Herbal Formulations in Ayurveda

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic (whole-body) treatment systems. This system was established in India and has existed for more than 3,000 years. The system is based on the belief that our body will be healthy if there is a perfect balance of mind, body and spirit. 

This article will discuss the Ayurveda system and the other traditional therapeutic system, Siddha Ayurveda. 

Ayurveda System

Ayurveda in the English language translates into “knowledge of life.” This system of medicine encourages people to incorporate various lifestyle changes and use natural remedies that can help a body heal and maintain a balance between the body, mind, spirit and surroundings. 

It is based on the belief that the imbalance or stress causes a disease or sickness in a person’s consciousness. Ayurveda recommends cleansing protocols as a means toward maintaining optimal health. These include cleansing of body, mind and soul with herbal formulations, massages, yoga and meditation.

Ayurvedic medicine focuses on maintaining the balance between universal interconnection, body composition (Prakriti) and life forces (doshas). All the remedies and treatments are based on eliminating toxins to enhance disease resistance, reduce anxiety and increase harmony.

Difference Between Siddha Ayurveda and the Unani Medicinal System

The other traditional medicinal systems apart from Ayurveda Siddha Ayurveda and Unani.

Siddha Ayurveda

The Siddha system of medicine focuses on medical therapies and considers the patient, surroundings, age, habits and physical condition to diagnose medical conditions. Siddha literature is written in Tamil and is widely practised in Tamil-speaking parts of India. 

Unani

The Unani system relies on well-established knowledge and is practised to promote health and disease prevention. This system is believed to have originated in Greece. But, it travelled through various places before reaching India during the Mediaeval period. 

Arabs and Mughals used their knowledge of herbal plants to cure illnesses. Although the medicines are a combination of animal extract, plants and minerals, the Unani system focuses on creating medicines that use naturally occurring, mostly botanical treatments.

The growing use of herbal medicines for treatment

Various herbal medications and phytonutrients, known as nutraceuticals, are increasingly becoming popular worldwide both in developing and developed countries. These medicines are available in drug stores, grocery stores and supermarkets.

Reports suggest that up to four billion people (about 80% of the world population) in the developing nations use mostly natural remedies for minor ailments. People are moving towards the use of traditional practices which involve the use of herbs and other medicinal plants.

This trend is increasingly being noticed even in developed countries where people are seeking natural, safe and inexpensive treatment options. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) have gained popularity in many European countries, the Americas and Australia. Many believe that herbal treatments will give them a better quality of life. 

Herbal Medicines Safe and Effective to Use

These methods have been around for many centuries and are generally considered safe and effective by experts and practitioners in this field.. 

Medicinal herbs, plants and spices have their benefits and disadvantages. What works for some people and causes side effects in others. In the same vein, some herbs may cure certain conditions but not help in other diseases. Most herbal formulations are not subjected to FDA scrutiny as pharmaceuticals. Absence of recorded research prescribed by modern medicine makes it difficult to determine precisely the composition and effect of herbal remedies. 

It is therefore essential to approach these treatments with caution and consult trained medical practitioners before opting for these protocols. 

Conclusion 

Herbal medicines are gaining popularity and slowly catching up with the conventional pharmaceutical remedies. Although natural, safe and effective, Ayurveda can be beneficial when combined with standard medical care. It cannot replace conventional medical treatment, particularly acute, serious illnesses.