Ayurveda side effects: What you need to know before using traditional medicines

When people think of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of medicine from India that uses herbs, minerals, and lifestyle practices to balance the body. Also known as Indian traditional medicine, it’s often seen as natural and safe—but that’s not always true. Many assume because it’s ancient and plant-based, it can’t hurt you. But Ayurveda side effects are real, and they’re not rare. Some Ayurvedic products contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic—sometimes at levels that exceed safety limits by hundreds of times. The Indian government has flagged dozens of brands for toxic contamination, and the WHO has warned about this for years.

It’s not just about poison. Even clean herbs can cause harm if used wrong. Ashwagandha, a popular Ayurvedic adaptogen used for stress and sleep can trigger thyroid problems in sensitive people. Triphala, a digestive blend often taken daily may cause chronic diarrhea or electrolyte loss over time. And when people mix Ayurvedic remedies with prescription drugs—like blood thinners or diabetes meds—they risk dangerous interactions. A 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that over 30% of patients using Ayurvedic herbs alongside conventional meds had unexpected side effects. Most didn’t tell their doctors.

There’s also the problem of regulation. Unlike pharmaceuticals, Ayurvedic products in India don’t need clinical trials before hitting shelves. Labels often don’t list ingredients properly, and what’s on the bottle might not match what’s inside. A 2020 investigation by a major Indian consumer group found that nearly half of Ayurvedic supplements tested contained undeclared steroids or synthetic drugs. People think they’re taking a gentle herbal tea, but they’re actually ingesting something closer to a hidden pharmaceutical.

So what should you do? Don’t avoid Ayurveda entirely—but don’t trust it blindly either. Know what you’re taking. Ask for lab reports. Check if the brand is registered with the AYUSH ministry. And always tell your doctor. The goal isn’t to scare you off traditional medicine, but to help you use it wisely. Below, you’ll find real stories and hard facts about what can go wrong—and how to protect yourself.