Today, visit any health shop or pharmacy, and you will see an abundance of products that are termed “Ayurvedic” or “herbal” or “natural.” In popular use, these terms are synonymous, but in Ayurvedic medicine, herbal supplements and medicines are different. The key is in knowing the difference so you can choose wisely what to include in your daily wellness regimen and when to seek advice from a qualified practitioner versus picking up an over-the-counter product.
Here we will examine the meaning of each term, the differences between their approach and regulation and even how to decide which would be the best one to consider.
Understanding Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda is a holistic medical system of medicine developed in India more than 5,000 years ago. It sees health as a balance between the body, mind and environment, based on three energies of the body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The ayurvedic medicine is not limited to the herbs, it involves diagnosis of the individual's unique constitution (Prakriti), personalised diet advice, lifestyle suggestions, Detoxification therapy (Panchakarma) and herbal formulations prescribed according to the condition.
Ayurvedic medicine stands out as a formal system of medicine in India, recognized under the AYUSH system (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) and usually practiced by qualified Ayurvedic doctors, called Vaidyas, who complete years of structured training before being authorized to diagnose and treat patients.
Understanding Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements, however, are products of plant extracts, roots, leaves or other botanical origins, often marketed as health products and not as a treatment for a diagnosed medical condition. They are easily obtained over the counter, in capsule, powder, tablet and liquid form.
Herbal medicine is more likely to be a general treatment, rather than tailored to an individual diagnosis, as it is with Ayurvedic medicine. They are created to cover general wellness objectives, such as immunity, digestion or energy levels, and are used for general purposes and are not created specifically for each person's dosha or health profile.
Approach to Diagnosis
In Ayurvedic medicine, the initial step is to examine a patient's constitution, their existing imbalance and digestion (Agni) and lifestyle before suggesting any Ayurvedic medicine. With herbal supplements, it's a whole different ball game, as they don't go through this stage, they have just one formula that is thought to be suitable for most people.
Formulation and Composition
In classical Ayurvedic medicine, two or more herbs are commonly mixed together in certain proportions, either fermented or purified (Shodhana) prior to use, to produce a desired effect. Herbal products generally contain one or a few standardised extracts from plants, which are usually extracted, then concentrated for convenience and consistency.
Regulatory Classification
The classical Ayurvedic medicines in India are regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH and have specific licensing procedures. Herbal supplements, as per their formulation and claims, are subject to different regulatory framework than the one applied to medicines, and depending on the formulation and claims, may be regulated as food and/or as nutraceutical under the FSSAI regulatory guidelines, which have different compliance requirements.
Can one conclude that Herbals are part of ayurveda?
A lot of popular herbal supplements are actually made from herbs, which have been utilized for centuries in the Ayurveda medical system, such as Ashwagandha, Giloy, Triphala, and Brahmi. While the herb used in Ayurveda may have its roots in the ancient Indian system, using a single supplement made from the herb is not the same as a complete protocol in Ayurveda, which takes into account the herb's place in an individual's constitution, diet and lifestyle. To summarize, a product does not have to be “classical” Ayurvedic medicine to be “Ayurveda-inspired.”
Which One Do You Select?
It depends a lot on your objective, however. A well formulated herbal supplement from a trusted and certified brand can provide convenient support for general, everyday well-being, like helping to maintain healthy energy levels, digestion and immunity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
If you have a particular health issue that requires special care and attention, then it is better to seek help from an experienced practitioner of Ayurveda. They will be able to look at your constitution as a whole and suggest a treatment plan, including classical formulations, diet and lifestyle changes; all of which can be tailored to you.
To find authentic Ayurvedic products and supplements.
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Ensure that there are relevant certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), ISO or AYUSH License (as applicable)
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Pay attention to clear ingredient labels with the source and the form of everything that is an herb.
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Look for manufacturers that explicitly identify their products as either a dietary supplement or a traditional ayurvedic product.
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Be wary of products that promise a 'quick fix' or promise a result, real Ayurvedic wellness takes time and works on a holistic level
Our wellness range at Varah Healthcare is based on the traditional ayurvedic herbs with an aim to bring your daily balance. Shop our selection at Varah Healthcare and discover natural health and wellness that's perfect for your schedule.
Conclusion
Although both Ayurvedic medicine and herbal supplements are derived from nature's pharmacy, they have different uses and work in different ways. People are using Ayurvedic medical treatments and herbal supplements for general wellness and enjoyment in a healthy lifestyle, and they are also using a practitioner-led medical system which is a personalized treatment system that has been practiced for centuries and is based on the diagnostics tradition. This knowledge can guide you in your decision of whether you should try a well-known herbal remedy to support your body or seek out a Vaidya's guidance to a more personalized method of wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is herbal supplement identical to Ayurvedic medicine?
Not exactly. A herbal supplement is a typical product standardized with one or more herbs, commonly sold as a supplement for general wellness. Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic, individual approach to diagnosis and treatment which can encompass the use of herbs, diet and lifestyle advice.
Q2: Is it OK to take herbal products without checking with a doctor?
Herbal supplements are generally intended for everyday use, and are not prescribed. However, it is good to consult a health care provider, particularly if you are pregnant, taking medication or have pre-existing health issues.
Q3: Is there any regulation of herbal supplements in India?
Yes, in India the herbal supplements are mainly regulated by the FSSAI as food or nutraceutical products and classical Ayurvedic medicines are regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH. Compliance and labelling are different for the two.
Q4: Is it possible to take Ayurvedic medicine and herbal supplements together?
Yes in many cases but not always. There are also herbs that exacerbate other herbs or conventional drugs, and there may be an herb in a classical Ayurvedic formulation that may be the same as the herb that you are taking as a single supplement, causing unnecessary excess. It is always best to consult a qualified ayurvedic practitioner before mixing certain products together, as to whether they are safe and suitable for your constitution and health objectives.
Q5: Why is it that some products are called 'Ayurvedic', but in reality they are nothing more than herbal supplements?
In popular media, the word “Ayurvedic” is commonly linked to natural and plant-based health products, but it may be used incorrectly by some companies to denote the natural origin of the ingredients they are using, rather than stating that they are treating the patient according to the Ayurvedic treatment system. Hence, it’s important to read the label properly, if it is classified as an AYUSH-licensed medicine, it is regulated by the medicine standards and if it is a dietary/nutraceutical supplement, it is under the nutritional/nutraceutical standard.