Changes

=== Classification of drugs ===  

=== Classification of drugs ===  

''Rasa, guna, veerya'' and ''vipaka'' are important properties present in a [[dravya]]. They can be identified by specific methods. But due to specific arrangements of ''mahabhutas'', which causes specific transformations, a [[dravya]] is possessing unique property termed as ''prabhava''. ''Mahabhutas'' being very subtle and unobservable with our senses, their conjugations or transformations can’t be readily understood. So ''prabhava'' is unexplicable. But it is understood based on the effects produced by it. Drugs can be classified on various parameters, based on ''prabhava'' also various classifications are possible. Here a gross classification based on three most important effects of ''prabhava'' is mentioned.

[[Rasa]], [[guna]], [[veerya]] and [[vipaka]] are important properties present in a [[dravya]]. They can be identified by specific methods. But due to specific arrangements of [[mahabhuta]], which causes specific transformations, a [[dravya]] is possessing unique property termed as [[prabhava]]. [Mahabhuta]] being very subtle and unobservable with our senses, their conjugations or transformations can’t be readily understood. So [[prabhava]] is inexplicable. But it is understood based on the effects produced by it. Drugs can be classified on various parameters, based on [[prabhava]] also various classifications are possible. Here a gross classification based on three most important effects of [[prabhava]] is mentioned.

* '''Dosha prashamana (dosha pacifying):'''

==== [[Dosha]] [[prashamana]] (pacification)====

''Dosha prashamana'' are the drugs which bring back the equilibrium of [[dosha]]. ''Amalaki'' and ''durlabha'' pacify all the three [[dosha]] as well as correct the function of ''dhatu''. ''Amalaki'' pacifies ''vata'' due to ''madhura -amla'' ''rasa'' and ''madhura vipaka'', ''pitta'' due to ''madhura-tikta-kashaya'' , ''rasa'' and ''sheeta veerya'', ''kapha'' due to ''katu''-''tikta –kashaya rasa'' and ''guna'' like ''ruksha, laghu''. This explanation of the mode of action of ''amalaki'' on three doshas is true. But question arises why with the same set of properties, different actions are not possible like vitiation of kapha with ''madhura-amla rasa'', ''madhura vipaka'' and ''sheeta veerya''. So there must be some other factor also influencing the actions. This factor is ''prabhava''. The drugs with ''doshaprashamana prabhava'' always only pacify the [[dosha]] and never vitiate them, whereas the drugs with ''dhatu pradushana prabhava'' always vitiate, never pacify.

[[Dosha]] [[prashamana]] are the drugs which bring back the equilibrium of [[dosha]]. [[Amalaki]] and [[duralabha]] pacify all the three [[dosha]] as well as correct the function of [[dhatu]]. ''Amalaki'' pacifies [[vata]] due to [[madhura]] [[amla]] [[rasa]] and [[madhura]] [[vipaka]], [[pitta]] due to [[madhura]] [[tikta]] [[kashaya]] [[rasa]] and [[sheeta]] [[veerya]], [[kapha]] due to [[katu]]-[[tikta]] –[[kashaya]] [[rasa]] and [[guna]] like [[ruksha]], [[laghu]]. This explanation of the mode of action of [[amalaki]] on three [[dosha]] is true. But question arises why with the same set of properties, different actions are not possible like vitiation of [[kapha]] with [[madhura]]-[[amla]] [[rasa]], [[madhura]] [[vipaka]] and [[sheeta]] [[veerya]]. So there must be some other factor also influencing the actions. This factor is [[prabhava]]. The drugs with [[dosha]] [[prashamana]] [[prabhava]] always only pacify the [[dosha]] and never vitiate them, whereas the drugs with [[dhatu]] [[pradushana]] [[prabhava]] always vitiate, never pacify.

* '''Dhatu pradushana (vitiating dhatu):''' There are some substances which by their very nature harm the body e.g. ''mandaka dadhi'' (immature curd/yogurt), slow and acute poisons etc.

====[[Dhatu]] [[pradushana]] (vitiating dhatu)====

* '''Swasthavrittahita (maintaining health):''' The substances which help in maintaining, promotion and preservation of the health of the healthy persons are ''swasthavratta hitakara''. ''Rasayana'' and ''vajikarana'' as well as daily and seasonal regimens etc. are belonging to this group. Red rice, old rice, wheat, barley, green gram etc are good for daily use to maintain and promote health. The primary function of the substances under this category is to maintain the equilibrium of the [[dosha]] so that they are neither increased/aggravated nor decreased. Thus they help normal functioning of the body. [verse 67]

There are some substances which by their very nature harm the body e.g. ''mandaka dadhi'' (immature curd/yogurt), slow and acute poisons etc.

