Ancient Wisdom, Tested
Long before mitochondria had a name, Ayurveda and other traditional systems built whole practices around living longer. Some of their ideas hold up remarkably well. Others don't, and a few carry real risks. Here we put them to the test, respectfully and honestly.
Ayurveda and longevity: what science says about the ancient system
Thousands of years before anyone measured a mitochondrion, Ayurveda had a whole branch of medicine dedicated to living longer. Some of its ideas look remarkably modern. Others carry risks that every reader should know about.
Ancient Wisdom, TestedTriphala: the three-fruit formula, tested
Three dried fruits, ground together, used for centuries as Ayurveda's all-purpose tonic. Modern science has found a plausible way it might work: through your gut bacteria. Proof in humans is a different story.
Ancient Wisdom, TestedShilajit: benefits, claims and heavy-metal risk
A sticky black resin that seeps from Himalayan rocks, sold as "the destroyer of weakness". It's one of the fastest-growing supplements online. The evidence is thin, and the contamination risk is real.
Ancient Wisdom, TestedAshwagandha: benefits, risks and who should avoid it
It's the most popular Ayurvedic herb in the world, sold for stress, sleep and testosterone. The trials are more encouraging than for most herbs. The safety story is more complicated than the labels admit.
Ancient Wisdom, TestedOil pulling: does it actually work?
Swish a spoonful of oil around your mouth for 15 minutes, spit it out, and enjoy whiter teeth, fresher breath and even "detox", say the claims. The studies are more modest, and more interesting, than either fans or skeptics suggest.
Ancient Wisdom, TestedNasal rinsing (jala neti): benefits and the one safety rule
Pouring salt water through your nose sounds odd. It's an ancient yoga cleansing practice that modern doctors now recommend for sinus problems. Done right, it's simple and safe. Done with the wrong water, it has killed people.
Ancient Wisdom, TestedTurmeric and curcumin: why absorption is the whole story
Turmeric is one of the most studied plants on earth, and its star compound, curcumin, works wonders in lab dishes. The problem is getting it from your mouth into your blood. That detail explains almost everything about turmeric's real-world results.