CONCEPT OF OJAS, BALA AND IMMUNOMODULATION W.S.R. TO KASHYAP SAMHITA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Not so long ago, we faced the worst pandemics in history, so immunity and immunomodulation have been quite a topic of interest recently. Parallelly, Ayurveda describes the concept of Ojas, Bala and Vyadhikshyamtva, which can be maintained in its best state by dietary supplements and Rasayana. Acharya Kashyap has described Ojas as the yellowish-reddish-white matter present in the Hridaya, devoid of Sleshma. It flourishes by the food and herbs having Snidgha, Laghu Guna, Madhura rasa, and Madhura vipaka. In Kashyap Samhita, a limited description of Ojas is found compared to other ancient mainstream scriptures. Some special chapters devoted to Ojas and Bala (immunity in today’s scenario) are Lehana, Lasuna, Satapushpa and Satavarikalp. Lehana in the form of Swarnprashana is one of the best immunomodulators available in Ayurveda, followed by regular dietary intake of Milk (having all qualities of Ojas). In this review article, efforts have been made to highlight the de-scription of Ojas, Bala, Vyadhiskyamatva and Rasayan in Kashyap Samhita.