Different pharmaceutical processes are followed in the preparation of medicines in Ayurveda. These processes help make medicines
easily administrable
tasteful
digestable
therapeutically more stable
more preservable
There is a common misconception that Ayurvedic medicines have no expiry date. On the contrary, different types of medicines have different expiry dates. Following are some of the important kinds of Ayurvedic medicines –
Asava and Arishta
These are the medicinal preparations prepared by soaking powdered drugs or making Kashaya in a solution of jaggery or sugar after which it is steeped for a specific period of time. During this period it undergoes fermentation which generates alcohol which helps to preserve the medicine for a long time, for about 10 years. E.g., Punarnavasavam, Dashamoolarishtam, etc.
Avaleha or Leha/Lehyam
Avaleha is a semi-solid preparation which is made by dissolving jaggery or crystallized sugar in different Kashayas. When the syrup is ready, finely powdered medicines in mentioned quantities are added and stirred continuously until it reaches its required consistency. Ghee or oil is also added to this. The process of making Avaleha can seem similar to that of preparing Halwa. If honey is an ingredient in the preparation, it is added only after the mixture is cooled and is subsequently mixed well. Lehyam expires after two years. E.g., Chyavanaprasham, Kushmandaleha, etc.
Kashayachurnam or Paadhachurnam
Kashaayachurnam is a coarse powder (just crushed, not fine) of mixed medicines which is used for preparation of Kashaaya. Kashayachurnam is sold so that the patient may make Kashaya himself at home. Kashaayachurnam stays fresh for up to one year. Nowadays, prepared Kashaaya or Kashaaya tablets are also sold by various brands. E.g., Dashamoola Katiuhraya Kashaayachurnam, Rasnadi Kashaayam, etc.
Churnam
Churnam is a fine powder of drugs. Medicines mentioned in a particular oushadhayoga are dried well, powdered, and sieved to make churnam. It can be used for one year. E.g., Avipathi Churnam, Thaleesapathradi Churnam, etc.
Dravaka
Dravaka is a liquid preparation obtained from Lavana and Kshaaras (salt and alkali). These are prepared by a distillation process either with or without adding liquids. Dravaka should be stored in glass bottles or jars. E.g., Shankadravaka
Kshaara
Alkaline substances obtained from the ashes of drugs are known as Kshaara. Kshaara becomes moist if it is exposed to air. Such preparations last a very long time. E.g., Yavakshaara, Apamargakshaara.
Lepa
Lepa refers to the preparation of paste that is used for external application. It is stored in the form of powder, which is mixed with water, milk, or any appropriate juice before use. Lepa that is prepared from a plant lasts for one year, while lepa prepared from metals last many years. E.g., Sindooradi Lepam, Kumkumaadi Lepam, etc.
Vati or Gutika
Medicines in the form of tablets are known as Vati or Gutika. It lasts for up to two years when made from plants. It otherwise lasts longer. E.g., Chandraprabhaavati, Lashunadi Gutika, etc.
Netrabindu or Anjana
Anjana refers to medicine that is applied on the eye. It lasts for up to one year. E.g., Ilaneer Kuzhambu
Thaila and Gritha
Thaila (oil) or Gritha (ghee) is heated with Kashaayas and cooked until it reduces to an externally applicable thaila. It is also taken internally. Thailam lasts for up to two years. E.g., Narayanathailam, Indukaanthagritham.
Swarasam and Ksheerapakam
Swarasam (extracted juice) and Ksheerapakam (boiled in milk) are both medicines that are prepared right before consumption. E.g., Thulasiswarasam, Arjunaksheerapakam, etc.
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