1. Guru-Prithvi & Jala (H2O) predominant Dravyas are mostly Guru in nature. Therefore these Dravyas increase Kapha Dosha, they decrease Vata.
2. Laghu- these are Akash & Vayu predominant. They increase Vata & decrease Kapha; they tend to reduce the bulk of tissues. They are easily digested.
3. Manda-these substances move slowly in the body. Reducing Vata & Pitta, increases Kapha. E g – Ghee/butter.
4. Tikshna-These are Agni predominant. They break the Sanghata (accumulation) of Dosha/Dhatu/Malas. They reduce tissue bulk, increase pitta, and decrease Kapha. They may produce inflammation. E g- Marich(black pepper)
5. Sheeta-Jala predominant. Produce pleasant cold in the body. Decrease pitta, increase Vata & Kapha. These are Stambhan in nature (They prevent the flow of Dhatu or Mala outside its strotas). They are hemostatic. E g Chandana (sandalwood), Kamala (lotus).
6. Ushna- Agni predominant. Produce heat, digest food, increase pitta, decrease vata, they melt & decrease the Kapha. E g-Chitrak.
7. Snigdha - Jala & Prithvi predominant. Increase kapha, decrease vata, increases tissue bulk. These are oily substances. E g –Gruta (Ghee), Oil.
8. Ruksha - Opposite to Snigdha, these are dry. Vayu, Prithvi & Agni predominant. These try to absorb the wetness & oilyness in the body. Decreases Kapha, increase Vata.
9. Shlakshna - sanft, glatt: means soft to touch. Substances that are like talcum powder (with rounded particles) may be included in this category. These increase Kapha, decrease Vata. E g- talcum powder, Shatavari(Asparagus.
10. Khara-Opposite to shlakshna, these are rough. They increase vata & decrease kapha. They are Prithvipredominant. E g –(Vacha)
11. Sandra - dicht, schwer: this means coagulated. This Guna binds the particles together. These substances are Prithvipredominant. They increase Kapha & decrease Vata. E g- Shimbi type of grains
12. Drava - Flüssig:.This is opposite to Sandra. This Guna liquefies the food & facilitates the digestion. E g – water, milk, sugarcane juice.
13. Mrudu - weich, sanft: this also means soft, but in respect to its action in the body. Jala & Akash are predominant. This reduces Pitta, nourishes Dhatus, reduces inflammation (Daha), and heals wounds. E g- Yashtimadhu.
14. Kathina - Hart: This is opposite to Mrudu. These substances give strength to the body. They tighten the loose tissues in the body. They are of course, Prithvi predominant. E g –Khadira.
15. Sthira - Stabil: Substances having this property tends to remain at same location for a longer time, they don’t move (or move very little). Prithvi predominant. They improve & increase the bony tissue (Asthi Dhatu). E g – Babul (Acacia Arabica).
16. Sara - Cala - Beweglichkeit, Geschwindigkeit: Opposite to Sthira. These substances spread in the body very fast. They increase Vyana Vayu. E.g.- Alcohol, Poisonous substances.
17. Sukshma - Subtil: Substances having this property can go into minutest Strotasas (channels). This property can be used to convey other medicines into smallest cavities. E g- alcohol, oil.
18. Sthula - Grob: this is opposite to Sukshma. These produce Kapha. They are difficult to digest. They can be absorbed in the body when digested. eg-Kadali(banana)
19. Vishada - Klar: this means cleansing property. These Dravyas remove the stickiness. These can be used for wound healing (by cleaning it). These are Prithvi & Vayu predominant. They also remove the Kleda (One sticky byproduct in the body). eg-khadir
20. Pichhila - Ölig: this is opposite to Vishada. These are Jala predominant. They increase Kapha. They improve the joints (ligaments). E.g.- Shalmali, Badara.
Ayurvedic diagnosis is nothing but identification of increased or vitiated Doshas get mixed with Dhatus and vitiate them. Together, they form the disease complex.
