Ayurveda: Miracle cure or medical myth?

In India, Ayurveda is often seen as “natural” and therefore automatically “safe”. Millions consume Ayurvedic medicines without consulting a doctor. The government, too, promotes Ayurveda globally as part of India’s soft power.

But important questions remain. While every claim and side effect of modern medicine must pass through clinical trials and strict regulation, is Ayurveda held to the same standards? The word “natural” inspires trust. But has it also become a convenient shield against scientific scrutiny?

A tradition described as safe and reliable is now being packaged as a global brand. But is Ayurveda truly risk-free? Does being “natural” guarantee the absence of side effects?

Are Ayurvedic medicines tested through clinical trials? If yes, how large and transparent are these studies?

Why are many Indian Ayurvedic products exported abroad as “food supplements” instead of medicines? Is this a way to bypass stricter regulatory checks?

Advertising claims are under the scanner too. Treatments for diseases that legally cannot be advertised are still openly promoted. From fertility cures to claims of treating serious illnesses like cancer, the promises are big. But where is the evidence?

And when side effects emerge, or when harmful levels of mercury or lead are found in products, what action does the system take? Who is held accountable?

This documentary investigates these questions, and examines what the government is actually doing on the ground to make Ayurveda safe, credible, and trustworthy.

This documentary was produced with support from the Thakur Foundation.