DURVA- (Harali- Jeevani) Cynodon dactylon(An Ordinary Grass with miracles)

INTRODUCTION / HISTORY : An ordinary grass to grow first on the earth is nature’s first source of simple food form to sustain living organisms. Nature has also provided grass as a natural medicine substitute, when there is disturbed balance in living which may cause many diseases. Animals and birds are first to notice by instinct the value of grass as food and also as medicine in their daily routine of life remarkable improvement in their lives. A 'Sanjivini' of mother earth to mankind with new horizon in health problems. It is an ultimate to cure many diseases.

With reference to “Shaligrambnighantubhushane” there are various types of DurvaAN ORDINARY DURVA: which is kasheli, madhur, cool acidity, trun, tasteless, vomiting, pain,

epilepsi, evil, kapha, tiredness, truptidayak.There are four types of Durva namely:- NEEL DURVA: also known as Shapp, Shadval, Harit, Shatparvaa, Sheetkumbhi, Sheetala, Vaminee

(Harita, Shambhavee, Shyama, Sheeta, Shatparvika, Amruta, Dhurta, Shatpranthi, Anuvallika, Shiva, Shiveshta, Mangala, Jaya, Bhoothantri, Shatmrula, Mahaoushadhi, Vijaya, Gouri, Shanta, Ruha, Ananta, Bhargavi, Sahstraveerya, Shatvalli, Guna, Nanda, Mahmari, Harsalika, Tiktaparva, Durmara, Bahuveerrya, Haritali, Kachhruha Amari, Soumya, Sheetali, Amara, Asitalata)

This helps in raktapitha, eczema and most of the skin problem. It is madhur, bitter, cool, tasty, sanjivan, kasheli, raktashodhak, disentary, fever, pitha, vomitting, blood deficiency, snake bite, pain and skin problem

SHWETDURVA: also known as Shataveerya, Gandali, Shakulakshak, Golomi, Sitadurva, Shatparva, Sitaalata (Sita, Shweta, Sitakhya, Chanda, Bhadra, Bhargavi, Durmara, Gouri, Vighneshankanta, Ananta, Vidya, Shwetakanda, Prachanda, Sahstraveerya, Sahastrakanda, Sahastraparva, Survallabha, Shubha, Suparva, Sitachchhada, Swachchha, Kachchantruha).

It is white, madhur, tasty, kasheli, bitter, vomit, snakbite, thirst,kapha,pain,diarrhea, raktapitha, cough

GANDADURVA also known as Gandadurva, Gandali, Teevra, Matsyakshika, Jalastha, Granthiparni, Bavhi, Shakuladani, (Ativeerya, Matsyali, Granthila, Granthiparni, Vaaruni, Matinetra, Shyamgranthi, Suchipatra, Shyamkanda, Kalaya, Shakulakshi, Chitra and Shakulakshak)

It is madhur, sheetal, vata, pitha, fever, tiredness, thirst, vertigo, it can melt iron, for clear bowl, for digestion, blood circulation, leprosy, pitha and fever. This can grow up to 2 to 3 feet height usually near the river side

There is story behind this particular type of Ordinary Durva:WHY LORD GANESHA FAVOURS MORE TO DURVA:Once there was an Asura (demon) named Analasura. He was so terrible that the earth would

tremble by his voice and his eyes used to emit fire. So everybody was very scared of him. Even the Gods were terrified. So all the gods prayed to Ganesha so he would rescue them from the clutches of Analasura. Ganesha became into a child and assured all the Gods that they would be saved from Analasura. Ganesha started “Sarvkasha” war. Analasura’s powerful eyes oozess out fireballs and destroyed surroundings of Ganesha. At the end Analasura tried to gulp Ganesha but Ganesha himself showed his “virat “ roop and gulp Analasura to destroy but due to increased heat in body Ganesha could not even lie down. He was restless. He applied sandal paste all over the body even though the body’s heat was unbearable. At this moment all Gods decided to make a foundation of the moon on his head and Ganesha is also known as “Bhalachandra. Lord Vishnu gave his lotus therefore Ganesha is also known as “Padmapani”. Lord Shankara removed a cobra from his neck and tied it to Ganesha’s hip. Lord Varuna, Rain God showered plenty of water, heat was not subsided. Some of sages who came there with bunch of 21 Durvas and put on his head and a miracle happened. Ganesha became all right. Ganesha uttered that most of the Gods tried to help but only ‘Durva’ a simple grass made my agony into normal. With this he announced that whoever with devotion offer me Durva would be pious and get Punya like 1000 Yajdna (Homa), Vrata and Daan and piligramaging temple.

