Ayurvedic Medicines: Safe or Not? 5 Precautions for Use

01 Nov Ayurvedic Medicines: Safe or Not? 5 Precautions for Use

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to the medical world, prevailing as personalized medications prepared using several natural extracts.

What fascinates people about Ayurveda is its ability to treat several chronic diseases similar to allopathy, but without side effects!

But the lack of enough clinical research and evidence-based working mechanisms of the medicines still raises questions.

Are ayurvedic medicines harmful? Well, not exactly, as they are prepared with complete natural herbs and sometimes offer safer alternatives to allopathic drugs for various diseases.

But are ayurvedic medicines completely safe?

We cannot say a yes to this too, as in herbal composition, consistency, and bioactivity matter.

Based on these factors, some scientific pieces of evidence find Ayurvedic medicines not always a safe option.

Are Ayurvedic Medicines Safe? – Research So Far

Ayurveda is a traditional medical system that focuses on reducing symptoms, increasing immunity, and improving the quality of life.

In fact, in countries like India, practitioners undergo professional training for mastering medical use.

But there isn’t any such certification in the USA, and here Ayurvedic formulations are considered prescription-free supplements.

Although evidence suggests ayurveda’s positive effects when combined with proper care for chronic diseases, there still are doubts about its safety.

Why is Ayurveda Not Always Safe?

Ayurveda, according to some reports, isn’t always a safe option because of two main factors:

1. No standard treatment plan
2. Composition might contain metals 

Here’s all the detail you need to know.

#1. Treatment Planning

Ayurvedic medicines are unique in compositions due to personalized preparations. Hence, two ayurvedic practitioners can have varying opinions on your conditions and suggest differing formulations.

Moreover, there isn’t any standard second opinion for the ayurvedic formulations.

#2. Composition

Ayurvedic formulations contain many ingredients which can comprise of:

• Herbs
• Metals
• Minerals

Only some of these ingredients have been researched for their safety while the others remain raw and untested versions.

Further, if some of these materials are not used the proper way during the formulation, they can cause severe side effects in your body.

For example, some of the following research pieces suggest improper use of lead, arsenic, and such metals in ayurvedic medicines causing side effects.

Research and Evidence

Although there aren’t many studies about the various herbs used in the ayurvedic formulations, the following research do indicate the harmful side of some formulas:

Study I – Presence of Harmful Levels of Metal In Ayurvedic Medications

The study was conducted to look out for the concentration of heavy metals in Ayurvedic herbal medicines manufactured in South Asia and sold in Boston.

The systemic search was done covering 20 stores in Boston that sold ayurvedic medications using various methods.

All unique products were purchased through the stores to check for the prevalence of heavy metals.

Following measures were used to observe the number of metals present, and how much consumers indigested daily:

• x-ray fluorescence test for the presence of metals
• dosage recommendation for calculating daily intake

Results:

As per a publication on JAMA Network, harmful levels of arsenic, mercury, and lead were found in the formulations, suggesting that consumers can be at risk of heavy metal toxicity.

Another study suggests that the metal toxicity caused by Ayurveda is comparatively more harmful than the ones caused by other reasons.

Study II – Ayurvedic lead poisoning compared with occupational lead poisoning

The study compared the hematopoietic toxicity of Ayurvedic lead poisoning with common occupational lead poisoning.

For this, a total of 66 cases of lead toxicity were studied out of which:

• 43 were due to ayurvedic medications
• 19 were because of paint lead toxicity

According to the results:

Ayurvedic lead poisoning showed higher levels of lead in the blood, less hemoglobin, and high protoporphyrin, acording to a study published in Medical Science Monitor.

This suggests that ayurvedic medicines induced lead toxicity produced higher hematopoietic toxicity than the toxicity caused by paint lead.

Other than these two studies, there is also a study that shows side effects of Ayurvedic Medications similar to side effects of Allopathy medicine.

