What Is Panchakarma Ayurveda Good For?

What Is Panchakarma Ayurveda Good For?

The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to prevent diseases. Studies have suggested that Ayurveda may be effective at reducing the risk of heart disease. For example, one study found that Ayurveda helped reduce plaque and reverse the thickening of artery walls known as atherosclerosis in both healthy adults, as well as adults at high risk for heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a slow, complex disease in which cholesterol, fats, and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup, known as plaque, can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Combining yoga with certain Ayurvedic herbal remedies may reduce pain and disability in people with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

A number of Ayurvedic herbal remedies have been examined, though high-quality studies are lacking. For example, guggul (Commiphora mukul), a traditional Ayurvedic medication used to treat high cholesterol, is widely used in India. It appears to block production of cholesterol in the liver, lowering cholesterol levels. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in the blood), and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Its effects seem to come from its ability to lower the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, and may be related to the high fiber content of the seed. The high fiber content of fenugreek seeds may also help control blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Other Ayurvedic herbs are being studied as treatments for many health conditions, including:

  • Alzheimer disease
  • Anxiety
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Dementia
  • Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
  • Herpes
  • High blood pressure
  • Parkinson disease
  • Perimenopausal problems
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Ayurvedic herbs combined with conventional medications may also be helpful for:

  • Acne
  • Chronic constipation
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Obesity
  • Uterine fibroids

Are there any risks?

Most Ayurvedic therapies, such as pranayama and rasayana, are unlikely to have negative side effects in people who are psychologically healthy. People with serious mental health issues may benefit from these therapies. However they should only pursue them under the guidance of a knowledgeable psychiatrist or psychologist.

Ayurvedic herbs may interact with medications. Like all herbs, they are not right for every person. So speak with your physician. In addition, heavy metals such as lead and mercury have contaminated some Ayurvedic herb supplements. Ask your healthcare provider about choosing quality supplements for you and your family. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying Ayurveda, especially if you take medicines or have to eat a special diet (to control diabetes, for example).

 
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