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The scope of [[Ayurveda]] was envisaged by the acharyas under three key principles: [[hetu]]jnana(knowledge of etiology), lingajnana (symptomatology) and aushadhajnana(knowledge of therapeutics). Etiology includes the immediate and distant causes of diseases. Symptomatology includes the signs and symptoms of diseases and health. In continuation of the series on ''annapana chatushka'' (tetrad on dietetics), the present chapter is on understanding the basic principles of Ayurvedic pharmacology (''aushadhajnana''). ''Aushadhajnana'' encompasses materia medica and therapeutics. ''Dravya'' (matter), [[guna]] (quality), ''karma'' (action), ''samanya'' (that which results in similarity), ''vishesha'' (that which results in exclusivity) and ''samavaya'' (inseparable or permanent relationship or concomitance) constitute ''karana'' (causes, reasons or means) for achieving good health by restoration of [[dhatu]] samyata (equilibrium of [[dosha]], tissue elements).  

The scope of [[Ayurveda]] was envisaged by the acharyas under three key principles: [[hetu]]jnana(knowledge of etiology), lingajnana (symptomatology) and aushadhajnana(knowledge of therapeutics). Etiology includes the immediate and distant causes of diseases. Symptomatology includes the signs and symptoms of diseases and health. In continuation of the series on ''annapana chatushka'' (tetrad on dietetics), the present chapter is on understanding the basic principles of Ayurvedic pharmacology (''aushadhajnana''). ''Aushadhajnana'' encompasses materia medica and therapeutics. ''Dravya'' (matter), [[guna]] (quality), ''karma'' (action), ''samanya'' (that which results in similarity), ''vishesha'' (that which results in exclusivity) and ''samavaya'' (inseparable or permanent relationship or concomitance) constitute ''karana'' (causes, reasons or means) for achieving good health by restoration of [[dhatu]] samyata (equilibrium of [[dosha]], tissue elements).  

''Dravyas'' are of three categories - some alleviate [[dosh]],some vitiate [[dhatu]],and some are good for the maintenance of positive health. ''Dravyas'' act with the help of their inherent qualities ([[guna]]). ''Dravya'' acts by its nature or with the help of its inherent qualities. It is emphasized that no medicine should be prescribed for incurable diseases and curable conditions should be treated with ''bheshaja'' (medicine) possessing opposite qualities (to those of the conditions being treated), administered with due regard to ''desha'' (the area or region where the drugs are produced or collected), ''matra'' (appropriate dose) and ''kala'' (seasonal variations as well as the age of the patient). The success of the treatment primarily depends on the principles involved in processing and prescribing the drugs that are collectively called paradi [[guna]] (10 general attributes). The key factor responsible for the manifestation of the effect of the drug is referred to as ''veerya''. ''Veerya'' is the power that performs ''karya'' (work or activity). The site of action of one drug is referred as ''adhikarana'', and bodily components like ''dosha, dhatu, mala, agni, srotas'' and mind may be considered as ''adhisthanas''. ''Upaya'' indicates the mode of administration and the consequent outcome of the ''upaya'' is ''phalam'' (which ideally should be the restoration of equilibrium of all the functions of body and mind). About principles of drug action rasa, [[guna]], veerya, vipaka and ''prabhava'' are considered to be the prime factors that trigger the drug’s actions. This is referred to as [[guna]]prabhava(literally, effects of the qualities).

''Dravyas'' are of three categories - some alleviate [[dosha]],some vitiate [[dhatu]],and some are good for the maintenance of positive health. ''Dravyas'' act with the help of their inherent qualities ([[guna]]). ''Dravya'' acts by its nature or with the help of its inherent qualities. It is emphasized that no medicine should be prescribed for incurable diseases and curable conditions should be treated with ''bheshaja'' (medicine) possessing opposite qualities (to those of the conditions being treated), administered with due regard to ''desha'' (the area or region where the drugs are produced or collected), ''matra'' (appropriate dose) and ''kala'' (seasonal variations as well as the age of the patient). The success of the treatment primarily depends on the principles involved in processing and prescribing the drugs that are collectively called paradi [[guna]] (10 general attributes). The key factor responsible for the manifestation of the effect of the drug is referred to as ''veerya''. ''Veerya'' is the power that performs ''karya'' (work or activity). The site of action of one drug is referred as ''adhikarana'', and bodily components like ''dosha, dhatu, mala, agni, srotas'' and mind may be considered as ''adhisthanas''. ''Upaya'' indicates the mode of administration and the consequent outcome of the ''upaya'' is ''phalam'' (which ideally should be the restoration of equilibrium of all the functions of body and mind). About principles of drug action rasa, [[guna]], veerya, vipaka and ''prabhava'' are considered to be the prime factors that trigger the drug’s actions. This is referred to as [[guna]]prabhava(literally, effects of the qualities).

''Rasas,'' or tastes, are of six types: ''madhura'' (sweet), ''amla'' (sour), ''lavana'' (saline), ''katu'' (pungent), ''tikta'' (bitter), and ''kashaya'' (astringent).  

''Rasas,'' or tastes, are of six types: ''madhura'' (sweet), ''amla'' (sour), ''lavana'' (saline), ''katu'' (pungent), ''tikta'' (bitter), and ''kashaya'' (astringent).