These free B.Pharm notes on traditional systems of medicine cover chapter 19 of Introduction to Pharmacognosy, a first-semester subject. Read the key points below, then study the complete chapter PDF. You can browse every chapter in the Introduction to Pharmacognosy category.
Table of Contents
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Overview of traditional systems of medicine
This chapter introduces five traditional systems of medicine: Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. For each system it explains the origin, basic principles or theories, methods of diagnosis, treatment approaches and common formulations such as churna, parpam, majoon, mother tincture and herbal decoctions.
Key points on traditional systems of medicine
- Ayurveda, the science of life, is based on Prakriti and the three Doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and imbalance of the doshas is believed to cause disease.
- Ashta Sthana Pariksha is the Ayurvedic diagnosis by eight parameters: pulse, urine, stool, tongue, speech, touch, eye and general appearance.
- Unani is built on five concepts, Arkan, Mizaj, Akhlat, Aaza wa Arwah and Quwa wa Afal, and its four humours are Dam, Balgham, Safra and Sauda.
- Homeopathy was developed by Samuel Hahnemann in 1810 on the principle Similia Similibus Curantur, meaning like cures like, with medicines prepared by potentization.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine rests on Qi theory, Yin-Yang theory and Five Element theory, and uses inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry and palpation for diagnosis.
Relevance to pharmacy practice
Many patients in India use Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, homeopathic or Chinese medicines along with modern drugs. A pharmacist who knows the basic principles and dosage forms of these systems can communicate better with patients and handle such products with proper understanding.
Every chapter in this subject builds on the one before it, so do not skip topics that look simple. Definitions, classifications and examples are the parts that examiners return to most often, and a clear understanding here will also make later subjects easier to follow in the coming semesters.
Frequently asked questions on traditional systems of medicine
What are the three doshas in Ayurveda?
The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, formed from the Panchamahabhutas. Vata governs movement, Pitta controls digestion and metabolism, and Kapha gives structure, stability and immunity.
What is the principle of homeopathy?
Homeopathy is based on Similia Similibus Curantur, meaning like cures like. A substance that produces certain symptoms in a healthy person, in highly diluted form, treats similar symptoms in a sick person.
What are Bhasma and Asava in Ayurveda?
Bhasma is a calcined metal or mineral preparation made by repeated purification and incineration. Asava and Arishta are naturally fermented liquids that contain self-generated alcohol.
Quick revision checklist
Use this self-test after reading the chapter on traditional systems of medicine. If you can do all of the following without looking at your notes, you are ready for the exam.
- I can explain: the theories of Ayurveda
- I can explain: the Tridosha theory
- I can explain: the five principles of Unani
- I can explain: the principles of homeopathy
- I can explain: the basic theories of Chinese medicine
Study and exam tips
Start by reading the chapter once for the overall idea, then revise traditional systems of medicine using headings, definitions, classifications and examples. Short-answer questions in the university exam usually ask for definitions, features, advantages, disadvantages and examples, so write these in your own words and practise drawing the tables and flow charts that the chapter has.
For wider reading, standard textbooks and open resources such as the NCBI Bookshelf help you confirm terms and see more examples. Revise traditional systems of medicine again a day later and again a week later, because spaced revision improves long-term memory.
This page is part of the Introduction to Pharmacognosy series for first-semester B.Pharm students on B.Pharm Guru, where every chapter has a short summary and a full PDF. Bookmark this page and share it with classmates who are preparing for the same exam.
Related notes: 21. ROLE OF PHARMACOGNOSY IN ALLOPATHY AND TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE, 22. ADAPTOGENS AND IMMUNOMODULATORS – ASHWAGANDHA, TULSI, AMLA.
Next: 20. TYPES OF DOSAGE FORMS IN AYUSH MEDICINES. Back to the Introduction to Pharmacognosy category.
