Aushadhi is a term in Ayurveda that refers to medicines or remedies used for healing and maintaining health. It encompasses a wide range of therapeutic substances and practices, including herbal remedies, minerals, metals, animal products, and various therapeutic techniques. In Ayurveda, Aushadhi is believed to work on multiple levels to restore balance and promote wellness, addressing not only physical symptoms but also mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.

Aushadhi includes:

Herbal Medicines: These are formulations made from various parts of plants such as roots, leaves, fruits, seeds, and bark. Herbal remedies are used extensively in Ayurveda for treating a wide range of health conditions.
Minerals and Metals: Certain minerals and metals are used in Ayurvedic preparations for their therapeutic properties. These substances undergo purification processes (such as Shodhana and Marana) to enhance their efficacy and reduce toxicity.
Animal Products: Some animal-derived substances, like ghee (clarified butter), honey, milk, and specific parts of animals, are used in Ayurvedic medicines and therapies.
Therapeutic Techniques: Ayurveda also includes various therapeutic techniques such as Panchakarma (detoxification therapies), dietary supplements, massage therapies (like Abhyanga), yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises) as part of Aushadhi. These practices are integral to restoring balance and promoting holistic well-being.

The concept of Aushadhi in Ayurveda is based on the idea of individualized treatment, where remedies are chosen based on an individual's unique constitution (Prakriti), imbalances (Vikriti), and specific health needs. Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe Aushadhi in various forms such as powders, tablets, decoctions, oils, ointments, and medicated pastes, often combining multiple herbs and substances to create synergistic effects and personalized treatment plans.

Together, Ahara, Vihara, and Aushadhi form a comprehensive approach to health in Ayurveda. While Ahara and Vihara establish the foundation of good health and preventive care, Aushadhi provides the necessary medicinal interventions to restore balance when imbalances occur. This triad ensures a holistic and sustainable approach to well-being, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health in an integrated manner.