PACE Credit:
25 hours TIA (Topics in Ayurveda)
Course Dates:
August 1st, 2026 | August 1st, 2027
Course Delivery Method: On Demand (one year)
Course Description:
DRAVYA GUṆA VIJÑĀNA: Module 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to classical Āyurvedic herbology, materia medica, and pharmacology, emphasizing the principles of Dravya Guṇa Karma Śāstra and their practical clinical application. Students will develop a strong foundation in herbal energetics through the lens of Rasādi Pañcakam (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka, and Prabhāva), materia medica, formulation, anupāna, dosage and timing of administration, and the preparation and appropriate use of classical herbal medicines. Particular emphasis is placed on the materia medica and therapeutic classifications of Agni Dīpana, Āma Pācana, Virecana, and Vibandhaghna herbal dravyas, integrating these classical principles into contemporary clinical practice. Through the study of individual herbs, classical formulations, case discussions, and treatment planning, students gain practical skills in selecting, formulating, and applying herbal treatments according to each individual's unique constitution and condition.
Course Objective:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
*Apply foundational principles of Dravya Guṇa Vijñāna and Dravya Guṇa Karma Śāstra as they relate to Āyurvedic herbal pharmacology.
*Integrate Rasādi Pañcakam (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka, and Prabhāva) in the assessment and therapeutic application of medicinal herbs. Identify and explain the major therapeutic herbal classifications (Dravya Karma).
*Demonstrate knowledge of materia medica, with particular emphasis on Agni Dīpana, Āma Pācana, Virecana, and Vibandhaghna dravyas and classical formulations.
*Develop a deeper understanding of common digestive and eliminatory disorders.
*Select and apply appropriate herbs and classical formulations based on Āyurvedic assessment of prakṛti, vikṛti, and therapeutic goals.
*Select the appropriate preparation, dosage, anupāna, yogavāhī, timing, and route of administration for classical Āyurvedic herbal medicines.
*Develop individualized herbal formulations and treatment plans using classical Āyurvedic principles. Integrate appropriate Āhāra and Vihāra Cikitsā principles to enhance the effectiveness of herbal treatment.
Provider Name: Vishnu Dass, A.D.
Contact: Provider: Blue Lotus Ayurveda
Provider Bio:
Vishnu Dass, AD (NAMA), LMT, is a doctor-level ayurvedic practitioner, clinical herbalist, educator, author, and licensed massage therapist with more than 25 years of full-time clinical practice. A graduate of the Ayurvedic Institute’s advanced Gurukula Program under the guidance of Vaidya Vasant Lad, he is the founder of Blue Lotus Ayurveda in Asheville, NC. Vishnu currently serves as lead faculty in Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine at the Ayurvedic Institute, where he teaches classical Dravya Guna (Ayurvedic pharmacology) and advanced clinical formulation. A former NAMA Board Member and Lifetime Professional Member, he is the author of Ayurvedic Herbology East & West and Vishnu’s Kitchen. His extensive clinical experience and practical teaching style have made him a respected mentor and educator in the Ayurvedic community.
