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12d clue: Early ayurveda not quite spurned by barrister (6)
I suspect it's TIMELY but can't see the word-play at all.
Any hints?

Hi GK. The silence is deafening, eh?

I've pondered this one and cannot see a parsing. There are barristers at ELY Place Chambers in London but this is really clutching at straws. From the letters and blanks you originally had, are there any other possibilities?

GK. Sorry I stuck my nose in. I've never seen a Spectator crossie. I've just Googled some and now note they contain various types of "weird" instructions (in addition to just solving a crossword). All a bit too much for me (just a simple soul). :-)
Best of luck with "timely".

TIM is Traditional Indian Medicine, I can't see the rest at moment.

Barely - bar (for barrister) might give you the ely?

Indeed it might andyc...

Thank you, one and all --- I'm sure you're right! Interestingly enough I have received no replies to the same enquiry elsewhere. Today's wasn't a very satisfying one, I must say. And a special thank-you to jolan for trying --- this really is a special form of madness, I think.......................

Unforunately an afterthought: where's the "not quite spurned" even then?

Hi all

I is Timely

TIM (medicine) + ely (not quite is barely less BAR for barrister)

Thank you a