Ayurveda: herbal extracts with a long tradition
What is Ayurveda, actually?
Ayurveda – translated from Sanskrit as "the science of life" – is a traditional health and life concept from India that has been developed over thousands of years. At its core is the idea of balance: between body, mind and daily habits such as diet, exercise, sleep and periods of rest. Unlike many modern approaches that focus on a single nutrient or symptom, the Ayurvedic tradition looks at everyday life as a whole. For this reason, many of the well-known Ayurvedic herbs are not seen as a short-term, one-off measure, but as an integral part of a continuous routine.
Ayurvedic teaching traditionally distinguishes between three so-called "doshas" (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) – basic principles that are intended to describe a person's individual type of constitution. These concepts are part of a philosophical system that is thousands of years old and should not be confused with scientifically proven physiological mechanisms of action. We present them here solely for cultural and historical context.
The plants behind the tradition
A manageable group of herbs and plant extracts forms the backbone of Ayurvedic practice. Many of them are now also among the most well-researched plant extracts in the field of dietary supplements:
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Also known as "Indian ginseng" or winter cherry, ashwagandha has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic tradition and is classified there as a "rasayana" – a category of herbs traditionally taken as a daily tonic. Ashwagandha is one of the most studied adaptogenic plant substances of all; however, European authorities are currently still working on a final regulatory assessment (see safety notice below).
- Curcumin (from turmeric): The ingredient that gives turmeric its characteristic golden yellow colour. Curcumin is traditionally used in both Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian cuisine and medicine and is now mainly available in the form of concentrated, standardised extracts.
- Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense): A resin extract with a long tradition in Ayurvedic practice, which today is mostly offered in standardised capsule form.
How are Ayurvedic dietary supplements used today?
Most customers integrate Ayurvedic plant extracts in the form of capsules or powder into their daily routine – often accompanied by a balanced diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep. This is in line with the original Ayurvedic idea of looking at the entire lifestyle instead of relying on a single product. Important to know: The products offered here are dietary supplements and not medicinal products. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases, and are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet or a healthy lifestyle.
Quality that you can check for yourself
Each product in this range shows the extract standard on the respective product page – for example, the curcuminoid or withanolide content – as well as the number of capsules, the origin of the raw materials and the recommended intake. This allows you to directly compare the potency and composition of different products before making your decision.
An important note on safety
Herbal food supplements are not automatically equally suitable for every person. Ashwagandha in particular is currently being examined in more detail by European food safety authorities (see the safety note on this page). We recommend reading the product label in full and consulting a doctor or pharmacist before taking the product for the first time – especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are a minor, if you have existing pre-existing conditions (especially of the liver or thyroid gland), or if you are taking prescription medication at the same time.
Why Ayurveda remains relevant today
Even though many of the specific promises of effect of traditional Ayurvedic teachings have not yet been conclusively evaluated scientifically, the underlying idea – to consider nutrition, exercise, rest and herbal routines as a coherent whole – remains an attractive approach to everyday life for many people. Anyone interested in Ayurvedic dietary supplements would do well to view them as one of several building blocks of an overall balanced lifestyle and not as the sole solution to a specific health concern.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ayurveda
This refers to a dietary supplement made from a plant, root or resin that has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic tradition – such as ashwagandha, curcumin or boswellia.
This does not mean that the product itself is classified as an "Ayurvedic medicinal product" under EU law – it is a regular dietary supplement.
No. In the EU, these products are sold as food supplements and not as medicines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases, and they do not replace medical treatment or professional advice.
Ashwagandha has a long tradition, but European food safety authorities – including the BfR in Germany – have issued precautionary notices, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women, minors, people with liver disease, and when taking certain medications at the same time (e.g., thyroid, sedative, immunosuppressive or antidiabetic preparations).
Please read the full safety notice on this page and talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
Many people combine both extracts as part of a daily routine, as they come from the same Ayurvedic tradition.
As with any combination of dietary supplements, check the label of each individual product and seek medical advice in advance if you have any existing medical conditions or are taking any medication.
Capsules offer a predefined, consistent dosage per serving, while raw powder allows for flexible, individualised dosing and can be easily stirred into food or drinks.
You can find the exact active ingredient content and degree of standardisation on the relevant product page.
Information on vegan suitability, capsule material and extract standardisation can be found directly on the relevant product page – the information there is always up to date.
As a general rule, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and adolescents, as well as people taking prescription medication, should seek medical advice before taking any herbal food supplement – including Ayurvedic herbs.
Specific information on ashwagandha can be found in the safety notice at the top of this page.
The Ayurvedic tradition sees these herbs as part of a long-term, continuous routine and not as a fast-acting remedy.
We do not provide information on specific time periods or effects – please refer to the information on the product label and talk to a specialist about what is realistic for your individual situation.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry or sleepberry, is a medicinal plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae) with over 3,000 years of use in Ayurvedic medicine. In Ayurveda it is classified as a 'Rasayana' — a rejuvenating tonic said to promote vitality, longevity and stress resilience.
As a plant-based adaptogen, Ashwagandha is thought to help the body cope with physical and mental stress. Clinical studies provide initial evidence of possible benefits in several areas — though for many of these, definitive scientific evaluation is still pending. European regulatory bodies including the BfR (Germany), EFSA and national food safety authorities are actively reviewing the safety and regulatory status of Ashwagandha supplements.
⚠ Important Safety Notice: European and national health authorities have raised safety concerns about Ashwagandha supplements. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR, September 2024) and other European bodies recommend caution, especially for:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Children and adolescents
- People with existing or previous liver conditions
- People taking thyroid, immunosuppressant, sedative or antidiabetic medications
Denmark has restricted Ashwagandha in food supplements. France and the Netherlands have issued official precautionary statements.
Source: BfR Communication 39/2024· bfr.bund.de