What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda (or Ayurvedic medicine) is something we are passionate about promoting here at Organic Apoteke. Our skin care range is actually inspired by Ayurveda principles. We use Ayurvedic science to unlock some pretty impressive benefits – as we will explore below.

As the oldest medical system on the planet, Ayurveda has been practiced for thousands of years.  The age-old practices of Ayurveda are as popular today as they were centuries ago

Here we offer our guide to all things Ayurvedic, so you can embrace Ayurveda in every aspect of your life right now.

The origin of Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurveda originates from ancient India. It dates as far back as 10,000 years ago.

Ayurveda uses natural, mainly plant-based medicines, diet, exercise, therapeutic massage, and lifestyle changes to bring balance to the body and ultimately shape a better you. The word ‘Ayurveda’ actually means ‘life knowledge’.

The benefits of Ayurveda are particularly wide-ranging. Those practicing Ayurveda report lower stress levels, reduced inflammation, better management of symptoms associated with illness or disease, great sleep, and a brighter complexion.

Ayurvedic medicine has even been proven to be effective when treating not just very dry skin but chronic problems like eczema. The cleansing effect of Ayurveda means your health, wellbeing, and balance is improved dramatically, whilst Ayurveda’s effect on the body’s hormone levels is also renowned. Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga so brings much calm and relaxation to the mind too.

The principles of Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine brings good health by realigning how the mind, body and soul connect. All three must work in harmony for the body to function as well as it should do. Here the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) explains more about the principles of Ayurveda:

“Our five senses serve as the portals between the internal and external realms, as the five great elements of ether, air, fire, water, and earth dance the dance of creation around and within us. Ayurveda groups these five elements into three basic types of energy and functional principles that are present in everybody and everything. Since there are no single words in English to describe these principles; we use the Sanskrit words Vata, Pitta, and Kapha to describe their combinations.”

Vata, Pitta and Kapha are known collectively as doshas, but each governs a certain part of or function within the body. If either of the doshas becomes imbalanced, the workings of your body are disrupted. Depending on which dosha is imbalanced, specific treatment is required to realign them once more.

Does it really work?

As we’ve discussed, Ayurveda has been around for thousands of years. During this time, it has been the subject of many clinical trials and research reviews, most of which suggest that Ayurveda is effective.

A 2013 clinical trial involving 440 people with knee osteoarthritis found that two Ayurvedic formulations of plant extracts were as effective as the drug celecoxib. These Ayurvedic plant remedies reduced pain and improved knee function.

A pilot study with 43 people found Ayurvedic treatments were as effective as mainstream drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. The conventional drug tested was methotrexate and the Ayurvedic treatment included 40 herbal compounds.

Furthermore, a clinical trial with 89 men and women found that Ayurvedic herbs help people with type 2 diabetes. However, more studies are underway to develop firm conclusions about Ayurveda for diabetes. Turmeric, an Ayurvedic herb has been proven to ease ulcerative colitis according to two independent studies.

Our connection with Ayurveda

Here at Organic Apoteke, our connection with Ayurveda forms the basis of the spiritually inspired products. Founder Dr Nitasha Buldeo’s grandmother was an Ayurvedic Doctor and Priestess who was trained in very traditional Ayurveda.

Using her grandmother’s deeply spiritual knowledge, Nitasha found a way for tradition and cutting edge science to work together. Nitasha became fascinated with the inner workings of Ayurvedic remedies. She was keen to get to the root of why they were successful. With this, Organic Apoteke was born.

All Organic Apoteke products are based on Ayurvedic principles. Our products are clinically proven to heal the skin from within so you look and feel great on the outside.

Discover more about our connection with Ayurveda right here or browse our range of Ayurveda influenced, scientifically based skin care products.