Definition of Ayurvedic Herbal Pharmaceutics – Bhaishajya Kalpana

The word Bhaishajya Kalpana is composed of two words – Bhaishajya and Kalpana. The word Bhaishajya means – related to Bheshaja (medicine). Kalpana refers to formulation or designing of medicine.

Definition of Bheshaja – Bhaishajya

Bheshaja is fit to be known by a Bhishak (doctor). Hence it is called as Bheshaja.
That which helps the Bhishak in treatment is called Bhaishajya.

Definition of Aushadha

Osa means Rasa. Rasa leads to health. Rasa means Dhatu and also taste. In the context of aushadhi, Rasa can be considered as potency. That which withholds potency is Aushadhi.
Aushadha and Bheshaja are synonyms. The word Bhaishajya is used in relation to the word Bheshaja.

Synonyms of Aushadha

Chikitsita – Tool for treatment (Chikitsa)
Vyadhihara – that which helps to relieve disease
Pathya – which is good for Patha – gastro intestinal tract
Sadhana – tool to treat disease
Prayashchitta – Reconciliation against disease
Prashamana – that which palliates Dosha imbalance in disease.
Prakruti Sthapana – that which restores health.
Hita – that which is good for the patient

Definition of Kalpana

Planned grouping, formulation and processing of herbs, in order to prepare medicine is called Kalpana.

Definition of Samskara

Samskara means to bring about transformation of quality in a substance.
It is achieved by
Jala sannikarsha – processing with water
Agni sannikarsha – processing with fire – such as heating, boiling etc.
Shaucha – cleaning
Manthana – churning
Desha – storing in proper place, effect of place on the qualities of the herb
Kaala – storing for particular time, effect of time on qualities of the herb
Vaasana – flavouring
Bhaavana – grinding with liquids
Kaalaprakarsha – changes over a period of time. For eg. Grains – after one year, Ghee – after 1 year.

Significance of Bhaishajya Kalpana

Herbal pharmaceutics helps to  make the

• Medicine more palatable,
• Rich in potency,
• Safer
• More efficient.
• Improve shelf life.