Secondly it is said that there was a most beautiful Apsara who devotionally loved and prayed to get married with Ganesha. Ganesha also used to like her. But Parvati, Ghanesha’s mother cursed Apsara to

1

become a simple grass form on the earth where nobody would look at her. But Durva begged for pardon and asked for ushaap. Parvati forgave her and told her that even though she is in the grass form she would be adored by Ganesha.

Thirdly the story of Durva is as follow: Sage Kaundinya was telling the importance of Durva to his wife Ashraya. But Ashraya had a doubt about it. So sage Kaundinya gave a bunch of 21 Durva and told Ashraya to get the gold equivalent to Durva from Lord Indra who is God of all other Gods. She went to Lord Indra and asked about gold. Indra sent her to “Kubera” who is the treasurer of Gods. When Durva was weighing along with Gold more and more gold which resulted in a whole treasure was empty but could not be weighed to Durva. All the other Gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh arrived and sat along with Gold but weighing of Durva was more . Everybody was perplexed. When all Gods went to see sage Kaundinya at his ashrama and confessed the importance of Durva. Kaudinya said that Ganesha is king of all states and there is no one superior to him.

OBSERVATIONS: Many times you must have observed that cats, dogs, elephants, horses even birds are having their food as grass. I have also observed pets especially with an upset stomach, they don’t eat food but curl at the corner of the room and fast. But they do go out and find fresh grass to eat for some time. Yes. This may be their medicine by god given instinct. This simple grass fascinated me when it grows simply with/without any seeds. The growth of the grass takes about one month for a full growth.

I have also noticed that those who like nature usually would like to grow the grass artificially for various reasons e.g.: 1) golf playground 2) cricket playground 3) as garden which usually like to stroll, sleep, walk for its velvety feelings. 4) walking on ground barefooted is an excellent exercise as foot reflexology and also it gives coolness to eyes. The touch of grass with morning dew energies electrical impulses from bare feet towards brain. This also sharpens the eyes.

BIOLOGICALLY: Seeds for growth and development of new plant are to be sprouted first- Sprouts are activated enzymes powerfully and make protein and vital vitamins. -This helps to eliminate fatigue very effectively. But in the case OF GRASS it is nature’s gift to grow on its own and cultivated by sowing grass which reproduces its own way. Grass grows very slow. A new growth starts slowly and takes a month’s time to take shape of full growth about 6 to 7 inches in height. I have experienced an elephant ride through unbelievable grass of 4 to 5 feet in height at Jim Corbatt Park.

Here, I am talking about a grass called Durva. The appearance of grass with a stem and branches of very thin and sharp leaves on both sides alternatively. But the top (apex) is always found three leaves shoot out where one is straight to grow further and then transfer into extension of stem. Other two branches remain as separate entity as single individual leaf. The upper portion of grass till a first joint or node when cut is known as Durva in Hindu philosophy. This is the most sacred form, which is offered to Shree Ganeshji.

METHOD OF GROWING –DURVA1.Take full grown grass from the root and Sow them in by spreading on the bed covered with natural

soil and then water it everyday.2)Never mix with any fertilizer3)Allow them to grow.4)Never over-expose to Sunlight directly.5)After a month this process results into grass grown to about 6-7 inches.6)Pluck the DURVA and use it .

PROPERTIES: Grass-like other grass in appearance is green in color, soothing and cooling. Ttaste is sweet. It is detoxicant and alkaline and easily absorbs in blood. It purifies blood, energies and increasing resistance power of body. This invigorates the healing process.

TO USE HOW MUCH QUANTITY OF JUICE : One can start 21 Durvas juice per day OR just put in a glass of water overnight and take 1 tsp. every one hour first three days when in severe case and then a glass of its water everyday on empty stomach. This is to be continued for at least 21 days for best results. I advice a liquid fast to be observed at least for a day. I also recommend a natural diet than any cooked food during the

2

course of treatment for some of the severe ailments. There is no need to stop other medicines abruptly but gradually, which has been prescribed by other doctors. If you chew it then this affects the function of alimentary tract including colon and rectum by providing non-calorific bulk. These interact with toxic substances so that they produce cancer is diluted in the faeces to eliminate from the system. Therefore if you eat it, it helps in digestion, constipation, acidity, colitis problems etc.

