Don't use some Ayurvedic remedies, Health Canada warns
14 Jul 2005 CBC News
Canadians are warned not to use some Ayurvedic medicinal products because of high levels of heavy metals, Health Canada said Thursday. The products contain high levels of lead, mercury and arsenic are being removed from the market.

Ayurvedic medicinal products are often imported from India where they are used in traditional healing.Improper manufacturing processes can result in dangerously high levels of heavy metals in the product, Health Canada said. Heavy metals pose a health risk because they accumulate in vital organs. Children are particularly susceptible to heavy-metal poisoning. Health Canada found 11 unapproved Ayurvedic medicinal products for sale in Canada. The department includes a list of these on its website:-
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/protection/warnings/2005/2005_80.html
Canadians should only use Ayurvedic medicinal products that have been authorized for sale in Canada. Consumers should look for an eight-digit drug identification number, a natural product number or a homeopathic drug number, Health Canada said.

Heavy metal poisoning
Arsenic poisoning can cause nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, heart abnormalities, liver damage, anemia and reduced motor - nerve function.
Lead poisoning can cause weight loss, insomnia, dizziness, swelling of the brain and paralysis.
Mercury poisoning can cause tremors, insomnia, memory loss, slowed sensory and motor-nerve function, and reduced mental function.