turmeric

Four Remarkable Health Benefits of Turmeric

#1 Purificatory Health Benefits of Turmeric

Sadhguru: Turmeric purifies the blood and brings translucence to your energies. Turmeric not only works on the physiology, but also has a big impact on your energy system. It purifies the blood, body, and energy system. For external purification, just take a small pinch of turmeric, put it into a bucket of water and pour it over your body – you will see, the body will be vibrant and glowing.

#2 Anti-phlegm Health Benefits of Turmeric

Those who suffer from cold related diseases and find their nostrils blocked every morning, will benefit a lot from the consumption of neem, pepper, honey and turmeric. Crush about 10 to 12 pepper corns roughly and soak them in a couple of spoons of honey overnight (about 8 to 12 hours). In the morning you consume this and just chew upon the pepper. Mixing some turmeric with the honey should also work. If you avoid all dairy products, your phlegm will go down naturally.

#3 Anti-cancer Health Benefits of Turmeric
Cancer is not a disease, it’s your own body working against you; certain cells have turned against you. Periodic cleansing of the body is good to prevent this from happening. Consumption of turmeric on an empty stomach is a very effective cleanser. This may not be effective after you get cancer, but otherwise, swallowing a marble-sized turmeric ball and neem ball, first thing in the morning acts as a great cleanser and takes away the cancerous cells in your body.

#4 Benefits of Turmeric for Yogic Sadhana
Everything you borrow from the earth, including your body, has a certain inertia. It is important to be conscious of this and to keep the inertia levels at the minimum. When we gauge whether your sadhana is working or not by looking at how much you sleep and how alert you are, we are checking how much inertia you generate. The inertia levels will increase if the body does not allow a certain amount of energy to enter the cellular level. Neem and turmeric as a combination dilate the cellular structure of the body in such a way that it allows energy to enter and fill up every crevice. Neem and turmeric are a physical support towards that, but sadhana itself does it too.

You can generate enormous energy by means other than sadhana, such as stimulants – like a strong cup of coffee or nicotine – but it will not dilate the cellular structure and allow the energy to enter the system to be stored and released over a long period of time. When, instead of being stored, energy finds expression right there, it becomes destructive – not only for the body, but also for the mind, for the activity that you perform, and for the world around you. When we generate energy in the body, it is important that it does not simply burst out but that we are able to hold it and release it by choice.

Neem paste
The consumption of neem and turmeric with tepid, light honey water is a wonderful way of cleansing and dilating the cellular structure in such a way that it is able to absorb energy. When you do sadhana, the dilation brings flexibility to the muscles. The flexibility helps you to slowly build the system into a more powerful possibility. You will feel it – as you do your asanas, the body will crackle with a different kind of energy

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neem

30 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Neem For Skin, Hair And Health
1. Clears Acne & Dark Pigmentation:

Boil a concoction of about 20 neem leaves in half a litre of water till the leaves are soft and discoloured, and the water turns green. Strain and store in a bottle. Use this liquid as a skin toner by just dipping a cotton-ball into it and wiping your face with it every night. Regular usage will help in clearing acne, scars, pigmentation and blackheads.

2. Prevents Recurrence of Blackheads:

In case you have a very sensitive skin and suffering from blackheads, dilute neem oil with water and apply it over the blackheads. Make sure that that you don’t use more than 2-3 drops of neem oil. Applying this regularly will help you in getting rid of blackheads and also prevent them from coming back.

3. Treats Skin Infection:

To get rid skin infection, prepare the concoction as mentioned above and add about 100 ml of it to your bathing water.

4. Prevents Acne Breakouts:

To get rid of acne, take about 10 neem leaves, boil them with small segments of orange peel in a little water. When they become a little soft, let them cook a little and then pound them into a pulp. Apply this to your face and let it sit till it starts drying after which you can rinse with cold water. This face pack will help in clearing acne and prevent breakouts. It also helps in getting rid of whiteheads and blackheads.

In case you have very dry skin, you can add a little honey and yogurt to this pack.

5. Turns Skin Clear:

Another effective remedy for acne and pimples using neem is to make a paste of neem leaves and turmeric and use it twice a week. Regular usage gives you clear and flawless skin. You can also add some grated cucumber to it as well.

