Vaidyajivanam: Contributions of Lolimbaraja to Ayurvedic Materia Medica– A Review

Abstract

Lolimbaraja was the author of Vaidyajivanam popularly known as Lolimbarajeeyam. The author has composed the entire text in a poetic style. This work may be considered as a best piece of Ayurvedic literature consisting of single and simple herbal recipes for common ailments. Though herbal formulations dominated the therapeutics, the author also quoted certain Rasayogas consisting of metals and minerals. In total 37 single drug recipes were documented. The materia medica discussed by Lolimbaraja consists of 153 drugs (130 Herbal drugs, 3 Animal products and 20 Metals and Minerals). The period of Lolimbarajeeyam appears to be belonging to 16^th – 17^th century. A critical analysis of formulations mentioned in the text clearly indicate that the author consulted many a works of Ayurveda and compiled the most useful recipes which are indicated for the management of the common ailments.