An Overview of Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic medicine is a form of traditional healing that began thousands of years ago and is still in use today, throughout the world. Although the practices are sometimes criticized by the mainstream medical community, they are safe, non-invasive and effective.

The body’s natural state is one of health and balance. When sickness occurs, it is due to an imbalance that can easily be corrected, with the appropriate approach.  Ayurvedic practitioners make use of the body’s ability to heal itself by evaluating a person’s condition thoroughly and prescribing lifestyle changes, herbal remedies or other natural solutions that correct the imbalance and heal the patient.

Conventional practitioners prescribe drugs that mask symptoms, such as pain. While Ayurvedic medicine provides pain relief, it also addresses the cause of the problem, not merely the symptoms.

This is, of course, not an exhaustive list, just a sampling of some of the plants that practitioners make use of. All of these spices and botanicals have been used traditionally and modern research supports their usage. Scientific evaluation has shown that the medicinal activity and the recommended uses are valid.

Ayurvedic medicine also includes the use of oils that are applied to the body to relieve skin conditions, fight infection or promote healing. Neem oil is one example. Safflower and sesame oils are commonly used, as well.Prescription drugs harm the body, particularly the liver. Over-the-counter medicines that many people believe to be safe interfere with proper liver function and with continued use can eventually cause liver failure.

Botanicals could have some negative side effects if used incorrectly, but when the recommended use is followed, they are safe and gentle. That is just one of the reasons that Ayurvedic medicine continues to grow in popularity, despite the criticism that it receives. Do what’s best for your body, the natural way.