Ayurvedais a healing system that originated thousands of years ago in India.
Ayurveda means “the science of life” and focuses on restoring the body’s balance.
According to Ayurvedic theory, elements combine in the body to form three life forces calleddoshas.
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The doshas are vata, kapha, and pitta.
Read on for more information about Ayurveda’s benefits and potential precautions to consider.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure or prevent disease.
Ayurveda is considered acomplementary healthapproach in the United States.
Research on its effectiveness is limited.
Here’s what you’re gonna wanna know from the latest research.
May Reduce Anxiety
Ashwagandhais an Ayurvedic herb that may act as anadaptogento help the body combat stress.
Several clinical trials have studied its effect onanxiety.
A study of 52 adults withchronic stressexamined the effects of 300 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha vs. aplacebo.
Both were given twice daily for eight weeks.
The people who took ashwagandha felt less stressed and reported fewer food cravings than those taking a placebo.
There was also a decreased level of the stress hormonecortisolproduced in the people who took ashwagandha.
Interestingly, one study showed more significant drops in anxiety scores for people taking ashwagandha than those receivingpsychotherapy.
Of note, the review mentioned that the studies had a high risk of bias.
More definitive studies are certainly needed to support these results.
Researchers noted that more data is needed to determine how effective bacopa is compared to existingdementiamedications.
These results may not translate to other populations.
There were minimal side effects.
This may be an advantage over conventionalcholesterol-lowering medicationslikestatins, which can cause notableadverse events.
The average trial length was just 12 weeks, creating a need for longer-term studies.
Both treatments were multimodal, meaning several different treatments were used.
Ayurvedic treatment consisted of massage, oils, sweat induction, yoga, andherbslike ashwagandha or guggulu.
The beneficial effects continued up to twelve months after the treatments were given.
Robust human clinical trials are needed before Ayurveda can be safely recommended for specific conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Ayurveda?
Your provider may recommend Ayurveda for anxiety, osteoarthritis, or other conditions.
However, even complementary medicine therapies may have potential side effects.
These side effects may be common or severe.
Common Side Effects
In general, Ayurveda is well-tolerated.
Remember that Ayurvedic products are considered dietary supplements in the United States.
Interactions
There are numerous herbs used in Ayurveda.
It’s considered a complementary health approach in the United States.
Treatment modalities include diet, exercise, herbs, and massage.
Ayurvedic education or practice in the United States has little regulation.
Practitioners are not required to become licensed,unlike certain other complementary health providers like chiropractors and massage therapists.
Ayurveda shouldn’t replace (or delay) standard medical care.
Be aware that some Ayurvedic products may be contaminated with metals such as lead and mercury.
Ayurveda hasn’t been proven to be safe for children or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
kindly call your primary healthcare provider for health questions or concerns.
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