[[Ayurveda]] in general and Charak in particular commonly use plant origin drugs. Animal origin drugs such as milk and its products are mainly used as diet articles and often as drugs also. As per present trend only cow’s urine is used that also mixed with herbal preparations as ''bhavana'' (fortification) or to make enema preparation strong particularly to combat ''ama'' conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Classical [[Ayurveda]] does not advise to use human urine. Other substances of animal origin are rarely used except shells of aquatic animals.  

The substances which help in maintaining, promotion and preservation of the health of the healthy persons are [[swasthavritta]] hitakara.  [[Rasayana]] and [[vajikarana]] as well as daily and seasonal regimens etc. are belonging to this group. Red rice, old rice, wheat, barley, green gram etc. are good for daily use to maintain and promote health. The primary function of the substances under this category is to maintain the equilibrium of the [[dosha]] so that they are neither increased/aggravated nor decreased. Thus they help normal functioning of the body. [verse 67]

* Use of minerals:

 

 

====Use of minerals ====

''Samalah'' indicates byproducts such as bitumen. Salt, minerals and alkaline products obtained from earth are also included in this group. Minerals and metals obtained from earth are first subjected to purification and then converting to nano particles (''bhasma'') by the various methods described separately for each product. The metals are subjected to anaerobic incinerating processes to convert it into ''bhasma'' which is nano form of the metal. Thus the earth-products becomes free from side effects of the gross metal and very potent and cures many diseases when administered with specific decoctions. It also reduces the bulk of doses of the herbal substances when mixed with these ''bhasma''. (Verse 70).

''Samalah'' indicates byproducts such as bitumen. Salt, minerals and alkaline products obtained from earth are also included in this group. Minerals and metals obtained from earth are first subjected to purification and then converting to nano particles (''bhasma'') by the various methods described separately for each product. The metals are subjected to anaerobic incinerating processes to convert it into ''bhasma'' which is nano form of the metal. Thus the earth-products becomes free from side effects of the gross metal and very potent and cures many diseases when administered with specific decoctions. It also reduces the bulk of doses of the herbal substances when mixed with these ''bhasma''. (Verse 70).

*Plant origin drugs are classified in four groups viz. ''vanaspati'' (direct fruiters), ''virudha'' (creepers), ''vanaspatya'' (flower-based fruiters) and ''aushadhi'' (herbs).  

 

Plant origin drugs are classified in four groups viz. ''vanaspati'' (direct fruiters), ''virudha'' (creepers), ''vanaspatya'' (flower-based fruiters) and [[aushadhi]] (herbs).  

*''Vanaspati'' (direct fruiters): There are some plants which bear fruits without visible flowers.  

*''Vanaspati'' (direct fruiters): There are some plants which bear fruits without visible flowers.  

*''Virudha'' (creepers): The plants which spread with branches are ''virudha'' e.g. ''guduchi''

*''Virudha'' (creepers): The plants which spread with branches are ''virudha'' e.g. [[Guduchi]]

*''Vanaspatya'' (flower-based or flowering fruiters): The plants of this group bear first visible flowers and then fruits.

*''Vanaspatya'' (flower-based or flowering fruiters): The plants of this group bear first visible flowers and then fruits.

*''Aushadhi'' (herbs): The plants which die out after bearing the fruits are ''aushadha'' e.g. wheat, paddy, barley, lentils etc (Verse 71-72).

*''Aushadhi'' (herbs): The plants which die out after bearing the fruits are ''aushadha'' e.g. wheat, paddy, barley, lentils etc. (Verse 71-72).

* Fruits of both the types of ''klitaka'' (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) are most useful for purgation, though Sushruta mentions use of its root generally. Only autumnal fruits of ''hastiparini'' are most useful. Sushruta advises use of leaves of ''aragvadha'' (Cassia fistula Linn.) for purgation but in the present context, its fruits are mentioned because they are useful (80-86).

* Fruits of both the types of ''klitaka'' (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) are most useful for purgation, though Sushruta mentions use of its root generally. Only autumnal fruits of ''hastiparini'' are most useful. Sushruta advises use of leaves of [[aragvadha]] (Cassia fistula Linn.) for purgation but in the present context, its fruits are mentioned because they are useful [Verses 80-86].

