Read the Ghritham shelf and a pattern appears: Indukantham, Jeevanthyadi, Varanadi, Dhanwantharam. Classical formula names are not arbitrary, and knowing the handful of conventions behind them makes the whole family easier to read.

The adi convention

The suffix adi means "and the rest". A name such as Jeevanthyadi marks the formula as Jeevanthi and the others, that is, a documented list headed by that herb. Varanadi follows the same rule, headed by Varana. The convention allowed long formulas to be cited in a word.

Maha, the greater version

Maha means great. Where a formula exists in two sizes, the greater one carries the prefix: Maha Triphala Ghritham beside Triphala Ghritham, Mahathiktakam beside Thikthakam. The difference is set out in the formulation literature, and it is not always simply more of the same herb.

Names from images, and names from tastes

  • Images: Indukantham, pleasing to the moon; Sukumaram, the tender one.
  • Tastes: Thikthakam, from Tikta, bitter; Panchatikta, the five bitters.
  • Dosage form: Ghritham for ghee, Thailam for oil, Churnam for powder, Kashayam for decoction.

Why it matters when choosing

A name tells you which documented formula a preparation belongs to, not what it will do. That is the distinction the range comparison works from, and it is why Jeevanthyadi Ghritham is described here by its formula and its label rather than by its name alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does adi mean in a formula name?

"And the rest": the formula is headed by the named herb and continues with a documented list.

Does Maha mean a stronger preparation?

It means the greater of two recorded versions. What differs is set out in the formulation literature and is not always the quantity of one herb.

What does the ending Ghritham tell me?

The dosage form: a ghee preparation, as opposed to a Thailam, an oil, or a Churnam, a powder.

This article is for educational purposes and describes the classical Ayurvedic record. The products mentioned are food supplements, not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Take classical ghee preparations under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.