Herbal Medicine in India: What Works, What Doesn't, and What to Avoid

When people talk about herbal medicine, the use of plants and plant extracts to treat or prevent illness. Also known as natural remedies, it's been part of daily life in India for thousands of years. From turmeric in milk to ashwagandha capsules, it’s everywhere — clinics, pharmacies, even your grandma’s kitchen. But here’s the thing: just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Some herbs help. Others can wreck your sleep, spike your anxiety, or even damage your liver. And no one’s telling you that.

Take Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine based on balancing body energies. Also known as Vedic healing, it’s not just about herbs — it’s about timing, diet, and your body type. But modern users often treat it like a grocery list: ‘I feel tired, so I’ll take ashwagandha.’ Problem is, if you’re Pitta-dominant and take it in summer, you might burn out faster. And then there are the herbal supplements, concentrated plant extracts sold as pills, powders, or tinctures. Also known as nutraceuticals, they’re often marketed as safe alternatives to pills — but they’re not regulated like pharmaceuticals. St. John’s Wort can mess with your antidepressants. Green tea extract can stress your liver. Yohimbe? It can trigger panic attacks. These aren’t rumors — they’re documented in medical journals and reported by Indian doctors who see the fallout every week.

What you’ll find in the articles below isn’t a list of ‘best herbs.’ It’s a reality check. You’ll learn which herbal supplements are linked to anxiety, why apple cider vinegar won’t ‘clean’ your liver, and how the 80/20 rule in Ayurveda actually works in real life — not in Instagram posts. You’ll see what happens when people mix herbal remedies with modern medicine, and why some ‘natural’ fixes are doing more harm than good. This isn’t about rejecting herbal medicine. It’s about using it smartly — with eyes wide open.