Allopathy vs Ayurveda? Which is better? | Blog - Kerala Ayurveda

Why Ayurveda Is Better Than Allopathic Solutions

You can get a deeper understanding of Ayurveda vs allopathy by looking at different aspects of how they function and the benefits they provide.

Ayurveda is based on natural science and so all Ayurvedic remedies are close to nature. That is, Ayurvedic medicines make use of natural herbs, extracts, and plants. One of the advantages of Ayurveda over allopathy is that the herbs and plants that it uses do not have side effects that mimic allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is made in labs and every allopathic medicine comes with side effects that can range from mild to severe. In Ayurvedic medicine, this is not the case because all the remedies are naturally made with natural ingredients that don’t cause devastating effects on your health.

Ayurveda’s focus is not limited to providing solutions when a problem has arisen. Ayurveda is about providing remedies for optimal health so you don’t have those problems, to begin with. Ayurveda is based on the principle that prevention is better than cure. This contrasts with allopathic medicine which focuses on reducing the symptoms and treating them. This is where Ayurveda is a clear winner because Ayurveda focuses on the root cause that has led to the health problem and then provides remedies accordingly. Ayurveda provides a holistic healing approach that ensures the problem is removed from the root rather than just targeting symptoms as is the case with allopathy.  

One of the advantages of Ayurveda over allopathy is how accurate the diagnosis is in comparison to allopathic medicine. In allopathic medicine, your doctor will order a wide variety of tests and if he is unable to find the cause then he will order more. This can quickly add up costs before you know it. Ayurveda takes a completely different approach and looks at your doshas to check for any imbalances. When your body is out of balance, ailments will occur. Depending on the imbalance, the health condition can be minor or major. Ayurveda diagnoses accurately and is cheaper when compared to allopathic medicine.

It is possible for drug resistance to occur with the overuse of allopathic medicines and this cannot be ignored when talking about Ayurveda vs allopathy. When allopathic medicines are continuously used because of their ‘quick fix’ nature, their efficacy can eventually diminish. The medicines that were used a decade ago aren’t as useful and effective today because of how the bacterial strains have evolved to resist the drug made to destroy them. Ayurveda, because of its nature-based solutions, is more successful as it utilizes herbs that can remedy the root issue. Using Ayurvedic treatment, you don’t have to worry about resistance.

Here are 10 allopathic medicines along with their ayurvedic alternatives that you should be aware about. 

[Note that these are not exact equivalents because allopathic and ayurvedic medicines work in different ways. The ayurvedic alternatives presented below are for reference and are not exact replacements of each other.]

1. Concerns and side effects of Paracetamol - Crocin 

Paracetamol is recommended by doctors to give you relief from pain. It can help you get better if you have stomach pain, headache, menstrual cramps, backache, muscle pain, and migraine. It is suitable for use by people who have high blood pressure and those who suffer from heart problems. However, it is not recommended for people with kidney problems. Some side effects of Paracetamol include fatigue, stomach ulcer, nausea, unusual bruising, allergic skin reaction, unusual bleeding, and anemia.

Ayurvedic alternative to Paracetamol - Crocin

The Ayurvedic tablets for migraine and pain relief are Sudarshana Tablets. This analgesic formulation is helpful for giving you relief from body pain, fever, cold, viral infections, and cough. It can naturally help heal respiratory tract disorders such as epigastric distress, cough, and breathlessness. Sudarshana Tablets can give you relief from not only pain but also from numerous types of fevers. Sudarshana Tablets can successfully be used to treat problems such as loss of appetite that is often accompanied by pain. You should always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before you use this medication or if you are planning to make a switch from the allopathic medicine to Ayurvedic one. 

Ingredients

This Ayurvedic treatment for headache and pain relief is made from tejpatta, ajwain, amla, chirata, giloy, and neem among other herbal ingredients. 

Dosage

This Ayurvedic medicine for headache and other pain-related complaints should be taken once daily or directed by your doctor.

2. Concerns and side effects of Alum-Mag Hydroxide-Simeth - Gelusil

Alum-Mag Hydroxide-Simeth treats symptoms related to high levels of stomach acid such as heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion. It is recommended by doctors when you have bloating, belching, and experience pressure in your stomach. The medicine works on reducing how much stomach acid is present in your stomach. You can experience side effects after you take this medicine. Some side effects of this allopathic medicine include headache, diarrhea, nausea, and constipation.

