Sanskrit Verse
स्वरसः कल्कः क्वाथः हिमः फाण्टश्चेति पञ्चविध कषायकल्पना।
— (Sharngadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda 1/1-2)
Explanation
These are the five primary pharmaceutical preparations of herbs. They are: 1. Swarasa (expressed fresh juice), 2. Kalka (herbal paste), 3. Kwatha (decoction), 4. Hima (cold infusion), and 5. Phanta (hot infusion). Each preparation has a different potency and is used for different stages of a disease.
Clinical Importance
This is the foundation of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. The choice of preparation depends on the strength of the patient and the disease. Swarasa is the most potent (Guru), while Phanta is the lightest (Laghu).