Drug combinations in Ayurveda

It’s been observed that the activity, the main action of the drug is activated or catalysed or accelerated by means of combination of herbs in Ayurveda, which is called as YOGA.

Explained as YOGA PRABHAVA means the formulation is getting a higher potency.

The main reason for the combination drugs or classical principle medicines is due to the combination of number of drugs commonly given  during the one episode of illness tends to increase the potency and its action, along with above mentioned reason the action of one drug combination is influences or modified or balanced with the other herbs in the combination.

Some of the uses of combinations formulas are:

  • Increases the potency of the formula
  • Avoid severe side effects or drug reactions
  • To save time and money
  • When single herb fail to meet the needs
  • Double benefits
  • Increases absorbability
  • Sometimes useful in confused differential diagnosis or unidentified doshic imbalance.
  • Useful in disease predominant in two doshas and three doshas.

Mostly the Ayurevdic formulations are named with the first ingredient mentioned in it. Other principles are main ingredient, method of preparation etc.

Based on the first ingredient

  • Sitopaladi Churna
  • Talisadi Churna
  • Nisamalaki Churna
  • Chandraprabha Vati
  • Khadiradi Vati
  • Bilwadi Gutika

Based on the main ingredient

  • Dasamularista
  • Amrita Bhallataki Lehyam
  • Kanchanara Guggulu
  • Triphala Guggulu
  • Hingvashtaka Churna

Based on therapeutic efficacy

  • Arogyavardhini Vati
  • Arshogna Vati
  • Ashmaribheda Kwatha

Based on method of preparation

  • Satadhouta Ghrita
  • Sahasradhouta Ghrita
  • Vasapatra Putapaka Swarasa
  • Ksheerabala 101 Avarti

Based on dosage and quantity of drug used

  • Shadbindu Taila
  • Ashtakatvara Taila
  • Shatpala Ghrita

Based on name of Acharya who profound

  • Chavanaprasya Lehyam
  • Agastya Hareetaki Rasayanam

Interaction of herbs and synergism in the body

Two or more herbs given at same time for two different reasons, one is to counter the action or side effect of others- which is called as antagonism the other reason is to act on the same system or location – is denoted as synergism.

Synergism:

There are various ways the drugs act in concert

  • Summation or addition: Similar in action
  • Potentiating: enhance the activity
  • Stability: preservation

Pharmaceutical process of Ayurveda:

Mainly works on

  • Easy administration
  • Tasteful
  • Digestible and easy elimination and assimilation
  • More tolerable
  • More preservable

All the above mentioned process are mentioned under the Ausadha Kalapana (medicinal formulations)

Ayurvedic Dosage form:

  • Solid dosage forms – tablets (Gutika and vatika)
  • Semi solid form – Jams and Ghee (Avaleha and Gritham)
  • Liquid form – Self fermented drinks (Asavam and Aristam ) in Oil form, drvakam, swarasam, panaka, phantam etc
  • Powder form – Dry herbal powders

Most of the combinations are made from herbs but may also contain animal, mineral sources as well.

Any questions about your personal health will directed to info@jeevahealth.com.au, the contents covered in this article are for strictly educational purpose only, for the more comprehensive help, please contact our practitioners at 03 99399474