BASIC PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN THE TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE: A TEACHER’S COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Welcome, future pharmacists and healthcare professionals!
Many civilisations in different parts of the world were developed and they perished; however, the medicine systems developed by them became popular as alternative systems of medicine and are still in practice. The philosophy and basic principles of these alternative medicine systems are different from each other; they have served the humankind by treatment and management of diseases and by maintaining good health.
As a pharmacy educator with years of experience teaching traditional medicine systems, I have observed that students often find it challenging to understand the philosophical foundations of these ancient systems. Let me tell you: Traditional medicine systems represent the wisdom of our ancestors and continue to serve about 80% of the world population.
In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the basic principles of four major traditional medicine systems—Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. I will also cover the method of preparation of Ayurvedic formulations like Arishta, Asava, Gutika, Taila, Churna, Lehya, and Bhasma. By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of these ancient healing systems. Let us begin!
Dpharmguru’s exam insights:
Traditional systems of medicine are frequently tested in pharmacy exams. Remember: Ayurveda is the “science of life” based on Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Unani is based on four humours (Blood, Phlegm, Yellow bile, Black bile). Siddha is based on Tridoshas (Vatham, Pitham, Karpam). Homeopathy is based on “Similia Similibus Curentur” (like cures like). These are classic exam questions! Also remember the Ayurvedic formulations—Arishta, Asava, Gutika, Taila, Churna, Lehya, and Bhasma.
7.1. AYURVEDA
Ayurveda means “science of life” and it represents the oldest complex medical system regarding healthy lifestyle principles. Ayurvedic medicine system was established by the Hindus in India several thousand years ago. The Vedic period started with the Aryans. The four holy books (written in Sanskrit) invented with divine inspiration were included in the Vedas, which means wisdom.
Rig Veda (the oldest Veda) contains drugs and diseases. Atharva Veda (the fourth Veda) contains ideologies for maintaining health and the medicinal effects of health.
7.1.1. History of Ayurveda
- Knowledge in ancient times was transmitted verbally in Sanskrit language—the Vedic language of 2000-500 B.C.
- Sushruta Samhita carries the most authentic collection of teachings and works of Dhanvantari.
- Charaka Samhita, attributed to Charaka, is another work of Ayurveda of ancient time.
- Joseph Constantine Carpue lived in India for 20 years and studied local plastic surgery methods; and finally performed the first major surgery in 1815 in the western world.
7.1.2. Basic Principles Involved in Ayurveda
Ayurveda believes that humans are born with a unique proportion of the biological principles—Tridosha—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that create our mental and physical characteristics. However, due to various factors, the ratio of doshas (Vikriti) deviates from its original state (Prakriti), thereby affecting our mental and physical health.
7.1.2.1. Tridoshas
- Vata: Composed of air and space. Controls all movements in mind and body. Controls blood flow, waste elimination, breathing, and movement of thoughts. Activates nervous system, hearing, and speech. Worries, insomnia, cramps, and constipation result from too much vata.
- Pitta: Composed of fire and water. Controls all heat, metabolism, and transformation within mind and body. Controls food digestion, metabolism, and judgement. Anger, criticism, ulcers, rashes, and thinning hair result from too much pitta.
- Kapha: Composed of earth and water. Cements the elements in the body, providing material for physical structure. Maintains resistance of the body. Causes joint lubrication, provides moisture to skin, helps in wound healing, supports memory retention, and maintains immunity.
7.1.2.2. Five Elements (Panchamahabhuta)
The Sankhya theory of cosmology (an ancient theory on which Ayurveda is based) stated that the world is made up of a combination of different proportions of the following 5 elements—the Panchamahabhuta:
- Akasha (space) — denotes spaces within the body (mouth, nostrils, abdomen)
- Vayu (air) — denotes muscular movement
- Agni (fire) — denotes functions of enzymes (intelligence, digestion, metabolism)
- Jala (water) — denotes body fluids (plasma, saliva, digestive juices)
- Prithvi (earth) — denotes body structure (bones, teeth, flesh, hair)
Thus, in Ayurvedic medicine system, the base of all diagnosis and treatment purpose is the Panchamahabhutas.
7.2. UNANI
Unani (or Yunani or Unani-tibb) is a traditional medicine system practiced in India and the Indian subcontinent. It refers to the practice of Graeco-Arabic medicine, which relies on the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen (physicians of Greece and Rome, respectively).
