The Ministry of AYUSH has stepped forward with a timely reminder for millions of Indians—especially post-menopausal women and the elderly—on World Osteoporosis Day 2025. In its latest advisory, the ministry emphasized that Ayurveda offers powerful natural ways to protect and strengthen bones, calling for early preventive care rather than waiting for fractures to strike.
“Osteoporosis is often a silent disease. By the time symptoms appear, bone loss is already severe,” the release noted. The Ministry highlighted the Ayurvedic perspective of ‘Asthi Saushirya’, a condition caused by the aggravation of Vata dosha, which mirrors the modern understanding of bone fragility and loss of density.
Herbs, Oils, and Formulas Backed by Research
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is currently conducting scientific studies to validate classic Ayurvedic formulations such as Laksha Guggulu and Pravala Pishti, which are traditionally used to support bone and joint health.
Rejuvenation therapies (Rasayana Chikitsa) and therapeutic massages with medicated oils—like Mahanarayana Taila, Dashamoola Taila, and Sahacharadi Taila—are also being recommended for improving bone strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Food as Medicine
The ministry’s advisory includes a simple yet powerful message: “The kitchen can be your first pharmacy.”
Foods like horse gram (kulatthi), green gram (moong), ash gourd (kushmanda), garlic (rasona), ginger (shunthi), and fruits such as pomegranate, grapes, and mango are being recommended for their natural calcium and antioxidant content. These, combined with sunlight exposure and yoga, can go a long way in maintaining bone health.
The Role of Yoga
Yoga, according to the advisory, acts as both a preventive and corrective measure. Asanas like Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Vrikshasana (Tree Pose), and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)* help improve posture, balance, and bone density while reducing the risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
An Integrative Approach to Bone Health
By combining traditional Ayurvedic insights with modern research, the AYUSH Ministry is promoting a holistic, preventive strategy for managing osteoporosis—one that addresses not just bones, but also diet, hormones, mental health, and lifestyle.
“This integrative approach empowers individuals to take charge of their health,” said an AYUSH official. “Simple daily choices—like mindful eating, regular exercise, and Ayurvedic care—can prevent one of the world’s most common age-related diseases.”
A Call for Awareness
Osteoporosis affects millions in India, often without obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs. The Ministry’s initiative aims to create public awareness and early lifestyle correction—ensuring that bone health becomes part of everyday self-care, not an afterthought.
In Short:
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Ayurveda identifies osteoporosis as Asthi Saushirya—a Vata-related disorder.
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AYUSH Ministry recommends Ayurvedic formulations, medicated oils, diet, and yoga.
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CCRAS is validating these remedies scientifically.
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The goal: prevention before fracture, and integration between Ayurveda and modern bone health science.