ABSTRACT

This chapter explains the healing system of Ayurved, and discusses aspects of its approaches related to resolution of infections and common medical conditions. Both patients and healthcare providers have an increased awareness of and interest complementing their treatment regimen with traditional healing systems, such as Ayurved, and/or nonconventional healing products and techniques. Ayurved embraces the concept of nutrition as one of the sources of healthy disease-free living. According to the system of Ayurved, each individual acquires a unique constitution at birth that is critical for his or her body's responses to the environment, a concept that is somewhat similar to genetics and immunity according to conventional medicine. In addition to antibacterial effects, Allium cepa and Allium sativum (garlic juice) have been shown to be effective against some fungi. Neem has been reported to have antibacterial, antiplasmodial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.