A Unani & Ayurvedic online pharmacy in India is a website where you can order traditional medicines — like majun, khamira, churna and herbal oils — and get them delivered to your home. There are many such websites today, and they are not all the same. This guide explains the main types of online stores, how to check if a store and its medicines are genuine, how to read a medicine label, and which warning signs to watch for. It is written in simple English for first-time buyers.
Key points in this guide:
- There are five main types of places to buy Unani and Ayurvedic medicine online in India, and each has its own strengths and risks.
- A genuine Unani or Ayurvedic medicine label must show a licence number, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, and the full ingredient list.
- Some classical medicines contain strong ingredients and should be taken only under medical supervision. Their labels carry a “Caution” warning.
- Claims like “100% cure”, “instant results” or “zero side effects” are warning signs, not quality signs.
- Herbal medicines can have side effects and can interact with other medicines. Speak to a qualified practitioner before you start.
What is a Unani & Ayurvedic online pharmacy?
A Unani & Ayurvedic online pharmacy is an online store that sells medicines made under the Unani and Ayurveda systems of medicine. These are two of the traditional systems recognised in India under the Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy).
You browse products on the website, place an order, pay online, and the medicine is shipped to your address. Some stores also offer advice from a qualified practitioner — a BUMS doctor (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery) or a BAMS doctor (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery).
People use these stores because many traditional medicines are hard to find in local chemist shops, especially outside big cities. A single online store can carry products from many manufacturers in one place.
How are Unani and Ayurvedic medicines different?
Unani and Ayurveda are two separate systems of medicine with different roots, theories and medicine types. Ayurveda developed in ancient India and is based on the three doshas — vata, pitta and kapha. Unani medicine came from Greek and Persian traditions, reached India through Arab and Persian physicians, and is based on four humours (akhlat) and a person’s temperament (mizaj).
Both systems use herbs, minerals and natural ingredients, and many online stores sell both together. If you want to understand them in more depth, read our guides on Unani medicine: history and principles, Ayurvedic medicine and the doshas, and the difference between Unani and Ayurvedic medicine.
What types of online stores sell Unani and Ayurvedic medicine in India?
There are five main types of online stores that sell Unani and Ayurvedic medicine in India. Each type is good for a different kind of buyer.
| Type of store | Examples | Good for | Things to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large general e-pharmacies | Tata 1mg, Netmeds | Popular brands, fast delivery in big cities, mixing allopathic and herbal orders | Smaller Unani brands and classical Unani medicines are often missing |
| Online marketplaces | Amazon, Flipkart | Wide choice, easy returns on some items | Products are sold by many third-party sellers — check who the seller is, not just the brand name |
| Manufacturer’s own website | Brand websites run by manufacturers such as Patanjali | Buying one brand directly from the company | You can only buy that one brand; comparing across brands is harder |
| Health platforms with their own brands | Content-and-consultation platforms that also sell their own herbal range | Reading health articles and booking consultations in one place | They usually push their own products first |
| Specialist Unani & Ayurvedic stores | Dedicated herbal and Unani stores that stock many traditional brands | Hard-to-find classical medicines — majun, khamira, habb, arq, roghan — from many manufacturers | Check business details, licence information on product pages, and whether a qualified practitioner is available |
No single type is “best” for everyone. If you need a common product from a big brand, a large e-pharmacy may be enough. If you are looking for a specific classical Unani medicine, a specialist store is usually the only place that stocks it.
How to choose a genuine Unani & Ayurvedic online pharmacy: a 10-point checklist
A genuine online pharmacy shows clear business details, sells properly labelled medicines, and does not make miracle claims. Use this checklist before you place your first order with any store.
- Clear business details. The website should show a real business name, a physical address, a phone number and a working contact method. A GST number on invoices is a good sign.
- Full product information. Each product page should list ingredients, pack size, manufacturer name and usage directions — not just a photo and a price.
- Known manufacturers. The store should tell you who makes each medicine. Well-known Unani makers include Hamdard, Rex Remedies, Dehlvi Remedies and New Shama Laboratories.
