Nirvapana (Quenching) : The metal or mineral is heated and then quenched in a specific liquid (milk, sour gruel, cow’s urine), e.g., mica purification.
Svedana (Steaming) : The medicine is placed in a liquid and cooked by steam in a ‘Dola Yantra’.
Bharjana (Roasting) : The metal or mineral is roasted in a hot pan for purification.
Prakshalana (Washing) : Impurities are removed by washing the medicine with pure water or specific liquids.
Mardana (Trituration) : Purification is done by grinding in a mortar with various medicinal juices (Bhavana), which is important in Bhasma preparation.
These processes are used according to the nature of the raw material (metals, sub-metals, gems) to eliminate toxicity and enhance therapeutic properties.
Not all herbs are always useful to the body in their natural forms. They need to be processed to make them useful and compatible with the body’s tissues, according to the disease and the patient’s needs; The methods used to alter the natural form and properties of these substances through various physical and Ayurvedic processes are called “Kalpana” (pharmacy or pharmaceutical processes). Examples include Swarasa (juice), Kalka or Churna (paste or powder), Sheet Kwath (infusion), Kwath (decoction), Asava and Arishta (tinctures), Taila (oils), Ghrita (ghee), Avaleha (confections), etc., as well as the purification, calcination, incineration, detoxification, and extraction of essences from mineral substances. The process of purifying Ayurvedic medicines (especially metals and minerals) is called ‘Shodhana’, which is primarily carried out through Bhasma, Khalva, and Kupipakva methods. This process removes impurities, making the medicines effective and safe. Major methods include Svedana (steaming), Bharjana (roasting), Nirvapana (quenching), and Prakshalana (washing).
These processes are used according to the nature of the raw material (metals, sub-metals, gems) to eliminate toxicity and enhance therapeutic properties.
The exact origin of Ayurveda cannot be defined by time. Today, many countries across the world follow their own forms of Ayurveda, yet all of them trace their roots back to the original Indian Ayurvedic tradition. Ayurveda is regarded as the oldest medical science because it is mentioned in the Vedas, which are believed to be millions of years old. As ancient as the Vedas are, so too is Ayurveda.
According to ancient texts, Lord Brahma first created an Ayurvedic treatise known as Brahma Samhita, which is no longer available today. He imparted this divine knowledge to Daksha Prajapati for the welfare of humanity. Daksha Prajapati then passed this wisdom to the Ashwini Kumar twins, renowned as the divine physicians.
Impressed by their medical knowledge, Devaraj Indra learned Ayurveda from the Ashwini Kumars and later taught it to Rishi Atreya. Rishi Atreya shared this knowledge with his six disciples, who authored various classical Ayurvedic texts based on their teachings.
Among them, Acharya Charaka, along with sages like Agnivesha and Harita, compiled the essence of these teachings into the renowned Charaka Samhita, which focuses on internal medicine. Similarly, Acharya Sushruta learned Ayurveda from Kashiraj Divodasa in Kashi and authored the Sushruta Samhita, a foundational text known for its detailed explanations of surgery and surgical instruments.
Later, Rishi Vagbhata compiled the Ashtanga Hridaya, synthesizing the wisdom of both Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Over centuries, many sages and scholars enriched Ayurveda through their experience and contributions, shaping it into the complete and holistic medical system it is today.
Ayurveda is a unique and holistic system of medicine that not only treats disease but also strengthens the body’s natural defense mechanisms. It recognizes the body’s inherent healing power and focuses on removing toxins and imbalances that are the root cause of illness.
Unlike modern allopathic medicine, which often concentrates on suppressing symptoms, Ayurveda aims to identify and treat the actual cause of disease. It works by cleansing the body, restoring balance, and supporting long-term health and wellness.
Ayurveda believes that every individual is unique, and therefore, the same medicine cannot work the same way for everyone. Treatment is planned only after understanding a person’s body constitution, lifestyle, and dosha balance (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Based on this understanding, personalized medicines and therapies are prescribed to ensure complete and lasting healing.
This individualized and root-cause-based approach is why Ayurveda is considered one of the most effective systems for treating chronic and complex diseases naturally.
At Kathmandu Ayurvedic Pharmacy, we are committed to preserving this authentic Ayurvedic wisdom and delivering genuine, time-tested solutions for holistic health and well-being.