6. Treats Pimples:  

Just like neem, Tulsi is another herb that is known to have many benefits on the skin. Grind together a few neem leaves with a handful of Tulsi leaves or you can use powder form of both if they are available to you. Mix it with rose water to form a paste and apply it to naturally treat pimples.

7. Controls Excess Oils:

For oily skin beauties who are looking for some sebum control can make a paste by mixing neem powder with lemon juice and a little bit of yogurt. This will not only control the excess oil but also prevent acne and infections that are common problems associated with this skin type.

8. Adds Glow to the Skin:

For getting a glowing skin with clear complexion, mix neem powder with rose petal powder, yogurt and a little milk to make a smooth paste. Apply it and let it rest for 15 minutes and rinse with water that is mixed with 2-3 tbsp. of rose water.

You can also add fuller’s earth or gram flour to this pack to make it into a scrub.

9. Lightens Skin Pigmentation:

To get rid of pigmentation and blemishes on the skin, mix neem powder, with Tulsi powder, sandalwood powder and rose water to make a fine paste. Apply the paste on your face and let it dry before you wash it off with cold water. Regular usage will help in lightening the blemishes.

10. Treats Skin Dryness:

Not many people know about moisturizing properties of neem but nonetheless, neem helps in getting rid of dryness of skin without making to oily thus giving a very balanced effect. Mix neem powder with some water and few drops of grape seed oil and apply it to your face.

11. Delays Signs of Skin Ageing:

Neem contains immune-stimulating compounds and regenerative properties that help the skin to fight pathogens below the skin surface thus keeping the skin remain supple. Applying neem oil on your face or adding neem powder to your face packs helps in soothing the skin and reducing the effects of aging.

12. Treats Skin Allergies & Infections:

Neem has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help in soothing the skin in case you are suffering from some skin allergy or infection. Boil the neem leaves & apply the water on the allergy after refrigerating it so that it cools down.

13. Heals Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is a skin disease that is not only painful but also leaves your skin looking as if its burnt. The most common problem associated with this disease is dryness and scaling. Neem oil helps in getting rid of itchiness and irritation. It also helps in keeping the skin moisturised thus reducing the dryness and scaling. The anti- bacterial properties also prevents development of any further skin infections.


B. Benefits Of Neem For Hair:

Every girl dreams of having long, shinning and healthy hair just like Rapunzel. It doesn’t matter whether you are born with healthy hair or with an unruly mane, it is important to take care of those tresses.  Neem is a magical herb that not only helps to treat skin problems but also scalp and hair problems that to effectively and safely. If you are tired of using chemical laden hair products that make big promises but disappoint you when it comes to results then stop looking and just read on to find out about some simple DIY with neem that will prove miraculous for your hair.

14. Treats Dandruff & Hair Fall:

To reduce hair fall and to get rid of dandruff, boil a handful of neem leaves in 2 cups of water till the leaves changes colour and the water becomes greenish. Use this water as the last rinse after you shampoo your hair. The anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties of neem help in getting rid of dandruff keeping your scalp healthy and help in stimulating hair growth.

15. Reduces Scalp Itchiness:

To tackle the problem of dandruff and itchy scalp you can also apply a paste of neem powder and water and let it sit for an hour followed by your regular shampoo and conditioning

16. Enhances Hair Growth Rate:

Neem has regenerative properties which help in reducing hair fall. An oil massage to the scalp using neem oil can increase blood circulation in the scalp and help in enhancing rate of hair growth.

You can mix it with any of your favourite carrier oils (olive, almond, coconut, jojoba etc) as well.

17. Conditions Hair:

Just like neem can be used to moisturize dry skin, it can also be used as a natural conditioner for dry and fizzy hair. Just make a paste of neem leaves boiled in water & honey, & apply it to the hair followed by regular hair wash, and your dry and untamed tresses to be well-conditioned, dandruff free and without frizz.

18. Treats All Scalp Related Problems:

Another hair mask that will help you deep condition your hair can be made by mixing neem powder with amla powder, shikakai powder and reetha powder with water and lemon juice. Apply this to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes before you wash it off with your regular shampoo. The ingredients of the pack will help in keeping scalp problems at bay while retaining the moisture in the hair and preventing dryness.

