Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, is believed to be prevalent in India for more than 4500 years. Its philosophical base is derived partly from Nyaya-Vaisheshika and Samkhya streams of Indian philosophy. Ayurveda is a complete medicine system, which takes into consideration the physical, psychological, philosophical, ethical and spiritual well-being of mankind. This system of medicine gives great importance to living in harmony with nature and science and also emphasizes the importance of maintenance of proper lifestyle for maintaining positive health. It is found that the fundamental principles of Ayurveda got organized and enunciated around 1400 B.C. from the Vedas. Atharvaveda contains 114 formulations for the treatment of different diseases. Authentic information on Ayurveda has been compiled by ancient Indian medicine practitioners in forms called Samhita and other similar books. Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita are well-known compilations. Around 600 drugs of plant, animal and mineral origin have been mentioned in Charaka Samhita for the treatment of different diseases.

Ayurveda is based on the hypothesis that everything in the universe is composed of five basic elements—space, air, energy, liquid and solid. These elements exist in the human body in combined forms such as vata (space and air), pitta (energy and liquid) and kapha (liquid and solid). These three forms together are called tridoshas (three pillars of life). These tridoshas govern and control the basic psychobiological functions in the body. It is believed that they are in harmony with each other, and in every human being, one or the other element may dominate, which is called the prakruthi of that person. In addition to these three humors, there exist seven basic tissues (saptha dhatus)—Rasa (lymph), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (flesh), Meda (adipose tissue), Asthi (bones), Majja (nervine tissue) and Shukra (reproductive tissue)—and three waste products of the body (mala)—faeces, urine and sweat.

Healthy condition of the body represents the state of optimum equilibrium among the tridoshas, sapta dhatus and mala. Whenever this equilibrium is disturbed due to any reason, it results in diseases. The tissues of the body are considered as structural entities and the humors are considered as physiological entities, derived from different permutations and combinations of the five basic elements. The growth and development of the body components depend on the nutrition provided in the form of food. The food is composed of the five basic elements mentioned earlier. Hence, it is considered to be the basic source material to replenish and nourish the different components of the body.