Ayurvedic tablets are pressed herbs that can be taken orally in accordance with ayurveda treatment. Ayurveda is a centuries-old tradition of medicine that includes protocols for herbal remedies derived from natural ingredients. Since the formulas for these herbal tablets are centuries old, they sometimes contain ingredients or binders that modern medicine does not recognize as healthful and may even consider harmful. Choosing the best ayurvedic tablets involves not only an understanding of ayurvedic formulations, but also confidence in the individual or the company producing them.
If ayurvedic tablets come from a reputable source, they will be sold in containers clearly labeled with a list of active and inactive ingredients. Manufacturing companies have often developed modern herbal extraction techniques. In order to be true to the ancient formulas, these extractions must be mixed in the correct order and proportion, which must be specified on the label.
There are some safety issues with ayurvedic tablets. Some may contain toxic levels of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, and some may have undesirable side effects. For example, pills containing silver, a traditional ayurvedic remedy, can cause blackening of the teeth and the mucous membranes.
Many ayurvedic tablets sold on the Internet originate in countries that do not require rigorous testing of pharmaceutical products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against their use and does not sanction the use of ayurvedic remedies in general. Before buying ayurvedic tablets on the Internet, it is in the interest of safety to research the companies manufacturing and selling them. Information can be obtained by contacting such western organizations as The Ayurvedic Institute or The American Institute for Vedic Studies directly or through their websites. These organizations sponsor educational and public awareness programs and are an avenue for recommendations regarding manufacturers or ayurvedic medicine, proper proportions of ingredients, and conditions for which the tablets are helpful.
Any ayurvedic therapy program should be conducted under the auspices of a trusted practitioner, who is the best source for guidance on purchasing ayurvedic tablets to supplement the therapy. Ayurvedic therapy is complex, involving many approaches that include diet, exercise, and modifications in daily routine. A prescription for ayurvedic tablets must take into account the entire protocol undertaken by the patient. Taking ayurvedic tablets without the support of a therapeutic program is likely to be ineffective or, at worst, may have a negative effect on one's health.