19. Keeps Scalp Healthy:

If you apply Henna on your hair regularly, just add 2 tbsp. of neem powder with Henna powder, 1 tbsp. of yogurt, lemon, black tea and 1 tbsp. of coffee. The Henna will help in moisturising your hair while the neem will keep your scalp healthy.


C. Health Benefits of Neem:

20. Anti-Bacterial Properties:

Serious diseases like chicken pox and small pox have seen treated with neem tree paste. Spread neem leaves around patients and make him sleep over it for its soothing and anti-bacterial properties. It also cures people suffering from herpes and hepatitis B viruses.

21. Contraceptive:

They are used for birth control and abortions. In olden days, cotton soaked in neem seed oil was used as a contraceptive.

22. Pesticide/ Insecticide:

Neem oil is used in the preparation of pesticides and insecticides. In one litre of water, add liquid soap, neem oil and stir the solution. This solution is now ready to get rid of insects. This natural oil doesn’t kill bugs like insecticides, but instead repel them away.
neem oil


23.  Cures Asthma:

Take a few drops of neem oil – 3 drops to start with, at the centre of the tongue and swallow. Increase the dosage of intake gradually – say 4 drops in the second week. 5 drops in the 3rd week and go upto one tea spoon within six months.

Asthma can be completely cured by this method. This also helps in controlling phlegm, wheezing, cough, and breathing.

24. Heals Ulcers:

Neem bark extract has been found to be a curative for peptic ulcer disease. The bark extract when taken twice daily for 10 weeks almost completely heals ulcers.

25. Controls Diabetes:

Neem contains chemicals that help reduce blood sugar levels. This herb has shown great evidence in naturally reducing the symptoms of diabetes. Neem acts as an insulin after being digested by the body.

26. Treats Mouth & Tooth Problems:

People in the villages chew neem twigs instead of using toothbrushes. This helps in treating mouth and tooth problems.

D. Misc Benefits Of Neem:

Beauty benefits of neem are not just limited to your skin and hair. Neem helps in solving a lot of other issues as well.

Here are some more ways in which you can use neem:

27. Perfect Solution for Dark Eye Circles:

Looking like a panda because of those dark circles around your eyes. Neem helps in reducing pigmentation as well as acts as a moisturising agent, it is the perfect solution to this problem. Just make a paste of water and neem powder and apply it around the eyes. Wash it off after 15 minutes. Do this every day to see the difference.

28. Gives Shiny Teeth on Brushing with Twigs:

We all know that a beautiful smile is a girl’s best accessory. To make that smile even more special, use neem twigs to brush your teeth. This is an age old remedy that will not only leave your teeth shiny and white but will also keep dental problems like cavity, plaque and bad breath at bay.

29. Enhances Blood Circulation & Regulates Hormonal Levels:

No amount of makeup can give you the natural glow that is a sign of a healthy skin. To get that glow it is important that you are healthy from within. Neem is known since the ancient times for cleansing the blood and the body. Regular consumption of neem leaves helps in enhancing blood circulation as well as preventing hormonal imbalance that are a major reason behind some skin and hair problems.

Consume 2-3 neem leaves mixed with some honey on empty stomach every day and you will see the changes for yourself.

Make sure you don’t try to consume the concoction that you make by boiling neem leaves in water as the leaves tend to leave behind a pungent smell after they are boiled which would make it difficult for you to consume the liquid.

30. Treats All Kinds of Nail Problems:

If you are suffering from common nail problems like splintering and peeling of nails then neem oil is the solution for you. Neem oil helps in making your nails strong, thus preventing them from peeling or brittle. These problems might occur due to some nail infection that you suffering from. Neem oil will help you to tackle that as well. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of neem help you to get rid of infection keeping your nails healthy.

Just massage your nails and cuticles with a few drops of neem oil and that is all is required to get healthy nails.

One word of caution is that neem oil does not smell pleasant. Also you need to make sure that you wash your hands properly before you eat anything so that you do not consume the neem oil.

