CLASSIFICATION OF DRAVYA AND THEIR PROPERTIES OF THERAPEUTIC IMPORTANCE

Dravyaguna is one of the most important branches of Ayurveda that deals with the scientific study of medicines. Dravyaguna does not concern itself only with herbal medicines but includes other things like metals, minerals as well as any substances that comes from the animal kingdom and which are used in Ayurveda. These substances are evaluated according to principles like Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, and Prabhava. By merging classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern studies in pharmacology and biomedicine, it becomes possible to use herbal remedies more effectively and safely. The Dravya of medicinal and dietary importance are classified on various ways including classification based on Karya and Karana, classification based on source, according to their purpose, drugs classification according to taste and classification based on effect of Dravya. This article emphasizes classification of Dravya and their therapeutic properties.