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From the Sanskrit words “ayur” (life) and “veda” (knowledge), Ayurveda originated in India over 3000 years ago. Treatment is patient-tailored and consists of oral formulations containing herbal, mineral, spice, and animal components, mental balance through yoga or meditation, purgatives, and dietary and lifestyle changes. It is available in at least 10 clinics in North America, but there is no licensure for practicing Ayurveda in the United States. Ayurvedic medicinals, which can contain from a few to hundreds of components, are commonly used to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, acne, obesity, and cancer. Many of the more frequently used herbs have been studied extensively in vitro and in vivo and show antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, or antiinflammatory properties. Clinical trials show benefit of various formulations in treating acne, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, anemia, hepatitis, obesity, dyspepsia, and constipation. The effects of meditation in reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing general well-being have also been confirmed. The World Bank is funding research in India to evaluate ayurvedic medicines for anemia, edema during pregnancy, and postpartum complications. There is no documented value for Ayurvedic therapies in treating cancer. However, certain modalities can be used to relieve cancer related symptoms and to improve quality of life. Recent studies demonstrate that yoga helps improve sleep pattern in lymphoma patients and also reduces symptoms of stress in breast and prostate cancer patients.Little is known about the drug interactions between Ayurvedic and modern drugs. Numerous cases of lead poisoning from Ayurvedic preparations have been reported.