Neem is an herb whose every part has benefits whether it’s the fruit, the leaves, the bark or the twigs. It is one of the few natural ingredients that have so many benefits but no side-effects as such. Also, always try and use fresh neem leaves. Just like any other tree, neem leaves start losing their                                                   benefits as soon as they are plucked from the tree.

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Turmeric in diet

Turmeric is antiseptic and antibacterial  disinfecting cuts and burns.

Turmeric is one of nature’s most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Turmeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.

The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease.

Take Turmeric regularly and you will be going along way to avoiding many of the degenerative diseases further down the line, whilst enjoying improved health in the present.

Neem and Turmeric are synergistically compatible.

Here are reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

    It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

    When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

    Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

    May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

    Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

    Is a natural liver detoxifier.

    May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

    May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

    It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

    Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

    Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

    May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

    Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

    Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction . Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

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turmeric and neem

Turmeric is antiseptic and antibacterial  anddisinfecting cuts and burns.

30 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Neem For Skin, Hair And Health

Four Remarkable Health Benefits of Turmericanti phlem neem paste pictures

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NEWS ON AYURVEDA JULY 2014

Asaram admitted to hospital after he complained of insomnia, bodyache ON20-03-2014

The controversial self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who is facing charges of sexual assault, was admitted to Ayurveda hospital here following complain of insomnia and body ache, on Thursday.

"He has been suffering from 'Anant Vaat' and was finding it difficult to move his body. We have started his treatment through 'Panch Karma' and will keep him in hospital until he recovers," the doctor said.

Asaram had complained to the jail authorities that he had been suffering from insomnia and bodyache for quite some time, following which, the jail administration took him to the hospital at Rajasthan Ayurveda University on Thursday.
Asaram admitted to hospital after he complained of insomnia, bodyache

Asaram admitted to hospital after he complained of insomnia, bodyache

Being admitted at the hospital, Asaram did not appear in the court, where the trial of his sexual assault case had begun on Wednesday and the prosecution witnesses had started deposing before the court.


Now, unani, ayurveda practitioners can prescribe allopathy medicines, perform surgeries

The proposal was put forward by the medical education department, even as the law and judiciary department questioned its validity.

Over a month after its controversial decision to allow homeopathic doctors to prescribe allopathy drugs, the state Cabinet has decided to allow unani and ayurveda practitioners to legally prescribe allopathic drugs and perform minor surgeries. There are more than 70,000 graduate and post-graduate ayurveda and unani practitioners in the state.
The proposal was put forward by the medical education department, even as the law and judiciary department questioned its validity. The medical education department argued that ayurveda and unani doctors were already prescribing allopathy drugs and the proposed move will allow them to do so legally. Additionally, the cabinet also decided to allow post-graduate ayurveda and unani doctors to perform minor surgeries such as cataract, hydrocele, appendix, vasectomy, hysterectomy etc. legally.

A senior official said that following two government notifications in 1992 and 1999, ayurveda and unani practitioners were already prescribing allopathic drugs, albeit with difficulties. “They were facing difficulties in prescribing allopathic drugs as the notifications were not incorporated in the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961. The Act will now be amended to this effect,” said the official.

The department has argued that the move will improve the reach of medical service in rural areas, where 1,983 of the 8,847 posts of doctors under the public health department are vacant at present.

While 25 per cent of posts of medical officers in the public health department are reserved for ayurveda doctors, unani doctors have been making a demand for 10 per cent reservation.
“Both Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery and Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery courses have subjects that cover modern practice of medicine and surgery. Moreover, M.S/M.D (ayurveda) and MS/MD (Unani) will be allowed to perform those surgeries that they have studied,” the official said.

Medical associations have criticised the move. Dr Jayesh Lele, secretary of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra chapter, said, “We will challenge the state government’s decision in court. This is a mere election stunt. The government needs to keep the medical field in mind. This will hamper practice of medicine.”

Dr Kishor Taori, president of Maharashtra Medical council (MMC), said, “As per the Medical Council of India norms, a doctor practising a particular branch of medicine cannot practise any other branch. We will not register doctors who wish to prescribe both allopathic and ayurvedic/unani medicines.”

