In recent days, Ayurveda is more and more being associated with spirituality, hence a notion is there among people that, if you are on Ayurvedic medicines, then you should follow a vegetarian diet. If one is a firm follower of practical spirituality, and if one considers Ayurveda as a serious medical system, then here is the answer with detailed explanation to the question – Is Ayurveda vegetarian? Can be explored.

The concept of vegetarian diet:
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In ancient Indian period, the concept of total vegetarianism was non existent. In Vedas, and Puranas, there is mentioning of non vegetarian diet and its qualities etc. The famous “Vatapi Jeerno bhava” incident in Agastya Maharishi is a classical example for prevalence of non vegetarian diet in those times.

The Hindus adopted the total vegetarian system after Buddhism spread across India. It is the classical nature of the Hindus to be flexible and to adopt any good thing from any other religion. (Hidhu is not a religion it is a civilization)

Ayurveda is not totally vegetarian by any stretch of imagination. Mamsarasa(Meat soup) – the meat soup is explained in all the classical texts as the best medicine for extreme emaciation. Ideal for those who do daily exercise, improves voice strength, skin quality, immunity etc. (Reference: Charaka samhita Sutra sthana 27/312-325).

Classification of non vegetarian food in ayurveda
Totally 8 types

1. Mruga varga(Animals) includes – cow, donkey, deer, camel etc
2. Vishkira varga(Birds) includes – lapwing, partridge, peacock, goose etc
3. Pratuda vargra (Birds which peck with on prey) includes- Indian cuckoo, pigeon, sparrow etc
4. Vilesaya varga (Animals living in burrows) includes – toad, iguana, snake, porcupine etc
5. Prasaha varga (Animals which extend their neck) includes – domestic cow, camel, cat, rat etc
6. Mahamrugas(large animals) includes – pig, buffalo, variety of deer, elephant, horse etc
7. Apcaras(Water birds) includes – swan, pelican, kingfisher, crane etc
8. Malsya varga (Group of fish) includes – shark, alligator, whale, crab, tortoise etc

All the above groups they used as food and prepare medicines.

Few examples of medicines
Ajamamsa rasayanam – main ingredient goat meat
Mayoora thailam – main ingredient peacock
Bruhachakalady ghrutam – main ingredient testes of goat
Makheesha dravakam – main ingredient bone of buffalo

Conclusion:
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Ayurveda does not say that one should follow total vegetarianism. The non-vegetarian diet has its own medicinal significance in Ayurveda. It does not mean that everybody should have non-vegetarian diet. One, who is accustomed to it, can have it and one who is not, may not have it.