Herbal medicine is the oldest and largest branch of healing anywhere, and the
one that has contributed most to modern pharmacy — see
from plant to medicine.
The Indian materia medica
These are among the most used and most studied Indian herbs. I have given the
evidence honestly rather than the usual list of claims.
- Turmeric (haldi) — curcumin is genuinely
anti-inflammatory in the laboratory, but is very poorly absorbed. Trial
results in people are mixed. Excellent in food; the supplement claims run
well ahead of the evidence, and high-dose extracts have been linked to
liver injury.
- Ashwagandha — the best-evidenced Indian herb.
Several controlled trials show modest reductions in stress and improvements
in sleep. Cases of liver injury have been reported; avoid in pregnancy and
in thyroid disease without advice.
- Tulsi (holy basil) — small trials on stress and
blood sugar. Safe as tea.
- Neem — real antibacterial and antifungal activity
externally. Neem oil taken internally is toxic to children and has
caused deaths. Never give it to an infant.
- Amla — genuinely one of the richest natural sources
of vitamin C. No caveats needed; eat it.
- Brahmi and shankhpushpi — some
encouraging small trials on memory. Early days.
- Giloy (guduchi) — widely used for immunity.
A cluster of hepatitis cases reported in India around 2021 means it should
be used cautiously and not for long periods.
- Triphala — the classical three-fruit preparation for
digestion and regularity. Generally well tolerated.
- Arjuna and sarpagandha — both have
real cardiovascular activity. Sarpagandha gave modern medicine reserpine.
That is precisely why they should not be self-prescribed.
Three real dangers
Heavy metals. Some bhasma and
rasa shastra preparations contain lead, mercury or arsenic by
design. Published testing of products sold in India and abroad has repeatedly
found significant levels. Buy only from licensed manufacturers.
Interactions. Herbs are drugs. They interact with blood
thinners, diabetes medication, thyroid treatment, immunosuppressants and
anaesthetics. Tell your doctor everything you take, and stop herbal
preparations two weeks before surgery.
Adulteration. Products bought online or from unregulated
sellers have been found spiked with steroids and painkillers.
Please read this first
This site is a personal account and a record of traditional practice,
shared for information. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not a
treatment for any disease. I am not a doctor.
If you are unwell — and especially if you have a serious illness such
as cancer, diabetes or heart disease — please stay under the care of a
qualified physician. Nothing here should replace or delay that care.
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