The invention of five methods of preparation of medicines (Pancha-Vidha Kasaya Kalpana) by Agnivesha is really a revolutionary step in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. Earlier, people used to consume leaves, roots, etc in a raw form to appease hunger and to treat the health problems. Later on with the invention of these Pancha-Vidha Kasay kalpana, plants, minerals and drugs of animal origin were made therapeutically fit and potent in small doses.
These include
- Swarasa (juicy extractions)
- Kalka (paste of coarsely powdered drugs)
- Kashaya (aqueous extract or decoction)
- Hima (type of decoction)
- Phanta (type of decoction)
These five fundamental preparations are potent therapeutically in their ascending order and are light for digestion in their descending order.
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Medication
