Avoid self-prescribing Ayurvedic medicines from grocery stores

The main concern is that grocery stores often sell general wellness products without personalised assessment, and product quality and authenticity can vary.

People who should avoid self-prescribing Ayurvedic medicines from grocery stores include:

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
   • Some herbs are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and should only be taken under professional guidance.
2. Children
   • Herbal medicines for children require age-appropriate dosing and careful selection.
3. Older adults taking multiple medications
   • Herbs may interact with prescription medicines or affect existing health conditions.
4. People with chronic medical conditions
   • Such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, autoimmune disorders, or cancer.
   • Some Ayurvedic herbs can influence blood sugar, blood pressure, liver function, or blood clotting.
5. People taking prescription medications
   • Especially blood thinners, diabetes medications, thyroid medicines, immunosuppressants, or medications for epilepsy or mental health.
6. People with severe or unexplained symptoms
   • Persistent pain, unexplained weight loss, bleeding, high fever, chest pain, or severe digestive problems require medical evaluation before trying herbal remedies.
7. People with known allergies
   • Herbal products can contain multiple ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions.
8. People buying products for detox or weight loss
   • Some products marketed for rapid detoxification or weight loss may not be suitable for everyone and can cause dehydration, digestive upset, or other side effects if used incorrectly.

Why is professional advice important?

Ayurveda is based on individual assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Two people with the same condition may receive completely different herbal formulations depending on their:

• Prakriti (constitutional type)
• Current dosha imbalance
• Digestive strength (Agni)
• Age
• Lifestyle
• Existing medical conditions
• Current medications

An herb that benefits one person may aggravate symptoms in another if it is not matched to their individual constitution and health status.

A safer approach

When choosing Ayurvedic medicines:

• Buy from reputable manufacturers with good quality standards.
• Check for ingredient lists, expiry dates, and appropriate quality certifications.
• Seek advice from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, especially for long-term use or chronic health conditions.
• Inform your GP or healthcare provider about any herbal medicines you are taking to help avoid potential interactions.

This approach helps ensure that Ayurvedic medicines are both safe and appropriately tailored to the individual’s needs.

 www.ayuspa.co.nz…
   027 280 2472

Dr Rachna Kumar