/
/
/
Ayurvedic Measurements
General Medicine
Question #5917
165 days ago
113

Ayurvedic Measurements - #5917

Joshua

I’ve recently started making Ayurvedic decoctions at home, and one thing that’s confusing me is understanding Ayurvedic measurements. A lot of the recipes I find online use terms like pala, karsha, and drona, but I have no idea what these mean in modern units like grams or milliliters. Is there a reliable way to convert Ayurvedic measurements into something I can use without guessing? Also, are Ayurvedic measurements universal across all texts, or do they vary depending on the author or region? I tried following a recipe for a herbal tea that mentioned "1 prastha" of water, but I couldn’t figure out how much that actually is, so I probably messed up the preparation. If Ayurvedic measurements are so precise, does it mean the effectiveness of the medicine depends on getting them exactly right? Lastly, where can I find a comprehensive guide to Ayurvedic measurements? Are there modern books or resources that explain this in detail? Or should I just rely on consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure I’m using the correct amounts?

Ayurvedic measurements
Ayurvedic recipes
Herbal decoctions
Traditional units
Ayurveda basics
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Ayurvedic measurements, such as pala, karsha, and prastha, can be tricky to convert into modern units like grams or milliliters, as they are based on ancient systems that don’t directly correspond to modern measurements. While there are some general conversion guides available online, these measurements can vary slightly depending on the region or text. For example, 1 prastha is roughly equivalent to about 960 milliliters, but this can vary. The effectiveness of Ayurvedic decoctions doesn't always rely on perfect measurements, but being accurate can enhance the potency of the remedy. A reliable resource for conversion and understanding these measurements is a modern Ayurvedic textbook or guide, or you could consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure accuracy. There are also online resources and apps available that help with conversions, but it’s often best to start with trusted Ayurvedic books.
Accepted response

0 replies
Ah, Ayurvedic measurements can indeed be a bit of a hot mess, especially if you're just starting out! So, let me try to clear the fog without adding to the confusion. Ayurvedic measurements like pala, karsha, and drona have been around in ancient texts but converting them into modern units like grams or milliliters can be tricky, tho not impossible. Here's the thing: a pala is traditionally considered to be about 48 grams, a karsha is roughly 12 grams, and a drona is something like 12.288 liters. But, here's where the plot thickens... these conversions can sometimes vary between different texts, authors, and heck even regions! So, if you're making a herbal tea and it says "1 prastha" of water, we're talking about four times a pala, which would be approximately 768 milliliters. Now, regarding the precision. Yes, these measurements can be precise cuz they’re meant to determine the potency and effectiveness of the medicine. But don't sweat it if you're a bit off — following the recipe as closely as you can will usually do just fine. After all, Ayurveda emphasizes the quality and balance rather than rigidly sticking to the numbers. As for where to find a guide, well your options are a few. Modern books like "The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies" by Vasant Lad usually have decent translations of these measurements. But talking directly with an Ayurvedic practitioner can give you more personalized insights, especially if you're making the decoctions for you own health issues. And, if all else fails, reach out to a seasoned Ayurveda enthusiast or practitioner around you. It’s often easier getting firsthand advice than trying to decipher ancient units on your own. So don't be shy to ask for help! Whatever method you choose, enjoy the journey into the world of Ayurveda 👌🏽.

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions