Sapna Chaudhary, Brijesh Kumar, Roli S. Mishra, Jyoti Kushwaha
Vol. 6, Jul-Dec 2018
Abstract:
Drug is an important part of chikitsa chatushpada, which has been mentioned next to the physician in Charak Samhita. The comprehensive knowledge of the drug is very important to physician because without knowledge of the drug, the patient can’t be treated properly. 50 Mahakashya is mentioned in Charaka samhita, sutra sthana, chapter 4. This classification of different dravyas is based upon their karma so it can be named as ‘Karmatmaka vargikarana’ . Each mahakashya contains 10 dravyas but this number can be increased as per need with addition of other dravya having similar guna and karma. . Ten important drugs are enumerated under this mahakashaya i.e. Kshirni, Rajakshavaka, Ashvagandha, Kakoli, Kshirakakoli, Vatyayani, Bhadraudani, Bhardvaji, Payasya and Rshyagandha. Brihana is restorative of body elements. The treatment that increases the dhatu is called Brihana chikitsa. It is prescribed in cases of weakness and diseases causing debility. Mahakashaya is the term for a group of drugs which are used for similar purpose.