YAVA (HORDEUM VULGARE LINN.): A REVIEW

Abstract

Ayurvedic texts glorify the concept of Aahar (food). Acharya Kashyap has quoted that there is no medicine like food. Only a well-balanced diet can cure numerous diseases, sometimes even good medicines are unable to cure certain diseases without balanced diet, that’s why food is said to be most important medicine. Today there is increasing public awareness of the importance of diet for the maintenance and promotion of health. A properly selected diet and diet plan plays a critical importance in the management of any disease. Yava is a cereal using since ancient period. It not only provides nutrition but also having many medicinal properties too. This paper reviews the botanical identity of Yava, its traditional, folklore uses, action, pharmacological activities along with agronomy practices.