What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian holistic medical science. It has been known since the past 5000 years. It was passed down through generations. Ayurvedic theory is that everything which is present in nature is present in your body and it helps in treatment. Macrocosin represents itself in the microcosin in a miniature form and vice versa. It states that diseases are caused due to an imbalance of three inherent energies called the Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Not just the physical symptoms of the body, but the mind too is taken into consideration during the treatment.

What are the sources of Ayurvedic medicines?

Ayurveda derives medicines from the nature, various medicinal herbs, animal products and minerals are used to prepare drugs. For example amla (Indian gooseberry), neem (margosa), chandan (sandalwood), and metals like gold, silver, iron etc.

How are the drugs prepared?

Ayurvedic Drugs are mostly prepared by pharmaceutical companies now a days. But even now many Ayurvedic physicians prepare their own drugs. These drugs can be in form of powders, decoctions, tablets, pastes, aasava (decoctions preserved through self–generation of alcohol etc.)

Do Ayurvedic medicines have any side–effects?

All Ayurvedic drugs are natural. They are very safe and can be used for children too. There are no side effects when the drugs are used properly.

Are Ayurvedic drugs used for chronic ailments only?

Most of the people look to allopathy for cure and when the results are negative, they turn to Ayurveda. By this time the diseases become chronic. This has to do with the misconception that Ayurvedic drugs cannot be used for minor ailments like cold, cough, fever, acidity, loose motions and other aches and pains. Ayurveda can cure such common ailments too.

What are the types of diseases that Ayurveda can treat?

Ayurveda has proven very effective for a vast majority of diseases which affect the body, including skin diseases, ailments of the bones and joints (e.g. Arthritis etc), diabetes and other hormone related diseases, nervous system disorders like paralysis, epilepsy etc. It has become popular in treatment of cases related to decreased vitality. It is helpful in ailments that are recurring or persistent and have no definitive treatment in other systems of medicines.