Bhaishajya Kalpana - Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics

Bhaishajya Kalpana: Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics

In Ayurveda the greatest emphasis is given to the complete knowledge of drugs including identification, procurement, processing, preparation and application under a separate branch of learning called Bhaishajya Kalpana. The entire science of Ayurveda has been framed upon Trisutras (Hetu-> Cause, Linga-> Symptoms, Aoushadha-> medicine). Among them Aoushadha is most important for the alleviation of the diseases as well as for the maintenance of good health.

“Bhaishajyanaam Kalpana ithi Bhaishajya Kalpana” The science which deals with process of preparation of single or compound formulations is known as Bhaishajya Kalpana.

The term Bhaishajya Kalpana consists of two words:

1. Bheshaja: that which conquers the disease.
2. Kalpana: is a method of preparation of medicine.

Pharmacology is the science of drugs deals with interaction of administered drugs with living system. The two main divisions are:-

1. Pharmacodynamics-> what the drug does to the body.
2. Pharmacokinetics-> what the body does to the drug

Ayurveda, the science of life has its roots in antiquity; even historians cannot peep into the depths of that remote past. The concept of drugs are principally based on the type of action a substance has on the human body broadly divided into two categories:

1. Aahara Dravya-> food substances are supposed to be rasa pradhana essentially providing nourishment to the body.
2. Aoushada Dravya-> is supposed to be Veerya pradhana meaning therapeutically active.

Coming to the Samhita period, the details of pharmaceutical preparations along with weights and measurements are mentioned clearly. Depending on the requirement, different procedures are adopted to extract therapeutically useful ingredients. Fresh as well as dried plant material is used for processing depending on availability and necessity.

There here are five basic classical formulations of medicine termed as ‘Panchavidha kashaya kalpana’; Swarasa, Kalka, kashaya, Hima, and Phanta. They are the five fundamental preparations explained in Ayurveda. The type of preparation must be decided on the basis of Rogi and Roga bala.

The therapeutic efficacy of a medicinal formulation depends on the nature of the raw material, selection of a drug, processing, formulations, preparations, solubility, method of purification process, route of administration, shelf life of prepared medicine, and use of adjuvants etc. The disease status also plays an important role in deciding the form of the drug.

Later new machineries like tablet compressing machines, grinders, juice extractors etc. were introduced in manufacturing Ayurvedic preparations. The presentation of the tablets was improved, now Ayurvedic drugs are marketed in capsule form too. Modern packing and labelling techniques have been extended to Ayurvedic preparations also. Even today the same fundamental preparations and principles which are mentioned in classical texts are followed while preparing medicines.

Ayurveda is the oldest form of medicine being used in India to build a healthier and better life. You can buy chemical free Ayurvedic products at Brahmionline from the most reputed brands. In addition, we also have a panel of experienced doctors who you can consult online.

 

Dr Mallika B.S. BAMS

Consulting Physiscian

For appointments: Phone: 8660501245