ARISHTAM
This group comprises fermented extracts
of herbs. The decoction of the formulation is sweetened by recommended
sweeteners like jaggery, sugar, candy sugar etc. and is fermented
naturally along with Woodfordia Fruiticosa flowers and coarse
powder of herbs. The mixture is sealed in earthen pots and kept
intact for 30 days. The product is filtered, sedimented and
the clear medicine is packed in airtight bottles. Here the alcohol
generated naturally by breakdown of sweets act as self-preservent
and as a medium for its quick therapeutic action.
ASAVAM
Asavams are also fermented products. Here the whole drugs are
disintegrated and made into coarse powder and fermented. So
the drugs are extracted into the generated alcohol. The shelf
life of perfectly packed Arishtam and Asavams are said to be
enhancing the therapeutic action by aging.
LEHYAMS
They are semi solid preparations made out of decoctions, powdered
herbs and processed along with jaggery or sugar.
LEPAMS
They are medications used for external applications only. Different
media like ghee and oil are used.
THAILAMS
& KERAMS
These are medicated oils. The decoction and pulped powder of
drugs are processed with oils like gingelly oil, coconut oil
etc, for a stipulated time. Several additives like milk, fresh
juices etc. are used in different cases. The end point of processing
(Pakam) varies in unison with the usage of the medicine. E.g.;
Low stipulated time for oils as intake, nasal or anal administration;
medicinal Pakam for external application purpose; high for burn
application, scalp application etc.
KUZHAMBU
The medicine for external application and massage are prepared
as in the case of Thailams and Kerams. Here the mixture is gingelly
oil, ghee and castor oil.
CHOORNAMS
These are powdered form of herbs, drugs and minerals (in some
cases) used for both internal and external applications.
AVARTHI
A Thailam is repeatedly processed adding more ingredients everyday
for a stipulated number of times. Eg. Dhanwantharam101 Avarthi
is made by repeatedly processing Dhanwantharam Thailam for 101
days.
GULIKA
These are pills prepared in different weights (Mathra) from
very finely powdered drugs.
GHRUTHAMS
Ghruthams are medicated ghee. Ghee is thermally processed with
the recommended medicines for the stipulated time. Some are
used externally also.
