Ayurveda, the oldest system of Indian medicine, uses a variety of solid dosage forms such as vati, guti, churna, bhasma and many more for therapeutic purposes. The preparation of such ayurvedic solid dosage forms start with the selection and processing of raw materials such as herbs, minerals and metallic compounds. A series of unit operations portraying integral roles in the preparation of ayurvedic solid dosage forms including purification (Shodhana), size reduction (Churna nirmana), blending (mishrana), binding, granulation, drying, compression and packaging. In addition to these, various traditional processes such as samskara (therapeutic processing) and bhavana (trituration) are also used in the preparation of ayurvedic solid dosage forms. All these unit processes and operations are employed to achieve the desired consistency and potency in the dosage forms. Although traditional methods have stood the test of time, ensuring consistency and scaling up production remain significant challenges. To address this, recent advancements in the manufacturing process have introduced modern techniques such as ultrasound assisted extraction and microwave drying, in order to improve the quality and efficiency of Ayurvedic solid dosage forms.

This chapter aims to provide comprehensive information on various unit processes and operations involved in the preparation of ayurvedic solid dosage forms, integrating both classical methods and contemporary pharmaceutical practices.Bringing together traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and modern scientific methods can help make these herbal medicines safer, more effective, and more widely accepted around the world.