safety of ayurvedic medicines

report on ayurvedic medicines which contained heavy metals , by LIGHT ON AYURVED EDUCATION FOUNDATION ( google chrome)

The samples obtained were inexpensive products available in Indian grocery stores and illegally imported. The study did not examine the high quality products produced by domestic Ayurvedic herbal companies.

The investigation did not distinguish between Ayurvedic herbal supplements and bhasmas. The ìsupplementsî with the reported highest heavy metal content fall into the category of bhasma and there is a vast difference between herbal supplements and bhasmas. There is a special branch of Ayurvedic medicine that concerns itself with the creation of medications called Rasa. Rasas are derived primarily from the ashes (bhasmas) of heavy metals, gemstones, and toxic substances. The preparation process is intricate and requires specialized training and education,(4) and the resulting product is quite expensive. The resulting medication would not be available at the low prices offered in the grocery stores.

The products containing these bhasmas were properly identified by their Sanskrit names. However, the Indian population who frequent these markets and purchase these products, may not have understood that the traditional formulation contained heavy metals requiring special care and supervision.(5)

The researchers assumed that the heavy metals they found were toxic, but did not test them for toxicity. They also did not cite any of the research studies or books showing the safety and salutary effects of these bhasmas.(6)

LOAJ feels that the authorsí conclusion that laws should be created to prevent the importation of these dangerous products is inappropriate as there is already DSHEAlegislation prohibiting the importation of heavy metals.(7) Further regulation would only penalize legitimate manufacturers and raise costs for consumers.