"Rooted in ancient tradition, Bangladesh's Ayurveda industry is experiencing a modern revival. With growing demand for natural wellness solutions, herbal remedies and holistic practices are gaining momentum, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary healthcare."
Bangladesh has seen a significant rise in the use of Ayurveda, an age-old Indian medical practice. This all-encompassing approach to wellness has led to the growth of the Ayurvedic medicine sector in the nation, which caters to people looking for alternatives to traditional medicine. With a focus on plant-based remedies and general health, the sector offers goods and services for a range of issues, from everyday illnesses to long-term problems. The daily star reports that the herbal market in Bangladesh has grown steadily, with an estimated value of Tk 2,500 crore. This growth can be attributed to factors like rising healthcare costs, growing awareness of natural remedies, and rising disposable incomes. Generally, herbal remedies are more affordable than conventional treatments. Regionally, the market is dominated by Asia Pacific, which is lead by India. North America and Europe follow, with increased consumer awareness and interest playing a major role in their respective markets' presence.
In Bangladesh, the majority of the raw materials required to make ayurvedic medicines are still imported. The bulk of complicated and specialized raw materials are imported, while some local businesses grow and handle basic plant resources.
The Bangladeshi Ayurveda industry offers a diverse range of products, including:
Herbal medicines: Formulated using plants, minerals, and other natural ingredients to address various health concerns.
Cosmetics and personal care products: Utilizing Ayurvedic principles for skin, hair, and overall well-being.
Food and nutritional supplements: Promoting health and wellness through dietary practices and formulations.
Sourcing: Herbs, minerals, and other ingredients are sourced from organic farms or wildcrafted in accordance with specific guidelines defined by Ayurvedic texts.
Quality Control: Strict quality checks are conducted to ensure purity, potency, and freedom from contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals. Some manufacturers have specific certification programs for sustainable and ethical sourcing.
Purification: Herbs undergo processes like washing, drying, and sieving to remove impurities and ensure uniformity.
Standardization: Traditional methods like boiling, decoction, and fermentation are used to extract active ingredients and concentrate them in specific ratios as prescribed in Ayurvedic texts.
Formulation: Different herbs and ingredients are combined according to specific formulations prescribed for various conditions. Depending on the product, additional natural binders, excipients, or preservatives might be used.
Traditional Methods: Small-scale producers often rely on traditional methods like mortar and pestle grinding or manual decoction.
Modern Techniques: Larger manufacturers might utilize modern technologies like steam distillation, vacuum drying, and tablet pressing for efficient production while maintaining quality control.
Quality Control: Some manufacturers conduct laboratory tests to assess the presence of heavy metals, pesticide residues, and microbial contamination.
Packaging: Products are typically packaged in airtight containers to preserve their freshness and potency.
In Bangladesh, about 800 businesses are licensed to produce herbal medications. Presently, thirty percent of the country's population receives herbal medicine from leading pharmaceutical businesses including Square, Beximco, Acme, and Incepta, which collectively generate Tk 800 crore in revenue annually. According to Habibur Rahman, general manager of marketing at Incepta Pharmaceuticals, the demand for herbal medications from pharmaceutical companies has grown by thirty percent annually over the last 10 years. Prominent international participants in the business include Zandu Pharmaceuticals, Amway, Dabur, Patanjali Ayurved, Himalaya Drug Company, Baidyanath, and The Himalaya Drug Company.
The manufacturing and distribution of cosmetics and personal care items, the sale of Ayurvedic medicines, the healthcare services provided by Ayurvedic practitioners (Vaidyas), and the income generated through educational programs and workshops are the revenue sources for the Ayurveda industry.
Increased regulation, possible integration with traditional healthcare, increasing emphasis on research and evidence-based practice, and the use of technology for telemedicine consultations, online learning, and data-driven research are some of the future trends in the Ayurvedic business that are anticipated.
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