Siddha Drugs

A recent study has demonstrated that a combination of Siddha drugs is effective in reducing anaemia among adolescent girls. 

• Drug Combination used was- ABMN (Aṉṉapēticentūram, Bāvaṉa kaṭukkāy, Mātuḷai maṇappāku, and Nellikkāy lēkiyam).

About Siddha System:

• Founder: Sage Agasthiyar (or Agasthya).
• Practices: Siddha medicine is largely practiced in Tamil-speaking regions of India and by the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia.
• Literature: The system’s literature is primarily in Tamil.
• Principles: Siddha medicine is one of the oldest medical systems in India and focuses on-
• Spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.
• Origins: The Siddha system evolved from the Dravidian civilization, with literary evidence tracing its origins to around 10,000 BC during the Sangam Era.
• Meaning: The term ‘Siddha’ is derived from ‘siddhi,’ which signifies the attainment of perfection. The system emphasizes achieving a perfect state of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health.
• Panchabootham: The five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space).

Key Figures:

• Pathinen Siddhars: The 18 Siddhars, including Thirumoolar, Bogar, Yugimuni, and Theraiyar, have significantly contributed to the development of Siddha medicine. They viewed the physical body as an instrument to achieve spiritual liberation (“veeduperu” or “mukthi”).

Fundamental Principles

• Anda Pinda Thatuvam: The principle of the relationship between the universe and the human body.
• 96 Thathuvas: Basic principles encompassing the five elements, three humours, and seven physical constituents.
• Three Humours (Doshas):
  • Vali (Vatham): Air and space.
  • Azhal (Pitham): Fire.
  • Iyyam (Kapham): Water and earth.
  • Balance: Health is maintained when these humours are in equilibrium, derangement leads to disease.

Drug Categories:

• Plant-Based (Mooligai Vakuppu): Medicinal plants.
• Mineral-Based (Thathu Vakuppu): Includes metals, salts, mercury, and arsenic compounds.
• Animal-Based (Jeeva Vakuppu): Coral, conch, deer horn, musk, and honey.

Treatment Methods:

• Deva Maruthuvam (Divine Method): Utilizes medicines like parpam and chendooram, effective for chronic ailments.
• Manida Maruthuvam (Rational Method): Uses herbal medicines such as churnam and kudineer for general treatment.
• Asura Maruthuvam (Surgical Method): Includes procedures like incision, excision, heat application, and bloodletting.

Ref: Source

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