How traditional medicines are regulated in India, what to check on a label, and how to use and bring them home responsibly.
Last reviewed · Massvaa Care Wellness editorial teamOn this page
How traditional medicines are regulated in India
In India, Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicines are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its rules. Manufacturers need a licence from the state licensing authority, and the rules set Good Manufacturing Practice standards for these medicines. A legitimate product carries the manufacturer’s name, address and licence number on the label.
What to check on a label
- The manufacturer’s name and address
- The manufacturing licence number
- The batch number, date of manufacture and expiry date
- The full list of ingredients
- Dosage instructions, and any warnings
Metals and minerals in some classical preparations
Some classical preparations — especially in the Rasa Shastra tradition of Ayurveda, and in Siddha — deliberately include processed metals and minerals. Independent studies have found heavy metals in some traditional products sold internationally. This is a real concern and a reason for care, not alarm.
Take such preparations only when a registered physician prescribes them for you, for a set period, from a licensed manufacturer. Ask the physician what a preparation contains, keep the prescription, and tell your own doctor.
Interactions and special cases
- Herbal preparations can interact with prescription medicines, including blood thinners, diabetes and blood-pressure medicines. List everything you take for the physician.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding need particular caution: tell the physician, and your obstetrician.
- Children should be given preparations only on a physician’s prescription.
- If you notice side effects, stop and contact the physician — and your own doctor.
Bringing medicines home
Every country has its own rules on importing herbal products. Keep them in their original, labelled packs, carry the prescription, bring only quantities for personal use, and check your national customs and medicines authority before you travel. Some products legal in India are restricted elsewhere.
Official sources
Rules, registrations and visa terms change. Where this page and an official source differ, the official source applies.