Ayurvedic alternative to Alum-Mag Hydroxide-Simeth - Gelusil 

Alsactil by Kerala Ayurveda is the Ayurvedic alternative to Alum-Mag Hydroxide-Simeth as it is an Ayurvedic treatment for acidity. It is an effective Ayurvedic medicine for stomach bloating as it helps give relief from hyperacidity and headaches that are induced due to indigestion. It can help improve loss of appetite, give relief from constipation, improve symptoms of heartburn, and treat flatulence. This Ayurvedic answer to stomach issues aids in gastric issues, dyspepsia, nausea, and duodenal ulcers too. It helps detoxify your entire digestive tract so you don’t have stomach problems anymore. Always consult an ayurvedic expert before switching from allopathic medicine to ayurvedic or starting the medicine. 

Ingredients

This Ayurvedic medicine for gas and acidity is made from potent herbs including maricha, musta, pippali, triphala, durva, and yashtimadhu.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of this ayurveda for acidity medicine is 1 to 2 tablets a day or as specified by your doctor.

3. Concerns and side effects of Fexofenadine - Allegra

Fexofenadine is classified as an antihistamine that works by reducing histamine effects. Although this is one of the popular medicines it has many side effects that can be life-threatening. Minor side effects of this medicine include menstrual cramps, back pain, drowsiness, diarrhea, muscle pain, upset stomach, and headache. The serious side effects of fexofenadine include breathlessness, hives, and the swelling of the throat, face, tongue, or lips.

Ayurvedic alternative to Fexofenadine -Allegra 

Histantin is the safe Ayurvedic alternative to fexofenadine as it helps relieve allergy symptoms from the inside. Histantin helps to purify your blood, gives relief from respiratory problems, and boosts your immunity. Histantin helps relieve skin problems associated with allergies, and drug, and food allergies. It is an effective Ayurvedic medicine for allergic cold that provides natural relief when you are feeling unwell. It works by treating symptoms of any type of allergies such as those related to food, dust, pollen, and smoke. You must consult an ayurvedic practitioner before you change from allopathic medicine to ayurvedic or if you are interested in taking this medication.

Ingredients

Histantin comes with various herbal ingredients including vacha, turmeric, katuki, bhunimba, nagakehsara, jatamamsi, prapunnada, and kiratatikta. 

Dosage

Two Histantin tablets should be taken two or three times daily after meals or as your doctor recommends.

4. Concerns and side effects of Magnesium Hydroxide - Milk of Magnesia

Magnesium hydroxide is used to lower the acid present in your stomach. It helps increase the water content in your intestines which can lead to proper bowel movements. It is used as an antacid and can give relief from heartburn. It is sometimes used to give relief from constipation too. There are some side effects of this medicine. You can have diarrhea, wheezing, hives, rash, swollen tongue or face, tightness in the chest, and difficulty in breathing.

Ayurvedic alternative to Magnesium Hydroxide - Milk of Magnesia 

Alsactil Tablet is the ayurvedic medicine for acidity. It can be used as an effective Ayurvedic medicine for bloating and gas too. Alsactil works by ensuring your digestive tract is working optimally so that processes can occur in a balanced manner. When you have high stomach acid, Alsactil can lower the acidic levels thereby reducing the symptoms and giving you relief. It can help when you have other symptoms of stomach problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, and stomach ulcer. It can give relief from headaches and flatulence that can occur due to stomach acidity. Never take the medicine without consulting an ayurvedic expert. Even if you want to make the switch from allopathic to ayurvedic, talk to an expert.

Ingredients 

This Ayurvedic medicine for bloating is formulated with natural ingredients such as lashuna, triphala, yashti, musta, maricha, pippali, and more.

Dosage 

You need to take one or two Alsactil Tablets after each meal or as your physician recommends.

5. Concerns and side effects of Diphenhydramine Hcl - Benadryl

Diphenhydramine Hcl is an antihistamine that is used for giving relief from cough and related symptoms. It can help when you have an allergy, cold, hay fever, rash, sneezing, and itchy nose. It has many side effects such as constipation, an upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth, dry throat, and dry nose. It can lead to blurred vision too which is one of the severe and rare side effects of this allopathic medicine.

