Herbal Medicines and Toxicity - What Experts Say
The use of herbal medicine dates back thousands of years. According to estimates, 80% of the world's population gets their primary medical care from traditional herbal medicine [1]. The safety and effectiveness of herbal therapy have become a public health concern as the use of herbal products has increased. The toxicities brought on by contaminants or adulterants may be to blame for the negative health effects of Ayurvedic medicines. The requirement for and necessity of toxicological studies for herbal products have been underlined by mounting evidence of the adverse effects of herbal therapy.
Regarding Ayurveda, most people think it has no side effects as it is from herbs and natural remedies, but each drug has unique impacts on the body. Isn't it deceptive to claim that it has no side effects if it has an effect? Any medication taken without a doctor's prescription could be dangerous if used improperly. For Ayurveda, this norm is also acceptable. Additionally, Ayurveda moves at the pace set by your body, and it is based on personalized medicine, where doctors prescribe based on the Prakriti (nature) of the individual.
People tend to use herbal medicines without consulting an Ayurvedic physician, where it does matter and affects the person if not used as per the medicine guidelines.
Dr. Alok, BAMS, Mytri Hospital, Karnataka, India
In India, however, there are fewer restrictions on ayurvedic drugs than on allopathic ones, and the majority of them may be purchased without a prescription over the counter. Due to this, many purchase and take these medications mindlessly and this causes adverse effects on using them for a long time without consulting any Ayurvedic physician.
Dr. Kumar N, BAMS MD, senior Ayurveda Physician, Karnataka
In Ayurveda, it is believed that when a substance is consumed in the recommended dose, it can be likened to an elixir, offering beneficial effects. However, straying from the recommended dosage can turn even a beneficial drug into a potential toxin. It's wise to seek guidance from an Ayurvedic practitioner before using any Ayurvedic preparations to ensure safe and effective usage.
Dr. Shelja Chauhan BAMS, PGDCR, Assam, India
I have observed some people saying Ayurveda medicines will not have an expiry date; on the contrary, all medicines are human-made and hence come with an expiry date. For some medicines, expiry dates might be longer because of the ingredients we use while preparing them, but patients should not use the medicines without knowing the expiry date, and with the myth, Ayurveda medicines will not have an expiry date.
Dr. Vishwas, BAMS, MD, Karnataka
To conclude, when you are considering Ayurveda, make sure you consult a physician and take the medicines from a known Ayurveda pharmacy. Observe for any side effects like skin rashes, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain, vomiting, and loose motion. If you experience any of these effects, please consult the respective doctor and seek guidance. Also, it is necessary to understand the importance of adherence to the medicine and stopping the intake when the doctor says so. Many of the adverse effects are due to adulteration in the preparation of the medicine due to the unavailability of the herbs because of deforestation.
References:
1) https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/feature-stories/detail/integrating-traditional-medicine
