General Medicine
Question #5917
91 days ago
31

Ayurvedic Measurements - #5917

Anonymously

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

On the Ask Ayurveda service, online consultations with Ayurvedic doctors for General medicine are available for any issue that concerns you. Expert doctors provide consultations around the clock and for free. Ask your question and get an answer right away!

Doctors’ responses

Dr Sujal Patil
Experience of 14 years in clinical and research field of Ayurveda. I am a Science based evidence based Ayurveda practitioner and incorporate accurate diet regimen and minimal medication in my practice with faster results sans no side effects.
91 days ago
4.83
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

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

The Ayurvedic doctor will answer all of your questions, advise you what to do now to get better, what to do in the future, what Ayurvedic treatments and practices should be followed.

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.