hensive list of potential qualities (guna), cover an enor- An Introduction to mously large degree of Ayurvedic Pharmacology possibilities. The Ten Pairs of Opposites are as follows: Ten Pairs of Opposite Qualities

by Todd Caldecott Heavy Light Slow Fast The branch of traditional Indian knowledge that is Cold Hot concerned with health and disease, the qualities (guna) Oily Dry of food and medicine (dravya) and their activities (karma) Sticky Brittle upon the human physiology, is ayurveda. The term Solid Fluid ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words ayus, meaning Soft Hard “life,” and vedas, which translates as “divine knowl- Stable Mobile edge.” Ayurveda is derived from the four principle vedas: the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda Subtle Gross and the Atharva Veda. The vedas are considered to be a Frictional Slimy vast storehouse of sacred and transcendent knowledge, It is these qualitative possibilities, organized into pat- and ayurveda is a shastra (teaching) within the vedas that terns of interaction, that are found by observing the directly relates to health and disease. This shastra is human body, and that give rise to the concept compiled into samhitas (“collected of tridosha 1, viz. vata, pitta and kapha. sayings”), and although there are several extant works of ayurveda, two texts, one compiled by Susruta and the Vata is the catalyst for all functional changes that other by Charaka, are considered occur in the body, and as such, ayurveda considers pitta to be authoritative. While the date of these texts is and kapha ‘lame’ without vata’s involvement. The term a subject of some controversy, the bulk of academic ‘vata’ is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘va’, opinion places their date of authorship to be meaning ‘to go’. It is the most powerful of the doshas, pre-Buddhist, prior to the 5th century BCE. The residing principally in the large intestine and urinary Charaka Samhita in its present form is unlikely to rep- bladder, and has a downward-moving energy. According resentative of the original work, which is said to have to the vedic concept of agni-saumiya (‘solar-lunar’, originated from the teachings of Bharadvaja, the first roughly synonymous with the TCM concept of yang human proponent of ayurveda during this period. and yin respectively), vata is neutral in energy, and can Whereas the Charaka Samhita is wholly be disturbed by extremes of either hot or cold. However, concerned with internal medicine (kaya chikitsa), as ayurveda considers the nature of the human body to the Susruta Samhita is first and foremost a technical be cold, vata more often promotes this quality. manual of the surgical practices of ayurveda, Referring to the gurvadi gunas listed above, vata’s pri- surprisingly devoid of the magico-religious practices mary qualities are light, fast, cold, dry, brittle, hard, that one might attribute to an ancient and “primitive” mobile, subtle and people. This latter text seems to provide little in the way frictional. Pathologically, vata might be noticed in the of innovation and appears to be representative of con- body by asthenia (light), mental lability (fast), anorexia temporary practices, and as Dr. Krishnamurthy opines in (cold), mucosal deficiency (dry), weakness (brittle), his Wealth of Susruta, must have had a long period of constipation (hard), migrating body pain (mobile), development before coming to this level hypersensitivities (subtle) and arthritis (frictional). In of fruition. The modern practice of rhinoplasty, some individuals complaints such for example, was described by Susruta as a prosaic sur- as these are constitutional tendencies (prakriti), and gical technique over 2000 years ago. thus measures are taken on a daily and seasonal basis to limit the effects of vata. Of the many important concepts that ayurveda has to share, the gurvadi gunas, or the “Ten Pairs of Opposite Pitta’s function in the body is to provide heat, to pro- Qualities,” certainly ranks as among the most impor- vide the act of ‘cooking’, and thus is responsible for tant. These ten pairs, although by no means a compre- catabolic processes such as digestion. The term Pitta is

