Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. Ayurveda originated in India and evolved into its present form after thousands of years. In the Unites States, Ayurvedic medicine is thought of as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) system. Ayurveda therapies are often used as their own CAM. This includes the use of herbs, massage, and specialized diets. Ayurvedic medicine cleanses the body and restores balance through the usage of various products and techniques. Some of the products are harmful when improperly used or without consulting a trained practitioner. This includes some herbs having negative interactions with conventional medicines. Be sure to find out about the practitioner’s training and experience before utilizing Ayurvedic treatments.

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Ayurveda Benefits:
*Promotes overall health and wellbeing
*Effective complimentary, alternative medicine
*Encourages healthy mind, body & spirit
*Natural herb & plant remedies

Ayurveda History
Ayurvedic medicine, or Ayurveda, can be traced back several thousand years in India. Ayurveda translates to “the science of life,” as 'ayur' means 'life' and 'veda' means 'science' or 'knowledge.' In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is thought of as a whole medical system and type of CAM. Ayurveda includes ways to prevent, manage, and treat health issues. Like other medical systems, Ayurveda stands upon theories of health and illness.

Ayurveda medicine has long been used in India, making it one of the world’s oldest medical systems. Many Ayurvedic practices were developed before written records and were passed down through the generations via word of mouth. The main texts of Ayurvedic medicine are contained in two ancient books (Caraka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita) that were originally written in Sanskrit over 2,000 years ago.

Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine’s goal is to achieve balance in the body, mind, and spirit and to integrate them together. The belief is that by doing so, wellness is promoted and illness prevented. Ensure that you inform all your health care providers about what complementary and alternative medicine practices you use. This allows them to know exactly how you are managing your health and to coordinate your safe medical care by avoiding adverse interactions.

Some consider Ayurvedic medicine to be holistic, as it works to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. It is believed that obtaining this balance can help achieve happiness and health that in turn aids in the prevention of illness. Ayurveda includes treatments for specific physical and mental ailments. The main goal of Ayurveda is to rid the body of substances that cause diseases. By doing so it aids in re-establishing harmony and balance in the body.

Ayurveda Herbs & Plants
Ayurvedic treatments mostly use herbs and other plants. This includes the use of oils and common spices. There are over 600 different herbal formulas as well as 250 single plant drugs used in the current “pharmacy” of Ayurvedic treatments. The different plant compounds used in Ayurvedic medicine are grouped into categories based on their effects. These categories include healing, promoting vitality, and relieving pain.

The different compounds are detailed in texts that national medical agencies in India release. In some instances the botanicals are mixed with metals or other natural substances to create formulas. The making of these formulas utilize several herbs and herbal extracts and are done using precise heat treatment as described in Ayurvedic texts.

Toxicity
Ayurvedic medications can be toxic. Many of the ingredients used in the medications have yet to be thoroughly researched in Western or Indian studies. Ayurvedic medications are regulated as dietary supplements in the United States. Because of this they are not subject to the same safety and efficacy standards as conventional medicines.

In 2004, a NCCAM-funded study discovered that 14 out of 70 Ayurvedic remedies purchased over-the-counter and made in South Asia contained lead, mercury and/or harmful arsenic levels. In the same year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the previous three years 12 cases of lead poisoning was caused by using Ayurvedic medications.

Scientific Evidence
The significance of the results of most Ayurvedic medicine clinical trials are compromised by factors such as being too small, problems with research designs, lack of proper control groups, or other issues. Thus the scientific evidence related to the efficacy of Ayurvedic practices is varied and it is necessary for more rigorous research to be carried out to determine the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic practices.