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Index of Ayurvedic Formulations and Products Covered on This Site

A directory of the Ayurvedic formulation, preparation and product-quality guides on this site, with notes on why traditional formulas differ from modern products.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

What this index is

In Ayurveda, many remedies are not single herbs but named combinations, prepared in set forms such as powders, tablets, oils and jams. This page lists the guides on this site for those formulations and for the topics that help you judge any product: labels, standards, regulation and safety. It is a directory, not a shopping list or a recommendation, and it gives no doses or recipes.

Read these first

  • Ayurvedic preparations are regulated differently by country. In India these products are regulated as traditional medicines. In the United States, depending on the circumstances, they could be regulated as drugs, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics or devices, and Ayurvedic products as a category are not specifically defined under US law. [1]
  • There are no FDA-approved Ayurvedic products, and products marketed to prevent, treat or cure disease are illegally marketed in the US. [2]
  • Metals are a known concern. In a study of Ayurvedic medicines bought online, about one in five contained detectable lead, mercury or arsenic, and every metal-containing product exceeded at least one standard for acceptable daily intake. [3]
  • Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use. See the safety quick reference.

Understanding forms and standards

Named formulations

Products sold today

Judging any product

Single herbs

For individual plants, use the herb index.

Frequently asked questions

Is a traditional formula the same as a supplement sold online?

Not necessarily. A formula in a classical text and a modern product with a similar name can differ in ingredients, strength and quality. See the page on Ayurvedic-style supplements vs traditional formulations.

Do trials support Ayurvedic formulas?

It depends on the product and the condition. A Cochrane review of Ayurvedic treatments for type 2 diabetes found six trials of proprietary herbal mixtures and one of whole-system treatment (354 participants). The authors could not draw definite conclusions because of method problems and small trials. [4]

Can I buy these products safely online?

The FDA advises talking with your health care provider before using Ayurvedic products and says metal content is typically not labeled. [2] See buying Ayurvedic products safely.

How do I report a harmful product?

In the US, the FDA asks that products suspected of containing heavy metals be reported to its MedWatch program. [2] See reporting a problem.

What if I feel unwell after using one?

If you have symptoms of possible heavy metal poisoning, the FDA advises contacting your health care provider or a poison center (US Poison Help 1-800-222-1222). [2] For an emergency in the US, call 911. For other countries, see poison help by country.

References
  1. US Food and Drug Administration, India Office. FDA India Office Addresses Herbal and Ayurvedic Products. Read 2026-10-22.
  2. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns about heavy metal poisoning associated with certain unapproved ayurvedic drug products. Read 2026-10-22.
  3. Saper RB et al. Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines sold via the Internet. JAMA 2008 (abstract). Read 2026-10-22.
  4. Sridharan K et al. Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011 (abstract). Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.