Definitions

Question 1

What is the meaning of Dravya Guna Karma Shastra?

Answer 1

It is the science (shastra) of dravyas (herbs, substances or drugs) their gunas (properties and qualities) and karmas (actions) which aid in the maintenance of health and alleviation of disease.

Question 2

What are the 7 categories of Dravyas?

Answer 2

Dravyas (substances, herbs and drugs) 
Rasa (taste)
Virya (potency)
Vipaka (post digestive effect) 
Prabhava (unique property)
Karma (action)

Question 3

All Dravyas are panchabhoutic. What does this mean?

Answer 3

This means they contain different combinations of the 5 elements

Question 4

Describe dravya

Answer 4

Dravya is a substance that is inseparable from gun (quality) or karma (action)

Example: Ginger is a substance in which pungent quality is present. Improving digestion is its karma (action).

Question 5

Describe gunas

Answer 5

Guna is the quality of the dravya through which action takes place.

Example: The cold quality (guns) of the ice causes coldness (karma) in the body, reducing Pitta

Example: The rough quality (guna) of guggulu causes scraping action (karma), which is good for reducing cholesterol.