Ayurvedic alternative to Diphenhydramine Hcl - Benadryl

Tussnil Syrup is an Ayurvedic cough syrup for dry cough is a fantastic alternative to the allopathic medicine for cough. This Ayurvedic medicine can help clear your airway passage while boosting immunity so you don’t catch infections. The formulation ensures it relaxes your body and heals. It can effectively give you relief from acute cough, chronic cough, cold, and reduces inflammation. Its ingredients ensure you get quick relief and your body gets back to its natural balance with the help of natural Ayurvedic herbs. You must speak to an ayurvedic practitioner before you make the switch from allopathic to ayurvedic medicine or if you want to try this medicine. 

Ingredients 

The Ayurvedic cough syrup for child and adults contains ingredients such as sunthi, vasa, kasamarda, and bharngi among others to effectively treat a cough. 

Dosage

Tussnil Syrup is an Ayurvedic medicine for cold n cough that can be given thrice at a dosage of 1 tablespoon daily for children and adults.

6. Concerns and side effects of Camphor-Methyl Salicyl-Menthol - Myoflex

Camphor-Methyl Salicyl-Menthol is used to give relief from joint pain and bone-related pain. It can help ease discomfort due to muscle pain too. As with other allopathic solutions, this has a range of mild to severe side effects. Mild side effects include dry skin, the stinging sensation felt on the skin, and skin irritation. The severe side effects include skin ulcer, allergic reaction, burning sensation, and hives.

Ayurvedic alternative to Camphor-Methyl Salicyl-Menthol - Myoflex

Myaxyl Cream is an Ayurvedic pain balm that is used to give relief from pain. You can use it to get natural pain relief from conditions such as sprains, injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, contusion, and muscle pain. The pain balm consists of inflammation-fighting agents that help reduce and prevent further inflammation of your joints and bones. The external cream is non-sticky and soothes the areas where you are experiencing pain. It helps give relief to stiff joints and musculoskeletal spasms too. Don’t forget to consult an ayurvedic expert before you try this ayurvedic balm or if you are switching from allopathic to ayurvedic pain balm. 

Ingredients

The Myaxyl Ayurvedic balm contains a powerhouse of ingredients including keram, sigru, kumari, devadaru, and karpoora that provide relief from discomfort and pain.

Directions For Use 

You should apply the Myaxyl Cream gently where you experience pain or as directed by your doctor.

7. Concerns and side effects of Pseudoephedrine Hcl - Afrin 

Pseudoephedrine Hcl enables you to feel relief from the common cold, flu, stuffy nose, allergies, hay fever, and sinus-related pain or pressure. There are many concerns related to this allopathic solution because of its side effects. It can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and vomiting. It can cause problems when you sleep and you might experience sudden nervousness too. In some cases, it can cause a severe reaction such as an allergic reaction.

Ayurvedic alternative to Pseudoephedrine Hcl - Afrin

Anu Thailam is created to give you relief from numerous respiratory conditions. It is an effective nasal decongestant that can help heal respiratory problems that can be caused by various factors. It can be used in winters when nasal congestion is more common. The Ayurvedic solution can help calm the mind and it can give sinus relief in conditions such as sinusitis. It can help you feel better when you have headaches and it can reduce pain associated with respiratory problems. It can help provide relief from nose, head, and throat related pain too. It is vital you consult an ayurvedic expert before switching from allopathic medicine to ayurvedic. You must also consult if you want to try the ayurvedic alternative.

Ingredients 

Anu Thailam contains essential ingredients such as yashtimadu, jivanthi, rasna, hrivera, and bilva among others.

Dosage 

Anu Thailam should be applied as nasal drops and you should consult your doctor for the correct dosage.

8. Concerns and side effects of Ibuprofen/Paracetamol - Combiflam

The mix of two painkiller medications namely ibuprofen and paracetamol is used for reducing pain, inflammation, and fever. It can be used to treat conditions such as joint pain, menstrual cramps, headache, and muscle pain. There are numerous side effects that you can experience when you take this medicine such as severe heartburn, rash, vomiting, severe drowsiness, mouth ulcer, abdominal discomfort, and bloody urine.