18 Fall 2000 derived from the root word ‘tapa’which refers to the of mnemonics detailing the various synonyms that properties of ‘heat’; the development describe specific characteristics of a given medicament. of tapas results in the ‘inner heat’ of spiritual These different names (nama) usually refer to awareness. Pitta is the principle of agni (lit. the morphological characteristics (rupa), but nama ‘God of Fire’) in the body, residing principally in might also refer to a medicinal use or another the organs of digestion from the lower fundus of the unique characteristic. An example is the variance Todd Caldecott stomach to the terminal end of the small intestine, hav- in synonyms of turmeric root (Curcuma longa), includ- Todd Caldecott, Cl.H., AHG ing haridra (referring to its natural yellow dye), varna ing a sideways-moving energy. Pitta’s primary qualities blends his training as a (indicating its usefulness in skin disorders) and nisha are light, fast, hot, oily, fluid, and soft. Pathologically, Western Clinical Herbalist with (which explains that the root is best pitta might be seen in the body as Ayurvedic medicine, and has harvested at night, preferably under the light of the excessive secretion of bile (light, promoting been a professional member a full moon). The second branch of dravyguna peristalsis and flatulence), impatience and irritability of the American Herbalists concerns itself with explaining the properties (guna) (fast), hyperacidity (hot), excessive sweat (oily) and Guild since 1997. He received and actions (karma) of medicaments, something that diarrhea (fluid and soft). In some individuals these com- his diploma in Clinical herbal modern science might understand as pharmacology, and plaints are constitutional tendencies, and thus measures medicine in 1997 from the is known as gunakarmavijnana. Building upon Coastal Mountain College of are taken on a daily and seasonal basis gunakarmavijnana, the third branch of dravyguna Healing Arts in Vancouver, to limit the effects of pitta. is prayogavijnana, describing the therapeutic B.C. His training in Ayurvedic In many ways kapha is opposite in nature to pitta, indications of specific medicines, as well as pharmacy. medicine began with and is representative of soma (the lunar aspect) main- The fourth and last aspect of dravyguna is bhesa- Dr. T. Sukumaran at the taining the structural functions of the body by lubricating, jakalpana, referring to the collection and storage Centre for Ayurvedic Studies moisturizing, nourishing and providing support. Kapha of drugs and various methods of processing. in Vancouver, B.C., and continued in India at the is derived from the root word ‘shlish’which means ‘to What is a Dravya? embrace’, referring to its overall function of cohesion Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam A substance only becomes a dravya when its specific (Hospital) under the direction and integration. Kapha resides in the heart and lungs qualities (guna) are taken into consideration, and thus a of Sri Vasudevan and and has an upward-moving energy. Its primary qualities dravya is dependent upon the purpose (artha) and Dr. Hari. Todd currently are heavy, slow, cold, oily, sticky, solid, stable, gross and rationale (yukti) of its usage. When viewed as practices in Calgary, Alberta at slippery. Pathologically, kapha might be noticed as obe- a singular phenomenon, a dravya has no inherent quali- the Wild Rose Clinic, and is a sity (heavy), laziness (slow), sluggish appetite and poor ty: it is the perceptive process, viz. the five an instructor at the Wild Rose digestion (cold), oily skin (oily), mucus congestion senses and the mental impressions that are formed, College of Natural Healing. (sticky), tumor (solid), stubbornness (stable), weight which give rise to guna. Ayurveda designates a dravya Todd also spends a fair gain (gross) and emotional smothering (slimy). In some as strictly panchabautika or ‘formed of the amount of his time in the individuals these complaints are constitutional tenden- elements’, and is devoid of atma (consciousness) and temperate rainforests of the cies, and thus measures are taken on a daily and season- therefore insentient (Sharma, 9). It is the conscious West Kootenays of British al basis to limit the effects of kapha. usage of a substance that makes a dravya. Columbia looking for medicinal plants and Dravyas are grouped in several ways depending upon Within the body, any of the doshas can undergo three conducting harvesting field the source within the extant literature of ayurveda, but basic stages of change. Increase (chaya) refers to the trials for the Harrop-Procter both Susruta and Charaka group dravyas according to aggravation of a dosha within its respective sphere of Community Co-operative influence, whereas vitiation (kopa) refers to that same therapeutic action. Charaka enumerates fifty groups, (HPCC). The HPCC is the dosha beginning to affect the other doshas or functions each group containing ten herbs named according to the first such community normally outside its direct sphere of influence. Doshas general action of that group, such as analgesics organization in Canada that are not responsible for any pathological changes are (vedanasthapana), diuretics (mutravirechana), and licenced by government to anthelminthics (krimighna). Susruta categorizes each normal (sama). harvest forest products therapeutic group with according to the ecological Dravyguna (Pharmacology): the name of a notable representative of that group, an principles of the Silva Forest Definition, Scope and Background example being the pippalyadi group, the suffix ‘adi’ Foundation. Dravyguna is the limb of ayurveda that concerns meaning ‘etc.’, with the herb Pippali (Piper longum) itself with the properties and actions (guna) of medici- being representative. Susruta also provides therapeutic nal agents (dravya).2 The first branch of dravyguna is indications for each of these groups, the dravyas within namarupavijnana, a system (vijnana) Continued on page 20

19 Journal of the American Herbalists Guild An Introduction to Ayurvedic Pharmacology

Continued from page 19 light, it will typically increase pitta and decrease kapha the pippalyadi group for example are indicated in vata and vata. If used to excess, however, sour may also and kapha disorders, respiratory increase kapha because of its oily nature. Sour ailments, anorexia, poor digestion, flatulence and is best for stimulating digestion and relieving the tumors (Sharma, 13-22). dryness of vata (Tarabilda, 64), an example being its utility to stimulate the appetite in patients receiving Other methods of dravya classification include chemotherapy, whose throats are often dry and whether its activity decreases (doshaprasamana), parched.3 Examples of sour dravyas include shan zha increases (doshapradusana), or balances (swasthahita) fruit (Crataegus pinnatifida) and rosehips (Rosa spp.), a specific dosha, or whether the dravya can be used to as well as fermented foods and beverages. pacify an aggravated dosha (samshamana) or to expel Salty rasa typically displays a hot, oily and heavy an aggravated dosha by means of purificatory methods nature, increasing pitta, decreasing vata and promoting (shodhana) (Sharma, 11-12). the vitiation and liquefaction of kapha. Certain kinds of Rasa: The Six Tastes salty dravyas like rock salt (saindhava) The simplest method by which a dravya can be ana- possess a cooling virya (energy), and thus because salty lyzed is with the tongue, noticing specific oral sensa- is also heavy it can be used to correct pitta. Salty tions, called rasa. In itself rasa does not provide any def- dravyas are often used to correct vata as all of its char- inite information but gives possible indications of a acteristics seem to counter vata’s basic nature. In vattic medicament’s composition, character, property and phar- conditions where there is weak digestion (mandagni), macological effect. There are six rasas in ayurveda, however, salty rasa is a poor choice to correct vata each displaying a certain combination of qualities because salt’s heaviness may further digestive weakness. (gunas): Examples of salty dravyas include herbs such as kelp (Fucus vesiculosis) and nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), and 1. Sweet is oily, followed by cold and then heavy; foods such as celery and ocean fish, as well as the sodi- 2. Sour is oily, followed by hot and then light; um chloride that is found 3. Salty is oily, followed by hot and then heavy; naturally in and added to the diet. In a broader 4. Pungent is dry, followed by hot and then light; context, salty refers to the most prominent of the elec- 5. Bitter is dry, followed by cold and then light; In itself rasa does not trolytes, including potassium and chloride, as well as 6. Astringent is dry, followed by cold and then heavy. provide any definite sodium. Rasas that are tasted secondarily are termed information but gives Pungent rasa contains the qualities of hot, dry, and anurasas (anu = ‘secondary’), and although they add light, and among the rasas most resembles the quality possible indications to the overall activity of the dravya, they are weaker of the digestive fire (agni). Pungent typically vitiates of a medicament’s than the primary rasa(s). The classification of rasa is not pitta, increases vata and decreases kapha. If used in composition, character, a static designation and changes that occur to the dravya small amounts and balanced with rasas that have an over time, including processing and storage, may alter oily and heavy nature (e.g. ghee), pungent may be used property and the original rasa. An ethanol extract for example will inVattic conditions with caution. Examples of pungent pharmacological most likely add pungent rasa to the original rasa of the dravyas include herbs such as cayenne fruit (Capsicum effect. crude dravya. minimum) and black pepper fruit (Piper nigrum), and Dravyas, or foods with a predominance of a sweet foods such as tomatoes and peppers, and distilled alco- rasa, increase