Ayurvedic medications are primarily herbal remedies, although some include natural mineral preparations. All herbs and minerals possess the following properties according to Ayurveda:

• Rasa – taste
• Guna – quality
• Virya – potency (heating or cooling effects)
• Vipaka – effects of digestion and metabolism
• Prabhava – specific power of the substance

In general, all herbs have the power to increase or decrease the three doshas - vata, pitta, or kapha - to different extents and in different combinations. The classical Ayurveda practitioner applies theory into practice by diagnosing how the individual's dosha balance has been altered. The physician will then prescribe suitable herbs, in single or combined form, with the appropriate dosage to bring the doshas back into balance, thus controlling the ailment and restoring health.