Ayurveda: Indian Traditional Medicinal knowledge

Abstract

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes holistic health and well-being by balancing the body, mind, and spirit. It's considered one of the oldest continuously practiced healthcare systems globally, with roots tracing back to the Vedas, ancient Indian scriptures. Ayurveda focuses on preventing illness and promoting longevity through natural remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. It is deeply embedded in Indian households, often passed down through generations as traditional knowledge. Many common home remedies, like consuming golden milk (turmeric in milk), Chyawanprash, honey with turmeric, or using mint and tulsi for the treatment of cold and cough, are practiced based on long-held beliefs rather than strict scientific evidence. Indian spices, too, are widely recognized for their medicinal properties, knowledge that is often implicitly transferred from one generation to the next. With a growing awareness of potential side effects associated with allopathic medicine, there's an increasing preference for traditional systems like Ayurveda and Homeopathy. This review highlights the ingrained nature of Ayurvedic knowledge within Indian families and the current shift towards the integration of traditional healing practices with modern medicines.

Keywords

Introduction

India has a rich heritage of systems of medicine. There are six basic systems, of which Ayurveda is the most ancient. Other systems include Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, Yoga, and Naturopathy. Among all these systems, Ayurveda is the most dominant system, followed by Siddha, Homeopathy, and Unani ¹. Traditional Indian households frequently integrate a "kitchen garden" into their living spaces, a small patch or collection of pots where common medicinal plants flourish. This practice exemplifies the deeply ingrained knowledge of Ayurveda and home remedies, ensuring these potent plants are readily accessible for daily use. Many of these plants are not only valued for their direct medicinal properties but also for their rich antioxidant content, which helps protect the body from cellular damage. They are packed with natural compounds that give them a wide range of therapeutic properties. These properties are often attributed to their unique chemical composition, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobials, and various other bioactive compounds.  Some of them have anti-asthamatic, anti-histaminic, antiallergic, and anti-cholinergic properties ².

• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Often considered sacred, Tulsi is a cornerstone of Indian home remedies. Its leaves are routinely used to brew soothing teas for colds, coughs, and fevers. It is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties. It's also known to reduce stress, anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties and support overall well-being due to its adaptogenic qualities.³
• Aloe Vera: This succulent with thick, gel-filled leaves is a common medicinal plant in Indian houses. Its clear gel is a natural balm for burns, cuts, and skin irritations, lauded for its soothing and healing effects. Many also consume its juice for digestive health, detoxification, and its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic,anticancer, cardioprotective and antioxidant benefits.⁴
• Turmeric: Because of its brilliant yellow colour, it is also known as ‘Indian Saffron’. While its powdered form is a kitchen staple, fresh turmeric rhizomes are highly valued in the kitchen garden. Fresh turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, widely used for various ailments, from boosting immunity to aiding digestion. Its bright yellow pigment, curcumin, is responsible for many of its powerful medicinal properties. Turmeric is used as an herbal medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, conjunctivitis, skin cancer, smallpox, chickenpox, urinary tract infections, liver ailments. It is also used to treat digestive disorders, familial adenomatous polyposis, and inflammatory bowel disease.⁵ 
• Mint (Pudina): The refreshing aroma of mint leaves makes it a favorite. Beyond its culinary uses, mint is known for its digestive benefits, helping to alleviate indigestion, bloating, and nausea. It's also used for its decongestant properties to relieve cold symptoms and for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic,anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects.Phytochemicals derived from mint also exhibit anti-cancer,activity against cervical, lung, breast and other cancers.⁶
• Adulsa (Malabar Nut/Vasa): This plant is particularly esteemed for its respiratory benefits. Its leaves are traditionally used to alleviate coughs, colds, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchitis by acting as a bronchodilator and expectorant, helping to clear mucus and soothe irritated throats. Adulsa also possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, contributing to its overall healing potential.⁷
• Green Grass Tea (Lemongrass): Often referred to as "lemongrass" in a garden context, this fragrant grass is a popular ingredient for herbal teas. Lemongrass tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants and is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antifungal, antimalarial, antifilarial, antiamebic, antimutagenicity, antimycobacterial, hypoglycemic and neurobehavioural and pain-relieving properties.⁸ It's commonly consumed to aid digestion, reduce fever, manage blood pressure and cholesterol, and boost overall immunity. Its refreshing and calming effects also contribute to stress reduction.
• Coriander (Dhanyaka): Also known as dhaniya, is commonly used to add flavour to the food.Its seeds are included as spices and have diuretic property. Leaves are used to get relief from burning sensation and excessive thirst. It improves digestion strength, good for heart, and treat cold and cough.⁹
• Cardamom: Often referred to as ‘choti elachi’. Seeds along with betel leaf are chewed for its mouth purifier property. Seeds are aromatic, cooling, digestive, diuretic, stimulant, expectorant, and cardiotonic.¹⁰

These plants are not merely ornamental; they represent a living pharmacy, providing immediate access to natural remedies with a rich array of medicinal properties and abundant antioxidants. This tradition underscores a pragmatic approach to health, where basic wellness often begins right in the home, utilizing the accessible gifts of nature and the wisdom passed down through generations.