The Unani medicine was developed into an elaborate medical system by Abu Bakr al-Razi (Rhazes)—an Arabian and Persian physician. The base of Unani medicine system is formed by the concepts of four humours—Phlegm (Balgham), Blood (Dam), Yellow bile (Safra), and Black bile (Sauda).
7.2.1. History of Unani
Unani medicine first arrived in India in the 12th-13th century of Christian Era when the Delhi Sultanate was established here (1206-1527 CE) and Muslims ruled over North India, and then thrived under the Mughal Empire. Alauddin Khilji had many famous Hakims/Unani physicians in his royal courts. In further years, Alauddin Khilji took help from Indian Ayurvedic physicians and developed the Unani system and Unani literature in India.
7.2.2. Basic Principles Involved in Unani
The principles of Hippocrates formed the base of the Unani medicine system. Hippocrates laid the facts that disease is a natural process, symptoms are the reactions that the body produces towards the disease, and the physician’s role is to help the natural forces of the body.
Humoral Theory: Four humours make up the human body:
- Dam (Blood) — hot and moist — Sanguine
- Balgham (Phlegm) — cold and moist — Phlegmatic
- Safra (Yellow bile) — hot and dry — Choleric
- Sauda (Black bile) — cold and dry — Melancholic
Quwwat-e-Mudabbira (medicatrix naturae) is a power of self-preservation or adjustment present within the body to maintain humoral balance. Deterioration of this power causes an imbalance in the humoral composition, thus resulting in a diseased state.
7.3. SIDDHA
Siddha medicine system was founded by the Dravidian culture of the pre-Vedic period. It is the oldest medicine system, which utilises drugs obtained from vegetables. Siddha medicine system deals with the human body as well as with the inner soul.
7.3.1. History of Siddha
The word Siddha originated from Siddhi (an object to be attained or perfection of heavenly bliss). Siddhi signifies 8 supernatural powers—Ashtama Siddh—and Siddhars are the people having such powers. Various works of the authors of Siddha treatises (Sattaimuni, Yugimuni, Macha Muni, Kakabusundar, etc.) are currently available and also practiced.
7.3.2. Basic Principles Involved
The universe is made up of matter and energy—two essential entities. The Siddhas call them Shiva (male) and Shakti (female, creation). There are 5 primitive elements (bhutas)—munn (solid), neer (fluid), thee (radiance), vayu (gas), and aakasam (ether).
Tridoshas According to Siddha Medicine
- Vatham: Dry, light, cold, and motile. Formed by aakasam and vayu. Controls nervous actions. Predominates in bone. Dominates in first one-third phase of life.
- Pitham: Indicates heat. Formed by thee. Controls metabolic activity, digestion, assimilation, warmth, intellect. Predominates in blood. Dominates in second one-third phase of life.
- Karpam: Smooth, firm, viscid, and heavy. Formed by munn and neer. Controls body stability, strength, potency, smooth working of joints. Predominates in other tissues. Dominates in last one-third phase of life.
7 Dhatus:
- Rasa (lymph)
- Kurudhi (blood)
- Tasai (muscle)
- Kozhuppu (adipose tissue)
- Elumbu (bone)
- Majjai (marrow)
- Sukkilam and artavam (male and female hormones)
7.4. HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathic medications are prepared by successive dilutions with forcefully shaking and striking (succussion). It was believed by the Homeopaths that after each dilution the effect of medication is enhanced; and this preparation process was named potentisation. Dilution is carried on till the original substance completely fades away.
Homeopathic medicines are considered safe and have no side effects.
7.4.1. History of Homeopathy
Homeopathic medicine relies on the principle of Similia Similibus Curanter, i.e., “like cures like”. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (a German physician) is the founder of this medicine system which is a complete healing system.
7.4.2. Basic Principles Involved in Homeopathy
- Law of Similia: “Simillia Similibus Curentur”—let likes be cured by likes. The patient is given a medicine which will produce the same symptoms as found in the patient.
- Law of Simplex: Simple and single drugs should be prescribed at a particular time.
- Law of Minimum: Drugs are administered in minimum quantity because of hypersensitivity in disease.
- Drug Dynamisation or Potentisation: The drug used for encountering a disease should have dynamic action to act on the dynamic disturbance of life force.
