[Question:]{.underline} Can I use Ayurveda medicines?
[Answer:]{.underline} Ayurveda medicine is a traditional popular Indian herbal medicine that is very ancient and is presently used by 80 % of the Indian population. Although at first sight it seems as acceptable as any other herbal medications, a brief examination presents three difficulties:
1) Ayurveda has a strongly pagan origin, having been influenced by the Hindu religion and by Buddhist philosophy, upon which the theory of the equilibrium of the various humors in the body depends. This influence of pagan philosophy and religion is a grave concern. One consequence of this is the chanting of mantras, considered to be an important part of the practice of this medicine. It would seem inconsistent to accept certain medications, but not the justification of the system of medicine on which they are based.
2) There is no scientific evidence for the efficacy of these products. Perhaps this is due to the small number of trials, but the fact remains that nothing is proven, and that the use of such products, of pagan religious inspiration cannot be ascribed to science, so that logically they are ascribed to superstition.
3) It is reported (Cf. www.wikipedia.com) that between 20 % and 62 % of these medications are contaminated by heavy metals, notably, lead, arsenic and mercury, and this to toxic levels. If this were not true, the Indian government would not have required the labeling of the percentage of heavy metals in these products, a requirement which is generally not fulfilled. Consequently, these medications could easily be a poison. It could hardly be considered prudent to take such preparations, on account of the danger of heavy metal poisoning.
All things considered, it seems to me that there are serious medical, scientific and especially religious reasons to avoid entirely these kinds of medications. Furthermore, indirectly their use could hardly be seen other than as a promotion of Hinduism. There are lots of other herbal products available that are free of any such connections, and which could be used safely in cases where conventional medications are not indicated.
Answered by Father Peter Scott, SSPX.