System of Plant Nomenclature in Ayurveda

The system of plant nomenclature in Ayurveda follows a structured approach to identify, classify, and name medicinal plants used in traditional Indian medicine. Here’s an overview of how plant nomenclature is typically organized within the Ayurvedic framework:

1. Botanical Classification: Ayurvedic texts categorize plants based on their botanical characteristics such as family (varga), genus (jati), and species (species). These classifications help in identifying plants accurately and understanding their relationships within the plant kingdom.
2. Sanskrit Names: Each plant is assigned a Sanskrit name (nāma) that reflects its characteristics, medicinal properties, appearance, or historical significance. These names are often descriptive and may include references to taste (rasa), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka), and therapeutic actions (guna).