THERE ARE NO SIDE REACTIONS OBSERVED DURING THE TREATMENT

BENEFITS: -DURVA is sweet in taste not dry but little cool. By research DURVA has mainly potential pro-vitamin B Carotene(7000ug/100gm), Potassium(1513 mg/100gm) that play important role of prevention of cancer, heart disease because of its antioxidant activity. It has also an ash, protein, carbohydrates, energy, soluble dietary fibre, vitamin B,C, calcium, iron, phosphorus etc. It has medicinal value and is most powerful weapon which cools down any heat produced in nature. If used in the right way, produces excellent results. It increases the vitality and luster of the body; also works as saline, stops bleeding problem, rejuvenates blood, controls body temperature and balances cholesterol in blood. It is a good nerve tonic, which enhances memory power. This is very effective against anemia, asthma, bronchial problems like cough, cold, sore throat, influenza, malarial fever, cardiac problem, eyes, ear problem, digestion problem, diarrhea, peptic ulcer, epilepsy, gout, gonorrhea, hyperacidity, colitis, hypertension, hiccups, insect bites, kidney problem, nausea, neuralgia, prostate problem, Parkinson’s disease, swelling, skin diseases, leucoderma, stress, urinary disorders, infection, women’s problems, hot flushes during menopause, worms and many types of Cancers- to say a few.

According to Sarth Yogaratnakar –-Stop bleeding nose due to excess heat by putting Durva juice -Roots of Durva + honey helps for hiccup-Rice water + Durva + Sugar for vomitting-Oil made from Durva for healing wound-Rice paste + Durva juice for neurological problemThe present drugs are part of our modern way of living. Medical treatment has become most

expensive and the poor/deprived in the society are slowly moving towards their graves for want of funds to afford such huge expenses. In this context nature cure plays a very big role and come as a blessing for such deprived. More and more people and above all even medical practitioners accept this theory and practice Nature Cure for solving serious health problems. The writer, who practices in Nature Cure, from his own experience opines that nature cure has given excellent results in various diseases. A few examples:

CASE STUDY:In the case of premenopause, a patient had chronic aching prominence of joint pain, stiffness in

neck, shoulder and back, increased weight, chronic fatigue syndrome, angry mood, restless, severe headache, allergic to sour things, swellings over body, and irregular period for about about 14 years. “Durva” worked like a miracle and in 8/9 months of regular treatment, she is now very healthy, mentally and physically and also happy with her regular periods.

Another case of mensus problem with a 40-year-old patient fed up of her irregular period for 5 years. After using “Durva” which has absolutely changed her life. She feels nice and normal with steady period with no other side problems.

A 44-year patient diagnosed for fibroid last year had gone into terrible disturbed mind and could not do anything due to heavy vaginal bleeding and acute pelvic pain. She never thought she would be able to come back to normal life unless she went for surgery, which she wanted to avert. I put her on “Durva” and naturopathy regime. Not only the bleeding stopped, but also she was freed from the agony of pain and after 6/7 months of treatment, her bleeding and pain stopped and the consequent sonography revealed that she has no fibroid.

In some cases prostate problems put under treatment of naturopathy and Durva, showed positive results.

3

We should thank and show respect for these herbs and plants. I have come to the conclusion that while researching the relation between the flowers, leaves, bark, roots etc. which -used in performing pooja daily, are also having high medicinal value and power helpful to mankind.

I conclude this with a million thanks and salutation to my dear patients whose feedback of betterment helped me to share this article. I also thank Mrs. Kamala Ramakrishnan Deputy Director of Ramakrishna Bajaj –CFBP Consumer Education and Testing Centre SNDT Women’s University Juhu, microbiologist, a highly qualified and most dedicated analyst and her team for helping my ** Research.

**The author is the first person to give Durva in laboratory research at SNDT University.

Dr.Sharad P. Nayampally - Naturopath Res:A-14, "PARIJAT", Linking Road Extn.,Santacruz (West); MUMBAI 400 054, INDIA

4