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Amla (Amalaki)

Emblica officinalis

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is the most revered herb in Ayurveda — ranked by the Charaka Samhita as the single best Rasayana among all fruits. It contains one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C found in any food (600–900 mg per fruit), stabilized by tannins so it remains potent even after drying. Classical texts classify it as Tridosha Shamaka — balancing to all three doshas — with a particular strength in cooling Pitta, nourishing the blood, and rebuilding tissues after illness.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Withania somnifera dunal

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most important Rasayana (rejuvenative) drugs in Ayurveda, often compared to Ginseng in its adaptogenic properties. The name 'Ashwagandha' means 'smelling like a horse' due to the characteristic horse-like odor of the fresh root. It is a small shrub growing 2-5 feet tall with greenish-yellow flowers and small red berries. The root is the primary medicinal part. It grows in drier parts of India - Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The root contains Withanolides (steroidal lactones) as the main active principles, along with alkaloids including Somniferine and Withasomnine. Multiple species exist but Bhavaprakasha notes that the Nagori Ashwagandha (from Nagaur in Rajasthan) is considered the best variety. The roots when dried are 1-1.5 feet long, cylindrical, and grayish-brown. Ashwagandha is used in general debility, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, reproductive weakness, and as an anti-aging tonic. It is unique among Rasayana drugs in being Ushna Virya (hot potency) yet Madhura Vipaka. This makes it suitable for Vata and Kapha conditions while not significantly aggravating Pitta. The text emphasizes its role as Balya (strength-promoting), Vrishya (aphrodisiac), and Nidrajanana (sleep-inducing). It is also used in Shotha (inflammation), Kshaya (consumption), and Shvitra (leucoderma). Oil prepared from Ashwagandha root is applied externally in Vata disorders. Dose: root powder 2-4 masha; with milk or ghee; decoction 1-2 tola.

Abhrak (Mica / अभ्रक)

Mica (complex aluminium silicate)

Abhrak (Mica) is one of the most important minerals in Rasa Shastra. Four types are described based on color: Shveta (white), Rakta (red), Peeta (yellow), and Krishna (black). Krishna Abhrak is considered the best. Abhrak Bhasma is prepared through extensive Puta processes (up to 1000 Putas for Sahasraputi Abhrak Bhasma). It is a supreme Rasayana used in tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, chronic fevers, diabetes, anemia, and general debility. Higher quality Bhasma (more Putas) is more effective and safer. It is considered the 'Amrita' among minerals. Verses: 94-100.

Acacia / Shatala (सातला / शातला)

Acacia concinna DC.

Shatala (Acacia concinna) is mentioned in the text as Shikakai, widely used for hair care. The pods contain natural saponins that serve as a gentle hair cleanser. It is also used as a mild purgative and blood purifier. The pod decoction is used for skin diseases.

Aconite (Vatsanabha / वत्सनाभ)

Aconitum ferox Wall. (Aconitum chasmanthum)

Vatsanabha (Indian Aconite) is described as the foremost Visha (poison) used therapeutically. The root tuber of Aconitum ferox/chasmanthum is extremely toxic — containing aconitine and related alkaloids. After proper Shodhana (purification through Gomutra/cow's urine processing or Swedana/steaming), it becomes a powerful medicine. Purified Vatsanabha is used in malaria-type intermittent fevers, Sannipata Jwara (complex fevers), Vata disorders, colic pain, and indigestion. The text describes that India has about 24 species of Aconitum. A. ferox, A. deinorrhizum, A. balfourii, A. laciniatum, and A. spicatum are found in various Himalayan regions. The lethal dose is very small — death can occur from even small amounts of unpurified root. Purification reduces toxicity by converting alkaloids to less toxic forms. Dose: 1/8 to 1/4 Ratti. The detailed purification involves soaking in cow's urine for 7 days and then steaming. Verses: 156-165.

Adraka / Fresh Ginger (आद्रक)

Zingiber officinale Roscoe (fresh)

Fresh ginger differs from dry ginger in properties. Fresh ginger is Guru (heavy) with Katu Vipaka, while dry ginger is Laghu (light) with Madhura Vipaka. Fresh ginger is better as a food additive, while dry ginger is better as medicine.

Agarwood (Agaru / अगर)

Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.

Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha, Fam. Thymelaeaceae) is Agarwood or Eagle-wood, one of the most prized aromatic woods. Found in Northeast India (Assam), Myanmar, and Southeast Asia. The fragrant resinous wood forms when the tree is infected by a specific fungus (Fungi Imperfecti — hence the name 'Krimija' meaning 'born of worms'). Healthy trees produce no fragrant wood. The infected resinous heartwood sinks in water, while uninfected wood floats. This is a key identification test. Agaru is hot in potency, aromatic, and used in heart diseases, cough, asthma, and Vata disorders. The oil is used in perfumery and incense. It is burned as dhoop (incense) in temples. Multiple grades exist — Krishna (black) Agaru is the best. Various types are described based on region of origin. The wood and oil command extremely high prices due to rarity. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 22-23.

Agastya Flowers (Agasti Pushpa / अगस्ति पुष्प)

Sesbania grandiflora Linn.

The flowers of Agastya (Sesbania grandiflora) are large, white or red, and edible. They are used as a vegetable, especially in South Indian cuisine. The flower juice is used for nasal polyps and sinusitis as nasal drops. The flowers have anti-inflammatory properties. They are cooling and useful in Pitta disorders.

Acne

Acne is the result of high pitta moving under the skin and breaking out in pimples. Ayurveda recommends several natural approaches that, taken together, can effectively control acne. The possible pitta-provoking causes are numerous. They include emotional stress, premenstrual hormonal changes, and exposure to chemicals or too much sunlight. The problem might also be a bacterial infection. It is important to find out the cause, so it can be properly treated or, in the case of exposure to chemicals or sunlight, simply avoided.

Allergies

According to Ayurvedic samprapti (pathogenesis), allergies are a doshic reaction to a specific allergen, such as pollen, dust, chemicals on a rug, ragweed, or any strong chemical smell. These allergic reactions are classified as vata type, pitta type, and kapha type.

Anemia (Pandu Roga)

When the dosshas become aggravated, and Pitta is mostly excessed, the Pitta in the heart is forced into the arteries and veins attached to the heart. It is Vayu that causes Pitta to move and then spread throughout the body. Pitta then vitiatesKapha, skin, blood, and muscles, causing them toturn yellowish white (most common color), deep yellow, or green. Five kinds of anemia exist: Vayu, Pitta, Kap

Anxiety

Anxiety, which often is associated with insomnia and feelings of fear, is due primarily to aggravation of vata dosha in the nervous system. So to heal anxiety, we have to balance vata. Here are several effective Ayurvedic remedies to pacify vata, heal anxiety and fear, and improve your sleep.

Arthritis

Ayurveda distinguishes three categories of arthritis, corresponding to vata, pitta, and kapha. To treat this condition properly, it is vital to carefully diagnose which type you have.

Asthma (Shvasa / श्वास)

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage)

Basti (Medicated Enema)

Nasya (Nasal Therapy)

Panchakarma (Five Purification Therapies)

Raktamokshana (Bloodletting)

Shirodhara (Oil Pouring Therapy)