Ayurvedic medicines are getting a makeover. The stodgy bottles of bitter, unpalatable concoctions are giving way to consumer-friendly, easy-to-carry tablets or soft gel capsules in more attractive packaging. The aroma and appearance of the drugs have been improved to attract a younger clientele to avail of Ayurvedic treatment.
Dr K. Jayakrishna, a practising Ayurvedic doctor in the city, said, “Today’s generation needs user-friendly drugs that can be carried and consumed easily. So, instead of large bottles of liquid tonic, oil or bitter concoctions, most medicines now come in the form of tablets and capsules. The strong odour of Ayurvedic medicines is camouflaged by other herbal elements and coatings used in the tablets. He says there’s a demand for Ayurvedic preparations for treating problems related to obesity, hair loss and skin problems. Attractive packaging and the tablet format come in handy here.
Dr Satya Prakash, principal of the Government Ayurveda College, says the process of taking ayurvedic medications has been simplified. “Earlier, patients had to take herbal medicines in churna (powder) form, five or six times a day, which is quite inconvenient. Nowadays, tablets can deliver the dose in a concentrated form. So a single 500 mg tablet can contain the equivalent of five-six doses. The modernisation of Ayurvedic drugs makes them more appealing,” he said.