Medicinal plants named Amṛta in Ayurvedic formulations

The Sanskrit word amŗta means immortality or ambrosia. In the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, however, amŗta is defined as denoting specific medicinal plants that are commonly used in Ayurvedic formulations. The aim of this article is to examine the use of the word amŗta by comparing the components of formulations of Amŗta Taila in the Nāvānītaka, and the two kinds of Amŗt ādya Taila in the Caraka-samhitā. The word tila means sesame (Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae), and taila means sesame oil. In the two Amŗtādya Taila, amŗta is described as a component that treats various diseases caused by wind.