20/01/2026
“Doctor, I don’t want kashaymlam
Arishta is enough. Tablets are enough.”
Such requests are commonly heard in clinical practice.
When the disease does not cause much discomfort, many feel that an easy-to-consume medicine is sufficient.
However, when the disease becomes severe or chronic, the same patients often say:
“Doctor, I just want the disease to get cured by any means.”
It is important to understand this clearly:
❌ Taking only “easy medicines” is not always right
❌ Allowing a disease to persist for years is also not right
Hence, some basic principles must be understood.
👉 Ayurveda has multiple dosage forms (Aushadha Kalpanas):
🟢 Kashaya, Arishta, Ghrita (medicated ghee), Lehyam
🟢 Churnas (powders), tablets
🟢 Medicated oils, Bhasmas
🟢 Freshly extracted herbal juices used with or without filtration, and administered with suitable anupanas such as honey, jaggery, etc., depending on the condition
🟠 It should also be remembered that the same group of herbs can be prepared as
kashaya, arishta, ghrita, or tablets.
📌 Why?
Because the choice of formulation depends on:
🔸 Digestive strength (Jataragni -digestion, metabolism, absorption)
🔸 Strength of the patient and strength of the disease
🔸 Body constitution (Prakriti)
🔸 Age
🔸 Associated illnesses and health conditions
🔸 Season and geographical region and other factors
Only after evaluating all these factors should a formulation be selected.
👉 Dosage forms should:
❌ Not be decided by the patient
❌ Not be chosen merely for convenience
The true strength and beauty of Ayurvedic treatment lies in selecting the right formulation for the right condition at the right time.
Gaining a basic and correct understanding of medicine and health is the first step towards effective treatment. 👍✔️
The importance of the six tastes—sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent—in health maintenance and disease prevention will be discussed separately.
Thank you.
Dr. Arunlal T.P,B.A.M.S
Senior Medical Officer
AVP Chennai Arogya Nilayam
The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Ltd
