Ayurveda A Way of Life

Hinduism being a nature-centric belief, the development of a healing science based on vegetative matter and elements was obvious. Animal products are used in some formulations without the animal being killed. 

Ayurvedic formulation chiefly comprises roots, shoots, stems, leaves, fruits, and flowers extracted in powdered or liquid forms and mixed. The base is usually honey or clarified butter, but sometimes a paste of sandalwood is also used.

Indian Tea

Remember Ayurveda is a holistic science and the ingredients also include spices or masalas that we consume. Since food is essential for health it is curative. Indian spices are often used as therapy. Ginger, Cardamom, and Lemon Grass are used in Chai Tea in winter to fight cold and bad throat. Incidentally, tea beverage is also used as a medium for ingesting medicine. Green tea is considered the healthiest.

The formulations often mixed with Earthly minerals and metals have become a bone of contention since a few are labeled as toxic. But expert physicians have been treating humans for ages without any catastrophe. It is the right proportion that should be in consideration. Like any medical practice, the quacks should be avoided.

Yes, like all healing sciences, the treatments have to be delivered by qualified practitioners. India offers an institutional degree in Ayurveda. Most of the formulations available in the country are manufactured by well-known pharmaceutical giants, and some of them are exported to many countries.

Anyway, the composition is mentioned in formulations, and if uncertainty prevails, the formulation should best be avoided. Please do not purchase medicines from street vendors or against the prescription of unqualified practitioners.

This traditional Indian system of healing did not subscribe to evidence-based research or a bioresearch model. Yet centuries of popularity have led to widespread use more as healthy lifestyle products than medicines with proven efficacy. Nevertheless, such an old science cannot be pseudoscientific as it is often referred to. Anyway, some research is experiencing the daylight, and we will be better informed.

**Ayurvedic medicine should be consumed under the strict supervision of medical experts, and they are no substitute for modern medical practices. However, they can be consumed in conjunction.

A long time back, dating more than five thousand years, Hindu sages or rishis discovered many secrets of life, and wellness and peace of mind were prominent among them. Thus Ayurveda was born, the healing science bolstered by the serenity that prevailed in sylvan surroundings. The ambiance led to the development of thought, skills, and craftsmanship, and the rishis (saints) took help from nature. The practice of dhyana (meditation) in isolation was typical to Hindu saints, a path akin to renunciation like the great Buddha followed in search of truth.

Vedic Civilization, a predecessor to present-day Hinduism, experienced intense research and development in a wide spectrum of aspects of our lives. With a conservation ethos and robust lifestyle, the footprints of the Vedic era began to form the backbone of life in the Indian Subcontinent that is still visible overtly or subtly in the people.

Nature worship emanated with the realization that humans are interconnected with biotic and abiotic surroundings, and hence due importance should be accorded. Worshipping of trees, rivers, animals, and Earthly elements is not by any means a juvenile practice as detractors tend to propagate. Exalted or revered status is meant to respect the sanctity of all life forms and elements. This sanctity accorded is a better way to explain their importance in this ecosystem we call Earth. Preservation is the key to a sustainable Earth that stays in equilibrium.

Ayurveda texts can be found in the Vedas and numerous treatises. Sushruta Samhita dates back to 600 BCE is written by the first Indian surgeon who conducted plastic surgery, sutures, and kidney stone extraction. Other treatises are Charaka Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya of Vagbhata, with details of over 700 herbs and 6,000 formulations. Madhav Nidan (~800 AD) provides over 5,000 signs and symptoms. The system developed alongside Vedas was being scripted, and the texts comprise ample literature on this healing science. Most of the treatise is documented in Atharvaveda with information on the practice and formulations found in Charak Samhita and  Sushruta Samhita texts as mentioned above.  

Numerous books have been written by modern practitioners of this healing system in India. These books can be found in Indian bookstores and online websites relating to Ayurveda.  

Isabgol - physllium husk - Plantago Ovata

Considered the most suitable remedy for difficulty in passing the stool. Isabgol works smoothly without any side effects. This dietary fiber has many other benefits besides being an effective laxative solution.

Isabgol is exported to the USA, South Africa, UK, and EU besides China. More than 12000 tonnes are exported annually, and the figures are rising.

Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha is a powerful tonic besides often used as an aphrodisiac. It is derived from the roots and berries of the plant. It suppresses the production of the cortisol hormone to relieve stress. It is also supposed to enhance muscle formation and maintain sugar levels in the body.

Brahmi - Bacopa monieri
Brahmi is supposed to act as an anti-inflammatory and increase cognitive powers in humans. It reduces ADHD or attention deficit among humans.

Gotu Kola - Centella asiatica
Gotu Kola is an aquatic herb of longevity. It is supposed to improve memory after a stroke. In addition, it reduces anxiety and depression besides reducing stretch marks, and varicose veins, and may relieve joint pains.

Shilajit - Dead Plant Resin
Shilajit Resin is used as a tonic and in bone fractures. It is supposed to work in many ailments, including in the case of chronic fatigue syndrome.

The list of ingredients used in Ayurveda medicine is in thousands. Those interested in Ayurvedic medicines can buy them online. They are also available at reputed pharma stores in India.