Most Used Ayurvedic Herbs and Their Benefits
We keep looking for magical products to enhance our skin from the outside and use numerous cleansing products. But we forget that these products do not cleanse our bodies from the inside. We cannot clean, wash, rub or scrub our inner body.
But it is important to intoxicate it with the help of the right nutrition. What we consume has a big impact on our overall health. Ayurvedic herbs are among the simple yet effective remedies to maintain optimum health.
Herbs can benefit us in a number of ways, from providing the body with appropriate ayurveda intake to solving health concerns like joint pain, heart disease etc.
Importance of Ayurvedic Herbs
Ayurvedic herb is an important part of the Ayurvedic medicine system. These herbs have been used since the old times to treat various diseases. Herbs are an essential part of promoting better mental health, healthy skin and hair, boost immunity and more.
Ayurveda does not only cure the disease, it reaches the root cause of the illness and prevents it from happening again. For ages, a number of herbs have been used to treat various diseases where the important ingredients are sourced from roots, flowers, leaves and bark. Herbs are essential to keep the mind and body in balance.
There are a number of health benefits of these herbs as they are a powerful source of nutrients.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Herbs
- They balance your dosha’s and can cure an existing illness completely.\
- Ayurvedic herbs treat as a whole individual. So, these can work on treating other diseases in your body as well along with the main disease.
- It is a natural form of treatment with zero or fewer side effects.
- Herbs are very effective in improving strength and vitality.
- They increase your immunity and also fasten the natural process of healing.
Top Power Herbs and their Benefits
The herbs that are most used in the ayurvedic world and have proven to be effective for many years are mentioned here.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a small woody plant that grows in India and North Africa. It is known to be one of the most powerful herbs as it has been used to cure many health problems like male strength, arthritis, sleeplessness and more.
The roots and berries of Ashwagandha are used to create a very popular Ayurvedic remedy. Ashwagandha is known to be an adaptogen which means that it can help your body manage stress more effectively.
According to a few studies, ashwagandha can reduce the levels of cortisol, which is a hormone produced in response to stress. One can acquire its benefits through ashwagandha juice or tablets.
It has also been found that ashwagandha can reduce the levels of anxiety and promote better sleep in people with anxiety and stress. Moreover, according to research, Ashwagandha can improve memory, muscle growth, and male fertility.
It also balances blood sugar levels. But more research is needed to confirm these benefits. There is also evidence that it may decrease inflammation and enhance immunity.
2. Triphala
Triphala is also a popular herb in India that has been used for thousands of years. It has been used to ease the effects of constipation, promoting better gut health and a number of other benefits.
Triphala is a mix of three herbs: Amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki. The health benefits of Triphala can be acquired by consuming its powder or tablets.
Triphala can enhance your digestive system and also promote gut health. It is known to be a natural laxative, which means it can help cut the effects of constipation. One can also achieve more consistent bowel movements.
By contributing to the body’s metabolism, Triphala can help with weight management. This herb is rich in antioxidants and can help fight oxidative stress and free radicals. It also helps with better hair and skin health.
3. Brahmi
People more often use Brahmi as ayurvedic medicine. There is some evidence that suggests that Brahmi may help in enhancing cognitive ability, concentration, focus and attention. According to a 2019 study, it is also known to be effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
The herb is also known to reduce cortisol levels, which ultimately reduces anxiety and stress. Consuming Brahmi supplements can provide relaxing and cooling effects and can have a wonderful effect on optimising Pitta. It promotes the calmness of Vata in the mind and can also help in decreasing Kapha in the body.
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Brahmi is considered to be a pure and effective herb. It works as a brain tonic and can enhance memory, and intelligence.
It helps in improving your nervous system function and calms the mind. The herb is helpful in reducing the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Its antioxidant properties remove cancer-producing cells and also act as a natural blood purifier for healthy skin and hair.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a common ingredient that is used in Indian dishes almost every day. It is one of the most common flavouring agents in Indian dishes and its most common benefit is its ability to heal. Turmeric (Haldi) is popular for its numerous benefits and that is why it is used as a herb and spice.
We all have had haldi milk at least once in our lives. It can reduce the alleviating pain and cure internal injuries. Moreover, it is also used topically to cure cuts and bruises.
The herb/spice is also very effective to improve the quality of your skin and provide a natural glow. You must have used turmeric as an ingredient in your homemade face packs.
Turmeric is also known to improve the digestion process by protecting the digestive tract. It reduces inflammation, fights depression, protects cognitive abilities, provides relief from fatigue and nausea, slows down early signs of ageing, and eases problems related to menstrual difficulties.
One can experience improvement in liver function as turmeric detoxifies the body from within.
5. Ginger
Ginger is yet another very common ingredient in Indian kitchens. It is used as a flavouring agent in vegetables, rice, and even tea. Indians consume ginger almost on a daily basis, especially with their tea.
They consume ginger tea more commonly during a cough or sore throat due to the healing properties of this herb. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce muscle soreness.
In Ayurveda, this herb is known to help with a number of diseases. It can cure digestive issues and help with morning sickness. The popular ginger tea is rich in essential minerals and vitamins like potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and vitamins B6, C and D. The herb also has antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties that can offer multiple health benefits.
It can increase your appetite, prevent various types of skin cancers, improve bone health, and boost immunity. Ginger is also effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis, decreasing excess gas, and improving sexual performance. It also reduces pain related to flu, menstrual disorders and nausea.
6. Basil (Tulsi)
Basil is an important part of Indian households. The herb is worshipped and also used in many religious traditions. Basil is known as the ‘queen of herbs’ and there’s no doubt why. The benefits it offers are uncountable and this help to cure a number of diseases too.
It provides relief from respiratory diseases and even helps ease the effects of lung disorders, fever, asthma, oral or dental health, and heart diseases and ease stress.
The plant of Tulsi can stand alone to prevent many bacterial infections near its surroundings. The leaves of Tulsi can purify water and food by simply putting in them. Inhaling the smell of this herb or keeping it planted indoors can protect you and your family from coughs and colds, viral infections and numerous bacterial infections.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is rich in amino acids and these benefits work in conjunction with your body’s compounds to provide numerous benefits for your health.
It improves the digestive system, enhances immunity, slows down the early ageing signs, heals wounds, reduces arthritis pain, cures nausea, lowers blood sugar levels, and eliminates ulcers.
Aloe vera is also known to balance blood sugar levels, preventing severe diseases such as diabetes, and cancer. It also decreases oxidative stress and cures the side effects of radiotherapy treatments.
8. Shilajit
Shilajit is yet another popular herb that is found in the rocks of the Himalayas. It is used as an ayurvedic herb, most commonly as a stamina and strength booster.
It has been shown to be beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease. Some researchers believe that this herb can prevent or reduce the growth of Alzheimer’s. Shilajit is also known as an ayurvedic testosterone booster which results in better performance.
It helps with chronic fatigue syndrome by boosting the body’s mitochondrial function. Other benefits of this herb include slowed ageing, prevention of high altitude sickness, and improved heart health. One can get the benefits of this herb by consuming supplements rich in Shilajit.
Conclusion
Ayurveda has numerous herbs that can cure various diseases. These herbs have several proven biological benefits. So much so that one disease can be cured with more than one herb. All the herbs mentioned in this ayurvedic herbs list can be sourced easily and can be consumed in form of tablets, capsules or syrups. Achieve a healthy body and prevent numerous diseases by adding these herbs to your everyday diet.