Medicines used in Ayurveda are sourced from plants, metals, minerals or animals. As per the principles of Ayurveda, there is not a single substance in the Universe which does not have a potential to be used as a drug, provided it is used judiciously by the learned [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|vaidya]] (वैद्यः) at right place. The most valued classical treatises of Ayurveda the Brihatrayee (बृहत्रयी) and [[Laghutrayee (लघुत्रयी)|Laghutrayee]] (लघुत्रयी) mainly focus on use of plant derived medicines. However, some instances of use of medicinal substances derived from metals and animals are found at places. Development of Rasashastra (रसशास्त्रम्) took place in later times and use of metal, mineral and animal derived substances then became popular part in Ayurveda's pharmacotherapeutics. | Medicines used in Ayurveda are sourced from plants, metals, minerals or animals. As per the principles of Ayurveda, there is not a single substance in the Universe which does not have a potential to be used as a drug, provided it is used judiciously by the learned [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|vaidya]] (वैद्यः) at right place. The most valued classical treatises of Ayurveda the Brihatrayee (बृहत्रयी) and [[Laghutrayee (लघुत्रयी)|Laghutrayee]] (लघुत्रयी) mainly focus on use of plant derived medicines. However, some instances of use of medicinal substances derived from metals and animals are found at places. Development of Rasashastra (रसशास्त्रम्) took place in later times and use of metal, mineral and animal derived substances then became popular part in Ayurveda's pharmacotherapeutics. |