DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL MEDICINE IN AYURVEDA SAMHITAS: A REVIEW
Dr. Priyanka S. Thakur*
ABSTRACT
Ayurveda is science of rationale and documented treatises related to the healthy well being and amongst many treatises Samhitas are ranked first to elaborate various theories and principles of Ayurveda. Ayurveda Samhitas presented many experiments and observations based on the concepts related to the health and diseases. Charaksamhita one of the most important compendia of Ayurveda contains 120 chapters distributed into 8 sections (Sthana) and some of them related to the Dravyas (medicines) used in Ayurveda for various therapeutic purposes. These Ayurveda Samhitas described classification of drugs and fundamental principles of Ayurveda therapeutics. The first four chapters of Sutrasthana out of thirty were described as Aushadhachatushka (Bheshajachatushka) and these chapters mainly dealt with important Ayurveda drugs. With reference to uses of medicines Charaka mentioned that a single drug can be used in various diseases depending upon dosage, time of administration and condition of the patient, etc. Ayurveda and modern medical science classified medicinal agents on the basis of their morphology, pharmacological action, methods of preparation, therapeutic uses and sources of origin, etc. Charaka has classified medicinal substances into various groups i.e.; Mahakashaya, Moolini and Phalini, etc. while Sushruta has classified medicinal agents into different Gana.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Samhitas, Kayachikitsa, Medicines.
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