Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic medicaine

Ayurvedic medicine derives from the word “ayurveda” which is the ancient Indian medical system. “Ayur” is Sanskrit for life and “Veda” means knowledge or science, therefore Ayurveda is the knowledge of life. Ayurvedic medicine utilizes natural and herbal medicine to treat mental and physical health to prevent and treat diseases. Balancing physical, mental, and environmental spirits is all part of Ayurvedic treatment. Recently, the Ayurvedic medicine method has been reawakened. It is a way of life, not just medical treatment. Appropriate diet and lifestyle are recommended in Ayurvedic medicine. Diet includes eating fresh foods and avoiding processed foods. Chewing slowly and avoiding snacking is also important. Focusing on mental health, exercise, yoga, and personal hygiene can all contribute to the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine.

The use of herbs is recommended rather than drugs. Boswellia acid is the active ingredient of the Boswellia serrata tree found in India, North Africa, and the Middle East, used in Asian and African countries. Other names for Boswellia include Indian frankincense, Boswellia serrata, and Boswellia. Available as a pill, resin, or cream, Boswellia is used as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent. Boswellia improves digestion, decreases pain, treats gingivitis, and improves motility. It has shown benefits in people with osteoarthritis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), asthma, chronic bronchitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory benefits of Boswellia help decrease the inflammation of IBD. It can also reduce leukotrienes, which reduces the contraction of bronchial muscles, decreasing asthma symptoms. In a meta-analysis from a randomized controlled trial, Boswellia’s efficacy on patients with osteoarthritis was examined. 545 patients across 7 trials were tested with Boswellia and a control. Results showed patients taking Boswellia had reduced pain, and stiffness, and improved joint function. The recommended duration is at least 4 weeks. Side effects of Boswellia include nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea, and skin rashes. It also increases blood flow uterus and pelvis, increasing menstrual flow and inducing miscarriage. If you plan on becoming pregnant or have heavy blood flow, consult with your doctor before taking Boswellia. Although there are benefits of Ayurvedic medicine, it should not replace conventional medicines. Speaking to your healthcare provider is important before beginning any Ayurvedic approach.

Mukherjee PK, Harwansh RK, Bahadur S, Banerjee S, Kar A, Chanda J, Biswas S, Ahmmed SM, Katiyar CK. Development of Ayurveda - Tradition to trend. J Ethnopharmacol. 2017 Feb 2;197:10-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.09.024. Epub 2016 Sep 12. PMID: 27633405.

Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, Zeng L, Yang K, Li J. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 Jul 17;20(1):225. doi: 10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6. PMID: 32680575; PMCID: PMC7368679.