Introduction to Ayurvedic Dosage form:-
Ayurvedic system of medication is the most ancient method of treatment for all types of ailments.In Ayurvedic systems ,the crude drugs,metals ,minerals ,ghee ,oil and stones etc. are used as medicine in various forms. The following are some of the common ayurvedic dosage forms which are used in this system.
1 Anjan(अंजन):- These are medication fine powder intended to be used in eyes for their local effect .To relieve pain,especially in the head,”anjans” are recommended in Ayurveda .
2 Araks (अर्क):- These are distilled essences or liquors made by soaking drugs in water for 24-48 hours and then distilling the same. The distillate collected is called “ Araks”.Arkas are just like aromatic waters prepared by distillation used in allopathic system of medicine. Araks are used in fever,dyspepsia and as cooling lotion when it is applied externally.
3 Aristas(आरिष्ट):- These are weak alcoholic preparation prepared by making a decoction of the drugs and then allowing them to undergo fermentation by the help of raw sugar or honey.The fermentation is done for a period of 7-10 days in hot weather and for 15-30 days in cold weather.
4 Asavas(आसव):-These are medicated alcoholic liquors prepared by the fermentation of raw vegetable juices with honey or jaggery or treacle.The various parts of the plant such as roots ,leaves and barks etc.are cut into pieces and infusion is prepared in water in air-tight earthen jars.Honey or treacles is mixed in it. The fermentation is done for at least six months .
The asavas are prepared by the fermentation of infusion of the drugs,whereas aristas are prepared by the fermentation of decoction of the drugs.Asavas are used as stomachic,stimulants,tonics and astringents etc.
5 Avalehas (अव्हेल):- These are thick extracts of the drugs. The decoction of the drug is prepared and after straining it is again boiled down to a thick soft consistency with sugar or honey .In case sugar is used in the preparation ,the quantity used should be four times that of the drugs ,whereas in case of jaggery ,its quantity should be twice that of the drugs.Avalehs are used for digestive troubles,respiratory problems and as a general tonic.
6 Bhasmas(à¤à¤¸्म):- These are ashes which are prepared from vegetable and mineral substances .The vegetable drugs are cut into a course powder or pieces and then burnt till they are completely reduced to ashes .The mineral ashes are prepared from metals.The metals are first subjected to purification by treatment with oil,fat free curd and cow`s urine .The purified mass is oxidized and then subjected to a process of roasting .The roasted mass is reduced to a fine powder.Ashes are also prepared from various animal products such as hart`s horn ,pearls and cowries etc.
7 Churnas(चूर्ण):-These are powdered mixture prepared by mixing dry mineral,animal or vegetable substances in a pestle mortar.The powdered mixture is then passed through cloth ,linen or fine sieve.In case jaggery is to be mixed with powder,it should be equal to the quantity of churan and in case of sugar,it should be double the quantity of churan.Churnas are usually taken with milk,hot water and cow`s urine .Churnas are usually given in bulk.Its action is quick but its effect is only temporary .
8 Ghan(घन ):-It is semi-solid preparation,prepared by evaporation of the quaths to semisolid consistency.Ghans are meant for converting quaths to tablet or pills.
9 Ghritas (घृता):- These are medicated ghees or clarified butter.The ghritas or clarified butter is heated on a fire to remove water.A little turmeric juice is then added to purify it.The purified ghritas is melted with a gentle heat in earthen plot,copper or iron pan and then mixed with the medicinal paste and decocotions of medicines to be used .It is then boiled with gritas till the water content gets evaporated and it is free from the froth.It is then strained through cloth and preserved for use.It is meant for internal use.
10. Gutikas(गुटिका )-These are large pills.These are prepared from the pill mass.The pill mass is prepared by reducing a decoction of vegetable substances to a thick consistency and then mixed with powdered medicines ,raw sugar,honey,gum ,guggal etc.The pill mass is then converted into pill pipes and finally converted into gutikas.