Right, Ayurveda can seem like this endless treasure chest of remedies and knowledge. There’s so much out there! But to be honest, finding a single guide that explains all Ayurvedic medicine is tricky. Ayurveda’s been around for thousands of years. It’s got tons of herbs, formulations, treatments—way more than you would think. That said, diving into classical texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, or Ashtanga Hridaya gives you the foundation. These texts discuss common herbs like Ashwagandha and formulations like Chyawanprash in detail, plus tons of others.
But for a comprehensive, one-stop-list, you might not find something that covers every single remedy in one place. Practitioners don’t necessarily use all Ayurvedic medicine available but focus on a specific remedies based on the patient’s condition. For instance, rasayanas are about rejuvenation, while bhasmas are calcined formulations—each has its specific use. And yup, practitioners typically hone in on a smaller set of remedies that suits the unique needs of a person.
Matching a remedy to an individual’s dosha imbalance like when someone has Pitta and Vata issues, that’s a mix of science (knowing your doshas and herb properties) and a bit of art too. It’s often about the practitioner’s experience but also listening to the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and prakriti. Sometimes, it even involves trial and error to see what works best for the person.
For modern tools, there are some apps and websites that offer insights into Ayurvedic herbs and practices but be careful of what’s endorsed by qualified practitioners. But between traditional texts and modern resources, I’d say start with modern breakdowns for easier digestion of information. Then, if you’re really into it, delve into those classical texts—they’re gold mines once you’re ready. A combination of both would probably give you the best understanding without feeling overwhelmed.



