Basics of Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravya Guna)

Topics to be covered

1. Basics concepts of Dravya (herbs) – 

• This topic will cover the pharmacological classification, pharmacotherapeutic classification i.e Mahakshaya, Gana of various herbs, herbs classification on the basis of qualitative similarity as per classical texts. 
• Guna- The nature and intensity of action acquired by herbs is decided by the property inherent and acquired by herbs. Herb is recognized for its qualities. So, understanding the basic concept of Guna and the number of Guna mentioned in classical texts is very important to understand herb and to get maximum benefit from it.
• Rasa- Rasa is known as the perception after contact of herb (dravya) with the gustatory sense organ. Different Rasa is present in various herbs and that particular herb exhibits mode of action as per the Rasa present in it.
• Vipaka- It is scientifically the transporfed phase of herb (Dravyas) or the end product after digestion. Herbs also exhibit its action due to this end product so understanding the Vipaka is very important.
• Virya- Virya is the potency by which substance exerts its own action. It is the power of the herb and every herb exhibits a different power. So which kind of strength you need as per your body and to make your formulation, it is important to understand the basic concept of Virya.
• Karma- Karma is characterized by movement or activity. In this topic you will understand how herbs act on various systems like the nervous system, circulatory system, etc.

2. Identification of Drugs- It is matter of great task to completely identify the herb customarily and classically mentioned. The knowledge of all the herbs found in nature is too arduous, but classics help you to properly identify the herbs.

3. Collection of Storage of Herbs- How to collect the various herbs, what is the ideal land to collect the drug, method of collection of herbs as per its part used, its potency, action is very important to get maximum desired result from herb. Here you will get vast knowledge of classical texts on this concept.

4. Kalpana – In this topic you will get the general knowledge or the elaborate knowledge about the various Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals preparations like how to prepare juice, paste, decoction generally or of herbs.

5. Bheshaja Paryoga- In this topic you will acquire complete knowledge on administration, Dosage (posology), vehicle, Beshaja Kala (time of drug administration) of various Ayurvedic herbs and formulation.

6. Samyoga and Viruddha- In this topic you will understand the concept of combination and incompatibility of various herbs.

7. Family wise identification of various Ayurvedic herbs which will give you a better idea of identification of groups of herbs with similar characters.