Threats for Siddha

1. Are there any side effectsfrom consuming Siddha herbal or metallic Preparations?

Ans. There are some chances of side effects, if the medicines are not properly prepared.

2. Are any poisonous drugs used in Siddha?

Ans. Drugs such as, Kodiveli (Plumbago zeylanica), Nervalam (Croton tiglium), Serankottai (Semecarpus anacardium), Arsenic and Mercury are some poisonous drugs, but used only after proper purification as prescribed in classical texts and authorities.

3. Are Siddha drugs safe in renal diseases?

Ans. Yes, if it is prepared properly.

4. What are the techniques to assess well-prepared Siddha drugs?

Ans.

1. A well-finished product of parpams and chendoorams will float on the surface of water, but the unfinished product will sink in water.
2. When the finished products of Parpams and Chendoorams are touched gently with the fingers, the imprint of the fingers may be Seen. While gentle touch by the fingers on, the finger grooves will be impressed legibly, which denotes well finished products.

5. Which organs can be affected if an over dose of metallic drugs is taken?

Ans. An Over dose of a metallic drug will affect internal organs such as the liver and kidney.

6. Are there any diet restrictions in Siddha to avoid side effects?

Ans. Yes, by adopting a strict dietary regimen and following the Physician’s advice, one can avoid side effects.

7. Are there any drug adulteration problems in Siddha?

Ans. Yes, some herbals that resemble others are used; there may be a change of causing drug adulterations.

8. Are there any challenging drugs for Cancer, HIV/AIDS in Siddha?

Ans. Yes, Some anti-oxidant herbal drugs such as Amukkara chooranam (Withania somnifera) and Nellikkai legyam (Emblica officinalis) and some mercurial preparations like Rasaganthy mezhugu and Nandhi mai are challenging drugs for Cancer, HIV/AIDS.

9. What are the drawbacks in Siddha?

Ans.

1. Medium of instruction (Tamil) All books related to Siddha Medicines /Manuscripts are in Tamil.
2. Adulteration of drugs.
3. Collection of the herbs from different areas and during various seasons causes variation in efficacy of the drugs.
4. Practical difficulties in methods of preparation.
5. Difficulty in understanding Siddha poems.

10. Are Siddha medicines useful for all seasons and diseases?

Ans. Yes, Example:

1. For Summer Nannari sarpath (Hemidismus indicus) and Mathulai manappagu (Punica granatum) for body, heat and ushnathikkam.
2. For Winter Adhathodai kudineer (Adathoda vasica), Nilavembu kudineer (Andrographis paniculata) for cough, cold and fever.

11. Are Siddha medicines useful in acute illnesses?

Ans. Yes. For example in Fever-Linga chendooram, in Sinus headache - Gowrichindamani chendooram, in Asthma – Kasthurikaruppu.

12. Are there any higher studies like P.G Diploma, M.S and Ph.D in Siddha?

Ans. No.