Ayurveda being the time tested healing system has been subjected to various public opinions since long time. Some of them are biased myths which needs to be busted right there. Let’s see some of the popular myths and their right facts here in this interesting blog.

• Myth – Ayurveda is not a science.

Fact – Ayurveda is a Sastra which has base in Indian philosophy. It is a way of living in its essence. It is a time tested healing system originated in India.

• Myth – No researches are there in Ayurvedic field.

Fact – There are researches in Ayurvedic fields under prestigious government institutions like AYUSH department in Indian ministry, CCRAS Central council for research in Ayurvedic sciences ranging from academic papers to case studies of diseases.

• Myth – Ayurvedic medicine has no side effects.

Fact – If the medicine is not properly selected and prescribed under a qualified Ayurvedic expert, the desired therapeutic results cannot be expected. Ayurveda treats the person and is not disease centered in its original approach. Depending on your prakriti and condition, suitable medicines and treatments are to be selected; then only right benefits will be obtained.

• Myth – Ayurvedic medicines and treatments are based on single drug remedies (ottamooli).

Fact – Single drug remedies are just a minor part of Ayurveda. Factually, Ayurvedic medicines are often multiple herb combinations which have different action in different conditions.

• Myth – Strict diet is required for Ayurvedic treatment.

Fact – Wholesome diet and lifestyle pathya is advisable while taking Ayurvedic medicines and treatment for better results. As nidana parivarjana – avoiding the causative factor is necessary for successful treatment, avoiding unhealthy diet and lifestyle contributes to surety of cure.

• Myth – Ayurveda has no surgery and specialty treatments in it.

Fact – It is no wonder to say that, Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system has developed so many specialties in due course of its progress. For better treatment practice, Acharyas have mentioned mainly Ashtangas of Ayurveda. Eight subspecialties of Ayurveda are Kayachikitsa (general medicine), Kaumrabhritya (paediatrics), Graha chikitsa (psychology and psychiatry), Salya tantra (surgery), Salakya tantra (ophthalmology and ENT), Agada tantra (forensic medicine and toxicology), Jara chikitsa (geriatrics), Vajeekarana tantra (aphrodisiac therapy). Besides these, Ayurvedic specialities like Rasasastra and Bhaishajya kalpana (Ayurvedic metallurgy and medicinal preparations), Dravyaguna vijnana (Ayurvedic pharmacognosy) etc. are academically also significant.

• Myth – Ayurveda promotes vegetarian diet and medicines only.

Fact – Ayurveda advocates taking fish and meat of arid, aquatic animals etc in different contexts in Ayurvedic classics. As meat is nourishing and strengthening in quality, it is part of medicines like Aja mamsa rasayana and treatments like mamsa pinda sweda, mamsa upanaha, mamsa putapaka etc. in Ayurveda.

• Myth – Ayurvedic medicines have no expiry period.

Fact – Ayurvedic medicines have also expiry period where potency decreases after a fixed period. This concept is called saveeryata avadhi. e.g., Choornas, the medicinal powders have 2 months of potency period.

• Myth – Ayurvedic medicines have bitter taste mostly and are not palatable.

Fact – Only decoctions are mostly bitter in Ayurveda. They are also available as powders, tablets etc. these days for easy consumption. There are many palatable medicinal forms in Ayurveda. Have you heard of lehya, the sweet linctus form? Not only this, recently Ayurvedic medicines are available in different palatable forms even as syrups and capsules which are easy to consume.

• Myth – Ayurveda is a religious healing system.

Fact – This is not true. Ayurveda is a positive diet, lifestyle oriented system and includes every religion and sect of the society.

• Myth – There are no specific reference texts or procedure protocols in Ayurveda.

Fact – There are many classical reference texts in Ayurveda and they contain not only medicines, treatment descriptions but also daily life practices and guidance to lead a healthy life.

• Myth – Ayurvedic massage is like spa massage.

Fact – Ayurvedic massage is different from spa massage. Ayurveda has therapeutic procedure Abhyanga which has medicated oil application and specific massaging methods on body with varying pressure according to marmas, the vital energy points.

• Myth – Ayurveda is practiced only in India.

Fact – Ayurveda is known for its global spread in the past, present and even has enough scope to expand more in the upcoming future. Ayurvedic texts were translated in the past to Arabic, Greek like languages which influenced their indigenous medicinal systems; currently Ayurveda is also practiced in many countries like Australia and Germany.

• Myth – Ayurveda can cure only selected simple conditions.

Fact – Ayurveda can treat a wide range of conditions and is very effective in preventing and curing early stages of illnesses like lifestyle disorders.

• Myth – Real ayurvedic Panchakarma treatment is all about oil massage like treatments.

Fact – Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments are five in number. They are Vamana (medicated emesis), Virechana (medicated purgation), Vasti (medicated enema), Nasya (medicated nasal drops) and Rakta mokshana (bloodletting).

• Myth – Ayurvedic medicines and treatments produce more heat in the body.

Fact – This is not true. Potency of different medicines differ in Ayurveda; it can be hot or cold. There are medicines like mukta bhasma and treatments like dhara which produces coldness in the body relieving heat energy symptoms in the body.

• Myth – Ayurvedic diagnostic methods are outdated.

Fact – Ayurvedic diagnosis is based on darshana (inspection), sparsana (palpation), prasna (interrogation) and are 8 fold and 10 fold in number. From color change in skin to pulse and even gait of the patient are kept in mind while thinking of an Ayurvedic diagnosis. Along with this, modern test reports are also analyzed by Ayurvedic experts if specific analysis is extra needed.

• Myth – Traditional practitioners are more knowledgeable in Ayurvedic herbs and treatments than Ayurvedic doctors.

Fact – Traditional practitioners are aware of herbs and practice which are handed over to them by family tradition. This knowledge may not be complete or useful in every condition of patient as every person has unique physical constitution and environment. Ayurvedic doctors do study Ayurveda in a systemic and academic manner as per central council syllabus and have exposure to classical reference texts of Ayurveda and also practical hospital experience dealing real time patients.

• Myth – Ayurvedic medicines and treatments are costlier.

Fact – Ayurvedic medicines and treatments are prescribed as per the condition and are given according to need for bringing back to normalcy. As proper treatment when taken can eliminate the root cause, decrease the symptoms and prevent reoccurrence, Ayurvedic treatments are good for long term relief. Relief from disease matters than cost many a times in actual life. If your condition is mild, then simple Ayurvedic medicines and treatments can give you solace without much cost.

• Myth – Ayurvedic medicines are safe to purchase even through over the counter.

Fact – Self-diagnosis and purchase of medicines or any herbal supplement is going to harm not even your purse, but also your existing health.

• Myth – All herbal supplements are also Ayurvedic.

Fact – This is a wrong notion. Ayurvedic medicines are mainly based on herbs which are mentioned in Ayurvedic classical texts. Not all organic products can be tagged as Ayurvedic and can be safely consumed. So even the ingredients of the so called herbal supplements needs to be checked by an Ayurvedic expert, before you can consume

Final Thought

 Ayurveda was brought to the world to spread wisdom; the journey will continue …

About the Author

Dr. Sreedevi N.V.
BAMS, Diploma in Yoga for Human Excellence
Certified Ayurvedic Doctor | Kerala

With deep expertise in traditional Ayurveda and therapeutic yoga, Dr. Sreedevi combines holistic healing with personalized care. Her approach focuses on restoring balance through classical therapies like Abhyanga and Panchakarma, along with yogic practices for long-term wellness.

Expertise:
Panchakarma • Therapeutic Yoga • Women’s Health • Lifestyle Disorders • Ayurvedic Nutrition

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