Panchamahabhuta- Five Basic Elements and their Utility in Ayurveda: A Review

Abstract

There are various principles like Tri Dosha (Biomaterials), Sapt Dhatus (Tissues) and Tri Mala (waste products), Srotas, Agni, etc. mentioned in  Ayurveda, but fundamental of all these is Panchmahabhuta principle. In  Ayurveda it is stressed that both Chikitsa Purush (living human body) and  Dravyas (Drugs) used for treatment of Chikitsa Purush, are made up of  Panchmahabhuta. So, for any Vaidya (Physician) to achieve the ultimate aim  of Ayurveda (to maintain health of healthy person and prevent him/her from  diseases) it is very important to have deep and through understanding  Panchmahabhuta concept. In this review article stress is given on clinical  application of Panchmahabhuta principle in Ayurveda and focused on the inter  relation of Panchmahabhuta with various other components of body like  Tridosh, Dhatu, Mala, Triguna, Rasa etc.