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@article{208566,
        author = {Dr. Yogesh Shantaram Patil and Dr. Vishal Madhukar Khandre},
        title = {UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF HETU, LINGA AND AUSHADHA IN AYURVEDA: A CRITICAL REVIEW},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {4},
        pages = {2059-2067},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=208566},
        abstract = {Background - Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that emphasizes the maintenance of health and management of disease through understanding the interaction between the individual, environment, diet, lifestyle and therapeutic interventions. The classical Ayurvedic approach to understanding disease is founded on the principles of Hetu, Linga and Aushadha, collectively referred to as Trisutra or Triskandha. Hetu represents the causative factors, Linga represents the signs and symptoms or manifestations of health and disease, and Aushadha represents therapeutic measures employed for preservation of health and management of disease.[1,2]
Aim- To critically review the concepts of Hetu, Linga and Aushadha in Ayurveda with special reference to Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya, and to examine their relevance in diagnosis, prevention and individualized treatment.
Materials and Methods - A conceptual review was undertaken using classical Ayurvedic texts and peer-reviewed Ayurvedic journal literature. The principal classical sources were Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya. Relevant contemporary articles addressing Trisutra, its clinical utility, diagnostic application and therapeutic significance were also reviewed.[2-6]
Results - The classical literature demonstrates that Hetu provides the basis for understanding disease causation and prevention, Linga facilitates recognition and assessment of disease manifestations, while Aushadha provides the means for correcting pathological processes and maintaining health. The three components are interdependent rather than isolated. Identification of Hetu supports Nidana Parivarjana; assessment of Linga facilitates diagnosis and evaluation; and appropriate selection of Aushadha depends upon the Dosha, Dushya, Rogibala, Rogabala, Desha, Kala, Prakriti and other patient-specific factors.[1-5]
Conclusion - Hetu, Linga and Aushadha constitute a fundamental clinical reasoning framework in Ayurveda. Their integrated application facilitates etiological assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and individualized treatment. The concept remains relevant to contemporary Ayurvedic education, clinical practice and research.},
        keywords = {Hetu, Linga, Aushadha, Trisutra, Triskandha, Nidana, Lakshana, Chikitsa, Ayurveda, Charaka Samhita.},
        month = {September},
        }