AYURVEDA CORNER

Bhaishajya Kala

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Dosing Time as per Ayurveda

Ayurveda has listed dosing guidelines for faster and long lasting benefits of Ayurvedic medicines. One of these guidelines is ‘Bhaishajya Kala’ i.e. time of the day to take Ayurvedic medicines. Herbs act differently when ingested at different time of the day and for best results, herbs and herbal formulations should be taken at the appropriate time.

These dosing times are defined according to factors like daily variations of the doshas, organ reflexes; the state of Agni (the digestive fire), and the stages of digestion. 

Bhaishajya Kalas defined in Ayurveda are: Abhakta (To be taken on an empty stomach), Pragbhakta (To be taken before meal), Madhyabhakta (To be taken during the meal), Adhobhakta (To be taken after meals), Samabhakta (To be taken mixed with food), Antarabhakta (To be taken between lunch and dinner),

Samudga (To be taken both before and after eating),

Muhurmuhu (To be taken repeatedly), Sagrasa (To be taken with each morsel of food),

Grasantara (To be taken between bites of food) and

Nisha (To be taken at night).

Examples of influence of Bhaishajya kala on different indications:

As per Ayurveda, sexual disorders are due to violated 'Apan Vaayu'. As per dosh kaal (timing of biological forces), Apan Vaayu is more aggressive before meal. Therefore one can get better efficacy of herbs or herbal product that acts to regulate this violated Apan Vaayu dosha if taken before meal (Pragbhakta). Therefore, medicines for sexual disorders (e.g. E.D / Premature ejacuation) shows better efficacy, if taken before meal.

Ayurveda considers kidney stones as a kapha dosha disorder. As per dosh kaal (timing of biological forces) kapha dosha is more aggressive post meal. Therefore one can get better efficacy of herbs that act to regulate this violated kapha dosha if taken after meal (Adhobhakta).

Medicines for kidney stones show better efficacy, if taken after meal.

As per Ayurveda, pachak pitta (that regulates the digestion and absorption process) is downgraded in obesity. If anti-obesity herbs are given after meal, the absorption will be very poor. Therefore anti-obesity herbs need to give before meal (Pragbhakta) for better absorption. Anti-obesity medicines show better efficacy if taken before meal. Thus Bhaishajya Kala plays an immensely important role in efficacy of any Ayurvedic medicine.

It is always advisable to check the appropriate dosing time for best effect.