Can ashwaghandarishta be contaminated with heavy metals? - #34504

Traditionally Ashwagandha aristha is made only from jaggery and natural fermentation and does not require any metal based ingredients , so don’t worry you can continue for longer as it is totally safe

No never made from only herbs

This is a very important and sensible question, especially given your intention for long-term use of an Ayurvedic product like Dabur Ashwagandharishta. Dealing with the two main parts of your concern—long-term use and heavy metal contamination—requires considering both conventional scientific and traditional Ayurvedic perspectives.

1. Long-Term Consumption (Months to Years) Conventional Scientific View Ashwagandha (the main herb): Most clinical studies assessing the safety of Ashwagandha extract/powder are relatively short-term (up to 3 months). The long-term safety (months to years) is generally stated as “not known” due to a lack of extensive, long-duration research.

General Safety Profile: In small to medium doses, Ashwagandha is usually well-tolerated in the short term.

Interactions: Ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes, high blood pressure, immunosuppressants, sedatives, and thyroid hormone medications.

Traditional Ayurvedic View (Rasayana) Ashwagandharishta is an Arishta (fermented liquid preparation), and Ashwagandha itself is classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenating tonic).

Rasayana preparations are traditionally intended for long-term use to promote health, longevity, strength (Balya), vitality, and resilience (Adaptogen effects).

Ayurvedic practitioners often prescribe such tonics for extended periods, sometimes cyclically (e.g., three months on, one month off) or continuously, depending on the individual’s Prakriti (constitution), the season, and the specific health goal.

The general Ayurvedic consensus is that, when taken in the recommended dosage and it is safe for long-term use for most people.

Conclusion on Long-Term Use: While traditional practice supports long-term use of Rasayana like Ashwagandharishta, the modern scientific perspective calls for caution, noting that dedicated safety trials beyond a few months are lacking. Consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner is key for a long-term plan.

2. Heavy Metal Contamination Concern This is the most critical part of your concern and is a valid issue raised by various scientific studies.

Scientific Findings on Contamination Multiple studies have indeed found that some Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine Products (HMPs), particularly those manufactured in South Asia and sold abroad, contain levels of toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic that exceed established regulatory limits (e.g., in the US, Australia, or by WHO/API).

Contamination can be due to:

Intentional inclusion: Some traditional preparations (Rasa Shastra or Herbo-Metallic preparations) intentionally use purified metals (bhasmas), though Ashwagandharishta is typically an herbal-only preparation.

Unintentional contamination: This can occur from raw herbs grown in contaminated soil, contaminated water, or from processing/manufacturing equipment.

Dabur Ashwagandharishta: While the broader issue of contamination in Ayurvedic products is real, there is no public, blanket finding to specifically label Dabur Ashwagandharishta as contaminated. Reputable, large-scale manufacturers like Dabur often adhere to stricter quality control standards, including testing for heavy metals, to meet the requirements of regulatory bodies (like AYUSH in India, which sets limits) and for export to regulated markets.

Regulatory and Manufacturer’s Perspective (India) The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) and the Ministry of AYUSH have established maximum permissible limits for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium) in Ayurvedic formulations.

Large, established brands generally invest in testing to comply with these limits. The label may include a notation confirming compliance with Indian regulatory standards.

Recommendation:

Direct Contact: Given you are a regular consumer, you have the right to contact Dabur’s customer service or medical information department and specifically ask for their quality assurance details, including their testing procedures and compliance with heavy metal limits (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium) for the batch of Ashwagandharishta you are consuming.

Look for Certifications: Check the product label for symbols or statements indicating compliance with international standards (if applicable) or specific Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and heavy metal testing.

Medical Monitoring: The most responsible action for long-term, sustained use is to discuss your consumption with your primary care physician and request a blood test for heavy metal levels (specifically lead and possibly mercury/arsenic) to establish a baseline and potentially monitor your levels periodically. This is the only definitive way to confirm if your personal consumption is leading to accumulation.