- Prescription check for strong medicines. Some classical medicines contain ingredients listed in Schedule E(1) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. A responsible store asks for a valid prescription for these.
- No miracle claims. Avoid stores that promise “permanent cure”, “results in 3 days” or “100% guaranteed”. Indian law does not allow medicines to be advertised as cures for many serious conditions.
- Fresh stock with clear expiry dates. The store should ship products well within their expiry date. You can ask for the expiry date before ordering.
- Access to a qualified practitioner. A good store lets you ask a BUMS or BAMS doctor before you buy, especially if you are unsure which medicine suits you.
- A written return policy. Most stores do not accept opened medicines for hygiene reasons, but there should be a clear policy for damaged, wrong or expired items.
- Secure payment. The checkout page should use HTTPS (a padlock in the browser bar) and a known payment method such as UPI or a payment gateway.
- Honest reviews. Real reviews are mixed — some are 5 stars, some are 3. A page full of identical, perfect, keyword-stuffed reviews is a warning sign.
How do you read the label of a Unani or Ayurvedic medicine?
Under Rule 161 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, every Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicine must carry certain details on its label. Checking these details when your parcel arrives is the easiest way to spot a fake or poor-quality product.
| What the label must show | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| “Unani medicine” or “Ayurvedic medicine” | Tells you which system the product belongs to |
| Full list of ingredients, with botanical names and plant parts | Lets you check for allergies and compare with the classical formula |
| Manufacturer’s name and full address | Shows who is responsible for the product |
| Manufacturing licence number | Shows the product is made in a licensed unit |
| Batch number | Lets the maker trace the exact production lot if there is a problem |
| Date of manufacture and date of expiry | Tells you whether the medicine is still safe to use |
| Net quantity (weight, volume or number of tablets) | Lets you compare price fairly across brands |
| “Caution: To be taken under medical supervision” (in English and Hindi) | Appears on medicines with Schedule E(1) ingredients — take these only with a doctor’s advice |
| “For external use only” | Appears on oils (roghan, taila) and ointments that must not be swallowed |
Many manufacturers also mention GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification on the pack. GMP means the factory follows set standards for hygiene, quality control and record-keeping.
What are the warning signs of a fake or unsafe herbal medicine?
The most common warning signs are a missing licence or batch number, a broken seal, and a price far below what other stores charge. Look out for these red flags:
- No batch number, licence number or expiry date on the pack.
- Broken, re-glued or missing seal on the bottle or jar.
- Spelling mistakes, blurry printing or a different logo compared with the brand’s usual packaging.
- A price that is much lower than every other store.
- “Herbal” products that work within minutes. Traditional medicines usually act slowly. Herbal sexual-wellness products that act very fast have, in some cases worldwide, been found to contain hidden prescription drugs. Read more in our article on 1-hour timing tablets and their side effects.
- Claims of “no side effects at all”. Every active medicine, herbal or not, can cause side effects in some people.
If you suspect a product is fake, or you have a bad reaction to a Unani or Ayurvedic medicine, you can report it on the Ministry of Ayush’s Ayush Suraksha portal, which collects reports of side effects, suspicious products and misleading advertisements.
What types of Unani and Ayurvedic medicines will you see online?
Unani and Ayurvedic medicines come in many traditional forms, and their names can be confusing at first. This table explains the most common ones.
| Name | System | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Majun | Unani | A semi-solid herbal preparation made with honey or sugar syrup — see what is majun in Unani medicine |
| Khamira | Unani | A soft, sweet preparation, often used as a general tonic |
| Habb (Habbe) | Unani | Pills made from powdered herbs |
| Qurs | Unani | Compressed tablets |
| Sharbat | Unani | Herbal syrup |
| Arq | Unani | A distilled herbal water |
| Roghan | Unani | Medicated oil, usually for external use |
| Churna | Ayurveda | Fine herbal powder |
| Vati / Gutika | Ayurveda | Tablets or pills |
| Asava / Arishta | Ayurveda | Fermented liquid preparations |
| Avaleha / Prash | Ayurveda | Herbal jam or paste, like chyawanprash |
| Taila | Ayurveda | Medicated oil |
Knowing these names makes it much easier to search an online store. For example, you can browse majoon or habbe products directly instead of searching by brand.
