Baba Ramdev claims to have not fallen sick in 50 years, says he doesn’t even touch allopathy medicines: ‘Zaroorat nahi hai na’

When the host asked if this was possible, the yoga guru replied, “I am a living example.”

According to him, this is due to his consistent practice of yoga and a natural lifestyle, suggesting that modern allopathic medicines are unnecessary. “Allopathy ki dawaon ko… choota bhi nahi. Kyun bhai? Zaroorat nahi hai na. Dawaiyan necessary nahi hai aur 200 saal pehle toh allopathy ki dawaiyannahi thi toh sab prakriti ke nisarg ke saath hi toh jeete the (I don’t even take allopathic medicines, I don’t need them. Why? Because there’s no need for them. Medicines aren’t necessary, and 200 years ago, there were no allopathic medicines, and yet people lived in harmony with nature).”

He firmly believes that everything we need to stay healthy is already within us and that yoga connects us to our body’s natural healing powers. Recalling his visit to the China border, he shared how he endured -20°C temperatures while wearing his signature orange outfit — his lower half covered, and the top draped like a sanyasi. “Maine kaha yoga mein taakat hai. Bal, gyaan, shakti, energy, power, heat, hamare andar hai (I said, yoga has power. Strength, knowledge, energy, power, and heat are all within us).”

While many people have turned to yoga and Ayurveda for holistic health, the question remains: can such practices alone truly offer complete immunity from common ailments, or is there more to the story?

Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, tells indianexpress.com, “While yoga and a natural lifestyle undoubtedly contribute to overall health, it’s unrealistic to expect complete immunity from all illnesses. Immune responses vary widely among individuals and are influenced by genetics, environment, and age. Even the healthiest individuals may occasionally experience common illnesses like colds or flu.”

Dr Sanjay Gupta, MD Internal Medicine, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon, concurs, “Not getting sick for 50 years is not possible. Modern medicine is absolutely essential. In emergencies, I repeat, there is no homeopathy or Ayurvedic medicine that can save a patient or help them survive without allopathic drugs. Diseases have specific causes, and those causes need to be addressed with allopathic medicine.”

Yoga helps manage stress, blood pressure, and mild chronic conditions, and supports rehabilitation for issues like lower back pain or anxiety. (Source: Freepik)

Modern life involves exposure to pollutants, pathogens, and stressors that can overwhelm even a robust immune system, states Dr Hiremath. “Yoga enhances physical and mental well-being by reducing stress, improving circulation, and boosting the immune system. A natural lifestyle with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise supports the body’s defense mechanisms but cannot make one impervious to infections.”

He adds, “A study published in Frontiers in Immunology highlights that while practices like yoga reduce inflammation and improve immunity, they function best as preventive tools rather than guarantees against all illnesses.”

Can traditional practices like yoga and Ayurveda truly replace the need for modern medications

“While traditional practices like yoga and Ayurveda offer significant health benefits, it is neither realistic nor safe to completely dismiss modern medicine,” cautions Dr Hiremath. Yoga helps manage stress, blood pressure, and mild chronic conditions, and supports rehabilitation for issues like lower back pain or anxiety. Ayurveda, with its herbal remedies, can treat mild conditions and promote overall well-being. 

Dr Hiremath states, “However, modern medicine plays a critical role in treating acute conditions. Allopathy provides life-saving interventions for infections, trauma, cancer, and organ failures, such as antibiotics for infections or chemotherapy for cancer — areas where yoga or Ayurveda cannot suffice. Modern medicine relies on evidence-based treatments, including rigorous clinical trials and standardised dosages, ensuring reliability and efficacy.”

The best health outcomes often emerge from a balanced, integrative approach that combines traditional practices for prevention with modern medicine for treatment. For example, yoga can help manage stress during chemotherapy, and Ayurveda can complement dietary recommendations for chronic conditions.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.