What is Ayurvedic medicine?

Ayurvedic medicine originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is considered one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine that is accepted worldwide. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means life knowledge.

Ayurvedic medicine is not conventionally used in modern medicine due to the lack of scientific evidence and the quality of the research. Pharmaceutical medicines in comparison is worth 405.52 billion globally but is targeted toward the symptoms whereas Ayurvedic medicine is targeted towards treating the disease at its root. Despite the purpose of any medicine to be to improve health, Ayurvedic, pharmaceutical and herbal medicines can be dangerous to health and all have the risk of side effects. This is because not all plants are safe for consumption, and some medicines may have unsafe additives.

An example of the dangers in Ayurvedic medicine is that Canada, England and other countries have banned the sale of Indian Ayurvedic medicine due to claims that they contain high levels of metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic which pose health risks.

Ayurvedic medicine is purely medicine made from plants, herbs and oils such as cumin, liquorice root, bitter melon, brahmi, turmeric, gotu kola, and ashwagandha which is a woody plant native to India. Over time Ayurvedic medicine has evolved, however, there is a lot of scientific research required before it can replace conventional medicine.

Ayurvedic was based on the findings of ancient writing off natural holistic approach to healing and helping health. It is believed that Ayurvedic medicine is used day to day to prevent people from becoming ill rather than actually treating an illness that has already occurred. It is used as part of natural healthy lifestyle as a holistic approach, they would also recommend yoga and other spiritual healing. 

More than 90 percent of Indians still to this day use Ayurvedic medicine as an alternative medicine. This medicine is traditionally used for maintaining mental health, improved flexibility, strength and stamina and and reduce stress. In India the cost of Ayurvedic medicine ranges from free in a government hospital to 5000 RS in a private hospital.

Companies throughout India have become popular by associating their products with the term Ayurvedic, for example a company called Himalaya made a soap with Kanaka Tail oil, and Patanjali produces products such as Dant Kanti toothpaste, soaps, Keshkanti shampoo, and more.

Ayurvedic medicine (Frequently asked questions)

What are the disadvantages of ayurvedic medicine?

The disadvantages of Ayurvedic medicine include lack of standardized scientific evidence, potential heavy metal contamination, and possible herb-drug interaction.

What Ayurvedic medicine for cough?

For cough, Ayurvedic remedies like licorice (Yashtimadhu), ginger (Adrak), and honey (Madhu) might be used.

Is ayurveda legal in the UK?

Ayurveda is legal in the UK but regulated by the government for safety and quality assurance.

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