Ayurveda is widely perceived as a plant-based system of medicine, and to a large extent, this is true. A significant portion of Ayurvedic formulations are derived from herbs and botanical sources. However, Ayurveda also includes mineral and animal-derived components, which raises important questions about safety, standardization, and ethical use.
With growing interest in integrative medicine, pharmacists, doctors, and nurses are increasingly encountering patients who combine traditional and modern therapies. This creates a critical role for healthcare professionals—to ensure rational use, identify interactions, and advocate for evidence-based integration rather than blind acceptance or rejection.
Should traditional systems like Ayurveda be taught with stronger scientific and pharmacological frameworks in healthcare education?
MBH/PS
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Yes. traditional systems like Ayurveda should be taught within a strong scientific and pharmacological framework, enabling healthcare professionals to evaluate efficacy, safety, standardization, and drug–herb interactions, and to integrate traditional knowledge responsibly into evidence-based patient care rather than relying on assumptions or skepticism alone.
This raises an important point-understanding Ayurveda through a scientific and pharmacological lens can help healthcare professionals guide patients safely while respecting traditional knowledge.
Modern practice of medicine is centered around clinical evidence. A large number of plant-origin pharmaceuticals are currently available. Ayurvedic formulations, which are ‘naturally derived’ are not to be considered safe by default. They should be held to the same standards of modern evidence medicine as any other remedy. Concomitant therapies have also been known to result in adverse reactions. A greater push towards combined therapy would make sound regulatory frameworks absolutely non-negotiable, especially when the patient’s health is at stake.
Blindly rejecting Ayurveda or blindly accepting it are both dangerous. Since mineral-based Bhasmas can carry heavy metal risks and herbs can interact with blood thinners, we need science, not just tradition. Every pharmacist and doctor should be trained to bridge this gap safely!