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DRAVYA GUṆA VIJÑĀNA: Module 1: Foundations of Āyurvedic Herbology 

Self-Paced On-Demand Course | 25 Hours | 25 NAMA PACE CE Credits
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DRAVYA GUṆA VIJÑĀNA: Module 1 is a comprehensive 10-session, NAMA PACE-approved course in classical Āyurvedic Herbology and Pharmacology designed for students and practitioners seeking to deepen and refine their understanding of the core principles and clinical applications of herbal medicine.

Through an in-depth exploration of the foundational principles of Dravya Guṇa Karma Śāstra, students will engage more deeply with the principles of Rasādi Pañcakam (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka, and Prabhāva), herbal energetics, formulation skills, classical preparations, anupāna, dosage, and the timing of herbal administration before progressing into the study of the materia medica.

The primary focus of Module 1 is on Agni Dīpana, Āma Pācana, Virecana, and Vibandhaghna herbal dravyas. Through the study of individual herbs, classical formulations, clinical case discussions, and treatment planning, students learn how to select and formulate herbs according to each individual’s constitution and condition.

Course Access: 12 months from the date of enrollment.

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Vishnu Dass

Vishnu Dass’s teaching style integrates traditional principles with practical clinical reasoning, encouraging students to view herbal protocols within the broader context of Āyurvedic Cikitsā, where herbs, diet, lifestyle, and individualized treatment work together to support lasting health.

Class Testimonials

I thoroughly enjoyed Vishnu’s digestion module! Not only was it a good review of the foundational understanding of dravya karma, but I also really appreciated the deep dive into individual herbs. Vishnu has such a way of teaching that gives you the basics, but more than that, he has decades of practice under his belt and the ability to share practical knowledge about how to use the herbs in a variety of ways, both subtle and gross. I will absolutely be continuing my studies with him in the future and am looking forward to other modules he may offer.

~ Meagan Olgin — Ayurvedic Doctor, NC

Vishnu Dass’s herb class was exactly what I needed to deepen my understanding of Ayurvedic herbal medicine. He gives plenty of time to establish a solid foundation and understand why certain herbs do what they do. You learn the systems of understanding herbs—their energetics, including guṇas, rasa, vīrya, and vipāka—so you don’t just memorize what each herb does. You develop a way of understanding even an herb you may not yet be familiar with.

Vishnu Dass has decades of experience with these herbs, and it really shines through in his teaching. He allows discussions to evolve organically based on the needs of the students. The course also comes with a wealth of resources to support continued study through the handouts, books, and materials he shares. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to begin or expand their understanding of Ayurvedic herbal medicine.

~ Kimber Jones — Ayurvedic Health Counselor, NC

I came away from Vishnu’s Dravya Guna Vijñāna course with a completely renewed appreciation for classical formulas and their real relevance in Western Ayurvedic practice—not just as historical formulations, but as living tools. What stood out most was the depth paired with his teaching style—a way of provoking real thought, not just delivering information. The questions came pouring out of us, both individually and as a group, because of it.

Opening each session with a basic review was such a simple touch, but it sparked something every time and kept the foundation solid as the material built in complexity. One of the most valuable things I took away was understanding the role of anupāna—how something as seemingly small as the vehicle you pair a formula with can completely shift its energetics and effect. Having access to the recordings afterward was also a huge bonus, giving me the freedom to revisit the material at my own pace. This course helped me look at formulations with a different depth.

~ Harshla Singh — Ayurvedic Health Counselor, FL

The Dravya Guṇa Vijñāna Module 1 course taught by Vishnu Dass elevated my passion and deepened my knowledge of herbalism, Ayurvedic herbs, and formulation.

~ Barry Cooper — AHC, FL

Ayurvedic Herbology

East & West: A Practical Guide to Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine

By Vishnu Dass

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“This wonderful and practical book is one of the masterpieces of Ayurvedic Herbology. Vishnu Dass has covered many subtle topics in this quite scholarly work. In a sense, this is an integrated work, both for Eastern and Weatern herbalist. This book breeds the life of practical Ayurvedic principles, methodology, pharmaceutical and pharmacological actions.” – Dr. Vasant Lad

“Ayurvedic Herbology East and West is a comprehensive and detailed study not only of Ayurvedic herbology but of Ayurvedic medicine itself, excellent for all students of herbs and an important new contribution in the field. “ – David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri)

“Ayurvedic Herbology is a well-written and valuable addition to the herbal library of any practitioner. Many unique herbs are included as well as the author’s personal experience with home remedies.” – Dr. Marc Halpern (President of the California College of Ayurveda).