A Review on Sneha Kalpana in Ayurveda

Abstract

Ayurveda the science of life, uses natural resources to fulfill the fundamental objectives i.e. Swasthya Rakshanam and Vyadhi Prashamanam. Ayurveda has been given the greatest emphasis to comprehensive knowledge of drugs. This science of manufacturing drugs is divided under two branches as Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana. Bhaishajya means medicine and Kalpana means forms. Hence Bhaishajya Kalpana means branch of Ayurvedic medicine which deals with preparation of medicines by the use of herbal drugs. Bhaishajya Kalpana includes Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana as Swarasa, Kalka, Kwatha, Hima and Phanta. Bhaishajya Kalpana also includes preparation of various forms of medicine such as Churna, Guti, Vati, Ghruta Paka, Tail Paka, Lepa, Asava, Arishta etc. Sneha Kalpana is a group of products of medicated Taila and Ghruta. Quality and quantity of lipid soluble extract of medicinal ingredients varies, as per methods, types of material and ratio of material with reference to Sneha Dravya. That is why various methods of Sneha Paka are described in classical texts of Ayurveda. Classically these formulations are having a longer shelf life in comparison to other Ayurvedic herbal medication form. It is only Kalpana which is used through all four modes of administration of such formulations i.e. Pana, Abhyanga, Nasaya and Basti. So to review all these methods at a glance is main aim of this article.