- Individualisation: Since two individuals in the world are not the same, similarly diseases affecting them are also never the same.
7.5. METHOD OF PREPARATION OF AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS
The ancient Ayurvedic medical system made use of a variety of pharmacological dose forms, which are still in use today. Ayurvedic dosage forms are less expensive than the Allopathic dosage forms.
7.5.1. Arishta
Arishtas are prepared by the process of fermentation for a specific time period after boiling the main decoction substance and adding other ingredients.
Method of Preparation: The drug is coarsely powdered (javkut) to prepare kasaya, which is strained and transferred to the fermentation vessel. Required amount of sugar, jaggery, or honey are dissolved, boiled, and then added. An earthen lid is used to cover the mouth of the vessel, and clay-smeared cloth is used to seal the edges. For the fermentation process, the temperature has to be kept constant.
Examples: Abhyarista, Balarista, Khadirarishta, Dasmularista, Vidangarishta
7.5.2. Asava
Asavas are prepared by the process of fermentation for a prescribed time after mixing all the specified ingredients with required quantity of unboiled water.
Method of Preparation: The drug is soaked in the form of a decoction in a solution of either sugar or jaggery for a prolonged duration. Thereafter, the mouth of the vessel is covered with a lid and edges are sealed with clay. During this time period, fermentation of Asava takes place; and as a result alcohol is produced which acts as a preservative.
Examples: Kumaryasava, Madhukasava, Vasakasava, Arvindasava, Punarnavasava
7.5.3. Gutika
Gutikas are available as medicated pills, prepared by combining the vegetable, mineral, or animal drugs together. Gutikas should be consumed within two years.
Method of Preparation: Drugs obtained from plants are separately dried and finely powdered. The minerals are made into bhasmas or sindura. The mass is shaped into many pills, which are dried in shade or in sun. Pills of plant origin are stored in air-tight containers. Pills of mineral origin can be used indefinitely.
Examples: Lasunadi gutika, Marma gutika, Pranda gutika, Bilvadi gutika, Mritsanjivni gutika
7.5.4. Taila
Tailas are called sneha kalpa/paka and prepared by cooking oil with the juice or the decoction and paste of drugs.
Method of Preparation: There are three essential components—Dravya (Liquid), Kalika (Thin paste of drug), and Snehadravya (Ghee or tail). Kalika is taken one part by weight, Snehadravya should be four parts, and Dravya should be sixteen parts. Tailas can be used internally and topically. They retain potency for about sixteen months.
Examples: Asanabilvadi taila, Aswagandhabalalakshadi taila, Bhringamalaka taila, Bramhi taila, Ksheera Bala taila, Kumkumadi taila, Manjishtadi taila
7.5.5. Churna
Churnas are finely powdered drug(s). Churnas are stored in air-tight containers to maintain their potency and free flowing nature for a year.
Method of Preparation: The drug prescribed in the yoga is cleaned, dried, finely powdered, and sieved. The powder should be made fine enough to pass through 80 mesh sieve. The therapeutic efficacy of fine powder is comparatively better.
Examples: Agnimukh churna, Ashwagandhadi churna, Bilwadi churna, Chandanadi churna, Eladi churna, Haritaki churna, Jatiphaladi churna, Mahasudarshan churna, Panchasakar churna, Sitopaladi churna, Triphala churna
7.5.6. Lehya
Lehyas (also known as aveleha or leha) is a semisolid drug product prepared by adding sugar, jaggery (gur), or sugar candy to the drug and further boiling with drug juice or decoction.
Method of Preparation: Lehyas are prepared by dissolving jaggery or sugar candy in liquid, followed by moderate boiling and straining the obtained mixture to remove impurities. Small quantities of the fine powdered drugs are added and stirred to yield a homogeneous mass.
Examples: Kutajavaleha, Draksavaleha, Vasavaleha, Bilvadileha, Surnavaleha
7.5.7. Bhasma
Bhasmas are grey, whitish, yellowish, or black coloured powdered form of substances. These can be obtained from metals, minerals, or animal sources by a process named calcination carried out in closed crucibles or in pits covered with cow dung cakes (puta). Bhasmas are stable and retain their potency for a long time.
