Ayurveda: India’s Ancient Medicine

The name Ayurveda was given to the ancient healing tradition of India. It is derived from the words ayus (life) and veda (knowledge) and is often translated as the “science of life.” It aims to bring about a union of physical, emotional, and spiritual health–a state of harmony with the universe.

Ayurveda has always held the plant kingdom in high esteem. Here, the role of plants is exalted. According to Ayurveda, health is a state of balance between the body, mind, and consciousness.

Ayurveda classifies medicinal plants into multiple groups according to their actions. One of these is the rasayana group. Rasayana herbs are said to slow aging, be revitalizing and restorative and prevent disease. They increase the resistance of the body against stress. They also can be taken over long periods of time without causing side effects.

Ayurvedic medicine has many adaptogenic herbs in its pharmacopoeia that normalize numerous physiological functions, improve vitality and enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stress and heal itself. These herbs can be used generally to help cope with stressful situations, improve compromised immunity and prevent the physiological afflictions of stress. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine also recognize the contribution of rejuvenating rasayana herbs to restoring balance to the body’s systems.

Ayurveda had a strong influence during the formation of traditional Chinese medicine, which in turn influenced Ayurveda’s further development. Other systems of medicine such as Tibetan and Islamic (Unani-Tibb) traditions were strongly influenced by Ayurveda as well. The Buddha (who likely lived during the fifth century BCE) was a follower of Ayurveda, and the spread of Buddhism into Tibet was accompanied by an increased practice of Ayurveda there. Translations of Ayurvedic texts also influenced early European medicine.

Read more: Ayurveda, Health

Adapted from Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, by David Winston and Steven Maimes (Healing Arts Press, 2007).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Carl M.

5:09PM PDT on Apr 28, 2012

Thanks, very enlightening. :)

send a green star

Michele W.

2:06PM PDT on Apr 28, 2012

Thank you

Anne Marie S.

12:25PM PDT on Apr 27, 2012

Thank you so much for this beautiful and interesting article. Blessings.

12:51PM PDT on Apr 16, 2012

I don't believe any of this.

Leiah S.

5:05AM PST on Feb 25, 2012

I think half of the healing herbs looks like that plant as little variations, I know because I collect them.

Olivia S.

5:38PM PST on Jan 26, 2012

Thanks. I first became of aware of Ayurveda from reading Deepak Chopra's books...and am hooked on it.

Amy T.

3:03PM PST on Jan 25, 2012

have you had experiences with Ayurveda - positive or negative - that you think might benefit others? Please share your experience at www.alternativemedicineconnection.com. Any if you are a practitioners please enter yourself in our directory and ask you clients to post their experiences.

Mario A.

9:29AM PST on Jan 25, 2012

Thanks for the info :-)

Sue M.

6:48PM PST on Jan 24, 2012

thanks

Rosie L.

11:51AM PST on Jan 24, 2012

thanks!!