Ayurved in Ancient Epics

Ayurved is also found mentioned in ancient epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. These epics talk about skills of Ayurvedic Physicians as well as Medicinal herbs used by them; most famous example being that of ‘Sanjeevani ’ (a life saving herb) mentioned in Ramayana.

‘Ramayana‘ scripted by Maharshi Valmiki is considered as the most ancient epic in the history of world literature. References of Ayurved can be found throughout this epic. Few of them are

‘Sanjeevani‘ – the life saving herb.
Signs of life such as colour of skin, state of eyes in living person.
It has mentioned many Medicinal plants Kutaj, Ashok, Arjun, Saptaparna which are used even today.
Mention of Tail-Droni (Tub filled with oil) for preservation of corpse.

Mahabharata also has many references of Ayurved such as:

Mention of two types of diseases – Physical and Mental along with their causes.
Mention of famous Vaidyas in different specialties at that time like Krishnatreya who was a Physician. It has mentioned Shalihotra who was a specialist in diseases of horses, Kashyap who was a specialist in treating snake poisoning.
Basic principles of Ayurved such as Panchamahabhoota.
Three types of mental constitutions (Satvik, Rajasik and Tamsik).
Three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are also mentioned in Mahabharata along with diseases like Jwara (Fever)
Detailed description of various types of Poisons, their effects on body as well as the appropriate antidotes for them.