Hi Tobias, Ashwagandha arishta does not contain any metal since it is prepared from herbs and by natural fermentation technique. Do buy this medicine from GMP certified pharmaceutical companies. I would like to guide you more about the condition for which you are taking this medicine. Feel free to contact.

Have a good day.

Regards Dr. Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma

Hi Tobias. Ashwagandharist has just 2 components ashwagandha which is a herb and jaggery in both are absolutely safe to take But buy from good reputed brands so no chance of adulteration.

Ashwagandha aristha doesn’t contain any metals it’s made up with pure herbal and if you take it for long period also there is no any negative impact on body but we usually recommend to take for 3 to 6 months then give a gap , observe your symptoms if no symptoms stop , if symptoms persist then continue for another 3 months

Ashwagandharishta, like many Ayurvedic preparations, can potentially be consumed long term if done with mindful consideration of one’s individual constitution (prakriti) and current dosha balance. However, it is always crucial to monitor for any signs of imbalance, such as digestive issues or skin changes, and adjust usage based on how your body reacts over time. It is essential to maintain good agni (digestive fire) to effectively metabolize it, ensuring your body benefits from its strengthening, stress-reducing properties.

Regarding concerns on heavy metal contamination, it’s important to understand that Ayurvedic formulations can sometimes contain heavy metals due to the raw materials used or the processing environment. Ensuring that you’re receiving a product that’s tested for purity is key. Brands like Dabur may conduct stringent quality controls, but I always recommend further investigation. You might want to contact the manufacturer directly for detailed information on their quality assurance practices and whether they adhere to international safety guidelines.

To mitigate risks, buy products from reputable sources that provide transparency about their testing and sourcing. If you’re concerned about potential contamination, consider getting a heavy metal blood test to monitor your own exposure, especially if you’re planning on consuming it for a longer duration.

Ultimately, stay attuned to your body’s responses. If you notice any adverse effects or have continuing concerns about contamination, it may be beneficial to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can give you personalized advice based on your health profile. Also please note, it’s important not to rely solely on ashwagandha when facing potentially serious health issues or symptoms, as these might require immediate traditional medical attention.

HELLO,

Dabur Ashwagandharishta is majorly composed of herbs (such as ashwagandha) and jaggery, and water along with natural fermenting agents. It should not have heavy metals if produced following routine quality control steps.

Safety: It is safe for use in most healthy adults when used as directed. Independent Dabur Ashwagandharishta testing has revealed that the presence of heavy metals, if any, is within the regulatory levels, so the product is not necessarily contaminated.

It is herbal in composition, and there is no added mercury, lead, or arsenic.

Important Notes: Extremely long-term daily application (months or years) theoretically might provide any trace metal with a chance to build up, however low. To be on the safe side, use under direction and at the suggested dose.

Conclusion: Dabur Ashwagandharishta is predominantly herbal and jaggery sweetened and does not have heavy metals intended for it. It is safe to use, but continual use must continue to be checked against overall health.

THANK YOU

Considering your concern about heavy metal contamination in ashwagandharishta: It’s wise to be cautious. The risk does exist if the herbal formulation is not sourced from reputable brands that follow stringent quality controls. Ayurvedic products, including ashwagandharishta, sometimes have been found to contain heavy metals like lead or mercury, which are occasionally used in traditional practices, though more often contamination is unintended. Checking for certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) can help ensure the product is more likely free from contaminants. Always opt for well-known brands that provide lab testing validation.

As for long-term consumption, ashwagandharishta is generally considered safe when used properly and can be beneficial for balancing vata dosha, improving strength and reducing stress. Prolonged use, though, should ideally be monitored by an Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure alignment with your unique prakriti (body constitution) and current health condition.

It’s important to watch for any signs of imbalance in your body, such as digestive upset or changes in wellbeing, which could indicate that a reevaluation of dosage or continued use is needed. Generally, you can take 15-30 ml twice daily, post meals, diluted with equal water. To support your agni (digestive fire), it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle alongside ashwagandharishta consumption. If there’s any doubt or issue arises, consulting with a healthcare provider is advised to ensure safety and optimal benefits.