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The Ayurveda system of medicine has been in use for a long time. ‘Ayurveda’ is a Sanskrit word made of two words: ‘ayur’ (meaning life) and ‘veda’ (meaning science). Ayurveda aims to achieve good health and the overall well-being of a person. The practices and remedies are formulated to balance different aspects of the mind, body, and spirit. In Ayurvedic medicines, herbs and spices play a crucial role, while medicinal plants are used to make pills, churna, and sherbets. In this article, we will talk about Ayurvedic formulations such as churna.
Ingredients used in Ayurvedic formulations
Herbal medicines such as churna are made using three primary ingredients, which form the basis of Ayurvedic medicines. These are plants (herbal extracts such as plant parts) and minerals.
Most Ayurvedic medications are made from plant materials such as root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit extract, or the complete plant.
Herbal products and medications such as aristha, awaleha, churna, chyawanprash, etc, are made from medicinal herbs and animal extracts. There are approximately 21 different compounds of Ayurvedic formulations that can be used in a single medication of animal origin, mineral origin and plant origin.
Asava in Ayurvedic Formulations
Decoctions, syrups, and herbal liquids are part of Ayurvedic formulations. Asava, or asavam, is an Ayurvedic medicine section where herbal drinks are made using fresh flowers, fruits, or medicinal herbs. Some of the most commonly used ones are:
Chandanasava: This syrup improves the complexion
Hareethakyasava: This is given to treat backache, stomach ache, cough, and symptoms of haemorrhoids, anaemia (iron deficiency), rheumatic illnesses, gastrointestinal troubles, acidity, etc.
Kanakasava: This helps treat asthma and dyspnea (laboured breathing)
Lohasava: This is given to people who have anaemia, weight gain problems, or loss of appetite
Pippalyasava: This is for problems related to digestion, anaemia, intestinal spasms, and loss of appetite
Punarnavasava: This is used for the treatment of oedema (fluid retention), anaemia, ascites (abdominal swelling caused by a build-up of fluids), and other liver problems
Medicinal Powders in Ayurvedic Formulations
Churna is a powder that can be dissolved in a liquid to treat problems such as constipation. Churna is made by repeatedly crushing and sifting herbs and minerals until they reach the desired formula or taste. The different types of churna are:
Ashta Churna: This powder can be given to children and teenagers for relief from infections and stomach aches. It also keeps the digestive tract healthy and prevents indigestion
Avipathi Churna: This helps patients regain control of their bowel motions. It is also given to people with anaemia and gastrointestinal problems
Dadimashtaka Churna: This helps balance acidity in the body, thus helping in regulating bowel movement and digestion
Eladigana Churna: This is given to people with skin conditions such as pimples and irritations
Hinguvachadi Churna: This is for patients with stomach ailments, colon difficulties, obesity concerns, stomach bile problems, and urinary and sinus infections
Karpooradi Churna: This is for treating mucus-related diseases, cough, and the common cold
Rajanyadi Churna: This improves digestion and keeps the body energised
Conclusion
In this article, we learned about Ayurvedic formulations such as powders and liquids. We learned the different forms of herbal drinks and powders used to relieve temporary illnesses and symptoms. Even though Ayurvedic medicines cause no side effects, they must be taken under the guidance of physicians or doctors. These medicines are formulated to relieve symptoms rather than cure the disease. Ayurveda believes that all diseases and illnesses are caused by an imbalance of the mind, body, and soul.
