The Medieval Period of Indian Ayurveda was a time of systematic development and expansion of the ancient medical system. The origins of Ayurveda can be traced back to the Atharva Veda, where mention is made of several diseases and their treatments1. The Samhita period, from the 6th Century BC to the 7th Century AD, saw the production of a number of classical works by several authors, marking a period of organized medical care1.During the medieval period, Ayurveda continued to evolve and adapt to changing disease patterns and civilizations. The two primary medieval Indian medical traditions, Ayurveda and Unani, were discussed in detail, with a focus on their similarities and differences3. The Siddha tradition, another medical tradition of medieval times, was also mentioned3.Specialization in certain diseases or practices was prevalent during this period, and physicians enjoyed a high status and respect in society4. The applied aspects of Ayurveda, such as material medical, diagnosis, treatment, and preparation of medicines, gained importance, while the theoretical and philosophical concepts were reduced in significance4.The medieval Indian medical system was influenced by other sciences, such as yoga, tantra, astrology, and religion, and there was an exchange of views with foreign physicians4. Ayurveda was transmitted from generation to generation among rural and lower strata of society, while imparting of Ayurvedic education under a preceptor continued among the learned and affluent4.The physicians of this period were keen observers, adding new drugs and information and recording the effects of new drugs and combinations of compound medicines for the benefit of future generations4. The applied aspects of Ayurveda, such as material medical, diagnosis, treatment, and preparation of medicines, gained importance, while the theoretical and philosophical concepts were reduced in significance4.
Then followed a long period of medieval history marked by unsettled political conditions and several invasions from outside the country when Ayurveda faced utter neglect. Its growth was stunted, its teaching and training were stopped from being spread and its monopoly in practice or utilization was eroded greatly by the officially supported systems. Ayurveda barely survived because of its native roots and also because the official systems of medicine could not reach everywhere particularly in widely scattered and difficult rural areas.The lack of understanding of the differences and similarities between the theoretical doctrines of Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine, such as Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, is a barrier to the exchange of information and integration and advancement of herbal drug research. This review aims to bring into limelight the age-old history and the basic principles of Ayurveda, facilitating a deeper understanding of traditional systems of medicine and contributing to their global acceptance and harmonization
