Ayurvedic medicine was practiced for thousands of years before anyone invented the placebo controlled experiment. How has this ancient system held up to modern scientific scrutiny?
Beth writes: “I've been listening to your podcasts for a long time. I enjoy them and find you to be a trustworthy and balanced source. So, I am curious what you think about Ayurveda. Is there any science to back it up?”
Ayurveda is an ancient Hindu system of medicine as well as a general philosophy of health and wellness. It includes advice on diet, exercise, sleep, and hygiene, as well as the use of herbal preparations.
Like most traditional medicine systems, it was developed and refined over thousands of years, using observation and experience—and that’s exactly where science begins. In fact, the Sanskrit word “ayurveda” literally means the “science of life.”
Monica Reinagel, MS,LD/N, CNS, is a board-certified, licensed nutritionist and professionally trained chef, author of Nutrition Diva’s Secrets for a Healthy Diet, and host of the Nutrition Diva podcast on Quick and Dirty Tips.
