Herbal Medicine & Formulations Flashcards

What is the Ayurvedic concept of 'Anupana' in herbal medicine?

Answer: The vehicle or medium used to administer herbal medicines that enhances their action

Anupana is the post-drug vehicle (carrier substance like water, milk, ghee, or honey) taken after or with herbal medicine, which influences the drug's distribution, absorption, and therapeutic action.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is classified primarily as which type of Rasayana?

Answer: Stanya (galactagogue) and female reproductive tonic

Shatavari is the primary female Rasayana in Ayurveda, acting as a galactagogue, uterine tonic, and hormonal balancer, though it also benefits the male reproductive system.

Which of the following best describes 'Shodhana' (purification) of Guggulu before use in formulations?

Answer: Melting it in a decoction of Triphala or cow's urine to remove impurities

Raw Guggulu undergoes Shodhana by melting in appropriate liquid media (such as Triphala decoction) and filtering to remove impurities, foreign matter, and reduce its unwanted side effects.

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is considered the best herb for which dosha according to Ayurvedic texts?

Answer: Vata

Haritaki is described in classical texts as the best herb for Vata disorders, while also being beneficial for all three doshas; it is called 'Abhaya' (fearless) for its wide therapeutic applications.

What is the significance of 'Satva' extraction in Ayurvedic herbal processing?

Answer: Extracting the active starchy or crystalline essence from a plant by soaking, grinding, and settling

Satva refers to the pure essence extracted from herbs by soaking them, straining, and allowing the fine particles to settle and dry, yielding a concentrated starchy or crystalline active principle.

Which formulation principle dictates that honey should never be heated above body temperature when used in Ayurvedic preparations?

Answer: Heated honey (Madu) becomes toxic (Ama-forming) due to molecular changes

In Ayurvedic medicine, heating honey is considered to produce a toxic substance called 'Madu Visha' as the molecular changes create compounds that the body cannot properly metabolize, leading to Ama formation.

Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) bark is the drug of choice in Ayurveda for which condition?

Answer: Atisara (diarrhea) and pravahika (dysentery)

Kutaja is the premier Ayurvedic remedy for Atisara and Pravahika, containing conessine and other alkaloids with proven antiamoebic and intestinal astringent properties.