India has a rich heritage of traditional healing systems that have been practiced for thousands of years. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy are among the most widely used traditional systems of medicine. Each system follows unique principles of diagnosis, treatment and drug preparation. This article provides a brief overview of their basic principles and explains the methods used to prepare important Ayurvedic formulations such as Arista, Asava, Gutika, Taila, Churna, Lehya and Bhasma.
1. Basic Principles of Traditional Systems of Medicine
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing systems, based on the concept of Tridosha theory – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Health is maintained when these three doshas are in balance. Disease occurs due to imbalance caused by diet, lifestyle or environmental factors.
Key principles include:
- Five elements: Earth, water, fire, air and ether
- Use of herbs, minerals and animal products
- Personalized treatment based on body constitution (Prakriti)
- Use of detoxification methods like Panchakarma
Siddha
Siddha medicine originated in South India and follows principles similar to Ayurveda. It focuses on maintaining equilibrium of the Three Humours: Vali (Vata), Azhal (Pitta) and Iyyam (Kapha).
Special features include:
- Use of minerals, metals and herbo-mineral preparations
- Diet and lifestyle practices to maintain body–mind balance
- Emphasis on rejuvenation and longevity
Unani
Unani medicine is based on the Greek-Arabic tradition, especially the teachings of Hippocrates and Avicenna. It follows the concept of 4 humours: blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile.
Key concepts:
- Temperament (Mizaj) of the patient is central to diagnosis
- Use of herbal drugs, animal products and mineral derivatives
- Treatments include diet therapy, regimental therapy and pharmacotherapy
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine based on the law of “Similia Similibus Curentur” – like cures like. It uses highly diluted substances believed to stimulate the body’s self-healing ability.
Principles include:
- Minimum dose concept
- Potentization through dilution and succussion
- Individualized prescriptions
2. Preparation Methods of Ayurvedic Formulations
Arista
Definition: Fermented liquid preparation prepared using decoctions (Kashaya) of herbs.
Method:
- Herbal decoction is prepared
- Jaggery or honey is added as a fermenting agent
- Yeast or natural ferment is added
- Stored in airtight containers for natural fermentation (30–60 days)
Asava
Definition: Fermented preparations prepared from fresh herbal juices without boiling.
Method:
- Fresh juice or cold infusion of herbs is mixed with sweeteners
- Natural fermentation is allowed
- Filtered and stored for maturation
Gutika (Pills/Tablets)
Definition: Solid dosage forms made from herbal powders or extracts.
Method:
- Herbal powders are mixed with binding agents like ghee or honey
- Dough is prepared and shaped into small pills
- Dried and stored in airtight containers
Taila (Medicated Oils)
Definition: Oils processed with herbal decoctions or pastes.
Method:
- Base oil like sesame or coconut oil is heated
- Herbal decoction and paste are added
- Mixture is cooked till only oil remains
- Filtered and stored
Churna (Powders)
Definition: Finely powdered herbal mixtures.
Method:
- Selected herbs are dried and powdered separately
- Sieved to obtain uniform size
- Mixed in defined proportions
- Stored in airtight containers
Lehya (Semi-solid Confections)
Definition: Thick, sweet herbal preparations meant for licking.
Method:
- Herbal decoction is prepared
- Jaggery, sugar or honey is added
- Cooked to a semi-solid consistency
- Medicated powders or ghee may be added
Bhasma
Definition: Calcined metal or mineral powders prepared through purification and incineration.
Method:
- Metal/mineral is purified (Shodhana)
- Triturated with herbal juices
- Subjected to repeated heating/incineration cycles (Marana)
- Converted into fine ash-like powder
