Abstract

Dr. Harmander Singh*, Dr. Naresh Kumar Garg, Dr. Om Prakash Sharma and Dr. Monika

ABSTRACT

Drug is an important part of chikitsa chatushpada, which has been mentioned next to the physician in Charak Samhita. The comprehensive knowledge of the drug is very important to physician because without knowledge of the drug, the patient can?t be treated properly. The action Balya is defined as “Balaaya Hitam Balyam" which refers to substances that are beneficial and tend to increase Bala of an individual. The concept of Bala has been well explained by different Acharaya in Ayurveda. Acharya Charak has classified the drugs according to their Karma (pharmacological properties) into 50 groups or Mahakashaya. Each Mahakashaya contains 10 drugs possessing similar properties. Balya Mahakashaya is one of them containing 10 drugs . Balya mahakashaya is one of the 50 mahakashaya, which have been mentioned in Charak samhita sutra sthana 4/7.[1] Ten important drugs are enumerated under this mahakashaya,[2] i.e. Aindri, Rishabhi, Atirasa, Rishyaprokta, Payasya, Ashvagandha, Sthira, Rohini, Bala and Atibala. Dravya which increases vitality or strength of body known as “Balya”. Mahakashaya is the term for a group of drugs which are used for similar purpose.