India's biodiversity hotspots, like the Western Ghats, the Himalayas, and the Indo-Burma regions, serve as an invaluable repository of medicinal plants. Alone in the Western Ghats, there are 700 medicinal plant species, many of which are endangered.¹¹ The use of different parts of these plants—roots, leaves, bark, flowers, and fruits—as therapeutic agents dates back to ancient times. This profound knowledge was not merely theoretical; it was built upon centuries of practical observation and experimentation by indigenous tribal communities, revered sages, and later systematized by Vaidyas (traditional Ayurvedic practitioners). It is estimated that around 1,200 to 1,800 types of plants are utilized in Ayurvedic medicine, while Indian folk therapists employ over 7,500 different medicinal plant species in their remedies.¹²

This traditional healing system evolved long before the advent of modern scientific tools and the internet. The accumulated wisdom, including detailed descriptions of medicinal plants, their properties, methods of preparation, and therapeutic applications, was meticulously documented in Granthas. These ancient Indian texts, predominantly written in Sanskrit, are not just literary works but serve as the foundational evidence for the continuous practice of Ayurveda since antiquity. They provide a comprehensive framework for understanding health, disease, and the role of natural remedies, offering insights into complex physiological processes and diverse treatment modalities. These Granthas, such as the Charaka Samhita (which describes all aspects of Ayurveda), Sushruta Samhita (which describes the science of surgery), and Ashtanga Hridayam (which describes the eight disciplines of Ayurveda), are considered authoritative texts that continue to guide Ayurvedic practice and research even today. Their existence and detailed content underscore the deep scientific inquiry that characterized ancient Indian medical thought, establishing Ayurveda as a system rooted in empirical observation and profound understanding of nature ¹.

• Global Recognition and acceptance of Ayurveda:

Ayurveda is steadily gaining worldwide recognition and acceptance as a credible system of medicine. Many countries are now integrating Ayurveda into their national healthcare frameworks. Practices associated with Ayurveda, including yoga, meditation, and herbal treatments, have become mainstream in managing stress, improving mental health, and addressing chronic conditions. Ayurveda's modern-day relevance lies in its holistic health approach, focus on prevention, and personalized care, supported by an increasing body of scientific research. Its integration with modern medicine and growing presence in lifestyle and wellness trends further reinforce its significance in the 21st century. Modernizing Ayurveda by incorporating contemporary technologies—while preserving its core principles—is a complex task that requires deep expertise in Ayurveda and a mind enriched with modern scientific knowledge. Ayurveda's global journey has been more gradual but is steadily gaining momentum, moving from being viewed as an esoteric traditional system to a recognized complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) system in many parts of the world. The global acceptance of Ayurveda has seen a remarkable surge in recent decades, transitioning from niche practices to widely recognized and often integrated components of global health and wellness. This shift is driven by a growing interest in holistic health, natural remedies, and preventive care, as well as increasing awareness of the limitations and side effects of conventional medicine for certain chronic conditions.¹³

• WHO Recognition and Integration: The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in promoting traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. WHO has a Traditional Medicine Program and has emphasized the importance of traditional medicine in achieving "Health for All."
  • In a significant development, the WHO 2025 update to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) includes a new module for traditional medicine conditions, specifically recognizing Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. This inclusion elevates their status in global health reporting, research, and policymaking, allowing for better data collection and evidence-based policy formulation.¹⁴
  • Furthermore, a dedicated Traditional Medicine module is being initiated under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), which will standardize the classification of Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma and Yoga therapy, enhancing transparency and integration into health insurance and research.¹⁵
  • The WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) established in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, is a testament to the growing global commitment to traditional medicine.¹⁶
• Regulatory Frameworks and Recognition: Globally, Ayurveda is practiced only in a few countries due to a dearth of robust clinical evidence and recognition of Ayurveda as a system of medicine. Out of 195 countries, currently Ayurveda is recognized as a system of medicine by only 16 countries (8%), among which some are from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.¹⁷
  • Europe: Countries like Germany and Switzerland hold Ayurveda in high regard, and some allow for training schools and clinics offering Ayurvedic treatments. Romania, Hungary, Latvia, Serbia, and Slovenia are among EU countries where Ayurvedic treatment is regulated.
  • North America: In the United States, Ayurveda is recognized as a complementary and alternative medical system by institutions like the National Institutes of Health. While direct practice as in India may be limited, there's a growing interest in Ayurvedic principles and products.
  • Middle East and Asia: Countries like UAE, Qatar, Oman, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia have shown increasing receptiveness to Ayurveda, often facilitating its practice and product registration.
• Growing Market for Ayurvedic Products: The global demand for Ayurvedic products, including herbal supplements, personal care items, and wellness products, is surging with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15% by 2028. This growth is primarily driven by Consumers' preference for natural, chemical-free alternatives, which aligns perfectly with Ayurvedic principles ¹⁸
• Addressing Lifestyle Disorders: As conventional medicine often struggles with chronic lifestyle-related diseases, Ayurveda's holistic approach focusing on diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies is gaining traction as a preventive and management strategy.It provides better solutions in the form of proper dietary management, lifestyle advises, Panchkarma like detoxification and bio-purification procedures, medicaments, and Rasayana i.e.rejuvenation therapies.¹⁹
• Challenges: Despite growing acceptance, challenges remain, including the need for standardized regulatory policies across countries, robust scientific validation for all Ayurvedic therapies, and addressing quality assurance concerns for products and practitioners.²⁰

In essence, both Ayurveda and Yoga, originating from India's ancient wisdom, are increasingly recognized globally for their profound benefits in promoting health, wellness, and a balanced way of life. The efforts of international organizations like WHO, coupled with grassroots interest and governmental initiatives, are paving the way for their further integration into the global healthcare landscape.

CONCLUSION:

In a contemporary world increasingly grappling with the side effects of allopathy and a desire for more sustainable health solutions, Ayurveda and Yoga offer a compelling alternative. Their global acceptance, prominently exemplified by the International Day of Yoga and the World Health Organization's growing recognition of traditional medicine, signifies a pivotal shift. This growing embrace reflects a collective aspiration to bridge historical wisdom with modern scientific validation, paving the way for a more integrated, patient-centered, and universally accessible approach to health and well-being. The continued exploration and judicious integration of this rich traditional heritage promise not only to enhance individual lives but also to enrich the global healthcare landscape.

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