Shirodhara — an Ayurvedic technique to help beat stress                                                                                        

Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic healing technique that literally translates into Shiras refering to ‘the head’ and dhara meaning ‘unbroken flow’ in sanskrit. 

This ayurvedic therapy involves a stream of oil dropping over your head steadily to bring about an immense feeling of relaxation, calmness and stillness of the mind. Used for the the treatment of conditions such as headaches, nervous disorders, stress, migraines, insomnia and hypertension, shirodhara is based on the principle of invigorating the mind and bringing oneness in the body.

How is it done?

During the shirodhara you will be made to lie down on a wooden table called a Panchakarma table. As you lie down, a copper bowl containing medicated oil will be hung above your forehead. Before the stream of oil is started the practitioner will place a cloth over your eyebrows to prevent the flow of oil from entering the eyes and cotton balls dipped in cold rose water will be placed on your eyes to help you relax. The stream of oil is then started and is allowed to fall on the area of the forehead that corresponds to the particular type of treatment. This treatment is based on an analysis of your doshas and recognising which one is out of sync. The treatment usually lasts for about 60 to 90 minutes and you will be allowed to rest after the process.

Depending on the type of condition you are suffering from, the practitioner may choose to use medicated oil (usually sesame oil), milk or butter milk. Regardless of the presence of an illness, a practitioner may suggest undergoing this therapy once every few months for overall relaxation and relief from deep-seated stress. Read more about Ayurvedic diet plan to keep you fit and healthy

How does it work?

When a constant stream of warm oil is poured over your forehead, it massages your head leading to more blood circulation to the brain and nervous system. The therapy works on the myomaya kosha or the mental sheath and invigorates the mind thereby calming it, the nerves and relieving other neurological conditions.

Benefits of shirodhara

Shirodhara is considered one of the most effective treatments to reduce stress and tension. It also helps to enhance blood circulation to the brain and thereby improve memory, nourishes the hair and scalp, helps beat insomnia and calms the mind and body.

Apart from that, shirodhara treatment is also known to help with:

    nervous system related conditions such as facial palsy, paralysis, ptosis,
    insomnia,
    premature greying of hair,
    burning of the eyes,
    poor digestion and metabolism

Who should not undergo the treatment?

Most people can undergo this treatment but there are some cases where it is contraindicated. If you are pregnant, have had a recent neck injury, suffer from a cold, have a rash or an abrasion on your forehead, suffer from severe vata imbalance, anxiety, a brain tumor or are an alcoholic then shirodhara treatment is contraindicated.

Dos and don’ts before the treatment:

    Do not go for the treatment on a full stomach. It is suggested that you wait for a few hours after you have eaten, before you go for the treatment.  

    Carry loose fitting and easily removable clothes. This is because most centers will ask you to change into the clothes they give you.

    Do not go for the treatment when you have other things to do after the process. Since you will be asked to rest for a few hours after the treatment, a packed day will most likely undo all the benefits of the treatment.

    Carry a scarf that you don’t mind getting soiled. You will need to tie this scarf around your head as your hair will be extremely oil after a course of shirodhara treatment.

5 desi tips to get gorgeous naturally


When it comes to health, having some kind of exercise routine as a part of your life  is essential. But what people forget is that what you eat is just as important. But have you ever wondered how your kitchen can provide you with more than just nutrition. As a yoga exponent, I often understand that while practicing yoga might be important, my kitchen offers me a number of opportunities to improve my health quotient. Here are five things that you can use from your kitchen to help you become healthier:

Tip#1: Make your own ghee:  This way you know there are no additives, fragrance, artificial colouring or additives in it.  Since it’s home-made, you can rely on the fact that your ghee is free of preservatives and has been made hygienically.

Tip#2: Once you make the ghee, use it to make your own kajal:  Homemade kajal is recommended in Ayurveda.  Most people I know use kajal more than any other cosmetic. The advantage of making it yourself, is that you know it won’t harm your eyes (in fact, according to Ayurveda, will keep your eyes clean, make your eyesight better and make your eye lashes longer) or cause any allergies. Again, you’ll know that there are absolutely no preservatives in the product and that it’s been made hygienically. I started making my own kajal two years ago.  At first I felt it was a cumbersome process, but I soon realized it’s actually very simple. 
Here is how you can make it:
    Soak a medium size piece of cotton in mustard oil overnight. You can also use ghee, camphor or almond oil.

