Though Ayurveda is of Vedic origin and dates back over 5000 years, the contribution of Buddhist thought to this health science has been invaluable. Along with propagation of education, early Buddhist monks paid keen attention to health care. They popularized herbal medicine and Ayurveda benefited tremendously from it. This contribution is clearly visible in Kerala where the most authentic form of Ayurveda is being practiced now. It could be said that many of the present day Ayurvedic practitioners are descendents of early day Buddhists. Like the Buddhist doctrine of the ‘middle way’, Ayurveda also advocates moderation in all things. Like the ‘eight fold path’ of Buddhism, Ayurveda also has rules for healthy living. Ayurveda, like Buddhism, advises us to resist negative thoughts, abstain from physical abuse, not to give into greed or sorrow, resist fear, pride, arrogance and ego.