An Updated Review on Herb-Herb Combination (Polyherbal Therapy) and Their Evaluation for Therapeutic Enhancement and Advancement

Abstract

Ayurveda is one of the traditional systems of medicines with an established history from many centuries. This ancient Vedic knowledge, also called Ayurveda medicine, is considered one of the oldest healing sciences and has been preserved to this day. Indigenous in India, Ayurveda is known as the "Mother of All Remedies" thousand of years ago. Etymologically, it is the combination of two Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge), meaning "the science of life," and focuses on harmony and balance in all aspects of life, including the mind, body and life spirit. [1]

In Ayurveda, the Panchamahabhutas or the five elements i.e. Vayu (air), Teja (fire), Aap (water), Prithvi (earth) and Akasha (aether) are believed to build the living microcosm (human beings) and the macrocosm (external universe). When combined in pairs, the Panchamahabhutas form the Tridosha or the three humors namely Vata (responsible for body movement), Pitta (responsible for bodily chemical reactions such as metabolism and temperature) and Kapha (responsible for movement of body, growth, protection, lubrication and feeding). [2] All this constitutes the constitution or Prakriti of an individual, which determines both the physical and mental qualities of man. The concept is that health is achieved when there is a balance between these three basic doshas, while an imbalance causes illness. Based on these Panchamahabhutas and Tridosha, an individual’s Prakriti is determined and a distinctive treatment plan can be prescribed based on their unique constitution.