Ashtanga Hridayam is one of the basic original texts of Ayurveda, which is the age-old Indian way of medicine. Written by Sage Vagbhata and composed in poetic Sanskrit, it gives a comprehensive and systematic understanding of health and healing. The name 'Ashtanga Hridayam » ' literally means 'the Heart of the Eight Branches', referring to the main eight branches of Ayurveda that deal with medicine, surgery, psychiatry, toxicology, pediatrics, rejuvenation, aphrodisiacs, and spiritual healing.

It is said to be clear, concise, and immensely practical in its messages text brings the gist of earlier writings, such as the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita, into diet, lifestyle, herbal medicine, diagnosis, prevention from diseases, and treatment methods. Unlike most Ayurvedic texts that are more scholarly or surgical in orientation, this treatise was meant for the practice of the physician and student, making it accessible and popular for centuries.