CRITERIA FOR PRASHASTHA (NON-POLLUTED) AND APRASHASTHA (POLLUTED) BHUMI FOR HERBAL DRUG COLLECTION

Herbal medicines mentioned in Ayurveda have been traditionally used in India and several other countries for centuries however in recent past population has showed more inclination towards these drugs. They have gained acceptance and more popularity leading to their manufacturing and commercialization on large scale. En route to accomplish this demand, a great deal of attention needs to be given to procurement of the medicinal plants. These plants need to be collected as mentioned by Acharyas in Ayurveda and modern guidelines set by agencies. Soil with excess of water, presence of anthills, light coloured, contaminated by industrial effluents and waste having pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides should be completely avoided for the collection or cultivation of the medicinal plants. On the other hand herbs must be obtained from dark coloured soil which is rich in organic matter and has good texture and structure, devoid of big stones, soil having grass, soil with good microbial activity and free from contamination. Following these criteria during the collection of medicinal plants will ensure quality and effectiveness of these drugs.