The Beginnings . . . making of an Indian multinational
The Himalaya Drug Company was founded in 1930 by Mr. M. Manal with a clear vision to bring Ayurveda to society in a contemporary form and to unravel the mystery behind the 5,000 year old system of medicine. This included referring to ancient ayurvedic texts, selecting indigenous herbs and subjecting the formulations to modern pharmacological, toxicological and safety tests to create new drugs and therapies.
Eighty one years ago, on a visit to Burma, Mr. Manal saw restless elephants being fed with a root to pacify them. The plant from which this was taken is Rauwolfia serpentina. Fascinated by the plant's effect on elephants, he had it scientifically evaluated.
The legacy of researching nature forms the foundation of Himalaya's operations.
Himalaya has pioneered the use of modern science to rediscover and validate ayurveda's secrets. Cutting edge technology is employed to create pharmaceutical-grade ayurvedic products.
As a confirmation that Himalaya is dedicated to providing the highest quality
and consistency in herbal care, the Company was awarded an ISO 9001:2000
certification in 2003.
Since its inception, the company has focused on developing safe, natural and innovative remedies that will help people lead richer, healthier lives. Today, Himalaya products have been endorsed by 300,000 doctors around the globe and consumers in 71 countries rely on Himalaya for their health and personal care needs.
Mission
Establish Himalaya as a science-based, problem-solving, head-to-heel brand, harnessed from nature's wealth and characterized by trust and healthy lives.
Develop markets worldwide with an in-depth and long-term approach, maintaining at each step the highest ethical standards.
Respect, collaborate with and utilize the talents of each member of the Himalaya family and the local communities where Himalaya products are developed and/or consumed, to drive our seed-to-shelf policy and to rigorously adopt eco-friendly practices to support the environment we inhabit.
Ensure that each Himalaya employee strongly backs the Himalaya promise to exceed the expectations of the consumer, each time and every time. Nothing less is acceptable.
Identity . . . the promise of health, well-being and a prescription for good living
The Himalaya brand has much in common with the mountain range from which it draws its name. For centuries,
the Himalayas have been an icon of aspiration, of man's quest to
unlock Nature's secrets. They represent purity and lofty ideals.
The fact that the Himalayas are the source of many of the herbs
that are used in our products, makes our brand name all the more
appropriate.
The Himalaya logo is a visual definition of its brand identity. The leaf that forms the crossbar of the letter H evokes the company's focus on herbal healthcare. The teal green represents proximity to nature, while the orange is evocative of warmth, vibrancy and commitment to caring. The Himalaya brand carries with it the promise of good health and well-being.
Location
Starting off operations in Dehradun way back in the 1930s, the company later spread its wings to Mumbai and across the country. In 1975, the company set up an advanced manufacturing facility in Makali, Bangalore, India, which today houses the Corporate headquarters. In 1991, the company relocated its R&D facility to Bangalore.
Research
& Development . . . each Himalaya product undergoes years of primary
research and clinical trials before it reaches the market
Himalaya has a well-defined Research and Development policy.
It states that no investment is too much when it comes to scientifically creating safe drugs and therapies.
Himalaya's history is one of innovation through
research. The company believes that the ideal healthcare system
lies in the synergy between ayurveda and modern science. Himalaya's
constant endeavor is to create innovative products that satisfy
the health and personal care requirements of contemporary living.
Himalaya prides itself on being a completely research-oriented company. Indeed, it is this emphasis on R&D that allows Himalaya to produce safe, efficacious and consistent remedies using ayurvedic principles.
The R&D department is focused on product development, quality control and standardization. All products are derived through rigorous research and produced in state-of-the art facilities. The products represent commitment to continuous investment in the best people, practices and technology. Himalaya does not support "Borrowed Science" or the practice of using published literature to substantiate efficacy claims. Each Himalaya product undergoes years of primary research and clinical trials before it reaches the market.
Products
Himalaya's products can broadly be categorized into three main ranges, viz:
- Pharmaceutical
- Personal Care
- Animal Health
The medicinal range of products carry the Himalayan hallmark of researching ayurveda and capturing its benefits in formulations. Using modern research methodology and manufacturing practice, Himalaya has made available to people all over the world, an alternate method of treatment, which has no known side effects.
The medicinal range comprises over 35 products and is broadly classified into four categories viz:
- Children's Health
- Men's Health
- Women's Health
- General Health
Liv.52, Bonnisan, Himplasia, Menosan, Reosto, Tentex Royal
Prominent
among Himalaya brands is Liv.52, a liver formulation, which is
also the flagship brand of the company. Every one-third of a second,
one unit of Liv.52 is bought somewhere in the world. It is ranked
number one in the hepatoprotective - lipotropic segment and number
four among all pharmaceutical products in India. (ORG Marg, July
2003). Liv.52 celebrates fifty years in 2005.
