The word Ayurveda is composed of two terms, "Ayush" meaning life and "Veda" meaning knowledge or science. Thus, etymologically, Ayurveda means the science of life or biology. Medicine apart, various other aspects of life also come within the purview of Ayurveda. In its broader perspective it deals with the health and treatment of diseases of animals and even plants. Thus in ancient India, there were specialised subjects like ashva-ayurveda (for the treatment of horses), gaja-ayurveda (for the treatment of elephants); go-ayurveda (for the treatment of cows) and vriksha-ayurveda (for the treatment of diseases of plants). Eminent scholars like Nakula, Shalihotra and Parashara wrote treatises on these sciences.

Ayurveda provides rational means for the treatment of many internal diseases, which are considered to be obstinate and incurable in other systems of medicine. Simultaneously it lays a great deal of emphasis upon the maintenance of positive health of an individual. It thus aims at both the prevention and cure of diseases. Ayurveda also studies basic human nature, and natural urges like hunger, thirst, sleep, sex, etc., and provides measures for a disciplined, disease-free life.

Practice of Ayurveda fell into disuse after repeated invasions of India. Original works were destroyed, and quacks flourished who introduced unauthorised modifications in the system.

It was in late 19th century and the early 20th century that people started thinking afresh about the development of Ayurveda. This gained an impetus along with the swadeshi movement. Many expert committees were constituted by the Government to look into the problems of this science and suggest measures to solve them. After independence, the national Government took keen interest to set the affairs of Ayurveda on scientific lines and develop it because of which Ayurvedic colleges, dispensaries, hospitals and pharmacies were established in different parts of the country.

In the accompanying sections, the emphasis is on home treatment for general complaints.