Imagine a world where a single pill could ward off COVID-19, where diabetes could be cured with vegetable juices and herbal concoctions instead of insulin, or where asthma could vanish with just yoga and breathing exercises. These are the bold assertions put forward by Patanjali Ayurved, a major player in India’s traditional ayurvedic products industry, reflecting the ancient Hindu healing practices dating back 3,000 years. The term “ayurveda” originates from Sanskrit, combining “ayur” meaning life and “veda” meaning science or knowledge. Practitioners of ayurveda utilize herbs, animal extracts, and minerals prepared according to age-old texts.
Despite widespread acceptance among Indians, concerns linger among scientists regarding the safety and effectiveness of ayurvedic products. Unlike medicinal drugs, ayurvedic products are classified as dietary supplements in the United States, lacking the rigorous testing required for medical approval.
Under the Hindu-nationalist government in power since 2014, alternative systems of medicine, including ayurveda, have received unprecedented support. India’s Ministry of Alternative Medicine receives nearly $500 million annually, with the government actively promoting ayurveda on the international stage, boosting the fortunes of companies like Patanjali.
However, the Supreme Court of India has recently issued a temporary ban on certain Patanjali products. This move follows allegations by the Indian Medical Association that Patanjali and its brand ambassador Baba Ramdev made false claims against evidence-backed modern medicine and spread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.
“The entire country has been taken for a ride,” remarked one of the judges during the court proceedings. The case, brought to court in August 2022, highlights Patanjali’s bold advertisements in Indian newspapers, claiming the ability of ayurvedic products to cure chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases.
Notably, Patanjali’s public face, Baba Ramdev, is a vocal supporter of India’s ruling party, the BJP, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The company’s ties to the government have raised concerns among scientists who accuse the administration of prioritizing alternative medicines over modern medical practices to glorify India’s cultural heritage.
Despite court orders and warnings from regulatory agencies, Patanjali continues to defy restrictions on misleading advertisements. Critics allege the company’s close association with the ruling party shields it from accountability.
However, the rise of traditional medicine in India coincides with a broader cultural shift in healthcare policy. Since Modi assumed office in 2014, the government has significantly increased funding for traditional medicines, despite ongoing doubts about their efficacy.
“The worry is people are being misguided,” expresses Dr. Jayesh Lele of the Indian Medical Association, citing cases where patients suffered adverse effects from ayurvedic treatments due to misinformation.
Yet, skepticism persists among some experts, like Kishor Patwardhan of Banaras Hindu University, who believe that the promotion of ayurveda should be based on robust evidence rather than political agendas.
Critics accuse the Modi government of undermining scientific education and promoting historical inaccuracies, eroding public trust in evidence-based practices. The dissemination of unscientific ideas by influential political figures contributes to societal damage, undermining the progress of rational thinking and scientific inquiry.