Ayurvedic Health Supplements: How to Read an Ingredient List

Choosing Ayurvedic health supplements can feel like reading a secret code. The front of the pack says “natural” and “herbal”. The real facts sit in the small print at the back. Here is how to read it in two minutes.

1. Look for every herb by name A good label names each herb, ideally with its Latin name too, like Nirgundi (Vitex negundo). A line that says only “herbal blend” tells you very little. Ingredients are often listed from most to least, so the first few matter most.

2. Check the amount, not just the name A herb with no amount is hard to judge. Look for milligrams (mg) per tablet or per serving. For example, the OrthoQem Tablet label lists each herb with its amount, such as 150 mg of Mahayograj Guggul churna (dried, ground herb).

3. Understand extract ratios A label that says “10:1 extract” means about 10 parts of raw herb were used to make 1 part of extract. A higher ratio means a more concentrated extract. It does not mean safer or better. Plain powder (churna) is just the dried herb, ground fine.

4. Read the “other ingredients” These are excipients, the non-herb parts such as binders, fillers, colours and preservatives. They hold a tablet together and keep it fresh. Most are harmless, but if you have allergies, read this part slowly.

5. Do the daily sum Check the serving size and how many tablets make one day. Two tablets of 100 mg each means 200 mg a day. Never take more than the label or your doctor advises.

6. Spot the warning signs Take care if a pack hides its amounts, promises quick or miracle results, or has no batch number, licence details or maker’s address. A trusted maker will share a lab report when you ask.

The bottom line: a good label is clear, not clever. If you want to compare, see how our range of Ayurvedic health supplements lists ingredients, amounts and cautions.

This is general information, not medical advice. Please talk to a qualified doctor before starting any supplement, especially in pregnancy or with regular medicines.