Method of Preparation: Bhasmas are prepared in two steps—Sodhana (purification) and Marana (calcination). In Sodhana, thin metal sheets are heated and immersed in taila, takra, gomutra, etc. In Marana, the purified drug is grounded, small cakes are prepared, sun dried, arranged in an earthen plate, sealed, and subjected to puta (burning with cow dung cakes).
Examples: Tamra bhasma, Godanti bhasma, Pravala bhasma, Mukta bhasma, Lauha bhasma
Dpharmguru’s exam insights:
Ayurvedic formulations are frequently tested. Remember: Arishta and Asava are fermented preparations. Gutika are medicated pills. Taila are medicated oils. Churna are fine powders. Lehya are semisolid preparations. Bhasma are calcined powders. These are classic exam questions! Also remember the key differences between Arishta and Asava—Arishta uses boiled decoction, while Asava uses unboiled water.
COMPARISON: TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE
| System | Origin | Basic Principle | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayurveda | India (Vedic period) | Tridosha theory | Vata, Pitta, Kapha; Panchamahabhuta |
| Unani | Greece (Graeco-Arabic) | Humoral theory | Blood, Phlegm, Yellow bile, Black bile |
| Siddha | India (Dravidian) | Tridosha theory | Vatham, Pitham, Karpam; 7 Dhatus |
| Homeopathy | Germany | Similia Similibus Curentur | Law of Similia, Simplex, Minimum, Potentisation |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. What is the meaning of Ayurveda?
Ayurveda means “science of life”. It is the oldest complex medical system regarding healthy lifestyle principles, established by the Hindus in India several thousand years ago.
2. What are the Tridoshas in Ayurveda?
The Tridoshas in Ayurveda are Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). They control the physical and mental characteristics of an individual.
3. What is the Humoral Theory in Unani medicine?
The Humoral Theory in Unani medicine states that four humours—Blood (Dam), Phlegm (Balgham), Yellow bile (Safra), and Black bile (Sauda)—make up the human body. Imbalance of these humours causes disease.
4. What is the principle of Homeopathy?
Homeopathy relies on the principle of Similia Similibus Curentur, which means “like cures like”. The patient is given a medicine which will produce the same symptoms as found in the patient.
5. What is the difference between Arishta and Asava?
Arishta is prepared by fermentation after boiling the main decoction substance. Asava is prepared by fermentation after mixing ingredients with unboiled water. Both produce alcohol which acts as a preservative.
6. What is Bhasma?
Bhasma is a grey, whitish, yellowish, or black coloured powdered form of substances obtained from metals, minerals, or animal sources by calcination (puta). Bhasmas are stable and retain their potency for a long time.
SUMMARY
Traditional systems of medicine represent the wisdom of ancient civilizations and continue to serve about 80% of the world population. This guide covered:
- Ayurveda: “Science of life” based on Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and Panchamahabhuta (5 elements)
- Unani: Graeco-Arabic medicine based on Humoral Theory (Blood, Phlegm, Yellow bile, Black bile)
- Siddha: Ancient Dravidian medicine based on Tridoshas (Vatham, Pitham, Karpam) and 7 Dhatus
- Homeopathy: Based on “Similia Similibus Curentur” (like cures like) by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann
- Ayurvedic Formulations: Arishta (fermented decoction), Asava (fermented with unboiled water), Gutika (pills), Taila (medicated oils), Churna (fine powders), Lehya (semisolid), Bhasma (calcined powders)
As I always tell my students: “Traditional medicine systems are not just ancient history—they are living traditions that continue to heal millions of people worldwide. Understanding their principles helps us appreciate the diversity and richness of healthcare.”
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
- Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). (2022). Pharmacognosy Syllabus. New Delhi: PCI.
- Tyler, V. E., Brady, L. R., & Robbers, J. E. (2020). Pharmacognosy and Pharmacobiotechnology (9th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Trease, G. E., & Evans, W. C. (2019). Trease and Evans’ Pharmacognosy (16th ed.). Elsevier.
- Kokate, C. K., Purohit, A. P., & Gokhale, S. B. (2020). Pharmacognosy (50th ed.). Nirali Prakashan.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023. Retrieved from https://www.who.int.
- Sharma, P. V. (2019). Charaka Samhita (English translation). Chowkhamba Orientalia.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns. Traditional medicine practices may vary—always refer to qualified practitioners for specific guidance.
written by:
Dr. N. Sujith Kumar
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