill effective and harmful sounds. Sanskrit phonetic sound and vibration when pronounced with correct intonations increases its effectiveness in filling the atmosphere with positivity. Moreover, this water is also used for religious ceremonies. One important point to remember is that without tip, grass is of no use (7, 11). A scientific study "Effects of Tulsi, Kusa, Copper on conductivity, turbidity and pH properties of water" revealed that Kusa, tulsi and Copper serve as eco-friendly, cost-effective and point-of-use method to purify the water (14).
In modern science, we hear a lot about the influence of music on growth of crops. Kusha is a very good conductor of acoustic vibrations and these positive sound vibrations could energize water (13). Ghee and some other items used in Homa cannot be disinfected. So, there is practice to place this Grass on these items.
Kusha grass prevents discharge of energy, generated either during meditation or during any other communion with God, through our body into the ground. It can also protect us from electric shocks.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH KUSHA GRASS
I bought Kusha Grass mat from Amazon, which I use for pooja and meditation daily. Since it is an insulator, so it does not give a hot or cold feeling in summers and winters, respectively.
My friends, as I mentioned earlier that there is a controversy on identification of Kusha Grass. So, I have not concentrated on information based on common name of this Grass. All the information provided here is on the basis of scientific name i.e., Desmostachya bipinnata.
I have a dream to see world doing research on facts given in Vedas, especially in the field of medical science.
Your's Well Wisher
Purnima Ghai
References:
1.http://www.worldscientificnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/WSN-100-2018-35-50.pdf
2https://hareraama.in/articles/srimukha/scientific-reason-for-wearing-darbhapavitram/
3.http://www.ayurvedjournal.com/JAHM_201623_08.pdf
4.https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/18479
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665103/
6.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281874292_Tradition_to_therapeutics_Sacrificial_ medicinal_grasses_Desmostachya_bipinnata_and_Imperata_cylindrica_of_India
7.https://www.easyayurveda.com/2017/10/05/kusha-desmostachya-bipinnata/
8.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276455719_Hierarchical_Nanofeatures_Promote_Microbial_Adhesion_in_Tropical_Grasses_Nanotechnology_Behind_Traditional_Disinfection
9.https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/PHARMACOLOGICAL-AND-THERAPEUTIC-IMPORTANCE-OF-A-Al-Snafi/f273d9c877e8a6c7236e9dbb71be9a7a539a2ad2
10.http://jprsolutions.info/newfiles/journal-file-56f76845681a71.70881842.pdf
11.https://sanskritdocuments.org/articles/Plant_Biology_of_Yajurveda_by_Raghava_Boddupalli.pdf
12.https://insa.nic.in/writereaddata/UpLoadedFiles/IJHS/Vol22_4_2_SMahdihassan.pdf
13.http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2017/04/darbha-sacred-grass-in-hindu-worships.html
14.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322714061_EFFECT_OF_TULSI_KUSHA_COPPER_ON_CONDUCTIVITY_TURBIDITY_AND_pH_PROPERTIES_OF_WATER
Other Accounts:
https://in.pinterest.com/bhoomiphd83/
https://www.instagram.com/
https://twitter.com/explore
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