TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE AND AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS
India has a rich heritage of traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy. Each system follows unique principles of diagnosis and treatment. This section explains their basic concepts and preparation methods of important Ayurvedic formulations.
Basic Principles of Traditional Systems
Ayurveda
Based on the Tridosha theory – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Health depends on balance of these doshas.
- Five elements concept
- Use of herbs and minerals
- Personalized treatment (Prakriti)
- Panchakarma detoxification
Siddha
Focuses on balance of Vali, Azhal and Iyyam (similar to Tridosha).
- Use of metals and minerals
- Diet and lifestyle emphasis
- Rejuvenation therapy
Unani
Based on four humours – blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile.
- Mizaj (temperament) concept
- Herbal and mineral drugs
- Diet and regimental therapy
Homeopathy
Based on “Like cures like” principle.
- Minimum dose
- Potentization
- Individualized therapy
Ayurvedic Formulations
Arista
- Fermented herbal decoction
- Uses jaggery/honey
- Fermentation 30–60 days
Asava
- Prepared from fresh juice
- No boiling required
- Natural fermentation
Gutika
- Herbal pills
- Mixed with honey/ghee
- Dried and stored
Taila
- Medicated oils
- Cooked with herbal decoction
- Filtered and stored
Churna
- Powdered herbs
- Sieved and mixed
- Stored airtight
Lehya
- Semi-solid preparation
- Prepared with sugar/jaggery
- Consumed by licking
Bhasma
- Calcined metals/minerals
- Repeated heating (Marana)
- Fine ash-like powder
Dr. Saint Paul is a pharmacy educator, Pharm.D graduate, and academic content creator from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK), where he completed his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree between 2015 and 2021.
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