Ayurvedic alternative to Ibuprofen/Paracetamol - Combiflam 

Myaxyl Capsules are the Ayurvedic alternative to Ibuprofen/Paracetamol. Myaxul Capsules by Kerala Ayurveda aim to treat all types of arthritic pain and inflammation. It can be used for getting relief from cervical spondylitis, improving joint flexibility, and helps improve bone strength. Myaxyl Capsules are helpful for relieving muscle inflammation and pain. This Ayurvedic medicine works by strengthening and then preventing further damage to the area. It helps balance your doshas so you get the relief you require. If you are interested in this medicine, then speak to an ayurvedic specialist even if you want to switch from allopathic medicine to ayurvedic alternative. 

Ingredients 

The powerful ingredients in Myaxyl Capsules include sallaki, sunthi, haridra, and maricha which are used to give relief from pain and inflammation. 

Dosage 

Myaxyl Capsules need to be taken once or twice every day or as your doctor recommends depending on the severity of your pain and inflammation.

9. Concerns and side effects of Paracetamol/Dicyclomine - Cyclopam

The combination of paracetamol and dicyclomine is used to treat abdominal pain by relaxing your gut and stomach muscles. There are various side effects of this medication such as bloating, weight gain, diarrhea, headache, fast heartbeat, nervousness, and peeling of the skin. Some serious side effects of the medicine include blurred vision, yellow-colored skin, bloody urine, unusual bleeding, skin rash, and excessive sleepiness.

Ayurvedic alternative to Paracetamol/Dicyclomine - Cyclopam 

Hinguvachadi Gulika pills provide pain relief that is associated with a range of conditions. Whether you have digestion problems or abdominal pain, this Ayurvedic alternative helps provide relief from all of them. It naturally works to bring your body back to its balanced state so you can get relief from pain. It helps get relief from health problems such as acidity, anorexia, indigestion, and flatulence too. This Ayurvedic medicine is effective for giving relief from constipation as it cleanses your body from within. Consult an ayurvedic expert before taking these pills and if you want to change from allopathic to ayurvedic alternative.  

Ingredients

Hinguvachadi Gulika pills contain herbal ingredients such as hingu, dadima, patha, vijaya, vacha, ajaji, tintrika, trikatu, and vetasamia among others. 

Dosage

The dosage of Hinguvachadi Gulika depends on the severity of the symptoms and your doctor will tell you how much you should take and when.

10. Concerns and side effects of Loperamide - Eldoper

Loperamide is used for the treatment of diarrhea and it works by reducing the gut movement. This leads to the stool becoming less watery and decreasing your bowel movements. The medicine is useful for treating only the symptoms. Loperamide can cause a range of side effects including constipation, drowsiness, and fatigue. It can lead to dizziness and these side effects can become severe. You can experience other severe symptoms such as severe vomiting and stomach fullness.

Ayurvedic alternative to Loperamide - Eldoper 

The Ayurvedic alternative to Loperamide allopathic medicine is Dadimashtaka Choorna by Kerala Ayurveda. Dadimashtaka Choornam has a combination of ingredients that give you relief from numerous disorders such as diarrhea, IBS, bloating, indigestion, and flatulence. It cleanses your stomach and it can be used for getting relief from many respiratory problems including cough. The Ayurvedic treatment helps give relief from acidity, balances digestion, removes toxins, and boosts immunity. You must consult an ayurvedic specialist before you take this choorna, even if you want to switch from allopathic medicine to ayurvedic.

Ingredients

Dadimashtaka Choorna has potent herbs such as dadima, ela, sunthi, pippalimula, and maricha among numerous others. 

Dosage 

You should take 10 grams of Dadimastaka Choorna twice a day or as your doctor recommends the dosage for your specific situation.

[DISCLAIMER: Self treatment could be fatal and always take medicines in consult with your health care practitioner.]

References:

https://www.zenlama.com/long-term-benefits-of-ayurveda-over-allopathic-treatment-all-you-need-to-know/ 

https://www.jeevana.in/benefits-ayurveda-allopathy/ 

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-allopathic-medicine-2249039

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