Study III – C. domestic extracts have a similar side effects profile to Ibuprofen

The study, published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging, was conducted to test the safety and effectiveness of C. domestica in reducing pain and functional improvements.

For the study, a total of 367 participants suffering from knee osteoarthritis having pain scores of 5 or above were considered. The group was randomized with C.domestica extracts and Ibuprofen.

According to the results, though C. domestic has similar effectiveness to Ibuprofen (allopathy drug), the side effects were similar too.

The only difference was in the number of gastrointestinal side effects.

Besides, there are a few more studies that show mass lead toxicity post administration of contaminated Ayurvedic medications.

Not to mention, other than toxicity, there have also been reports of other side effects of consuming ayurvedic formulations.

Possible Side Effects of Ayurveda

While toxicity is one of the major complications of using Ayurveda, there have also been reports of other side effects.

These side effects were mainly reported for overusing the formulations that contained strong herbal extracts.

For example, experts in the field suggest that using some herbal extracts in the long term, like ashwagandha used in blood pressure regulation, can cause depression.

Another such strong herb is ashwagandha, and long term use can cause side effects like:

• Abdominal distension
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loose motions
• And rashes

But despite these effects, studies also suggest the effectiveness of the formulation, hence we can say that there are both advantages and disadvantages of ayurvedic medicine.

Since the above studies already indicate the disadvantages of ayurvedic medicine, we next move on to finding out if Ayurveda works!

Does Ayurvedic Medicine Work? – The Positive Side 

While there are clinical studies that indicate the negative side of ayurvedic medicines, there are also studies that have a positive response.

For example, results from a study conducted on the effectiveness of ayurvedic medications in diabetes mellitus were positive (final draft published in the Frontiers in Pharmacology).

It was a systemic review and a total of 32,519 records were identified for the review but just 219 articles comprising 21,191 patients were used.

According to the results, the ayurvedic medications were able to reduce fasting blood glucose levels, and also glycated hemoglobin was reduced.

Similar to this result, there can be many other benefits of ayurvedic medications too.

Benefits of Ayurveda

Ayurveda has a wide range of therapeutic elements for younger and older people including patients suffering from chronic diseases.

This is because of its holistic actions on the cellular level.

It works by balancing the working of organs and the different metabolic processes.

Some of its therapeutic benefits include:

#1. Reduced Inflammation

The root cause of several chronic diseases is inflammation, but with several such herbs present in the ecosystem, you can naturally reduce inflammation.

Ayurveda brings together these herbs to strengthen your core system, and the digestive system to flush out the inflammation-causing toxins.

#2. Reduces Symptoms of Illness

Ayurvedic medications and diet, to some extent, are effective in reducing symptoms.

They use multiple herbs, vitamins, minerals, and proteins, which when mixed, can reduce:

• Blood pressure,
• Cholesterol, and
• and many other metabolic processes causing chronic diseases.

#3. Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Ayurvedic medications can help lower cardiovascular risk to a great extent by:

• Increasing high-density lipoprotein
• Reducing triglycerides
• Controlling cholesterol levels

This way they prevent the formation of plaque, which is a major cause of atherosclerosis.

#4. Alleviate Mental Stress

Many such herbs can help reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

One such herb is ashwagandha which can reduce the levels of the stress-causing hormone, cortisol.

#5. Reduce the Risk of Gastric Disorders

According to animal studies, Triphala containing ayurvedic remedies can improve your digestive health.

They can combat:

• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal bowel motility

Many other ayurvedic herbs can have similar benefits. 

#6. Help in Diabetes

Ayurvedic medicines are highly effective for diabetes, as per research.

Some of the ingredients, like bitter melon, help lower blood sugar and increase the secretion of insulin.

They can also help reduce the symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

Other than helping in chronic diseases, ayurvedic medications can also help improve cellular rejuvenation.

