Ayurvedic system of medicine has used medicinal plants and mineral sources for developing this system. In ancient India Ayurveda is considered to be one of the important system of alternative and complementary system of medicine. All over the world it is recognized as a traditional system of medicine and the therapeutic values are found in ancient texts and it is continuously evaluated and interpreted by the scholars who study this field.
The word Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words- “Ayu” which means life and “Veda” which means “The knowledge” or Science. This Science that gives life is said to originate about 5000 years ago in India and it became the world’s oldest health care system. This system of treating different ailments not only treats the diseases but it is a complete philosophy that teaches man to live a healthy life.

Ayurveda is called as the “Root of all the healing systems” as all other natural healing system of medicine feeds on Ayurvedic system of medicine and gains knowledge to prosper further. Ayurveda gives us knowledge to live a healthy life and helps to maintain a balance between human beings and nature and provides us happiness throughout our life.

The principles followed by Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat different diseases are same and did not change. The philosophy written in ancient texts is same in today’s world though continuous developments are taking in health industry. The therapeutic values of Ayurveda are based on the scientific observations and clinical studies.

The main principle used for treating diseases in Ayurvedic system of medicine is to remove toxic substances from the body and provide energy to mind, body and spirit to live healthy life.

In Ayurveda every diseases is treated by using a systematic approach to bring back normal health of an individual. In Ayurvedic system, medicines for people of all ages are present. In Ayurvedic system of medicine the main aim is to remove the disease from its root cause and not merely removing of external signs and symptoms of the disease. It is believed that every person has a separate set of energy, a particular person has a unique fingerprint, in the same way every person will have different physical, mental and emotional characteristic. In Ayurveda, there are three basic types of energy which are also called as Doshas, which are present in every person:

•    Vata-- it indicates the body functions which are concerned with movement. It mainly includes circulation , breathing, blinking, beating of the hear. If vata energy is balanced in an individual it helps to create things. Vata also produce fear and anxiety.
•    Pitta-- this energy regulates the metabolic functions in our body such as digestion, absorption, and nutrition and body temperature. When this energy is balanced it gives you contentment and improves memory functions. Pitta is responsible for producing ulcers and arouses anger.  This energy helps to govern the body's metabolic systems, including digestion.
•    Kapha -- This energy helps to regulate growth in human body. Its main function is to provide water to all the parts of the body, moisturizes the skin and boosts up the immune system. When kapha energy is balanced it generates lover and forgiveness. When kapha is imbalance it produces a sense of insecurity and enmity.
All the three doshas are present in every individual but one or two are prominent. There are many factors that may create an imbalance in doshas such as mental stress, unhealthy diet, change in weather, weak family relations. This imbalance is expressed as a disease in our body. Ayurvedic medicines help to bring back the doshas to normal levels.
In western system it is found that relief of stress is an important way to get rid of any disease. It is found that Transcendental Meditation helps to reduce anxiety. It is also found in a different study that Ayurveda also helps to slow down the aging process and keeps you young forever. The herbs that are used for the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines have antioxidant properties. It helps to protect against the damage produced by the free radicals which are generally found in people with chronic diseases such as heart diseases and arthritis. Ayurveda recommends taking a vegetarian diet which is helpful for maintaining healthy functioning of your heart.