Should you search by health concern or by brand?
Most buyers search in one of two ways: by health concern (for example, joint pain or digestion) or by the exact product or brand name. A good online store lets you do both.
Searching by concern is helpful when you are exploring options. Common concern categories include joint pain, digestive health, cough, hair care, piles and kidney care.
Searching by brand or product name is best when a practitioner has already told you what to take. In that case, check that the product name, pack size and manufacturer match the prescription exactly. If you want to learn more about one of India’s oldest Unani manufacturers, read the history of Hamdard Laboratories.
What should you do before starting a Unani or Ayurvedic medicine?
Before you start any Unani or Ayurvedic medicine, speak to a qualified practitioner, especially if you already take other medicines. Keep these points in mind:
- Tell your doctor about every medicine and supplement you take, including herbal ones. Some herbs can interact with medicines for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid or blood thinning.
- Do not stop a prescribed medicine and replace it with a herbal one without medical advice.
- Be extra careful during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and when giving any medicine to a child.
- Many majun, khamira and avaleha preparations contain sugar or honey. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor first.
- Follow the dose on the label. Taking more does not work faster and can cause harm.
- Traditional medicines usually work slowly. If you see no change after the advised course, or you feel worse, stop and see a doctor.
- For severe pain, bleeding, high fever, chest pain or breathing trouble, see a doctor immediately. Do not self-treat.
Where does Safawellness fit in?
Safawellness is a specialist Unani and Ayurvedic online store based in Bangalore. It stocks around 700 products from more than 25 manufacturers, including Hamdard, Rex Remedies, Dehlvi Remedies, New Shama and Pakiza Unani, and delivers across India.
If you are unsure which medicine is right for you, you can ask our BUMS-qualified Unani practitioners before ordering. You can browse Unani and Ayurvedic medicines in our store, read our return and refund policy, or explore more guides on the Safawellness health blog.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy Unani medicine online in India?
Yes, it can be safe if you buy from a store that shows clear business details and sells properly labelled medicines. When your order arrives, check the licence number, batch number, expiry date and seal before using the product.
Do I need a prescription to buy Ayurvedic or Unani medicine online?
Most Ayurvedic and Unani medicines can be bought without a prescription. However, medicines containing Schedule E(1) ingredients carry the label “Caution: To be taken under medical supervision”, and online platforms have been advised to sell them only against a valid prescription from a registered practitioner.
How can I tell if a Unani or Ayurvedic medicine is genuine?
Check that the label shows the manufacturer’s name and address, a manufacturing licence number, a batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, and a full ingredient list. Also check that the seal is intact and the packaging matches the brand’s usual design.
Do herbal medicines have side effects?
They can. Herbal medicines contain active ingredients, so some people may get side effects such as stomach upset or allergies, and some herbs can interact with other medicines. Always follow the label dose and ask a practitioner if you are unsure.
What is the difference between an online pharmacy and a marketplace?
An online pharmacy sells medicines from its own stock and is responsible for them. A marketplace lets many independent sellers list products on one website, so the quality depends on the individual seller you buy from.
Can I return a medicine after opening it?
Usually no. Most online pharmacies do not accept opened medicines for hygiene and safety reasons. Damaged, wrong or expired items can normally be returned if you report them quickly, so read the store’s return policy before ordering.
Which is better, Unani or Ayurveda?
Neither is better for everyone. They are two different traditional systems with their own methods and medicines. A qualified BUMS (Unani) or BAMS (Ayurveda) practitioner can advise which approach suits your needs.
Sources
- Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 — Rule 161 (labelling of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs): indiankanoon.org
- Central Consumer Protection Authority advisory on the online sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs (July 2022): Business Standard
- Ayush Suraksha portal, Ministry of Ayush: suraksha.ayush.gov.in
This article is for general information and education only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a qualified doctor. Last updated: 23 September 2026.