Ayurvedic Medicines, an integral part of Ayurveda, are holistic in nature. They aim to heal the mind, body, and spirit rather than just “fighting diseases.” Ayurveda believes everything in this world is connected, and all living beings have five components: water, fire, air, space, and earth. Ayurvedic Medicines usually come in the form of medicated oils, herbs, plant extracts, decoctions, and so on.
Forms of Ayurvedic Medicines
Kashayams or Kwath or Kadha:
A wide array of Ayurvedic Medicines comes in the form of water-soluble herbs prepared through decoction, known as Kashayam, Kwath, or Kadhas. These solutions are crafted by boiling medicinal herbs and plants in water to produce a concentrated liquid. Kashayams offer therapeutic benefits for various ailments, including flu, ENT issues, indigestion, and immune system boosting.
Arishtams:
Arishtams, the fermented medicinal herbs, offer therapeutic benefits for various health issues including digestive problems, nervous system disorders, and respiratory ailments. They are particularly effective in treating conditions such as asthma, anaemia, heart disorders, psychosis, epilepsy, and memory loss. Additionally, arishtams have been found to alleviate symptoms of depression, offering holistic support for mental and physical well-being.
Avalehas:
Herbal jams, known as Avalehas or Lehyams, enjoy widespread popularity due to their convenience in consumption. Among these, Chyawanprasha stands out as the most renowned variant. Avalehas, or Lehyams, offer a convenient way to ingest herbal formulations for health benefits.
Vati:
Ayurvedic tablets, known by various names such as gulika, gutika, vataka, or bati, are gaining popularity for their convenience in storage and consumption. Their compact form makes them easy to store and carry, contributing to their rising demand. These tablets offer a convenient way to ingest herbal formulations for health benefits.
Choornams:
These powders, intended for consumption with water, milk, honey, or other liquids as prescribed by a physician, offer versatile methods of ingestion. They provide flexibility in dosage administration, allowing individuals to tailor their consumption according to personal preferences and needs. With their adaptable nature, these powders accommodate various dietary preferences and health requirements.
Traditional vs. Proprietary Ayurvedic Medicines: Understanding the Difference
Traditional Ayurvedic Medicines adhere closely to the formulations, manufacturing methods, and dosages outlined in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Manufacturing companies follow these traditional recipes to prepare medicines like Chyawanprasha and Triphala Choorna. This category encompasses a wide range of products, including Kashayams, Churnas, Arishtas, and Asavas, each formulated according to centuries-old Ayurvedic principles.
Proprietary Ayurvedic Medicines represent a more modern approach to herbal remedies. These medicines are typically patented or formulated by the manufacturing company, allowing for flexibility in dosage, formula, and manufacturing methods. Products such as Ayurvedic capsules, syrups, and ointments fall into this category, reflecting advancements in Ayurvedic practice and catering to contemporary health needs.
11 Benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine has several benefits and is a cure for almost all known diseases. Given below is a list of 11 benefits which Ayurvedic Medicines offer-
Do not have side effects
Help in building immunity
Reduce stress & anxiety
Heal the body holistically & not just the symptoms
Detoxifies the body
Provides glow to the skin
Balances hormones
Lowers blood pressure & cholesterol
Cures insomnia
Minimises inflammation
Helps in weight loss
How does Ayurvedic Medicine work?
Our body is composed of tridoshas, or the three humours—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The disease is caused when one or more tridoshas go out of balance. Hence, Ayurvedic Medicines work towards the imbalance in the tridosha, which is the root cause of the disease. By correcting the imbalance, the disease is also healed holistically.
