Therapeutic Potential of Godhuma (Triticum aestivum L.) (Bread Wheat) as Ahara and Ausadha Across the Brhatrayis (Classical Ayurvedic Texts) — A Review

Abstract

Ayurveda has two primary targets, one is to maintain the health of the healthy and the other to treat the sick and bereaved. To be precise, it is equally beneficial in preventive and curative aspects. As far as Ayurveda is concerned, Ahara (Diet) and Ausadha (medicine) are two sides of the same coin. Some diseases can be managed with Ahara alone, some with Ausadha. But even when Ausadha is the primary intervention, Ahara plays an equally important role because it supports the ausadha. Godhuma (Triticum aestivum L.); is one such dravya that is considered as Pathyahara (suitable to the condition) in numerous diseases out of which Prameha (Diabetes) is just one. But what is not known is that it has also been extensively recommended as ausadha in several diseases across the texts. In the Brhatrayis- Charaka Samhita by Acarya Charaka, Susruta Samhita by Acarya Susruta, Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hrdaya by Acarya Vaghbhata, the wide spectrum of pharmacological applications of Godhuma have been elaborated, indicating it to be a very therapeutically potential dravya. In modern pharmacology, the properties, and applications of Triticum aestivum L. are very well researched and documented, specifically its importance as a primary diet in a diabetic. But the therapeutic potential from the Ayurvedic point of view has never been reviewed before. This review article targets to fill this void, by presenting the therapeutic indications of Godh?ma mentioned in the Brhatrayis.