8 powerful Ayurvedic herbs and their numerous benefits

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicinal system that balances three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – for overall health. The treatment includes herbal medicines, diet, exercise, meditation, and lifestyle changes. The Great Trilogy is the main book of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic herbs have been used to treat ailments, improve immunity, and maintain mental and physical equilibrium.

Benefits of Ayurvedic herbs

Balancing doshas can provide complete relief from existing illnesses. This method of treatment treats the whole individual and can also provide an advantage in curing other health problems alongside the main disease. It is a natural method of treatment with few or no side effects.

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a versatile Ayurvedic herb found in India, Africa, and the Mediterranean.

Benefits of Ashwagandha:

• It provides strength and nourishment to the reproductive and nervous systems.
• It offers numerous health benefits.

2. Shatavari

Shatavari is a medicinal herb with antioxidant properties that boosts immunity and is beneficial for the female reproductive system.

Benefits of Shatavari:
• Boosts immunity, regulates hormones and improves digestion.
• Beneficial for female reproductive health.

3. Amala

Amala is a powerful herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to rejuvenate the body and mind. It’s known for its high vitamin C content, which is essential for a healthy immune system.

Amla juice has potent antioxidant properties that help protect the body from harmful toxins and free radicals.

Health Benefits of Amla :
• It can help improve heart health by strengthening the heart muscles and reducing cholesterol levels.
• Amala has been shown to reduce high blood sugar levels, making it a helpful herb for those with diabetes.

• It’s also known to relieve acidity and promote good digestion, making it a valuable addition to any diet.

Nutrition Uses:

• The herb is also beneficial for maintaining healthy hair, skin, eyes, and nails due to its high doses of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

4. Haritaki

– Haritaki is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine and is known as the ‘king of herbs’ due to its numerous health benefits.
– It is believed to be an excellent source of antioxidants, which help in fighting against free radicals and lowering the risk of various diseases.
– Haritaki is known to improve digestion and nutrient absorption in the body, leading to better overall health. It also helps in eliminating toxins from the body, keeping it healthy, and improving the immune system.

Haritaki benefits:
• The herb is also known to have cholesterol-lowering properties, making it useful for people with high cholesterol levels.
• Haritaki is believed to be effective in preventing lung infections, and it is often recommended as a natural remedy for respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough.

Haritaki health benefits:
• Additionally, Haritaki is beneficial for maintaining good eye health. It is believed to prevent cataracts and other eye-related problems due to its rich antioxidant content.

Side Effects:
• It causes dehydration.
• During pregnancy, it reduces the production of breastmilk
• Bloating, excessive gas, and bitter aftertaste.

5. Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a versatile herb that can be eaten as seeds, sprouts, or extracts and is known for its antioxidant benefits. It’s also used as feed for livestock. People commonly consume it as sprouts.
Because Alfalfa leaves or seeds are sold as herbal supplements, not as foods. Organic alfalfa seeds are 100% organic in nature and more nutritious, which makes them perfect for enhancing a healthy diet.

Benefits of Alfalfa:
• It is rich in Vitamin K and contains many other nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, manganese, and folate, essential for the body.
Alfalfa leaf powder helps in:
• Help in lowering cholesterol
• Manages blood pressure
• Relieving symptoms of menopause
• Being extremely low in calories

Other Nutrients that it contains:
• Thiamine
• Riboflavin
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Copper

6. Rosemary

Rosemary, also named Salvia rosmarinus is a small part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), the leaves that are used to flavor foods.

Benefits of Rosemary:

• Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
• Enhancing memory and concentration
• Rosemary powder helps to fight free radical damage to the skin.

To store rosemary for a longer period you can dry its leaves and store them.

7. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant of the Aloe genus, known for its medicinal properties. It is widely distributed and considered an invasive species in many regions.

Benefits of Aloe vera:

• Reduces dental plaque
• Accelerates wound healing
• Prevents wrinkles
• Manages blood sugar
• Detoxifies the body

Sometimes its direct use can be irritating for some people, one can use aloe vera in the form of powder, leaves, soap, gel & juice.

8. Senna Leaves

Senna plants are shrubs with alternately arranged, paripinnate leaves that have up to 25 pairs of leaflets, each with a stipule at the base that falls off as the leaves mature.

Benefits of Senna Leaves:

• Reduces hair loss
• Relief from constipation
• Treats indigestion
• Promotes weight loss

It also comes in the form of powder and its dried leaves can be stored as well.