With people moving on to traditional therapies & treatments for healthy living, the relevance of Ayurveda in 21st century cannot be overlooked. Thus, it becomes important to understand the benefits of Ayurvedic Herbs for our health and well being.
With people moving on to traditional therapies & treatments for healthy living, the relevance of Ayurveda in the 21st century cannot be overlooked. Thus, it becomes important to understand the benefits of Ayurvedic herbs for our health and well-being.
Ayurveda in India
India is the country that has given birth to the most natural form of over-all human body treatment, i.e. Ayurveda. With people moving on to natural treatments and herbs, Ayurveda has boomed back and has become a lot more important than it has ever been to mankind since the inception of western medicine. The use of ayurvedic herbs and ayurvedic treatment for illnesses is becoming more and more common.
Even in Ayurveda, every herb has a specific therapeutic action that has a major impact on one of the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha). Today, most of the ayurvedic herbs are sold in the form of a formula, wherein two or three herbs are combined to make them more effective. This is done in order to harmonise or promote the action of other herbs.
5 Ayurvedic Herbs That You should Consume
Now that you have learned Ayurveda meaning, it is time to learn about some ayurvedic herbs that can prove to be useful for you.Here, we have explained 5 most commonly used and known Ayurvedic Herbs that can do a lot more to your well-being than you have ever thought of.
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one popular ayurvedic herb which is often referred to as a primary rejuvenating tonic for men. This is because Ashwagandha is known for increasing sperm production and also for treating impotence. Clinical studies and researches have shown that this herb is full of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-stress, hemopoietic or hematopoietic, and immuno-modulatory properties.
Being one of the best anti-ageing herbs, Ashwagandha can enhance vitality and stamina. If you are under too much stress or are overworked, then this herb can act as a magical potion for you. Apart from being a great aphrodisiac, Ashwagandha can have numerous positive effects on the nervous system too.
How to Take it: You can take 1 tsp of Ashwagandha powder cooked with milk, in the morning. Being an ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha is completely fat-soluble. This means it can go deeper into your tissue cells when consumed with healthy fats like whole milk, ghee or butter.
- Shilajit
If you want to improve your metabolism and rejuvenate your senses then Shilajit is one such magical ayurvedic herb that can help you achieve all this. Shilajit is one of the highly beneficial ayurvedic plants used mostly for balancing all three doshas in the body. Wherein it generally lowers Kapha and Vata and increases Pitta. Unlike other herbs, Shilajit is not derived from a plant, instead, it seeps out of certain rocks in the Himalayas in the form of bitumen like tar during the summer season.
Shilajit is a very slow-acting herb, thus it takes almost a month to start showing its positive effects on your health. It is known for its exceptional rejuvenating properties. It also has a great healing effect on kidneys, reproductive organs, and urinary system. Mostly, Shilajit is used with various ayurvedic formulas to enhance the effect of the herb it is combined with.
How to Take it: 250 mg to 1000 mg of Shilajit everyday divided into three equal doses is the most appropriate way of taking it. Take it on an empty stomach in the morning and at night before going to bed. Shilajit is best when taken with warm milk.
- Brahmi
Brahmi is one purifying herb in Ayurveda which is used as a tonic for the brain and nervous system. This magical herb is also known for keeping a calm and clear mind, thus boosting the overall mental function. Studies have proved that Brahmi can improve memory recall in the elderly and can also reduce anxiety and depression significantly. If you are suffering from high Pitta condition then Brahmi can be really helpful for you as it balances your Pitta levels. It also removes toxins and blockages from the nervous system.
Patients suffering from depression, concentration issues, memory loss and lack of intelligence can benefit from Brahmi. This herb adds to the list of ayurvedic treatments, and helps in improving the overall cellular wisdom in the body. It has also been known for its excellent hair growth benefits.
How to Take it: Morning is the right time to take Brahmi as it rejuvenates the mind and body. You can either boil Brahmi directly in water or milk and drink it, or you can make Brahmi ghee for everyday use. You can use medicated Brahmi oil for promoting hair growth and letting the nutrients get absorbed into your brain cells through the crown chakra.
- Triphala
As the name suggests, Triphala is a botanic formulation of three different ayurvedic herbs, namely, amla, myrobalan, and belleric myrobalan. Studies have shown that Triphala has many antioxidant effects that help in strengthening the immune system. Some researchers have also proven its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels. It is also said that Triphala can suppress the growth of certain types of cancer cells, however, there is no substantial evidence for the same yet.
In general, Triphala is beneficial to weight loss and cutting down belly fat, body cleansing, indigestion and other abdominal problems. It is often considered as a great laxative for those suffering from severe constipation.
How to Take it: For generic health issues like detox, constipation and weight loss, 1 tsp of Triphala in 2 cups of lukewarm water every morning empty stomach is considered beneficial. If you are taking capsules, then 1 capsule early morning, empty stomach with 1 cup warm water is suggested.
- Manjistha
In Ayurveda, Manjistha is often referred to as a blood purifying herb. In addition to this, Manjistha can be used for cooling the blood, stimulating blood circulation, and to promote healthy menstruation among women. If you want to detoxify your body then Manjistha can be really helpful as it helps in removing toxins from the organs, which can enter the bloodstream. Consuming Manjistha in any form can support your lymphatic system that drains the waste from the body and regulates your immune system.
Any feeling of fatigue, sluggishness, or any kind of skin problem is a sign that your lymphatic system is struggling and needs an immediate boost. The soothing effect of Manjistha is great for healing skin against irritation and inflammation.
Also, Manjistha lowers Pitta disorders while increasing the Vata. This helps in clearing the skin from acne, detoxifying the blood, cleansing the body and regulating liver as well as kidney functions.
How to Take it: Majistha can be taken in the capsule form. 2 capsules in the morning and 2 at the night, specifically if you are suffering from any Pitta related skin disorder. Else, for general fitness, 2 capsules before bed with warm milk is fine.
Conclusion
These were five of the most important ayurvedic herbs, their uses, and how they can be used. We have only provided the ideal amounts of intake for each herb by healthy individuals. Even though these are all ayurvedic and natural products, there may be certain associated risks. For a better understanding and the right intake amounts, you can consult a doctor. This is because a professional will be able to guide you better on the same based on your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ayurvedic herbs
Q2. Which plant is popularly known as the king of ayurveda?
Ashwagandha is the herb that is known as the king of ayurveda. It has multiple properties that provide multiple health benefits including but not limited to:
- Enhancement of the immune system
- Weight management
- Testosterone boost in males
- Stress reduction
