While Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard, conventional medical care, it should not replace standard, conventional medical care, especially when treating serious conditions.

Ayurveda in India is considered reasonable and suitable to the pockets of middle and low-income groups. The price ranges for different treatments such as Panchkarma treatment is charged around INR 200-1500 per day while a seven-day package costs around INR 10,000-15,000 (service & oil cost included).

Some Ayurvedic preparations include metals, minerals, or gems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that the presence of metals in some Ayurvedic products makes them potentially harmful.

Those who practice ayurveda believe every person is made of five basic elements found in the universe: space, air, fire, water, and earth. These combine in the human body to form three life forces, or energies, called doshas. They control how your body works.