Loosely translated as the "science of life," ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural medicine that is still used as the primary form of health care by many in India. According to physician Hari Sharma and colleagues writing in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," ayurvedic herbal therapies are less likely than conventional Western treatments to be associated with toxic side effects. Use all herbal therapies under the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner.
Ayurvedic Concept of Disease
Sharma points out that ayurvedic concepts of disease differ from the concepts that are held in conventional Western medicine. A famous ayurvedic text on internal medicine from 700 B.C. known as the Caraka Samhita states that diseases do not necessarily need to be named for treatment to take place. Assessment of the particular state of each patient and the stage of her illness are often more important to the ayurvedic practitioner for the selection of appropriate herbs and other therapies.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, a painful condition often associated with aging, is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Sharma states that the following ayurvedic herbs are effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis: Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha; Commiphora mukul, or guggul; and Boswellia serrata, often simply referred to as boswellia. Ashwagandha, a member of the nightshade family also known as Indian ginseng, is also used as a rejuvenating tonic. Guggul and boswellia, both made from tree resins, have anti-inflammatory properties. Ask a qualified health care practitioner if these herbs are appropriate, and safe, for your condition.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Cancer
Ayurvedic theory holds that cancer is in part caused by "ama," toxic byproducts that result from inefficient or incomplete digestion. According to the 2008 book, "Fundamentals of Cancer Prevention," ayurvedic herbal preparations kalpa amrutha and Maharishi Amrit Kalash have demonstrated anti-tumor activity in animal experiments, and ashwagandha may slow the growth of breast, lung and colon cancer cells. The authors point out that in ayurvedic medicine, cancer would not be treated with herbal therapies alone, but with nutritional and other lifestyle changes. The benefits of ayurvedic herbs for cancer remain unproven by human clinical trials, and more research is necessary before they can be recommended for cancer treatment. Before using kalpa amrutha, Maharishi Amrit Kalash or other ayurvedic herbs, consult your physician.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Heart Disease
Ancient ayurvedic scholars and sages were very familiar with heart disease, according to a 2004 article in the "South Asian Journal of Preventive Cardiology." Authors Rajeev and Arvind Gupta report that a number of herbs have been traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine to treat it. Garlic is indicated for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. Fenugreek is used for aortic palpitations and high cholesterol, and the widely used ayurvedic herb ashwagandha, once again, may be helpful for stable angina pectoris. Tulsi has reported hypotensive and anti-stress properties. Use these and other ayurvedic herbs only under the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner.
References
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Utilization of Ayurveda in Health Care: An Approach for Prevention, Health Promotion, and Treatment of Disease. Part 2---Ayurveda in Primary Health Care; H. Sharma et al; Dec. 2007
- "Fundamentals of Cancer Prevention"; David S. Alberts and Lisa M. Hess; 2008
- South Asian Journal of Preventive Cardiology: Ayurveda, Cholesterol and Coronary Heart Disease
Member Comments