A Note of Various Herbs Used in Ayurveda

The past decade seems to be a time of “Old is God”. People are tracing back their traditional roots to combat illnesses and lifestyle problems. From fashion to food, everything is about “what’s old is new again”. So, the Indian wellness practice of Ayurveda is gaining its fair share of importance and leverage, which, to some extent, was long overdue.

This 10,000-year-old practice is a holistic wellness approach that promotes healing and self-care. The gamut of Ayurveda ranges from skincare to easing period to better digestion and much more. Ayurveda emphasizes a lot of herbs and uses them to heal and cure ailments.

These herbs are commonly found in the Indian sub-continent and have a plethora of uses. They can either be taken orally or applied externally. Let us have a look at some of the most popular herbs of Ayurveda.

Ashwagandha

Also known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is a shrub that is widely popular and grown in the Indian subcontinent. It is essentially used to improve the vitality of the body. This herb is an adaptogen that is very helpful for people suffering from anxiety and stress, as it replenishes the body cells so as to defy aging. Ashwagandha can be consumed orally with some hot milk and a tablespoon of honey. It is also great in improving the sleep cycle of people who have insomnia.

Brahmi

One of the best herbs for the brain and nervous system, in Ayurvedic medicine, is Brahmi. It acts as a brain tonic which is known to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Brahmi is a tridoshic, which means that it is suitable for all three doshas. It helps in balancing the high pitta conditions. Brahmin supports in opening clogged pores and blockages from the nervous system and detoxifies the body. It is also a fantastic remedy for depression, memory loss or low concentration. It advisable to consume Brahmi leaves early in the morning, by boiling its leaves. It can also be used as a hair treatment by mixing the leaves with oil, to promote hair growth.

Cardamom

This ayurvedic herb not only has many medicinal properties but also is known to bring a sense of happiness and lucidity to the mind and heart. Hence it is called a natural tranquilizer. Cardamom is known to neutralize the acidity of coffee and caffeine and also the mucus-forming properties of milk. The best way to consume cardamom is to add a few pods to a brewing coffee and drink it before bed. Cardamom also helps the stomach and lungs to get rid of Kapha.

Cumin

A regular Indian spice, which most people are unaware of it to be an Ayurvedic herb, is Cumin. It only gives a toastie flavor to the food; it also improves the overall metabolism and digestive system of the body. It induces the body to absorb more and more nutrition content and in turn, revitalizes the organs. Cumin used in cooking can assist in the assimilation of micronutrients, which replenishes the digestive system.

Licorice

Licorice is known to rejuvenate the various systems of the body. It is as much popular in the East, as it is in the west. Licorice soothes the throat and reduces the formation of acidity in the body. Its soothing effect is said to calm the mind and nourish the spirit within. Licorice root can be boiled in milk and consumed before bed, so wake up with a replenished body and mind. It is also a fantastic muscle relaxer, which consequently helps in opening up the mind in order to carry out the regular activities of life.

Majistha

Majistha is arguably the most prominent blood purifying herb in Ayurvedic medicines out there. It is highly beneficial for various skin issues such as acne and pimples, as it is anti-inflammatory. Majistha is particularly useful for clearing the blood and liver and works wonders for clearing acne and blemishes. It purifies the blood and regulates kidney functions. This herb can be taken in the form of a capsule or can be boiled in warm milk and consumed before bed. It can also be used as an external application in the form of face packs.

Neem

In Ayurvedic herbology, neem is said to be the most powerful detoxifier. It is a holy grail for healing and curing skin diseases and damage, especially for treating sun damage. Neem is useful for all pitta disorders such as skin and eyes. It can be used to cure eczema and skin psoriasis flare-ups. It also helps to relax the body and subsiding joint and muscle pain. Neem can be used in various forms. Usually bitter in taste, neem is an amazing source of antioxidants that protects the body from seasonal influenza or flu. Neem can be used in medicated oil to be applied on the skin so as to cure skin infections and inflammations.

Turmeric.

As basic as it gets, turmeric is the most commonly found spice in an Indian pantry. In Ayurveda, turmeric is considered a blood cleanser, which helps to purify the blood and various other channels of the body. It helps in improving the complexion of the skin by enhancing blood circulation, which, in turn, gives it a radiant glow. It is the perfect treatment for acne-prone skin as it is anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is also known to balance the doshas of the body. Ideally, it is advisable to consume at least one tablespoon of turmeric per day. Take a glass of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric before bed. This practice will show gradual results by improving the overall health of the body.

Ajwain

Ajwain is very popular in Indian cuisine as mostly used for its strong digestive properties. It is an eminent weight-loss herb that works by drawing out deep-seated toxins from the body. Ajwain is an excellent pain reliever that helps in comforting painful joints. Ajwain can be consumed in the form of tea for weight loss purposes or can also be drily roasted to improve digestion. It is a fantastic alternative to green tea.

Conclusion

A wave of global interest in traditional medicines has been witnessed in the past decade. Ayurveda is the science of life and has solutions to most modern problems. It is a path of self-care and self-awareness. Let us accept it with open arms and see the magic happen!