Ayurveda (Indian system of medicine)

• It is the oldest system of medicine in India.
• In Ayurveda there is a supposition that everything in universe is made up of 5 basic elements (Panchamahabhuta) like solid, liquid, air, space, and energy.
• These 5 elements exist in the body in combined form like Vata, Pitta, Kapha.
• These three forms are together called as \"Tri-dosh\".
  1. Vata = space + air
  2. Pitta = energy + liquid
  3. Kapha = solid + liquid
• The seven forms (tissues/dhatus derived from balanced Tri-dosh) are called as \'SAPTADHATU\'.
• These saptadhatu undergo wear and tear processes and form excretory material or mala.
• When this tri dosh, saptadhatu and mala are in balanced form, the condition is healthy. But if it is in imbalanced form there are pathological disorders.
• In Ayurveda Charak Samhita and Sushrut Samhita are two well-known treaties.
• In Charak Samhita descriptions of plants used as medicine are included and in Sushrut Samhita emphasis is given on surgery.

Siddha system of medicine

• The terms \"Siddha\" means achievement and siddhar were saintly personalities who attended proficiency in medicine through practice of bhakti and yoga.
• This is the system of pre-vedic time identified with Dravidian culture.
• These systems believe that all object in universe is made up of five basic elements like earth, water, sky, fire, and air.
• The identification of causative factors of disease is done through pulse reading, colour of the body, study of voice, urine examination, status of digestive system and examination of tongue.
• The literature of siddha system is mostly in Tamil.
• Few natural drugs used in siddha system of medicine are:
  • Abini (Papaver somniferum)
  • Ethi (Strychnos Nux-vomica)
  • Oomathai (Datura metel)

Homoeopathic system of Indian medicine

• As compare to other Traditional System of medicines, Homeopathy System of medicine is a new system of medicine and which are developed by German Physician chemical Samuel Hahnemann in 18th century.
• Homeopathic medicine system works on the principle of \"Similia Similibus Curentur\" means that like diseases are cured like medicine. (Likes are cured by likes). Drugs produce similar symptoms as the disease (in healthy human beings).
• According to this system of medicine it is proposed that the cause of the disease itself can be used for its treatment. German Physician shown that cinchona bark can produce the symptom of malaria.
• In homeopathic system of medicine, the drug treatment is not specified but the choice of the drug is depending on symptoms and clinical condition of the patient.
• During the treatment drug extract are so diluted which believe that it increases the curative effect of the drug.
• The drugs are extracted in the form of mother tincture, which is further diluted in terms of decimal or centesimal scales.

Unani system of medicine

• Origin: Started in Greece (\"Unani\" means Greek), later developed significantly by Arab and Persian physicians like Avicenna.
• Core Idea (Humoral Theory): Believes the body has four main fluids (Humors): Blood (Dam), Phlegm (Balgham), Yellow Bile (Safra), and Black Bile (Sauda).
• Health = Balance: You are healthy when these four humors are perfectly balanced.
• Disease = Imbalance: Sickness happens when one or more humors are out of balance (too much, too little, or bad quality).
• Temperament (Mizaj): Each person has a unique constitution or temperament (like hot/cold, wet/dry) based on their humors. Treatments are matched to this.
• Diagnosis: Doctors check Pulse (Nabz), Urine (Baul), and Stool (Baraz) very carefully, along with general observation, to diagnose imbalances.
• Treatment Methods: Focuses on restoring balance using: Lifestyle changes & Physical therapies, Diet Therapy and Herbal Medicine

Method of preparation of Ayurvedic formulations