UNLOCKING THE PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS OF EKAMULIKA PRAYOGA IN SHALAKYA TANTRA

Suchetha Jayaram*, Veena Shekar

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda, the science of life, emphasises holistic healing through plant-based remedies. Ekamulika Prayoga, the use of single herbs, is valued for its simplicity and efficacy. The term combines eka (one) and mulika (herb), indicating single-drug formulations, often used with anupana or sahapana. Detailed in Dravyaguna Vijnana, these herbs are classified by Rasapanchaka and therapeutic uses. Shalakya Tantra one of the 8 branches of ayurveda, have numerous ekamulika prayogas explained for treating netra, nasa, karna, mukha, kantha and shiro vikaras, by administering the drugs orally as well as through various therapeutic procedures like kriyakalpa, nasya, karnapoorana, kavala, gandhusha and murdhini taila. In this conceptual study ekamulika prayogas of plant origin with their raspanchaka, its used parts, phytochemicals, pharmacological action, dose and dosage form of each herb are compiled from various authentic ayurvedic texts. It highlights the potency of ekamulika prayoga in attaining both swasthya rakshanarth (prevention aspect) and vikara prashamanartha (curative aspect).

Keywords: Ekamulika, Shalakya, Kriyakalpa, Murdhni taila, Karnapoorana