Ayurveda is a system of healing and medicine that uses herbs and natural chemicals to treat disorders and infection and maintain general good overall health. There are treatments that use herbs directly or as part of diet, in everyday cooking. Along with this, there are herbal formulations and tonics that are prepared by mixing a number of herbs, extracts ans natural chemicals.
Side effects from Ayurveda supplements
The herbal formulations that are an integral part of treatment in Ayurveda are extremely beneficial. But the fact that is ignored by most is that even natural chemicals can be harmful, especially if the amount being consumed is not monitored. Some of these chemicals, if taken into the body in excess, can be toxic and extremely harmful. Most people did not doubt these medicines as they are herbal and completely natural.
There have been cases where individuals have developed complications or had serious side-effects after taking Ayurvedic supplements. After many such cases came to light, researchers starting exploring if there was any relation between these medications and the complications.
They found that a substantial number of these medicines contain metals like lead, arsenic and mercury in amounts that far exceed the safe limits set for such substances in food and medicines. These metals, if taken in amounts exceeding the set limits, can be extremely toxic and cause some serious health complications.
Effects of lead
- Hypertension
- Fatigue and irritability
- Nausea
- Pain in joints and muscles
- Loss of hearing
- Miscarriage
- Reduction in sperm count
- Stillbirth
Effects of arsenic
- Fatigue and depression
- Swelling in ankles, eyelids and face
- Watery eyes and nose
- Increased sweating
- Aggressiveness
- Headaches and hair loss
- Itchiness
- Excessive sensitivity of skin to bruising
Effects of mercury
- Weakness
- Loss of memory
- Weakness
- Hypertension and increased pulse rate
- Rashes, burning and itchiness of skin
- Hair loss
