Abstract
Through a simple translation and analysis of the "Su$\acute{s}$uta-saṃhit$\bar{a}$(The fascinating tales) S$\bar{u}$trasth$\bar{a}$na(The Introduction)", I have summarized the results of the research into the $\bar{A}$yurveda Herbal theory. 1. The title of chapter 40 is "dravya-rasa-guṇa-vip$\bar{a}$ka-vij$\tilde{n}$anīya(Medcation Taste Nature Effects Digestion)", and it states theoretical knowledge on materia medica. It says that 'matter' is the most important thing, and that it decides the curing effect. Although it does acknowledge the reason behind the doctors that emphasized things like 'taste', it mainly has a critical tone. The difference in philosophies and medical theory can be seen when we compare this to the "Caraka-saṃhit$\bar{a}$", 'theory on taste'. 2. The title of chapter 41 is "dravya-vi$\acute{s}$eṣa-vij$\tilde{n}$anīya(A Discussion on the Characteristics of Materia Medica)", and the contents of the chapter have a similar tone to the thoughts of the S$\bar{a}$mkhya(數論派). All 'matter' was created by the combination of the five elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and ether, and the predominant element makes it have an earth, water, fire, wind, or ether nature. Earth has an unmoving and down going nature, and makes the body strong. Water has an irrigating nature, and moistens the tissue and induces secretion and excretion. Fire has an upward-going nature, and improves sight and complexion. Wind relaxes and dries the body, and makes the mind and body agile. Ether gives flexibility, porosity, and candidness. The title of chapter 42 is "rasa-vi$\acute{s}$eṣa-vij$\tilde{n}\bar{a}$nīya(A Discussion on the Types of Rasa(taste))". "Rasa" is an important concept in $\bar{A}$yurveda. Sometimes it is translated as 'one of the seven types of bodily tissue' and seen as chyle, and sometimes it is seen as the tastes that can be felt with the tongue such as spicy, sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and astringent(澁). Volume 1, chapter 42 of the "Caraka-saṃhit$\bar{a}$" is dedicated to the "types of taste", and in chapter 26, it theorizes the concept of 'taste'.
