Preparation of Formulations
Charaka went deep into the preparation of formulations from herbals and explained the methods in detail. The first phase of preparation which involved multi-phased process is of boiling several herbals slowly but steadily for which water added is sixteen parts as against one part of herbals. The mixture gets boiled down to one fourth of the total quantum. The decoction is then strained in a light cloth and in many cases the same is mixed with the paste of second group of plants. It is further subjected to mixing with various agents such as sugar, honey, salt, oil or ghee. The formulations are made in 23 types such as decoction, juice, drink, powder, medicated oil, paste, pills, gruel, emulsion etc. The modes of application are different. Oral, rectal, dermal, nasal, smoke, hot bath, irrigants and suppositories on head or body parts are the commonly used methods. Applying of medication on scalp after creating a small incision is a rare practice. This practice is adopted to have overall effects. Charaka’s formulations are based on several hundred plants. His formulations worked against specific targets.
