Medicines in Ayurveda and Allopathy – Is It Okay to Take Together

  “Can I take Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines together?”   This is the frequent question asked by my patients, and the answer is NO. Ayurveda and Allopathy are two entirely different systems of medicines.    Ayurveda    As an Ayurvedic doctor, my line of treatment mainly includes diagnosing and treating the root cause of health conditions. The treatment involves dietary and lifestyle changes and mild Ayurvedic medicines and Panchakarma detoxification, if necessary.    The main intent of my treatment is to correct the digestive fire (Agni) of the patient. This is because according to Ayurveda, an imbalanced Agni is the root cause of all diseases (Rogasarve api mande agnou).   When I say Agni or gut health, I am taking care of your liver health which is crucial for digestion. The liver has two main functions- one is fat metabolism, and the other is detoxification. When you are putting yourself on so many medications, the liver has to try hard to detoxify them while not helping with the core treatment principle. This is why it is essential not to take too many or strong medications when you’re trying to heal from one condition.    If you thought all Ayurvedic medicines are good, you’re wrong. Ayurvedic medicines containing heavy metals and strong herbs, like Ashwagandha or  Shatavari can only have adverse effects on your health.    That is why 80% of my treatment involves food and the rest 20% involves medicines. If at all I have to recommend Ayurvedic medicines to a patient, I usually provide them with the mild ones I and my team make at our unit that contain only locally sourced mild herbs.   This can help your system and your own body to heal by itself by giving it the ideal environment for it to perform better. But it will take a few months.     Allopathy   Allopathy focuses on taking care of the symptoms of a health condition through medication. Hence, the mode of treatment is at a faster pace. The health condition may return in the long run if only its symptoms are suppressed.   Why you shouldn’t mix Allopathy and Ayurveda   There are differences between Ayurveda and Allopathy in terms of medication production, therapy administration, and health approach. Every medical practice, including Allopathy and Ayurveda, has benefits and drawbacks. So, having both Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines together does not seem ideal.   There are many Ayurvedic medications, including tablets of Sudarsana, Anu Thailam, Histantin, and other formulations, that can serve as safe and efficient substitutes for their Allopathic equivalents. Therefore, it is better to focus on one medical system at a time.     If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Glow and Complexion – 8 Best Ayurvedic Herbs

We all desire flawless, radiant skin.  There are various skincare products and treatments that offer the same. But nothing beats the power of Ayurvedic herbs for improving the glow and complexion of your skin!   Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of herbs that have been used for centuries to enhance the skin’s glow and complexion. In this blog, I’ll introduce you to the top 8 Ayurvedic herbs that can help you achieve the radiant skin you’ve always dreamed of.   Glow and Complexion Herbs       Sandalwood (Chandana)   Part used: heartwood   Sandalwood has a calming and cooling effect on our bodies and mind. It is rich in antioxidants that help retain the moisture of the skin and reduce skin dryness. It also helps remove wrinkles, acne, tan and scars on the skin.     Alexandrian Laurel (Punnaga)     Parts used: stem, bark, seeds   Alexandrian Laurel, also known as Punnaga, rejuvenates the skin. It also fights skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, etc. Leaves of Punnaga are also used to treat chicken pox, scabies, skin inflammation, etc.     Indian Madder (Manjishta)     Part used: Root   Manjishta can be used both externally and internally to improve the complexion of your skin. Apart from that, it is a rich source of antioxidants and hence, helps manage common skin conditions, like acne and pimple. Also, Alizarin – a compound present in Manjishta has anti-bacterial properties and helps soothe skin allergies, rashes, etc.     Crested fever nut (Lata karanja)     Parts used: Leaf, bark, seeds   Lata karanja is a powerful Ayurvedic herb, with many uses. In terms of skincare, it is great for treating skin diseases, like scabies, eczema, psoriasis and leprosy. The astringent properties of the herb also help relieve inflammation, contagious skin diseases, etc.     Asoka (Sita)     Part used: Bark   The antioxidant properties of Asoka help manage skin conditions and also lighten your complexion by removing toxins. Therefore, it is one of the majorly used ingredients in cosmetic products to improve complexion. It also helps rejuvenate the skin and soothes skin inflammation.   Vetiver (Ushira)   Part used: Roots   Vetiver is great for dull and inflamed skin. It helps nourish and hydrate the skin and also maintains the pH balance of the skin. Vetiver also helps to even out your skin tone and tighten your skin pores. It also has anti-ageing properties that help delay the signs of ageing.     Licorice (Mulethi)     Parts used: Root, underground stem   Licorice is my favourite among all Ayurvedic herbs for skincare! It helps improve the complexion of your skin by reducing damage to the skin caused by the sun. It also lightens scars and reduces wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice help soothe skin conditions.       Indian Sarsaparilla (Sariva)     Part used: Root   Indian Sarsaparilla is a Pitta pacifying herb and is, therefore, widely used to promote healthy skin. It helps to maintain an even skin tone and improves the texture of the skin. The natural cleansing properties of the herb add to the glow of your skin. It is also used to soothe skin conditions, such as psoriasis.   Most Ayurvedic formulations for enhancing the complexion and glow of the skin contain one or many of the above-mentioned herb. You can try a few of these in powdered form in your face packs!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  … Continue reading Glow and Complexion – 8 Best Ayurvedic Herbs

