A Review on the Concept of Hridya in Ayurveda: Looking Beyond Cardio Tonics

Abstract

The term Hridya is used in different contexts with reference to different articles with diverse characteristics. Unlike the various Ayurvedic terms which can be more or less understood by the term itself, the term Hridya need a more elucidation. It is vital to screen these basic terms and find their meanings in different aspects for better discernment of Hridya in Ayurveda Hence this article attempts to illuminate the concept Hridya and the diversities in the Hridya dravyas mentioned in different contexts. On critical analysis of the literature and recent studies it can be understood that Ayurveda has included heart and brain in the umbrella term ‘Hridaya’. The Hridya dravyas can thus be understood as Cardiac or Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants which evoke stimulation through various chemo-sensory pathways. Overall, commentaries describe Hridya as something pleasing or that which is good for the body. All the pleasurable sensations of the body attained by virtue of taste, smell, touch and by mere sight can be comprised under the concept Hridya and the act and articles which impart the pleasurable sensation can be understood as Hridya dravyas. As such the classical textbooks have references of food articles, flowers, fragrances, etc. described as Hridya dravyas as they have the ability impart the pleasurable sensation in common. While portraying the concept Hridya, the motor, sensory and psychological components should be taken contemplated. Any stimuli that impart a sense of pleasure to the respective sense organ and hence impart a sense of pleasure in Hridaya can be considered as Hridya.