Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system that is based on the principles of balance, harmony, and natural healing. Ayurveda means "the science of life" in Sanskrit, and it aims to promote health and wellness by understanding the individual's constitution (prakriti) and the influence of the environment (vikriti) on it. Ayurveda believes that every person has a unique combination of three life forces (doshas) -vata, pitta, and kapha - that determine their physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. By balancing the doshas and following a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle, herbs, therapies, yoga, and meditation, ayurveda helps to prevent and treat diseases .

Ayurvedic medicine is a type of alternative medicine that uses various products and practices derived from ayurveda. Ayurvedic medicine includes herbal medicines, mineral and metal substances, animal products, dietary supplements, massage oils, cleansing procedures, and surgical techniques. Ayurvedic medicine is used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as digestive disorders, skin problems, respiratory infections, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, mental disorders, etc. Ayurvedic medicine also aims to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of the individual

Ayurvedic medicine differs from conventional medicine in several ways. Some of the main differences are:

• Ayurvedic medicine is based on ancient texts and traditions that date back to more than 5000 years ago, while conventional medicine is based on modern scientific research and evidence.
• Ayurvedic medicine focuses on the individual as a whole, taking into account their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, while conventional medicine focuses on the disease and its symptoms.
• Ayurvedic medicine uses natural substances and methods that are generally considered safe and gentle, while conventional medicine uses synthetic drugs and invasive procedures that may have side effects and complications.
• Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes prevention and self-care by following a healthy lifestyle and diet according to one's constitution and environment, while conventional medicine emphasizes diagnosis and treatment by using tests and medications.
• Ayurvedic medicine respects the diversity and uniqueness of each person and prescribes personalized remedies and therapies according to their needs and preferences, while conventional medicine follows a standardized and generalized approach for most patients.

Ayurvedic medicine has been practiced for thousands of years by millions of people in India and other countries. Many people report positive results from using ayurvedic medicine for various health issues. However, there is a lack of rigorous scientific studies to prove the efficacy and safety of ayurvedic medicine. Some of the challenges in conducting research on ayurvedic medicine are:

• The complexity and variability of ayurvedic formulations and practices
• The difficulty in standardizing and measuring the outcomes of ayurvedic interventions
• The ethical and legal issues in using animal products or metals in ayurvedic preparations
• The lack of funding and collaboration among researchers and practitioners