The four qualities of aushadha (medicine)

The sutra introduces the four qualities of medicine. First, it should be applicable in various ways as needed. For example, some medicines can be bitter, which means children cannot swallow them, so a pill is made of this medicine for easy swallowing, but it must not lose its quality during that process. If the medicament has to be applied externally, it is necessary that its qualities be conveyed by a massage media, i.e., and oil, cream, gel, etc. Second, the medicine should contain the proper Gunas (Dravya gunas, which are described in Ayurveda as ten related pairs, or twenty unique properties). When the proper Gunas are present in the medicine, it is able to actively participate in the metabolic process in the body. Another important quality of medicine is that even if it is used in just a small quantity, it will not lose its qualities and will be able to work efficiently. Of course, medicine is only medicine if the amount of the dose, the method of its delivery, and its frequency (how often it is used during the day) correspond to the intensity of the disease, the strength of the patient, etc. Any ingredient can be a medicine, but in the case of  incompatibility with the preceding list, that ingredient cannot become medicine for the particular patient. Any medicine has to be fully checked by the Bhishak. By no means should we ever trust advertising or general advice.

Self-treatment is never recommended. Ignorance can be very dangerous.

Sampanna means to be perfectly equipped - the medicine itself must be perfect and effective no matter how large or small the dose, it must be guaranteed that the qualities will manifest proportionally.