Traditional Medicine in Asia

Traditional Medicine in Asia
problems, it revitalizes the metabolic
functions.
� Asavas and Arishtas – These are
medicinal preparations made by
soaking the drugs, either in powder
form or in the form of decoction, in a
solution of sugar or jaggery for a
specified period of time, during which
the mixture undergoes a process of
fermentation generating alcohol, thus
facilitating the extraction of the active
principles contained in the drugs.
There are several kinds of Arishtas and
Asavas but more than 30 such
products are available commonly.
� Vati-Gutikas – These are in the form
of tablets or pills made of one or more
drugs of plant or mineral origin and
these too comprise several items. Their
uses range from the treatment of
jaundice, hyperacidity, intestinal colic,
distention of the abdomen and loose
motions to chronic fevers.
� Churna – Churnas comprise fine
powders of single or multiple-plant
drugs and are usually taken as
appetizers or digestives and still others
as purgatives. Shatvaryadi Churnas
are widely used for abdominal colic,
griping, constipation, worm infestation
and acidity. Trifala Churna is used for
chronic constipation and dropsical
conditions and is also used for
improving eyesight.
� Guggulu – Guggulu is an exudate,
obtained from the plant Commiphora
mukul. It has excellent properties for
treating pain, nervine problems
and skin diseases. Combination of
Guggulu and herbal powders has been
given names like Triphla guggulu and
Yogsay guggulu.
� Ghritas – Ghritas are preparations in
which ghee/butter is boiled with the
prescribed decoction according to the
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Ayurvedic formula. These are useful in
the treatment of mild fever and in
making the body healthy and strong.
They are useful in epilepsy and mental
disorders, genito-urinary disorders,
conjunctivitis and night blindness.
� Ayurveda also has a large number of
medicated oils (Tailas) which are useful
for different kinds of pain in different
parts of the body. Medicated oils are
also available for hair problems, skin
diseases and anorectic problems.
� All these items are prepared according
to Ayurvedic principles and the entire
recipe, its composition, the formula,
the English and botanical names of the
items, the parts in which the preparation
is made, the indications and the
doses, are all available in Pharmacopoeias
and with the companies which
manufacture the products. Since all
these items have been in common use
for centuries and the recipe has
remained exactly the same as in the
case of classical medicines, the Indian
public has confidence in their use.
Conclusion
The entire spectrum of the role of traditional
medicine in the health system is much too
long and varied between and across
countries and cannot, with due justice to
the subject, be encapsulated in a single
chapter. Every country has its own health
systems and, within the health system,
resources have to be found to pay for the
salaries of the providers, equipment, drugs
and consumables. All governments are
concerned about bringing down costs,
improving access to health and health
outcomes and, most important of all,
preventing ill-health. Many countries have
experienced acute problems in trying to do
all that medical science and a public health