* Ghee is the most important unctuous substance among various types of unctuous substances, because it possesses an unique quality of absorbing the properties of processed drugs without losing its own properties. Therefore ghee is the best media for processing drugs. (87-88).

 

* ''Saindhva'' (rock salt) is very useful among all salts, but here ''sauvarchala'' (sochal salt) is listed first because of its most palatable taste. Otherwise sochal salt comes only after ''saindhava'' in order of priority (89-92).

* Urine from the female species of various animals have generally been advised for therapeutic purposes because they are considered light. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/238] Some commentators ascribe heaviness to males with ''shukra'' and lightness of urine due to dissociation of female with ''shukra'' but it is not acceptable as females are not completely devoid of ''shukra dhatu.'' So in a nutshell, urine of female animals serves as efficacious in treating the many diseases. Next in order comes urine of male species. The urine of an impotent animal is considered inauspicious and thus not mentioned (93-105).

 

*Ghee is the most important unctuous substance among various types of unctuous substances, because it possesses an unique quality of absorbing the properties of processed drugs without losing its own properties. Therefore ghee is the best media for processing drugs. [Verses 87-88]

* ''Saindhva'' (rock salt) is very useful among all salts, but here ''sauvarchala'' (sochal salt) is listed first because of its most palatable taste. Otherwise sochal salt comes only after ''saindhava'' in order of priority. [Verses 89-92]

* Urine from the female species of various animals have generally been advised for therapeutic purposes because they are considered light. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/238] Some commentators ascribe heaviness to males with ''shukra'' and lightness of urine due to dissociation of female with ''shukra'' but it is not acceptable as females are not completely devoid of [[shukra dhatu]]. So in a nutshell, urine of female animals serves as efficacious in treating the many diseases. Next in order comes urine of male species. The urine of an impotent animal is considered inauspicious and thus not mentioned. [Verses 93-105]

* Sweetness, nourishment, unctuousness, and coolness are the general properties of the milk, but milk of some animals may differ in this regard. For instance, milk of she-camel is slightly saline in taste while she-goat is astringent. Similarly, milk of a she-camel also differs in properties as it is rough and hot. Hence the specific properties mentioned of the individual milk should also be considered in this regard. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/217-224] Milk is beneficial for mental faculties due to its specific action and also due to its general nourishing property which includes the proper growth of the mental faculties also and not the mind itself which is eternal.  

* Sweetness, nourishment, unctuousness, and coolness are the general properties of the milk, but milk of some animals may differ in this regard. For instance, milk of she-camel is slightly saline in taste while she-goat is astringent. Similarly, milk of a she-camel also differs in properties as it is rough and hot. Hence the specific properties mentioned of the individual milk should also be considered in this regard. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/217-224] Milk is beneficial for mental faculties due to its specific action and also due to its general nourishing property which includes the proper growth of the mental faculties also and not the mind itself which is eternal.  

* Milk is beneficial for certain states or conditions of ''raktapitta'' (bleeding disorders) as it is mentioned that even if after administration of the various decoctions, stimulation of digestive power and pacification of ''kapha''. ''Raktapitta'' not cured indicates ''vata'' predominance and in such conditions the milk of a she-goat or of a cow, boiled with five times its volume of water is advised. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/82-83] Thus, it is not correct to say that milk is harmful for ''adhoga'' and ''urdhvaga raktapitta'' due to laxative and ''kapha'' vitiating properties respectively. Milk is, of course, useful in ''raktapitta'' only at a certain stage (105-113).

* Milk is beneficial for certain states or conditions of [[raktapitta]] (bleeding disorders) as it is mentioned that even if after administration of the various decoctions, stimulation of digestive power and pacification of [[kapha]]. [[Raktapitta]] not cured indicates [[vata]] predominance and in such conditions the milk of a she-goat or of a cow, boiled with five times its volume of water is advised. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/82-83] Thus, it is not correct to say that milk is harmful for ''adhoga'' and ''urdhvaga raktapitta'' due to laxative and [[kapha]] vitiating properties respectively. Milk is, of course, useful in [[raktapitta]] only at a certain stage. [Verses 105-113]

* ''Krishnagandha'' is included in the list of ''shodhana'' drugs though it has no elimination action. It seems this drug is included in the list owing to its external purification action and application as paste (116-119).