Ayurvedic Herbs – The Lesser Known Facts

Are you aware that some Ayurvedic herbs are more powerful than allopathic medications? Marketers and promoters still casually market and promote them as over-the-counter supplements and treatments.   98% of all herbal medicines mentioned in Ayurveda are combinations of herbs and not single herbs.   Ayurveda has a well-developed medical system of healing diseases with herbs. However, this is NOT by using a single herb as a medicine.   For example, using a super herb like Shatavari alone has very less effectiveness when compared to that of Shatavaryaadi ghrita (aadi means etc.) which is a combination of 35 plus herbs.     Ayurvedic herbs have their side-effects too!     Ayurvedic herbs may have lesser side-effects compared to other medical systems, removing the myth of being completely free of them. For example, prolonged use of Triphala is found to cause drying of mucous membrane of the intestine, leading to chronic constipation. Use of Sarpagandha as a herb for lowering BP has found to cause depression, if not used as per a qualified doctor’s advice.     ‘Sarva Dharmeshu Madhyamam’   Do not go to the extremes. Always take a middle ground. Do not overdo on Ayurveda herbs thinking it is good for you.   For example, some of the herbs are habit forming. If you are taking such a herb for say constipation for a long time, you will realize that you are unable to pass motion unless you take that herb.   One man’s meat is another man’s poison.   Just because, something is good and works for someone, does not mean it is good for you. You are unique. Your prakruti, your strength, your digestion, your genetic makeup, your surroundings, your internal environment, your thoughts and emotions, your mind, is what makes you YOU! Hence your herbs/medicines/food/treatment should be unique too. Do NOT self-medicate. Consult a good ayurvedic doctor before relying on what is written on the internet.   Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, healthy and disease-free life. You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital. You can also follow me on Instagram.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            … Continue reading Ayurvedic Herbs – The Lesser Known Facts

COVID : The Ayurvedic Protocol

Covid affects different people in different ways. The most common symptoms are – Fever Cough Tiredness This article is for people with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy and are asked to manage their symptoms at home. If you have serious symptoms of covid, then seek medical help immediately. Hydration: Drink warm water with dry ginger and Tulsi leaves. Boil water with a piece of dry ginger and reduce it to half the quantity, add Tulsi leaves and drink warm multiple times a day. Food: Have freshly cooked warm meals Have rice gruel or mung daal soup without salt and any fat added (oil, ghee) for lunch and dinner Leave stomach half empty after each meal Have dinner before 7pm Fruits: If you have symptoms, skip fruits completely If you are asymptomatic, have pomegranates or grapes Veggies: Have well-cooked food, no raw vegetables or salads Bitter ones are the best – bitter gourd, ash gourd etc. Reduce eggplants, tomatoes, potatoes and bell peppers Spices and Cooking: You can, for instance, add spices like cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, star anise, and cloves to food. Include dried turmeric and dried ginger in cooking Sleep: Sleep at least 8 hours every night without fail. Immunity is made and restocked while you sleep. Do not sleep during the day Relaxation: Relax, either read a book, talk to people, listen to music, or, alternatively, do something that helps you relax and makes you happy. Avoid smoking and alcohol Meditate Exercise: If you have symptoms, therefore, stay away from any type of exertion, including exercises. 30 minutes Pranayama Herbs: My top immunity boosting Ayurvedic supplement is, Guduchi (Amrit) – specifically, 1000mg per day. (available in various brands) If you have a productive cough, then use a mix of 1 tablespoon of honey with pepper powder 3-4 times a day. If you have irritation in throat, chew on Vyoshadivatakam from time to time If you have throat pain or congestion – do a hot water gargle with Himalayan Pink Salt and a teaspoon of dried turmeric powder Herbal Decoction: If you have respiratory symptoms, do the following kashayam (decoction) twice daily before food. Boil 2 glasses of water, add half a tablespoon of Trikatu Churna (Equal proportion of dried ginger powder, pepper powder and long pepper powder), then, reduce it to half a glass and add Tulsi leaves. You can add palm jaggery for taste. These are the precautions for the Covid symptoms. In addition, save this article for the future so that you can take care!   Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life. You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox.  If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital. You can also follow me on Instagram.