    The next morning make a wick using this cotton ball.  You can choose to put ajwain and neem inside the wick.

    Take a diya (I used an earthenware diya. You can use a silver or copper vessel if you don’t have one handy)

    Cover the flame with a bowl and let the soot on the inside of the bowl.

    Once the wick has burned out, collect the soot in a small box.

    You can apply this powder on the inner surface of your eyes either with your finger or use a small brush to apply it. The best part about this kajal is that it is smudge proof and great for the eyes.

Tip#3: Use besan and haldi once a week to cleanse your skin: If you use it consistently for a few months you’ll start noticing your skin becoming clearer and healthier.  Just remember to go easy on the haldi.  The idea is to cleanse and not to colour. I generally use this mixture over a weekend, when I’m sure I’ll have the time for a leisurely bath.  Put some besan in a cup and add just a pinch of turmeric.  You can choose either rose water or milk to make a paste of this. Mix it well, and apply this on your face. Allow it to stay till it dries out and then wash it off, gently scrubbing as you go.

Tip#4: Massage your face with fresh malai:  Packed with immense potential to moisturise even the most dried out parts of skin, malai  has been known for ages as the best all-natural moisturiser. All you need to do is apply it on your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash it off.  Nothing beats the glow you get after you have used it. While you’re at it, you may want to use the malai on your elbows and heels as well!  Better than any moisturiser in the market and 100% natural!

Tip#5: Look no further than your kitchen for hair products:  Use locally sourced edible oil (like mustard or coconut oil) on your hair.  Cosmetics aisles are filled with great smelling oils in pretty bottles.  These oils promise many benefits as well.  However, look at the ingredients list on these bottles and give a thought to the purity of the product.  When it comes to your body (internal and external) go for the wholesome and pure option.  Is the oil in that pretty bottle good enough to eat?  Probably not.Then it’s not good enough for your luscious tresses.

About the author: After living and studying all over the world, Pragya put her engineering degree to good use by working with some of the best software firms.  7 years later she decided she’d had enough and traded in her coffee for green tea.  Since then she’s constantly on the move teaching and learning yoga.  Her approach is light, fun, fresh and easy.  She spreads the message of making the practice of yoga your own through  explanatory YouTube svideos.  She also contributes to many wellness publications and is currently working on a book about the practice of Yoga

Tamil Nadu: Ayurveda safe, say Vaidyas

Coimbatore: The community of Ayurvedic practitioners here have reacted strongly to a report published by US health researchers a few days ago claiming documented evidence of lead poisoning risks among pregnant women who took Ayurvedic medicine. While they admitted that the Ayurvedic medicines did contain lead compounds - widely criticised by the US health researchers - the Vaidyas said that these compounds were present in miniscule quantities and served medicinal values rather than causing detriments.

“An integral part of Ayurveda is the ‘Rasa Shastra’ or the practice of intentionally adding metals, minerals or gems to the medicine,” said Dr K Murali, senior physician and superintendent of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala. “However, it is not added in the raw form but is clinically and scientifically processed. In particular conditions, it is absolutely necessary to add lead compounds that are used as medicines in prescribed and miniscule doses.”

The promoters of Ayurveda also alleged that it was the half-baked knowledge of Ayurshastra, or the science of Ayurveda, that led to the misconception in the West. Said Dr Manoj Nesari, Joint Adviser (Ayurveda), Department of AYUSH, Government of India, “It is no secret that Ayurvedic medicine is about 20 per cent of mineral and gemstone origin.”
Tamil Nadu: Ayurveda safe, say Vaidyas
They however admitted that Ayurvedic medicines did contain lead compounds as criticised by a US health research.

“The eight formulations that have been alleged as potentially hazardous by the American Medical Association were studied and found safe by us. Ayurvedic medicines are based on a combination of hundreds of diverse molecules. Even turmeric has hundreds of basic formulations that work in hundred different ways. Going by the scope of modern chemistry, even turmeric would be toxic,” he added

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