Navanna: an Ayurveda Review

Abstract

Carakasamhita has claimed the perpetuality of Ayurveda, the sacred science of healthy and contented long-life, by arguing on its beginninglessness and its discourse on innate tendencies of nature and eternal disposition of matter. Being the best outcome of Veda, Ayurveda proposes Hetusutra (etiology), Lingasutra (symptomatology) and Aushadhasutra (therapeutics) generally applicable to both healthy as well as ailing. Under Hetusutra, Navanna (foods prepared from freshly harvested grains) has been mentioned as an important causative factor of several diseases. Yet, freshly harvested grains have been preferred in the society, and are overwhelmingly promoted by commercial and scientific communities endorsing their health benefits. This dichotomy of views resulted in undertaking this study to further investigate the Ayurveda opinions regarding Navanna and their impact on health.