PACE Credit:
25 credits TIA (Topics in Ayurveda)
Course Dates:
March 24-June 2
Course Delivery Method Live (On Line)
Course Description
This foundational module is designed for students to deepen their knowledge of the classical science of Āyurvedic herbology through the lens of Dravya Guṇa Vijñāna — the systematic study of substances (dravya), their qualities (guṇa), and their actions (karma). Students will broaden their understanding of how and herbs and formulas produce their specific and dynamic medicinal effects.The course begins with the Rasādi Pañcakam — the fivefold pharmacodynamic profile of any substance — covering rasa (taste), vīrya (potency), vipāka (post-digestive effect), guṇa (qualities), and prabhāva (special action). Students will learn to apply this framework to both classical and customized formulas, developing the discernment needed for effective clinical decision-making and herbal selection.From this foundation, the module moves into applied Āyurvedic pharmacology: the five classical preparation methods (Pañca Vidha Kaṣāya Kalpanā), additional preparation forms including s iddha ghṛtams (medicated ghees), tailams (medicated oils), and fermented preparations, routes of administration, and the role of anupāna (carrier substances) and yogavāhī (catalytic agents) in enhancing therapeutic outcomes.Participants will take a deep dive into two major clinical categories — agni dīpana/pācana (digestive stimulants) and virechana/vibandaghna (purgatives and laxatives) — with in-depth study of individual traditional herbs and key classical formulations alongside their Western herbal correlates.Building on this materia medica, students will be introduced to the art and logic of herbal formulation — exploring how individual herbs are skillfully combined into highly individualized custom formulations. Students will examine traditional cūrṇas and compound preparations and begin developing their own capacity to think formulaically rather than herb by herb.Upon completion, students will be able to more effectively: identify and apply the Rasādi Pañcakam to a broader array of herbs and substances; select appropriate preparation methods and vehicles for clinical use; understand key digestive and eliminative herbs, their profiles, indications, and contraindications; apply foundational formulation principles to clinical practice; and develop Chikitsā (treatment plans) that thoughtfully integrate herbs, diet, and lifestyle.
Course Objective:
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:Define and explain the three pillars of Dravya Guṇa Vijñāna: Dravya (substance), Guṇa (qualities), and Karma (actions)Describe the Rasādi Pañcakam — the fivefold pharmacodynamic profile — including Rasa, Vīrya, Vipāka, Guṇa, and PrabhāvaIdentify and differentiate the six Rasas (tastes) and their associated Mahābhūta compositions and doshic effectsExplain the two primary and eightfold classifications of Vīrya (potency)Describe the three types of Vipāka (post-digestive effect) and their long-term metabolic significanceApply the 20 Guṇas and their opposites to understand a substance's physiological behaviorUnderstand Prabhāva as a unique therapeutic action that operates beyond rasa, vīrya, and vipākaIdentify and explain the three classical origins of Dravya: Jaṅgama, Vanaspatika, and PārthivaClassify substances by anatomical part used: mūla, patra, puṣpa, phala, bīja, and stemRecognize the five classical Āyurvedic preparations (Pañca Vidha Kaṣāya Kalpanā): Svarasa, Kalka, Kvātha, Hima, and PhāṇṭaIdentify key additional preparation forms including Āsava/Ariṣṭa, Cūrṇa, Vaṭī/Baṭī/Gulikā, Siddha Ghṛta, Siddha Taila, Bhasma, and PiṣṭīExplain routes of administration including oral, nasal, enema, topical, localized topical, smoking, ear filling, and eye preparationsDescribe the roles of Anupāna (vehicle) and Yogavāhī (catalytic carrier) with clinical examplesIdentify common Agni Dīpana herbs and their key properties: Ginger, Citrāka, Mustā, Fennel, and PippalīIdentify common Virecana and Vibandhaghna herbs: Triphalā, Eraṇḍa Taila, Bhūmi Āmalakī, Niśotha, Sennā, and ĀragvadhaCompare Āyurvedic and Western laxative approaches by mechanism: bulk-forming, stimulant, emollient, and demulcentApply the guiding principle of "for who, when, and how much" in herbal administration.
Registration:
https://bluelotusayurveda.com
Provider Name: Vishnu Dass
Provider Bio:
Ayurvedic Doctor, herbalist, educator & author. 25+ years clinical experience. Founder, Blue Lotus Ayurveda, Asheville NC. Faculty, Ayurvedic Institute. Author, Ayurvedic Herbology East & West.