heaviness, coldness, and oiliness, thereby hol. increasing kapha while decreasing vata and pitta. Sweet Bitter rasa arises from the combined qualities of dry, dravyas are often the first choice when treating pitta or light and cold, decreasing pitta and kapha, and vitiating vata, although vattic treatments may require the inclu- vata, the dosha that bitter most resembles. sion of a rasa that contains hot to counterbalance the If used to excess or in an inappropriate fashion cold nature of sweet. Examples of sweet dravyas however, bitter may also increase pitta because of include the mucilaginous herbs such as marshmallow its light quality. Even though bitter rasa is used to root (Althea officinalis) and slippery elm bark (Ulmus decrease kapha because of its catabolic quality, it is fulva), and include most nourishing foods, such as whole often wise to include pungent rasa in treatment to com- grains, fruit, and animal products. pensate for bitter’s cold nature. Vattic conditions will often benefit from bitter rasa to assist in the removal of As sour rasa displays the properties of oily, hot and

20 Fall 2000 toxins (ama) which facilitate its vitiation, but this • According to Sushruta approach needs to be balanced with rasas such as sour – a heavy vipaka will increase kapha and sweet. Examples of bitter dravyas include herbs and decrease pitta and Vata, such as gentian root (Gentiana luteum) and goldenseal – a light vipaka will increase pitta root (Hydrastis canadensis), and and vata, but decrease kapha; vegetables such as endive, bitter melon, and purple • According to Charaka turnip. – a sweet vipaka will increase kapha Astringent rasa is comprised of dry, cold, and heavy and decrease pitta, qualities, used primarily to decrease kapha – a sour vipaka will tend to aggravate pitta and pitta, and promote the firmness and tone of but pacify vata, the tissues. Astringent rasa, although heavy, is exceptionally dry in nature and will increase vata. – a pungent vipaka will increase vata If used to excess, the drying quality of astringent may and decrease kapha. also increase pitta, wasting the tissues to promote light- A heavy vipaka is the result of sweet and salty rasas, ness. Examples of astringent dravyas include herbs whereas a light vipaka is the result of the remaining such as alum root (Heuchera cylindrica) and bearberry four rasas, viz. sour, pungent, bitter and astringent. A leaf (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), and beverages such as sweet vipaka is the result of sweet and salty rasas, a black tea. sour vipaka from a sour rasa, and a pungent vipaka Vipaka: Post-digestive effect from a pungent, bitter or astringent rasa. While most Vipaka is a controversial subject in some respects dravyas adhere to this scheme, some do not. The rasa because the process it claims to describe cannot be of bibhitaki (Terminalia observed but only inferred. Vipaka is the process by bellerica) for example, is primarily astringent, but the which the rasa of an ingested dravya is modified by the vipaka is sweet. This type of exception exists for many of differing activities of the digestive process. When a sub- the more important dravyas used in ayurvedic medicine. stance is ingested, digestion begins in the mouth (sweet The significant differences between rasa and and salty), followed by secretions of the stomach (pun- vipaka relate to their effects: rasa has an immediate, gent), small intestine (sour) and liver (bitter), and end- localized effect on the gastrointestinal tract, whereas ing with fermentation (pungent) and the absorption of vipaka has a delayed, systemic effect upon the water (astringent) in the organism (Sharma, 41). Thus vipaka can be seen colon. Thus, vipaka can describe where in the to an extension of the effect that the rasas have gastrointestinal tract the rasa of a given dravya will on the body, rather than existing as an entirely exert its activity, and how it might affect the state different process. of the doshas that reside in their respective locations of Virya: Energetic qualities the gastrointestinal tract. Virya is the specific potency by which a dravya acts, The Susruta and Charaka Samhitas differ in some based primarily on whether it is cold or hot. Once respects in describing vipaka. According to Susruta, again, this concept is based upon the ancient vedic vipaka is only of two types: heavy (anabolic) or light agni-saumiya principle, the primordial division of hot (catabolic). Charaka however details three vipakas and cold, light and darkness, and male and female. based on the rasas: sweet, sour and pungent. The Although hot and cold are the primordial energetic reason for this difference is understandable if it is attributes, in practice we can see that any number of