In 1972, continuing its tradition of introducing safe and natural remedies, Himalaya launched Bonnisan, a natural pediatric digestive tonic. A formulation based on years of research and clinical testing, the product found wide acceptance among doctors and mothers alike. The sweet tasting tonic became a trusted part of a baby's growing up.
After extensive work on the formulations and related clinical research, Himalaya introduced Menosan, a herbal non-hormonal product for menopausal women, Reosto, a comprehensive therapy for osteoporosis and Himplasia, a unique product for benign prostatic hyperplasia, a new dimension in BPH management.
Some of the other well known products are Abana, Cystone, Gasex, Geriforte, Rumalaya, Diabecon, Mentat, Koflet, Himcolin, Septilin, Pilex, PureHands, etc.
Products . . . Health Care, Oral Care, Hair Care, Skin
Care and Baby Care.
Himalaya has used its wealth of knowledge
and research, in natural herbal remedies, to formulate a range of
personal care products that cater to daily health needs. This range
offers the goodness of natural solutions for daily use by the complete
family.
The use of natural ingredients in personal care products has been practiced since time immemorial, leading to increased use of herbs with a curative value. Modern research proves that herbs while being effective are also mild and soothing.
Launched in 1999, Himalaya Herbals is a range of natural herbal personal care products spanning Health Care, Oral Care, Hair Care, Skin Care and Baby Care.
The range comprises of fairness cream, soap-free face washes, facial cleansers, face toners, moisturizers, soap-free shampoos, conditioners, hair-loss control, weight control, pimple control, foot care, multi-purpose creams, skin nutrients, dandruff control, anti-stress, digestive health, pain relievers, cough & cold relievers, oral care and baby care products.
Pure Herbs, Chyavanaprasha and Forest Honey
Pure Herbs, the pure and concentrated strength of a single herb in the right measure, stimulate & improve body functions.
Himalaya Pure Herbs is a range of individual herb extracts. Each Pure Herb is the result of strict monitoring from the farm to the lab. At the lab, Himalaya's proprietary techniques are used to extract the optimum value of each herb. This is followed by rigorous tests by R&D team for potency and consistency.
The actions of these extracts benefit the body, irrespective of the individual's body constitution, state of health and metabolic functions. Everyone can benefit from the goodness of these herbs, irrespective of age, sex, body type or other health related factors.
The Pure Herbs range comprises of the following:
- Amalaki: Useful in treating cough, cold, sore throat and respiratory tract infections. It protects cells from free radical damage and is an excellent anti oxidant.
- Arjuna: This herb improves blood circulation and is used as a tonic for the heart.
- Ashvagandha: Commonly known as Winter Cherry, this herb acts as an ant-stress agent that imparts a sense of well-being and helps in coping with life's daily stresses.
- Brahmi: A well-known herb that helps in improving general alertness.
- Karela: Commonly known as Bitter Gourd, it is known to aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
- Lasuna: Commonly referred to as Garlic, Lasuna helps in controlling the excess conversion of lipids and cholesterol.
- Neem: A popular herb, Neem has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and blood purifying properties. It is very useful in skin disorders and helps maintain a healthy, beautiful and glowing skin.
- Shuddha Guggulu: It regulates fat metabolism and helps remove excess cholesterol from the body.
- Shallaki: This herb treats joint problems.
- Tagara: It has mild sedative properties, which are useful for insomnia and sleep disorders.
- Triphala: A digestive aid compound and a bowel cleanser.
- Tulasi: It has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, and is useful in respiratory tract infections like dry or wet cough, cold and sore throat.
Animal Health
. . . bringing its expertise in health care to animal care . . . leveraging
R&D strengths in creating natural drugs and therapies . . . daily
care for sensitive pets like cats & dogs
The Himalaya legacy extends to animal health
also. The Company offers well-researched, safe, animal health products,
harnessed from nature's wealth to alleviate the suffering of animals,
to improve their health and to increase their productivity.
World-wide there is a growing concern about the presence of chemical contaminants in dairy, meat and poultry products. Taking a cue, The Himalaya Drug Company has extended its expertise to create Ayurvedic drugs and therapies for animal health care.
Concern for animal welfare prompted Himalaya to launch the Animal Health Range of products for commercial livestock in July 1998. The products in this range alleviate the suffering of animals and improve their health. This results in healthy livestock whose animal products are safe for human consumption.
Realizing the importance of companion animals in today's life, Himalaya launched the Companion Animal Care Range of products in 2000.
