Ayurveda is Open Source: Why Product Transparency is Important

As an Ayurvedic physician with over 28 years of practice, I often reflect on the profound origins of our science. Ayushoveda – the original name for Ayurveda – was knowledge 'remembered' by Lord Brahma and generously shared down through sages like Atreya Punarvasu for the benefit of all mankind. The very existence of our great Samhitas, like Charaka and Sushruta, testifies to this spirit of open knowledge sharing. This openness wasn't just about access; it allowed generations of physicians to study, debate, refine, and build upon that foundational wisdom, ensuring Ayurveda remained a living, evolving science. An Open Source system, one of the first of its kind!

Modern heath is "Closed Source"

However, when we look at many modern industries influenced by wellness principles, particularly cosmetics, we often find a contrasting trend towards secrecy. Instead of open sharing, product formulas are guarded. Consumers encounter products with hidden ingredients, formulations containing harmful or allergenic chemicals, or vague labeling that makes true understanding impossible. While reasons for secrecy might be to protect specialized knowledge or business interests, it diverges from the collaborative, open spirit that allowed Ayurveda to originally flourish.

From an Ayurvedic standpoint, I believe a lack of transparency hinders progress and well-being. The principle of 'Do No Harm'  requires clarity, and true health flourishes when people can make informed choices. How can we all improve our approaches to well-being if knowledge is siloed and basic formulations are treated as secrets?

Ayushoveda is about "Open Source" transparency

This is why Ayushoveda is committed to radical transparency. It is our way of honoring and reviving that original, open Ayurvedic spirit. We openly share our complete ingredient lists and disclose the exact percentage of every single component. Every ingredient in all our products are from natural sources.

We believe this level of openness is fundamental - we call this Triple Transparency.

But our goal extends beyond our own products. We know our Gentle Natural Shampoo is currently among a very small group – part of perhaps only 3% made from 100% natural sources in India, and in the even rarer global category of less than 1% providing full ingredient percentage disclosure.

Less than 1% is unfortunate and should not be the case.

True Ayurveda encourages growth and refinement. We share our formulation details not just for your confidence, but also in the hope that it inspires others. We encourage the industry to embrace this "open source" spirit, to take what we share, critique it, improve upon it, and develop even better, truly natural, and transparent solutions. 

That is how we collectively honor the legacy of the ancient sages and the true spirit of Ayushoveda – as a living, shared science dedicated to well-being for all.