#7. Benefits for Hair and Skin

For people suffering from dermal problems and hair problems, Ayurveda has been termed the best medication.

There are many herbal ingredients present in the list of ayurvedic treatments that can fight these problems.

Generally, these ingredients enrich your body with nutrients that deeply nourish your scalp and skin for better cellular health.

#8. Sexual Wellness

Many ayurvedic medicines have great sexual benefits and can even reduce symptoms of:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Premature ejaculation
• Poor prostate health
• Fewer testosterone levels

They also work for women’s reproductive health, as many therapeutic compositions can help in period irregularities. However, it’s not advised for use without doctor’s consultation.

#9. Paralysis

Many herbs are beneficial in reducing the stage of paralysis among patients who have had strokes.

Some of these herbs include Kawata, Guggulu, and Thilwaka Grithan, mixed along with other forms.

#10. Spondylitis

Many herbs mixed can give you a medication for spondylitis caused by degenerative and inflammatory causes.

But don’t go for self-googled medications, instead, always trust practitioners for such medications.

However, similar to allopathy, ayurvedic medications come with precautions!

As we saw above, contaminated ayurvedic formulations and overusing of the medications can pose a serious threat to your health. So, it’s important to use them correctly.

How to Use Ayurvedic Medicine Safely – 5 Precautions

The ayurvedic medical system, just like other medical systems, has its contraindications and potential for interactions, allergies, and side effects.

Hence, it’s important to be aware of how to use the safer side of the formula:

#1. Consultation

Ayurveda is a medical system governed by practitioners similar to allopathic medicines. But in certain countries, there aren’t any practitioners of Ayurveda.

Hence, it becomes important to avoid self-diagnosis and buying Ayurveda products without proper consultation.

Different formulations can have different effects on the body. A well-versed practitioner can only suggest the right formula.

#2. Composition

Although the composition of ayurvedic medications is unique for diseases, you must be aware of what’s going on inside your body.

There are many compositions of ayurvedic medicines that use heavy metals and pearls. They could lead to toxicity and hence you must avoid such formulas and ask for other compositions.

Some remedies also contain harsh herbs, which can cause side effects on long-term usage.

Avoid going for such remedies if you are looking for a long-term treatment plan.

#3. Intake of Medications

The dosage matters in Ayurveda too!

Overdosing certain herbal ingredients can result in more harm than benefits. Hence, always stick to the dosage as prescribed by the practitioner.

Since in Ayurveda the results are gradual and not quick, you might have an urge of overdosing, thinking of natural ingredients not causing any side effects.

But only the prepared dosage works, and not exceeding or reducing the dosage helps.

Also make sure to follow the instructions, as some compositions are meant to work on an empty stomach while others could be post meals.

#4. Drug Interactions

Do not mix allopathic or other forms of medicine with Ayurveda as all of them have their unique compositions.

Mixing the drugs can lead to interactions, resulting in side effects and complications.

Stick to the complete course of the medications before switching to other plans.

#5. Purchasing Ayurvedic Medicines

Do not trust ayurvedic medicine online as they are mostly contaminated and don’t offer transparency in the herbs used.

This could be dangerous as most of the cases of heavy metal toxicity come from online ayurvedic products.

On the off chance, if you are an online shopper, always check the official websites of ayurvedic medicine sellers and not third parties. 

Conclusion

Are ayurvedic medicines safe? The answer could be a yes or a no based on composition, consistency, dosage, and purity.

Generally, pure forms of ayurvedic medicines used in the right dosage are beneficial and don’t cause side effects.

On the other hand, contaminated medicines mostly result in toxicity which can even be fatal when not diagnosed early.

Since ayurvedic medicines are prescription free, people often look out for ayurvedic treatments online and then self-treat the problem.

But that should be avoided to have safe results with Ayurveda, as ayurvedic medications are cause-specific for diseases. Look for an experienced practitioner, and go from there.

Drop your questions down below if you’ve any more doubts.

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