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A
wide range of herbal powders potentiated by natural Ayurvedic
techniques is available by choice. The initially processed herbs
are then potentiated by using another process described as Bhavana
(maceration), in the Ayurvedic texts, wherein it has been
referred that by adding any liquid or aqueous extract obtained
as fresh juice, any forms of decoction, percoction, paste etc.,
to macerate & mash with the powdered extracts of herbs or bhasmas
(calcined ash) till complete drying is called as Bhavana.
The quantity of liquids or aqueous extracts to be added for
giving Bhavana should be sufficient to make the powdered
herbs completely wet in the form of a paste. Bhavana is
mainly used to potentiate the single or complex herbal
formulations and number of bhavanas given to particular
herb or herbs enhance the potency of the herbs. Second bhavana
should only be given when the process of first bhavana is
complete that is the herb or herbs have completely been dried
with the process.
Since
raw herbs cannot be used in their natural forms as a remedy, it
is extremely important to process them to be used as a remedy
for healthcare or treatment. Thus through various sanskars
(processings), the basic nature of herb or herbs is modified as
an ideal natural remedy for healthcare & treatment and their
basic properties & tastes (Rasam, Gunam, Veeryam, Vipakam
& prabahavam) also change to become more beneficial and
such herb or herbs have also thus have more shelf life and are
long lasting and more effective.
The
basic Ayurvedic and the scientific concept of giving bhavana
to single or complex herbal formulations is to potentiate the
herb or herbs by increasing the active principle contents of
such processed herb or herbs, which is also beneficial in
providing an optimum, balanced and reduced dosage as a herbal
medicine of natural origin.
Specific
information of specific herbs is available upon request.
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