Quacks: Messengers of Death

by: Dev Sri

Ku: Vaidyah: Nripa Doshathah:

That is a slogan from Charaka Samhita, which means quacks arise if the king is incapable. Charaka, the legendry healer uses only harsh words to describe quacks and kings (administrators) that allow them to flourish.

Charaka Samhita, one of the principle treatises of Ayurveda dispels quacks or persons impersonating as physicians with strong words. Charaka, the Indian Ayurvedic practitioner of 2nd century BC flays fake physicians as messengers of death and their prescriptions dangerous than poison.

Charaka also describes the common traits of fake doctors – they are unlearned and lack experience or knowledge of medicines and treatments. They will boast their skills before uneducated people.

The principle advice of Charaka to ordinary people is to avoid a vaidya (physician) who shows off their knowledge. Avoid them like poisonous snakes.

It is quite usual to find people abusing any acceptable system and Ayurveda is no different. Just now Ayurveda gaining acceptability around the world can act as a great hunting ground for all crooks. Just as Ayurveda presents the most sustainable lifestyle for everyone, it also opens doors for crooks that put their eyes only on money. They don't care about the life or wellness of the people whom they come across.

Ayurveda in Kerala and India is regulated and controlled and qualified treatment centers are certified. A list of certified Ayurvedic treatment centers in Kerala is available at our website.

It is question of your life and you can't take a chance with counterfeit products, or fake physicians.

It is also to be noted that people are pushing a large number of products in the name of Ayurveda and herbal remedies. Among many of the approved products, there also are products that don't use the correct Ayurvedic formulas. Some of the prescription materials for certain preparations are extremely difficult to find and costs several thousand Rupees.

Bogus claims are made their products do use the costly and difficult to find materials in their medicines. Musk from musk deer is an example. Hunting of the animal is banned in India and there is little scope of getting musk even for Ayurvedic formula preparations. Then again people say their preparations have used musk.

Peacock oil is another illegal item of trade. Hunting of the bird is banned in India. Yet, some Ayurvedic physicians claim to have access to such things. Similar is case about snake oil.

It is on the best interest of the patients using Ayurvedic medicines or getting the service of an Ayurvedic doctor the real credentials and certifications. GMP or good manufacturing practice certificate is awarded to manufacturing companies. Olive and green certificates are given to recognized Ayurvedic treatment centers in Kerala.