Heavy Metal Additives in Ayurvedic Medicine Can Be Dangerous
Tuesday October 28, 2008
Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is based on reclaiming health with the balance of diet, body and mind, is said to have "dangerous quantities" of heavy metals, such as arsenic, mercury and lead, among others, according to specialists in the International Journal of Environment and Health. Apparently, ayurvedic medicines don't originally include metals, but are added in by practitioners, because the metal is thought to be vital for consummate health, grounded in the understanding that anything can be used for healing. Most people are familiar with the negative effects of lead exposure; however, too much exposure to other types of heavy metals can trigger permanent nervous system damage or diseases, such as Minamata disease, for example. In the article "Alternative Medicine And Heavy Metal Poisoning," toxicologists state, "There is an urgent need for studies to quantify the frequency and potential risk of heavy metal poisoning from Ayurvedic medicines." Therefore, the "European legislation [is] aimed at improving safety of shop-bought products" but cannot, obviously, regulate medicines bought online or brought to the country individually. With widespread education, though, researchers are hoping that both practitioners and the public can be educated. So here's a word for the wise: when using ayurvedic medicines, it would be a good idea to seek out regulated versions for health's sake!
Comments
This sounds exactly like a general ploy to scare consumers by Drug Companies or the FDA. Where is the COUNTRY OF ORIGIN or specific manufacturers’ names mentioned in the article?
Even a third grade student knows to ask the questions; who, what, when, and where. All you have addressed is the “what” with a vague mention of Europe.
Did you honestly pay money for someone to write this as an informative article for consumers? I doubt it seriously.
I agree. What brands, forms, types of ayurvedic medicine are we talking about here and what types of heavy metals. Obviously they do not put lead in their products. A bit more information would be great, as this could be potentially useful knowledge
anne
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Hello Jane and Anne:
In the article, heavy metals, such as arsenic, mercury and lead, were mentioned as some of the offenders in this research study. To clarify, ayurvedic medicine wasn’t harmful by itself, it is the unregulated heavy metals that are added by practitioners that seems to be the problem. As aforementioned, having a high presence of heavy metals in one’s body can cause nervous system damage and diseases. I hope this helps.
I am so happy to see Cathy Wong back!.
. My first question is where were you? 
. Anyways, I am happy and delighted to read your articles once again.
Alternative Medicine And Heavy Metal Poisoning,”
Dr Paul Dargan, from the famous Toxicology
Clinic, Guy’s Hospital in London, seems to be a specialist in heavy metal poisoning.
I was his patient nr 4679379, totally abandoned by his assistant and am dying without any help.
Bye …