Do Ayurveda Medicines Have Side Effects?

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It will be fascinating to know about the side effects of any treatment procedure. If we look deeply at common knowledge of scientific approaches and clinical trials, every drug or medicine has some basic side effects. These are referred to as responses, or sometimes they can be called adverse drug reactions (ADR). So, the most important concept we must remember is that whatever drug or medicine has fewer side effects is most feasible to the human system. 

Let us delve into the key concepts of Ayurveda to understand side effects better. These are based on the person’s strength to take the medicine and how the body reacts to it. They always vary from person to person. 

Ayurveda: An Integrative Care

Ayurveda is a traditional medical system that prevails in India, as it was followed 3000 years ago. ‘Ayurveda’ is a Sanskrit word that combines two words: ‘Ayur’ means life, and ‘Veda’ means the science of knowledge. It balances the person’s body, mind, and spirit. It will change your lifestyle by using natural therapies and give more vitality to the body. Ayurvedic medications are followed by special diets, yoga, mediations, and plant-based formulations that make total body purification, i.e., detoxification. The primary basics of Ayurveda are Prakriti and life forces such as Tridoshas, i.e., vata, pitta, and Kapha.

The main goal of Ayurveda is to eliminate impurities from the person’s body, regulate hormones, reduce symptoms, increase resistance to diseases, and keep the mind calm by avoiding stress etc. Ayurvedic formulations are prepared with medicinal plants, oils, and plant-based compounds blended with natural minerals. These formulations are natural and have the potential to bring ease and overall health to humans. 

Ayurvedic formulations are also used in some special procedures that detoxify the body, and they have been practiced for ages in India. Panchakarma is an integral part that involves five actions, likely Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana. Before Panchakarma, preparatory steps such as Snehan (Oil massage) and Svedana (Herbal steam therapy) make toxins loose and help in the elimination process. It is better to have a talk with an expert Ayurveda doctor before having Panchakarma as it is based on the individual body constitution and health needs of a specific person. It is better to know the benefits and possible responses prior to the procedure that will help you to prepare for the process.

Complemented Ayurvedic practices

Complementary Ayurvedic procedures often integrate traditional practices with modern wellness approaches to enhance overall health. Here are some examples:

  1. Yoga and meditation: are mindful practices that complement Ayurvedic therapies to promote mental clarity and physical balance in the body.
  2. Dietary Adjustments: Special personalized diets designed based on Ayurvedic principles to enhance the power of ama, i.e., digestive fire and energy levels.
  3. Herbal Remedies: Special Ayurvedic herbs with medicinal properties, such as Ashwagandha and Turmeric, can boost immunity and lower inflammation in the body.
  4. Aromatherapy: enhances relaxation during treatments using essential oils such as Sandalwood and Lavender.
  5. Massages: Physiotherapy massages are utilised for better recovery from injuries.
  6. Sound Therapy: Sound therapy is a powerful practice that can be done using mantras. It may involve using specific sounds, words, or phrases like the “Om” mantra to create vibrations through chanting. Overall, it promotes healing and relaxation.
  7. Phytomineral Complexes: Plant-based formulations combined with metals, gems, and minerals are called Rasayanas. They are embedded in the branch called Rasa shastra, i.e., Iatrochemistry.

These are possible Ayurvedic therapies that are used to treat any cancer disease in Ayurveda.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Ayurvedic Treatment?

Ayurvedic therapies offer a holistic approach to health and wellness, emphasizing balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some key benefits:

  • Detoxification: Techniques like Panchakarma help cleanse the body of toxins, promoting better organ function.
  • Stress Management: Practices such as Abhyanga (oil massage) and meditation reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Improved Digestion: Ayurveda focuses on enhancing digestive fire (Agni) through dietary adjustments and herbal remedies.
  • Boosted Immunity: Natural herbs like Tulsi and Amla strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms.
  • Personalized Care: Treatments are tailored to individual constitutions (Prakriti), ensuring effective results.
  • Skin and Hair Health: Therapies like Mukha Lepam and Ubtan improve skin texture and hair vitality.
  • Pain Relief: Specialized treatments like Kati Basti and Janu Basti address chronic pain and joint issues.

Ayurveda’s emphasis on prevention and natural healing makes it a timeless choice for maintaining overall well-being. Some Ayurvedic plants may be beneficial to human health and give relief, such are:

  • Triphala: Triphala is a botanical formula containing three Ayurvedic formulations: belleric myrobalan, myrobalan, and amla. It exerts antioxidant effects, which means they can neutralize abnormal cells, which can cause long-term harm to cells. With the help of Triphala, Ayurveda doctors are delaying many aging-related problems like heart disease and cancer. It benefits more by treating obesity, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, etc. People taking Triphala as an Ayurvedic treatment may quickly lose body weight.
  • Guggul: It lowers cholesterol levels. Guggul is an Ayurvedic formulation made from the oily sap of the guggul tree, which is native to Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Guggul has been used to treat diseases like cardiovascular disease since the 7th century.
  • Boswellia: This is a source from the resin of the Boswellia tree, which is also called Indian frankincense. It is very rich in Boswellia acids. This compound protects against anti-inflammatory effects in test tubes and is used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions such as COPD, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and cardiovascular disease.
  • Gotu Kola: Gotu Kola is a perennial plant of the Apiaceae genus. It is also known as Centella Asiatica or Asiatic pennywort. Doctors give Gotu Kola as a tonic to alleviate mental fatigue and improve mood and anxiety. It can exert a mind-stimulating effect. Proponents believe that Gotu Kola can enhance human memory and help overcome cognitive problems in people, such as heart stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, etc. It can work as a temporary energy booster and help people.

These are the four Ayurveda formulations that are beneficial to human health and relieve people from any disease.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Ayurvedic Treatment?

Not all Ayurvedic formulations cause side effects; however, depending on a person’s constitution type, they may show some responses from the body. So, before taking Ayurveda treatment, ask your doctor about Ayurvedic formulations and their usage directions. Some of the formulations that may cause side effects are:

  • Triphala: Abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, especially if you take Triphala in high doses.
  • Guggul: Vomiting, nausea, hiccups, belching, headaches, stomach upset, loose tools, etc.
  • Boswellia: If you apply Boswellia to the skin, it may cause allergic rashes, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
  • Gotu Kola: Sensitivity to light, stomach upset, nausea, and allergic rashes (when you apply to skin).

Ayurvedic products are necessary for some people for the overall quality of life that can enhance the Maha Dhatus and so improve immunity, i.e., Prana Shakthi of the body. Contacting healthcare professionals for pregnant women, children, and nursing mothers is always recommended. If you use high doses of Ayurvedic drugs, it may impact people with chronic medical conditions.

Punarjan Ayurveda Hospitals provides integrative cancer care based on the knowledge of Rasayana Ayurveda. It has been successful in bringing happy smiles to patients with complicated cancers such as Blood and Pancreatic Cancer. Besides, our customized treatment plan, which includes specialized diet and lifestyle changes, has delivered the best possible quality of life. 

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