Long lists of single drugs and compound formulations have been in practice in this system for the treatment of practically all the disorders. Drugs are either used as single drug or compound medicines which have many herbs or minerals or a mixture of both For e.g. Glycrrhiza glabra is a single drug used for cough and Sitopaladi churna is a powder which is a compound formulation again used for cough.
Ayurvedic medicines are basically prepared by five methods of preparation that are:

1. Swarasa: extracted juice of fresh herbs preferably leaves
2. Kalka: Fresh medicines crushed or ground into paste
3. Kwatha: Decoction made out of dried plants by boiling them
4. Hima: Herb is kept overnight in cold water and in the morning the water is consumed
5. Faanta : Herbs poured in boiling in water for just a very short duration and the filtered solution is consumed

Slowly with the advent of newer technology and newer scientific methods, Ayurvedic methods of preparation are being modified to maintain the stability and efficacy of these medicines for a longer duration. Ayurvedic pharmacy has developed to a great extent and is ready to meet the newer challenges of the new millenium.