What should people do if they are considering or using Ayurveda?
- Talk with your doctor first if you are considering Ayurveda for a health condition.
- Ayurveda should complement, not replace, conventional care. If you are experiencing any new symptoms, consult your doctor as a first step.
- Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, rather than trying to treat yourself with Ayurvedic products.
- Be sure the Ayurvedic practitioner knows your full health history and is aware of all medications you are taking.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead poisoning associated with Ayurvedic medications--five states, 2000-2003. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 53.26(2004):582-584.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Lead Toxicity: Physiologic Effects. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Web site. 29 March 2007 <http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HEC/CSEM/lead/physiologic_effects.html>.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "What is Ayurvedic Medicine?." National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. October 2005. National Institutes of Health. 28 Mar 2007 <http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/>.
Saper RB, Kales SN, Paquin J, et al. Heavy metal content of Ayurvedic herbal medicine products. Journal of the American Medical Association. 293.23(2004):2868-2873.