remembered that Susruta was a surgeon and thus his qualities can be utilized to differentiate the energetic classification is based upon the nature of the tissues quality of one particular dravya from another. Charaka (dhatus) of the body, whether a dravya is anabolic however, lists only six essential or catabolic. Charaka’s method, developed by a energetic attributes, and in practice, this six is for specialist of internal medicine, is based on the three the most part adequate. The following lists the doshas of kapha, pitta and vata, and the digested rasas activity of these six viryas. (See page 22 for the chart, that represent them. The following details the differ- The Six Essential Energeitcs.) ences between them: Continued on page 22

21 Journal of the American Herbalists Guild An Introduction to Ayurvedic Pharmacology

Continued from page 21 Karma: Therapeutic action Karma refers to the specific therapeutic activity Six Essential Energetic of a given dravya, a concept that in many ways resem- Virya Effect on Doshas General Effect bles that of Western medicine. In fact, the entire termi- nology of therapeutic actions commonly used in Hot Decreases vata and kapha; Increases pitta Swedana (heating) Western herbal medicine, such as ‘stomachic’, ‘carmina- Cold Decreases pitta; Increases vata and kapha Stambhana (cooling) tive’ and ‘purgative,’ may be used in Heavy Decreases vata and pitta; Increases kapha Brimhana (anabolic) ayurveda without contradiction. Karma literally means ‘action’, and the therapeutic activity of a given dravya Light Decreases kapha; Increases pitta and vata Langhana (catabolic) is an effect (karma) based upon the Oily Decreases vata; Increases kapha and pitta Kledana (moistening) collective activities of rasa, vipaka and virya. Broadly speaking, karma is of two basic types: shodhana Dry Decreases kapha; Increases vata Soshana (absorbing) (purificatory) and shamana (pacificatory). Shodhana kar- As hot and cold are the primary energetic mas are most commonly referred to as the pancha karmas, qualities of the universe, most dravyas will display and are vamana (vomiting), virecana either one of them, usually in concord with one or (purgation), vasti (enemata), nasya (nasal irrigation, another of the other secondary qualities. Sometimes, errhines), and rakta mosham (blood letting). Shamana however, a dravya will be neutral in temperament and therapies are brimhana (anabolics, neither hot nor cold seem especially predominant. In this nutritives), langhana (catabolics, cleansing), svedana case, what would normally be the secondary energetic (heating, diaphoretics), stambhana (cooling, attribute(s) would become the primary one(s). supression), rukshana (drying, roughening), and snehana (oleation). In every respect virya supercedes the actions of rasa and vipaka, although more often than not the relation- The Sarngadhara samhita (c. 13th CE) lists several ship between them is congruent: types of karmas that are commonly used within ayurve- da and their elucidation here will give the reader a good Six Essential Energetic understanding of the basic therapeutic approaches. I Rasa Vipaka Virya Examples have included several others not included in the sweet heavy cold Althaea officinalis, decreases pitta & vata Sarngadhara samhita but by no means have I listed all the various karmas listed salty heavy hot Fucus vesiculosis, decreases vata in all the ayurvedic texts. sour light hot Crataegus pinnatifida, decreases kapha & vata 1 Dipana – dravyas which stimulate digestion; pungent light hot Capsicum minimum, decreases kapha e.g. mishi (Foeniculum vulgare) bitter light cold Hydrastis canadensis, decreases pitta & kapha 2 Pachana – dravyas which ‘cook’ or denature the food which has been consumed; e.g. shunthi astringent light cold Quercus alba decreases kapha & pitta (Zingiber officinalis) (many dravyas in fact contain both the activities of dipana and pachana, There are however, enough contradictions to this rule e.g. chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) that one cannot substitute theory for an intimate knowl- edge of the dravya in question. For example, although 3 Anulomana - dravyas which assists in digestion and promotes normal bowel movement, meat has a sweet rasa, its virya is hot. e.g. haritaki (Terminalia chebula) Amla (Emblica officinalis) has a definite sour rasa, but its virya is cold. Saindhava (rock salt) is salty, 4 Bhedana - dravyas which forcibly expel the but possess a cool virya. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) contents of the bowel, e.g. katuki (Piccrorrhiza kur- has an astringent rasa, but its virya is hot. The degree roa) of exceptional characteristics that a 5 Rechana - dravyas which forcibly expel the given dravya displays is often proportionate to its use- contents of the bowel in liquid form, e.g. sveta fulness, and such herbs that contain contradictory quali- trivrit (Operculina turpethum) ties are often a better choice in the treatment of com- 6 Vamana - dravyas which remove kapha and plex disease states.4 pitta through the mouth by force (i.e. vomiting), e.g. madanaphala (Randia dumetorium)

22 Fall 2000 7 Shodhana - dravyas which dislodge the wastes 26 Vatahara - dravyas which decrease vata (malas) from their respective locations in either an 27 Vatakopa - dravyas which increase vata upward or downward direction, e.g. devadali phala (Luffa echinata) 28 Pittahara - dravyas which decrease pitta 8 Shamana - dravyas which return the doshas to nor- 29 Pittakopa - dravyas which increase pitta malcy by gentle means, e.g. amrita (Tinospora 30 Kaphahara - dravyas which decrease kapha cordifolia) 31 Kaphakopa - dravyas which increase kapha 9 Raktaprasadana - dravyas which purify the blood (rakta), e.g. manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) Prabhava: Spiritual potency 10 Medohara - dravyas which reduce obesity (medas), Prabhava refers to the activity of a dravya that can- e.g. guggulu (Commiphora mukul) not be rationalized within the conceptual framework of Dravyguna. Whereas rasa, vipaka, and 11 Chedana - dravyas which ‘scrape’ out – virya are described as cintya (explicable), prabhava is for elimination, e.g. marica (Piper nigrum) acintya (unexplicable) (Sharma, 54). An illustration of Prabhava is also 12 Lekhana - dravyas which dry up excessive prabhava can be found when we compare chitraka moisture in the body, e.g. Yava (Barley) representative of the (Plumbago zeylanica) with danti (Baliospermum 13 Grahi - dravyas which dry up the excessive montanum). Both of these dravyas have the identical spiritual basis of ayurvedic moisture in the body and are dipanapachana, rasa, vipaka and virya, but the latter is a strong purga- medicine. In regard to e.g. jiraka (Nigella sativa) tive whilst the former is not. Thus, prabhava describes medicinal plants, 14 Stambhana - dravyas which inhibit bowel move- how certain dravyas seem to display a specificity in ments, e.g. kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) action that cannot be matched by another herb which prabhava is the Teacher 15 Pramathi - dravyas which remove the accumulated otherwise exhibits the same qualities. More often than (guru), the healing wisdom not, prabhava refers to the tropism of a dravya to a spe- doshas from the channels of the body (srotas), e.g. of the plant that can’t maricha (Piper longum) cific ailment, such as arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) for diseases of the heart. be rationalized but only 16 Abhishyandi - dravyas which by their heavy and sticky nature block the channels (srotas), causing Prabhava is also representative of the spiritual basis understood only through heaviness and congestion, e.g. dadhi (yogurt) of ayurvedic medicine. In regard to medicinal plants, the experience of prabhava is the Teacher (guru), the healing wisdom of 17 Rasayana - dravyas which ward off old age and spiritual insight. This disease (i.e. rejuvenatives), e.g. amalaki (Emblica the plant that can’t be rationalized but only understood officinalis) only through the experience of approach finds resonance 18 Balya - dravyas which increase strength, spiritual insight. This approach finds resonance in other in other shamanistic shamanistic traditions, such as Native American spiritu- e.g. bala (Sida cordifolia) traditions, such as Native ality. Further, it is a description of how a dravya can be 19 Vajikarana - dravyas which increase sexual desire used in such small amounts American spirituality. and improve sexual fitness, e.g. kapikachu (Mucana pruriens) that its action cannot be explained by its chemical con- stituents, as is the case with flower essences. The usage 20 Artavajanana - dravyas which correct menstruation, of herbal remedies in an almost homeopathic fashion by e.g. kumari (Aloe vera) the Eclectic-physiomedicalist tradition of the late 19th 21 Hrdaya - dravyas which strengthen the heart, century very much resembles prabhava. e.g. arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) Finally, prabhava also refers to techniques used 22 Sukshma - dravyas which enter into even the most in processing the dravya, and the inclusion of minute channel of the body, e.g. saindhava (Rock incantations during processing. Although such salt) techniques may seem alien and superstitious to 23 Medhya - dravyas which promote intellect the rational practitioner, they have their basis in (buddhi), e.g. shankhapushpi (Evolvulus alsinoides) scientific fact. Thorat and Dahanukar showed how tradi- 24 Vyavayi - dravyas which act very quickly, tional methods of processing crude aconite resulted in a simultaneously spreading all over the body, preparation that was assessed to be non-toxic, even at e.g. bhanga (Cannibus sativa) dosages eight times greater than the LD100 for the 25 Madakari - dravyas which cause intoxication, crude drug (1991). e.g. alcohol Continued on page 24

