Ayurvedic Treatment: Herbs, Diet, Spices and Finding an Ayurvedic Doctor Near You

What Ayurvedic treatment involves

Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine, aims to keep the three doshas - vata, pitta and kapha - in balance. Ayurvedic treatment usually combines herbs, an Ayurvedic diet, a daily routine, yoga and breathing practices, and sometimes cleansing therapies such as Panchakarma, chosen by a qualified Ayurvedic (BAMS) doctor.

Many people start with a single herb or a kitchen remedy. That is fine for everyday wellbeing, but for any ongoing health problem a proper assessment comes first. For a comparison of Ayurveda with Unani medicine, see our guide “Ayurvedic Treatment vs Unani Treatment”.

Ayurvedic herbs and what they are used for

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): the best-known Ayurvedic herb for stress, sleep and strength. Several studies show a modest reduction in stress. Avoid it in pregnancy, and ask a doctor first if you take thyroid medicine or sedatives; rare cases of liver injury have been reported.
• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): traditionally used for memory and concentration and widely sold as Ayurveda brahmi capsules. Any effect builds up over several weeks, and it can upset the stomach.
• Triphala: a blend of three fruits - amla, haritaki and bibhitaki - used mainly as a gentle bowel tonic. Too much can cause loose stools and cramps.
• Neem: most neem Ayurveda remedies are for skin, hair and oral care, such as neem leaf pastes and neem twigs for teeth. Neem oil must never be swallowed - it is poisonous, especially for children - and neem is best avoided in pregnancy.
• Turmeric, tulsi, amla and guduchi are other common Ayurvedic herbs, used both in cooking and as supplements.

Ayurvedic medicine for anxiety and stress

Ashwagandha and brahmi are the herbs most often used as Ayurvedic medicine for anxiety and stress. The evidence for them is promising but modest, and they work best alongside regular sleep, exercise, yoga and breathing practices (pranayama) - which help on their own as well.

If anxiety is affecting your work, sleep or relationships, see a doctor. Do not stop medicines prescribed for anxiety or depression without medical advice, and if you have thoughts of harming yourself, call the Tele-MANAS helpline on 14416 or go to the nearest hospital.

The Ayurvedic diet

An Ayurvedic diet matches food to your dosha, the season and your digestion. Its everyday principles are sensible for almost anyone: eat fresh, warm, home-cooked food; keep regular meal times; make lunch the main meal; eat slowly and stop before you feel too full; and cut down on fried, processed and very cold food.

If you have diabetes, kidney disease or another long-term condition, follow the diet your doctor recommends - an Ayurvedic diet can fit around it, but should not replace it.

Ayurvedic spices in everyday cooking

• Turmeric (haldi) - with black pepper, which helps the body absorb it
• Ginger (adrak) and ajwain - traditionally used for digestion and nausea
• Cumin (jeera), coriander (dhaniya) and fennel (saunf) - a classic trio for bloating and digestion
• Cinnamon (dalchini) and cardamom (elaichi) - warming spices for teas and sweets
• Kitchen amounts are safe for most people; concentrated spice supplements are a different matter and should be taken only on advice

Branded Ayurvedic products: what to check

Brands such as Organic India and Maharishi Ayurveda sell triphala, ashwagandha and similar products in pharmacies and online. Whatever the brand, the same cautions apply: check that the pack shows an AYUSH manufacturing licence number, the full ingredients, the dose and an expiry date, buy from a trusted pharmacy, and tell your doctor what you are taking.

Be wary of any product that promises a permanent cure or guaranteed result - such claims are restricted under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act. Hashmi Dawakhana is not connected with any of the brands named here.

Finding an Ayurvedic doctor or Ayurvedic shop near you

• When you search “Ayurvedic doctor near me” or “Ayurveda near me”, look for a BAMS degree and registration with the state Ayurveda or Indian medicine board - ask for the registration number
• Government AYUSH hospitals and wellness centres offer Ayurvedic treatment at low cost in many districts
• For an “Ayurvedic shop near me”, choose a licensed pharmacy that stocks products with AYUSH licence numbers and can tell you about doses and interactions
• Avoid sellers who promise miracle cures, sell unlabelled powders or advise you to stop prescribed medicines
• Hashmi Dawakhana in Amroha is a Unani clinic, not an Ayurvedic one - if you want natural, traditional care, you are welcome to a free, confidential Unani consultation; for Ayurvedic medicine specifically, see a registered BAMS doctor

Frequently asked questions