What Are Classical Formulations?

Classical formulations are herbal and herbo-mineral preparations described in foundational Ayurvedic texts (like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Sharangdhara Samhita) and remain unchanged in formulation across centuries . They follow strict procedures—from ingredient sourcing to processing—to maintain consistency and therapeutic integrity .

Key Categories of Classical Formulations

Here are the main dosage forms you'll find in Ayurvedic classics, along with example formulations and their typical uses:

1. Churnas (Powders)

Finely ground herbal mixtures for digestion, detox, respiratory, or general health.

• Triphala Churna – A tridoshic rasayana combining Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki; supports digestion, detox, immunity, and eye health .

2. Kwatha / Kashayam (Decoctions)

Boiled herbal extracts in water reduced to a concentrated liquid.

• Dashamoola Kashayam – Anti-inflammatory formula from ten roots for joint pain and fever.

• Punarnavadi Kashayam – Traditionally used for kidney and urinary issues .

3. Asava & Arishta (Fermented Tonics)

Herbs fermented with natural sugars—up to several weeks/months—to enhance shelf life and absorption.

• Ashwagandharishta – Stress, fatigue, vitality support.

• Punarnavasava, Kumaryasava – Kidney, liver, hormonal tonics .

4. Taila (Medicated Oils)

Herb-infused oils used topically or in therapeutic massage.

• Bala Taila, Mahanarayana Taila – RESTORE muscle and nerve function, ease joint and neurological conditions .

5. Ghruta (Medicated Ghee)

Ghee cooked with herbal decoctions for internal or external rejuvenation.

• Brahmi Ghruta – Cognitive support and mental clarity.

• Triphala Ghruta – Digestive and ocular support .

6. Vati / Gutika (Tablets or Pills)

Herbal powders shaped into pills using binders (like honey) for ease-of-use.

• Chandraprabha Vati, Arogyavardhini Vati – Used across metabolic, liver, urinary, and chronic disorders .

7. Avaleha / Lehyam (Herbal Jams)

Semi-solid, syrupy formulations made with herbs cooked in honey, jaggery, ghee, and spices.

• Chyavanprash – Rejuvenator and immunity booster.

• Ashwagandha Avaleha – Strength and vitality support .

8. Bhasma & Rasaushadhi (Herbo-Mineral Preparations)

Calcined mineral powders or metallic-herb combinations following purification protocols.

• Swarna Bhasma (gold ash), Shankha Bhasma (conch shell ash), Yogendra Rasa, Makaradhwaja – Potent formulations traditionally used under expert supervision for rejuvenation and chronic conditions .

Examples & Applications

Why These Formulations Matter

• Some experts believe just 15–30 classical formulations can manage many health conditions across Ayurvedic practice 

• These remedies are standardized and preserved across centuries, considered potent and time-tested .

• Many formulations serve as rasayana tonics, offering rejuvenation, longevity, cognitive clarity, immunity, and vitality support