Siddha preparations come in many forms, and the Tamil name on a product often tells you which one you are looking at. This short guide explains the forms found in the AVM Herbals range, with an example of each. How a form is taken or applied is always given in the directions on the pack.
Powders: curnam (சூரணம்) and podi (பொடி)
A curnam, also spelled chooranam, is a fine powder, usually of one herb or a classical combination; examples are Thiripala Curnam, Ashwagandha Curnam and Talisati Curnam. A podi is also a powder, for instance Naaval Kottai Podi (jamun seed) and Karpaga Milagu Podi. Many single-herb products are simply named as powders, such as the leaf and root powders listed in the key botanicals index.
Medicated oils: thailam (தைலம்)
A thailam is a medicated oil, prepared by infusing herbs in oil. The thailams in this range are for external use: Neeli Bringhadi Thailam and Podugu Thailam for hair and scalp, and Pinda Thailam, a classical massage oil.
Syrups and waters: manapagu (மணப்பாகு) and theneer
A manapagu is a flavoured herbal syrup, such as Jambhira Manapagu (ginger lemon syrup) and Adathodai Manapagu (Malabar nut syrup). A theneer is a drinkable herbal water or infusion, such as Oma Theneer (ajwain water).
Sweets and rejuvenation formulas: alwa and kayakarpam
Sugabedhi Alwa is a Siddha sweet. A kayakarpam is a rejuvenation formula in the Siddha tradition, such as the Vallalar Kayakarpam heritage formula.
Incense and ritual items: dhoop (தூபம்)
Dhoop is incense. Maha Dhoop and the other incense and kumkum items are for ritual and ceremonial use, not for internal consumption.
Choosing between forms
Different forms suit different routines. If you are unsure where to start, read the label on each product page, try Find Your Ritual, or request a consultation. To learn how to read a product page, see How to Read an AVM Herbals Product Page. This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, please speak to a qualified practitioner before starting any herbal product.
தமிழில் சுருக்கம்
சூரணம், பொடி, தைலம், மணப்பாகு, தூபம் போன்ற சித்த மருந்து வடிவங்களை இந்தப் பக்கம் எளிமையாக விளக்குகிறது. ஒவ்வொரு வடிவமும் எப்படி எடுத்துக்கொள்ளப்படுகிறது அல்லது பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது என்பதை ஒவ்வொரு தயாரிப்பின் பேக்கில் உள்ள வழிமுறைகளைப் பார்த்து அறிந்துகொள்ளுங்கள். இது பொதுவான தகவல் மட்டுமே; மருத்துவ ஆலோசனை அல்ல.