The Ashtanga Hridaya (c. 500 AD)is written in 7120 easily understood poetic verses that embody the essence of Ayurvedic knowledge. It is to some extent a summary and clearer presentation of the Caraka and Sushruta samhitas, but also includes much new information which did not appear in earlier texts.

There are section s on longevity, personal hygiene, the causes of illness, influence of season and time on the human organism, types and classifications of medicine, the significance of the sense of taste, pregnancy, individual constitutions and various aids for establishing a prognosis. There is also detailed information on panchakarma therapies including: therapeutically induced vomiting, the use of laxatives, enemas, complications that might occur during such therapies and the necessary medications.