Forms of Medicines in Ancient India

Ancient India, with its rich heritage of medical science, developed a profound understanding of health and therapeutics, as reflected in the classical system of Ayurveda. Central to this system was the knowledge of various forms of medicines, carefully prepared to ensure efficacy, palatability, and proper dosage. These medicinal forms were devised from natural ingredients—herbs, minerals, metals—and their preparation techniques optimized to enhance therapeutic value and patient compliance.  

Churna (Powders)

One of the simplest and most commonly used forms of medicine was Churna, or powders. These were finely ground dry herbs or mixtures of herbal and mineral substances. Powders facilitated easy digestion and absorption, and allowed precise dosage measurement. They could be administered alone or combined with various carriers like honey, ghee, or water to ease ingestion and enhance therapeutic effects.

Svarasa (Expressed Juice)

Svarasa referred to the fresh expressed juice obtained from medicinal plants. It was often considered the most potent form since it contained the active principles in a concentrated fresh state, without heat treatment that might degrade efficacy. Svarasa was particularly useful for quickly acting remedies requiring immediate therapeutic effect.

Important Dosage Forms of Medicine

Ancient Indian texts describe a variety of specialized dosage forms, each adapted to particular therapeutic contexts. These forms ensured not only the stability of medicines but also their palatability and efficient absorption.

Kalka (Paste)

Kalka was a thick paste prepared by grinding or crushing fresh herbs with water or other liquids. This paste was generally used for local application or oral administration when a milder or longer-acting form of medicine was required.

 Kwatha (Decoctions)

Among the most vital dosage forms was Kwatha, or decoctions. They were prepared by boiling powdered herbs in water to extract active ingredients. Decoctions differed from simple infusions due to the prolonged boiling, ensuring concentration of medicinal properties.

Importantly, decoctions were often administered with the addition of substances such as salt, honey, sugar, treacle (a type of syrup), alkalies, ghee, oil, or medicinal powders. These adjuncts helped to modulate taste, improve digestion, and enhance the absorption or compatibility of active principles within the human body.

Phanta (Infusions)

Phanta were infusions, where herbs were soaked in hot water without boiling, extracting mainly volatile or heat-sensitive components. This method was gentler and preserved delicate ingredients that might degrade with heat.

Sitakashaya (Cold Infusion)

A specialized form, Sitakashaya, involved soaking herbs in cold water for extended periods, allowing extraction of water-soluble constituents without heat exposure. This form was useful for constituents sensitive to heat or oxidation.

Paniya (Weak Decoction)

Paniya represented a weak or diluted form of decoction, often used for patients with delicate digestion or in conditions requiring mild medication.

Pramathya (Decoction Variant)

Pramathya was another form of decoction distinguished by specific preparation methods or ingredient combinations, designed to target particular physiological effects.

Mantha (Emulsion)

Mantha referred to emulsions, preparations where medicines were finely mixed in water, oil, or milk to form a stable suspension. Emulsions were especially beneficial for administering drugs that required dissolution in fats or oils for better bioavailability.

Yavagu (Gruel)

Yavagu was a therapeutic gruel prepared by boiling powdered rice, wheat, barley, or similar grains with medicines. The typical water-to-solid ratio was 6:1. When made using decoctions, this preparation was known as Kvatha-Sadhya-Yavagu (gruel made with decoction). This form was used both as nourishment and medication, blending nutrition with therapy.

Avaleha (Extracts or Confections)

Avaleha, or medicated confections, were semi-solid extracts prepared by boiling decoctions of herbs with jaggery or sugar to a thick consistency. This preparation allowed easy dosing and long shelf life, as well as masking unpleasant tastes.

Vatika and Gudika (Pills and Boluses)

Vatika were pills, whereas Gudika were boluses. These solidified forms were made by compressing powders or pastes into convenient units that could be swallowed easily or held in the mouth for slow dissolution.

Modaka (Boluses with Powders)

Modaka were boluses prepared by adding powdered drugs to binders and forming small rounded units. They combined multiple medicinal powders for synergistic effects.

Kkandapaka (Confections)

Kkandapaka indicated confections prepared by adding sugar or jaggery to powders, similar to Avaleha but with variations in technique, aimed at enhancing flavor and therapeutic effect.

Bhavana (Maceration)

Bhavana was the process of maceration or levigation, where powders were repeatedly triturated with liquids like water, juices, or decoctions. This procedure was intended to potentiate or stabilize the medicines.

Putapaka (Roasting)

Putapaka was a unique process involving roasting. Vegetable drugs such as leaves of Jamvu or Vatapatra (leaves of Eugenia jambolana and Ficus bengalensis) were tied firmly, covered with a clay layer, and roasted. The juice squeezed from the roasted drugs was administered with honey or other adjuncts to improve efficacy. Sometimes, the roasted material was used as a powder or pill directly.

Sandhanavarga (Fermented Products)

The Sandhanavarga encompassed products derived from acetous (vinegar-like) fermentation. These included Arnala, a sour gruel from fermented boiled rice, used both as medicine and nourishment.

Dravaka (Distilled Mineral Acids)

Dravaka referred to distilled mineral acids used medicinally, highlighting the sophisticated chemical knowledge in ancient Indian pharmaceutics.

Asava and Arishta (Medicated Spirituous Liquors)

Asava and Arishta were fermented medicinal liquors prepared by fermenting herbal decoctions with sugars like honey or treacle. These spirituous preparations were not only palatable but also enhanced the extraction and preservation of active ingredients, increasing their potency.

Ghritas (Medicated Oils)

While oils and ghee (clarified butter) were often separately used, Ghritas were medicated oils or clarified butter infused with herbal decoctions. These lipid-based preparations aided in internal administration, supporting metabolic functions and neurological health.

Conclusion

The variety of medicinal forms in ancient India, ranging from simple powders and juices to complex fermented liquors and emulsions, reflects a deep understanding of pharmacology. Each form was designed to match the drug’s properties, the desired speed of action, and the needs of both patients and culture. This extensive pharmacopeia offered effective, accessible, and stable treatments, leaving a lasting influence on modern pharmaceutical science.