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From the standpoint of its structure, the [[Sutra Sthana]] consists of thirty chapters, grouped into eight logical groupings. The first seven are ''Chatushkas''(or tetrads, i.e., groups of four), while the last one is a ''sangrahadvaya''(a group of two chapters).

From the standpoint of its structure, the [[Sutra Sthana]] consists of thirty chapters, grouped into eight logical groupings. The first seven are ''Chatushkas''(or tetrads, i.e., groups of four), while the last one is a ''sangrahadvaya''(a group of two chapters).

The first ''Chatushka'' is also known as ''Bheshaja'' or the ''Aushadha''(medicine) ''Chatushka''. This tetrad deals with various medicines to be used in various forms either externally or internally (i.e., ''bheshaja''). The very first chapter of this ''chatushka''(also the first chapter of the [[Charaka Samhita]] itself), the [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya]], establishes technical concepts such as ''vata'', ''pitta'', ''kapha'', ''rasa''(taste), ''shat karana'' (six causes), etc. which are integral to Ayurveda and used extensively throughout [[Charaka Samhita]]. Besides these technical terms, the first chapter also describes various medicines, like ''Phalini Dravya'' (a group of drugs having therapeutically useful fruits), ''Moolini Dravya''(a group of drugs having therapeutically useful roots), ''Mahasneha'' (four kinds of fats), ''Lavana''(salts), various types of mutra(urine) and ksheera(milk). This chapter also emphasizes on the rational use of medications, since indiscriminate use of even good medicines can cause more harm than good. The chapter then goes on to explain the important concept of Trisutra (three principles ofAyurveda) i.e. hetu (causes), linga(sign and symptoms) and aushadha (medicine).  

The first ''Chatushka'' is also known as ''Bheshaja'' or the ''Aushadha''(medicine) ''Chatushka''. This tetrad deals with various medicines to be used in various forms either externally or internally (i.e., ''bheshaja''). The very first chapter of this ''chatushka''(also the first chapter of the [[Charaka Samhita]] itself), the [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya]], establishes technical concepts such as ''vata'', ''pitta'', ''kapha'', ''rasa''(taste), ''shat karana'' (six causes), etc. which are integral to Ayurveda and used extensively throughout [[Charaka Samhita]]. Besides these technical terms, the first chapter also describes various medicines, like ''Phalini Dravya'' (a group of drugs having therapeutically useful fruits), ''Moolini Dravya''(a group of drugs having therapeutically useful roots), ''Mahasneha'' (four kinds of fats), ''Lavana''(salts), various types of mutra(urine) and ksheera(milk). This chapter also emphasizes on the rational use of medications, since indiscriminate use of even good medicines can cause more harm than good. The chapter then goes on to explain the important concept of Trisutra (three principles ofAyurveda) i.e. hetu (causes), linga(sign and symptoms) and aushadha (medicine).  

The second chapter ([[Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya]]) of the ''Bheshaja Chatushka'' deals specifically with herbs and medicines to be used during and after ''Panchakarma'' (five methods of bio-purification). Thus, the first two chapters of this tetrad describe various medicines to be used internally.  

The second chapter ([[Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya]]) of the ''Bheshaja Chatushka'' deals specifically with herbs and medicines to be used during and after [[Panchakarma]] (five methods of bio-purification). Thus, the first two chapters of this tetrad describe various medicines to be used internally.  

The third chapter ([[Aragvadhiya Adhyaya]]) advocates the use of topical medications, or medicines to be applied externally, i.e.,''lepa''(topical medicines, etc).  

The third chapter ([[Aragvadhiya Adhyaya]]) advocates the use of topical medications, or medicines to be applied externally, i.e.,''lepa''(topical medicines, etc).  

The fourth chapter ([[Shadvirechanashatashritiya Adhyaya]]) provides details of fifty ''Mahakashaya''(or five classes of groups of ten medicines, and six hundred evacuatives) to be used in various diseases. Overall, this ''Chatushka'' provides a list of drugs to be used in various forms in a variety of diseases.

The fourth chapter ([[Shadvirechanashatashritiya Adhyaya]]) provides details of fifty ''Mahakashaya''(or five classes of groups of ten medicines, and six hundred evacuatives) to be used in various diseases. Overall, this ''Chatushka'' provides a list of drugs to be used in various forms in a variety of diseases.