 

* Local people such as goat-herders, sheep-herders, cow-herder and other forest dwellers are generally well versed with identification of the local herbs. Therefore, the beginner may take their help of these people for identification of the plants available in their areas. However, mere knowing the name and form of the plant is not sufficient and one must know their pharmacological properties, therapeutic actions and underlying principle of its application. Hence the best [[physician]] is the one who is well acquainted with drugs in their entirely (120-123).

* To become a successful [[physician]], it is very necessary to acquaint with identification of the drug material as well as to know detail pharmacological and therapeutic properties and actions of the drug.  

 

* [[physician]] should use only those drugs which are well known from every aspect (pharmacological effect). The unknown drug may act as poison and kill the patient. Therefore, if a [[physician]] knows all the three aspects viz., names, forms and properties of drugs can treat the patients successfully. Hence the patient should not take medicine from pseudo-[[physician]]s and similarly a [[physician]] should not prescribe a drug which is not well known (124-133).  

[[Krishnagandha]] is included in the list of [[shodhana]] drugs though it has no elimination action. It seems this drug is included in the list owing to its external purification action and application as paste. [Verses 116-119]

* Correct drug and knowledgeable [[physician]]s are the two important pillars of successful treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to know the qualities of correct medicine and a good [[physician]]. The drugs having all the requisite properties and actions required for cure a particular disease is considered as the proper drug. For a good [[physician]], it is necessary to have all the knowledge of the principles underlying the correct application of medicines. Sometimes a randomly prescribed medicine by a pseudo [[physician]] also succeeds in alleviating disease and in that case the credit is not his but it is just accidental. Thus, only that [[physician]] is best who has proficiency in the principle governing the use of a drug, knows all the aspects of the medicine to select and thus has the capability of curing the diseases (134).

 

* [[Ayurveda]] has a very scientific principle of ''karya-karana vada'' which says every action (''karya'') has its specific cause (''karana''). Therefore, on the basis of this principle, if the disease is cured, it can be said that a proper medicine having all the requisite curative properties and action has been administered. Similarly, if there is a success in curing a disease, it also implies that the [[physician]] is proficient in [[Ayurveda]] and is endowed with all the good qualities as envisaged in ''Khuddaka chatushpada''. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] l0/ 6] (135)

 

Local people such as goat-herders, sheep-herders, cow-herder and other forest dwellers are generally well versed with identification of the local herbs. Therefore, the beginner may take their help of these people for identification of the plants available in their areas. However, mere knowing the name and form of the plant is not sufficient and one must know their pharmacological properties, therapeutic actions and underlying principle of its application. Hence the best [[physician]] is the one who is well acquainted with drugs in their entirely [Verses 120-123].

 

 

To become a successful [[physician]], it is very necessary to acquaint with identification of the drug material as well as to know detail pharmacological and therapeutic properties and actions of the drug. [[Physician]] should use only those drugs which are well known from every aspect (pharmacological effect). The unknown drug may act as poison and kill the patient. Therefore, if a [[physician]] knows all the three aspects viz., names, forms and properties of drugs can treat the patients successfully. Hence the patient should not take medicine from pseudo-[[physician]]s and similarly a [[physician]] should not prescribe a drug which is not well known [Verses 124-133].  

 

 

Correct drug and knowledgeable [[physician]]s are the two important pillars of successful treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to know the qualities of correct medicine and a good [[physician]]. The drugs having all the requisite properties and actions required for cure a particular disease is considered as the proper drug. For a good [[physician]], it is necessary to have all the knowledge of the principles underlying the correct application of medicines. Sometimes a randomly prescribed medicine by a pseudo [[physician]] also succeeds in alleviating disease and in that case the credit is not his but it is just accidental. Thus, only that [[physician]] is best who has proficiency in the principle governing the use of a drug, knows all the aspects of the medicine to select and thus has the capability of curing the diseases. [Verse 134]

 

 

[[Ayurveda]] has a very scientific principle of ''karya-karana vada'' which says every action (''karya'') has its specific cause (''karana''). Therefore, on the basis of this principle, if the disease is cured, it can be said that a proper medicine having all the requisite curative properties and action has been administered. Similarly, if there is a success in curing a disease, it also implies that the [[physician]] is proficient in [[Ayurveda]] and is endowed with all the good qualities as envisaged in ''Khuddaka chatushpada''. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] l0/ 6] [Verse 135]

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