23 Journal of the American Herbalists Guild An Introduction to Ayurvedic Pharmacology

Continued from page 23 (Asafoetida ferula). If the liquid is taken with the chur- na it should be four times the volume of the churna. Shodhana and Rasashala: Ayurvedic Pharmacy 3. Gulika - Pill Prepared by either cooking the powdered dravya It is rare that a dravya can be taken in its natural or with jaggery, sugar or Myrrh resin (Commiphora raw state as a medicament without first preparing it in a mukul) or macerating it uncooked with a liquid, honey certain fashion, to either remove impurities and toxins and Myrrh resin, and rolling it into pills. Gulika can be or make the medicament bioavailable. The following dosed anywhere from 250 mg to 4 g, depending upon techniques are utilized in the the ingredients. Ayurvedic pharmacology processing dravyas of vegetable origin, but are not rep- resentative of all the techniques used in ayurvedic phar- 4. Lehya - Confection has much to offer macy: Prepared by reducing a kwatha until all the water has phytotherapy, and evaporated, after which the resultant residue is collect- 1. Pancha kashaya - Water extract although its jargon ed. It is dosed at 50 g, to which one may a) Swarasa - expressed juice, prepared by taking the add twice the weight of jaggery, and four times and cultural orientation fresh plant, wrapping it in cloth and pounding and the volume of any such liquid that is appropriate. Many may seem to present squeezing it to express the juice. If the fresh plant lehya recipes however are extremely complex in nature isn’t available, one may also take 1 part too many hurdles and this simple rendering does not account for the of the dried powder and mix it with twice the preparation of all lehyas, and thus dosages may be dif- to the Western mind, amount of water. This is allowed to sit overnight ferent. its practices can greatly before being squeezed out through a cloth. 5. Sneha - Medicated fats and oils Swarasa is considered to be the heaviest to digest assist in deepening Although there are many methods of making a and most potent of the pancha kashaya, and is typ- one’s understanding medicated oil, the most common method consists of ically dosed at 25 ml. mixing one part (by volume) of a dravya with four parts of therapeutic b) Kalka - bolus, is prepared by grinding the dravya fat and sixteen parts water. In most cases, sesame oil is possibilities. in a mortar and pestle and adding just enough preferred. This preparation is then brought to a boil and water to make a paste. Honey and/or ghee (in simmered over a low heat until all of the water has been unequal proportions) are often added to the prepa- evaporated. The resultant preparation is then cooled and ration. It is typically dosed at 10-15 g. strained through a cloth. Sneha are typically used as needed in topical procedures, but are also taken inter- c) Kwatha - decoction, prepared by boiling one part nally, usually (by weight) of the coarsely powdered dravya in 16 anywhere from 6 to 12 g. Some sneha however, such as parts water in a covered earthenware pot, over a Tuvuraka taila and Baladhatryadi taila, are used medium-low heat until it is reduced by 1/8. in much smaller dosages. Further, when a sneha such as Kwatha is dosed at 100 ml. Anu taila is used for nasya (nasal administration), the d) Hima - cold infusion, prepared by allowing dosages are between 1 and 10 drops per nostril. 1 part (by weight) of the coarsely ground dravya 6. Sandhana - Galenicals and fermented liquids Ieft to infuse in eight parts (by volume) of water Sandhana are of two types: asava and arishta, the overnight. Hima is dosed at 100 ml. difference between them is the use of cold and boiled water, respectively. One part (by weight) of the dried e) Phanta - warm infusion, prepared by infusing one herb is mixed with 5 parts (by weight) honey, 10 parts part (by weight) of the coarsely powdered dravya (by weight) jaggery and 25 parts (by volume) water. In in 4 parts (by volume) of hot water for 8-10 min- the case of asavas the above ingredients utes. The resultant preparation is then filtered out are mixed together without heat, poured into a earthen- through a cloth or sieve. Phanta is typically dosed ware vessel, sealed well, wrapped in cloth at 100 ml. and buried for a period of one month. Arishta are pre- 2. Churna - Powdered dravya pared in a similar manner, except that the dravya is Churna are finely powdered dravyas, typically dosed boiled in the water first, and when cool, the honey and at 10-15 g and administered alone or in some combina- jaggery are added later. tion of honey, ghee, sugar or fried Hingu resin Anupana: Vehicle 24 Fall 2000 A special category of pharmacy called anupana ayurvedic medicine. relates to the usage of certain dravyas to assist in REFERENCES the metabolism of the medication, or to enhance its medicinal activity. Anupana literally refers to drinking Bergner P. The Healing Power of Minerals. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing; 1997. water (pana) after (anu) the medicament has been con- sumed, but in a broader context, has come Bhishagratna KL. Susruta Samhita, English translation. to mean any substance taken with or after the medica- Sutra-sthana. Vol. 1. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 1991. ment. Commonly used anupana include water, milk, honey, ghee, sesame oil, jaggery, treacle, rice, and meat Dash B. Materia Medica of Ayurveda, based on broth. Ayurveda utilizes different anupana with the Madanapala’s nighantu. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 1991. same dravya to alter the overall effect of that dravya. Dr. Nadkarni, for example, mentions that the daily con- Frawley D. Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide. sumption of haritaki fruit (Terminalia chebula) as a Salt Lake City: Passage Press; 1989. tonic alterative is affected by the season in which it is Gupta LP. Essentials of Ayurveda. Varanasi: Chaukhamba consumed. In his book, Indian Materia Medica, Sanskrit Pratishthan; 1996. Nadkarni details that Indian Ministry of Health and Family Planning. The haritaki is taken every morning with salt during the Ayurvedic Formulary of India. Part 1. 1st ed. Delhi; 1978. monsoon (Va r sha), with jaggery in Autumn (Sharat), Krishnamurthy KH. Wealth of Sushruta. Coimbatore: with Zingiber officinalis in the first half of Winter International Institute of Ayurveda; 1991. (Hemanta) and Piper longum in the second (Shishira), Lu H. Chinese Herbal Cures. New York: Sterling with honey in the Spring (Vasanta), and with treacle Publishing; 1994. during the Summer (Grishma) (1208). Nadkarni KM.The Indian Materia Medica, with Conclusion Ayurvedic, Unani and Home Remedies. Revised and Ayurvedic pharmacology has much to offer enlarged by A.K. Nadkarni. Bombay: Bombay Popular Prakashan PVP; 1954. phytotherapy, and although its jargon and cultural orien- tation may seem to present too many hurdles Sharma PV. Introduction to Dravyguna (Indian to the Western mind, its practices can greatly assist in Pharmacology). Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 1976. deepening one’s understanding of therapeutic possibilities. There is a congruence in ayurvedic phar- Sharma RK, Dash B. Agnivesaís Caraka Samhita (Text macology between theory and practice that is not found with English Translation and Critical Exposition based on Cakrapani Dattaís Ayurveda Dipika) vol. 1, 2 & 3. to the same degree in energetic systems of Western Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 1985. herbal medicine. But before dravyguna can ever become a part of the theoretical framework of phy- Srikantha Murthy KR.Vagbhataís Astanga Hrdayam, vol. 1, 2 & 3. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy; 1995. totherapy, more investigation is needed to assess the Western herbal materia medica with the tools Srikantha Murthy KR. Sarnagadhar-Samhita: A Treatise of dravyguna. This is unlikely to be a process that can on Ayurveda. Chaukhambha Varanasi: Orientalia; 1984. occur all too quickly - we shouldn’t forget the millennia Thorat S, Dahanukar S. Can we dispense with Ayurvedic of development that ayurveda has undergone. Eventually, samskaras? J Postgrad Med. 1991;37:157-9. I see a system that can be created which uses a lan- FOOTNOTES guage intelligible to those unfamiliar with Sanskrit, 1 Literally, tri (three) + dosha (blemishes), or three rebirthing, improving upon, and clarifying the energet- “bodily humors.” ics of modern phytotherapy. 2 The other limbs of Ayurveda include (Anatomy) Acknowledgement Sarira, Physiology (Praktiti-vijnana) and Pathology I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my teach- (Vikriti-vijnana). ers, friends and colleagues at the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy 3 Dr. Terry Willard. Personal communication. complex in Coimbatore, India, including Dr. Vasudevan, 3 Mar 1994. director of Arsha Yoga Vidya Pitam, and Dr. S. Kumar, 4 Alan Tillotson, Personal communication, editor of the Ancient Science of Life Journal, for their 14 August 1999. great assistance in fostering my understanding of

25 Journal of the American Herbalists Guild