Preparation of Gulika (Ayurvedic tablets)

Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, views human body as a combination of the five basic elements- parthiva (earth), apya (water), vayavya (air), nabhasa (ether), and thaijasa (fire).

Illness is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the three basic humours of human body- Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Medicines are expected to reestablish the equilibrium between these humours.

A medicine in Ayurveda is called Oushadha and it is defined as “anything which kills pain”. Dravyas derived from animal, vegetable and mineral sources are are used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. These dravyas or substances are purified through a process called Shodhana. There are twelve refining methods.

In the video, the preparation of gulikas or tablets can be seen. Medicinal paste is first rolled into small balls and dried in the sun to make Gulikas.