FIVE HERBS WITH AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES

Ayurveda is a holistic and natural system of healing.  It uses some simple herbs which play essential roles in this millennia-old system of healing.  Here we are describing five different and common herbs in Ayurveda with their benefits -

AMLA (GOOSEBERRY) - 

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry or amalaki contains about 20 times more Vitamin C than orange.  Known as nature’s richest sources of antioxidants, this fruit has both antibacterial and antiviral properties.  This fruit contains five (except salty) of the six essential tastes ( sour, salty, sweet, bitter, pungent and astringent)  required for balanced diet to get optimal health.  People suffering from Vitamin C deficiency should eat this fruit as it is the natural source and will get absorbed easily in the body.  Being rich source of antioxidant, if eaten regularly can benefit in preventing cancer.  So include this fruit in your daily diet program to avail it's benefits.

Natural source of amla is best to consume.  But it can be taken in dried-powdered and capsules form also.  Some amla powder available are-

Healthvit Amda Amla powder (60 Capsules) - 160 Inr  

Organic Amla Powder (20 gm)- 50 Inr.

Amla Churan 100g - 3.25$

ASHWAGANDHA -

Means "Smell Of The Horse" is traditionally prescribed to help people strengthen their immune system after an illness.  It is also used to enhance sexual potency for both men and women. It contains useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides, (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars.  Some properties of this herb is described below -

• confers immune system protection
• combats the effects of stress
• improves learning, memory, and reaction time
• reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness
• stabilizes blood sugar
• lowers cholesterol
• reduces brain-cell degeneration
• contains anti-malarial properties
• offers anti-inflammatory benefits

Precaution - Researches on animals shows that excess intake of this herb had induced abortions in them.  So women should avoid this herb during pregnancy.

Some dried-powdered and capsules form available in the market -

Himalaya Ashwagandha (60 Capsules) -  100 Inr.
Patanjali (40 Capsules) - 100 Inr.
Organic India Ashwagandha (60 Capsules) -  150 Inr.
Dabur  Ashwagandha Churna (60 gm) - 190 Inr.

BLACK COHOSH -

Extremely helpful for women's health, this herb is widely known for alleviating both the physical and psychological symptoms of menopause including anxiety, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes.  Studies shows that it is useful in treating the premenstrual discomfort provoked by hormonal changes, including breast tenderness, irritability, and low moods.

This herb is often used in Ayurveda as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.  It is also helpful in treating a number of other conditions, including arthritis, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, asthma, and joint pain.  It has the cooling effect on the body.

Precaution - It has potential stimulating effect on the uterine muscles.  So women should avoid the herb during pregnancy.

Some dried-powdered and capsules form available in the market -

NUTRILITE® Black Cohosh and Soy - 1149 Inr
Biovea Black Cohosh 100 mg 120 Capsules - 1417 Inr (Available in http://www.biovea.com)

BOSWELLIA (SHALLAKI) -

Traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, joint pain, and inflammation. Recent clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of boswellia for many of these traditional uses, including asthma, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.  It does not appear to cause the side effects associated with most anti-inflammatory medications, such as nausea, gastritis, and stomach ulcers.

It can be used as -

PASTE - It can be directly applied to the skin to treat a wide variety of skin irritations ranging from diabetic ulcers to acne. 

OINTMENT - To soothe sore muscles and aching joints.

MOUTHWASH - To treat bad breath caused by gum disease.

Some dried-powdered and capsules form available in the market -

Healthvit Boswellia Powder (60 Capsules) -  170 Inr

Savesta, Boswellia, 60 Veggie Tabs- 2126 Inr.

Planet Ayurveda Boswellia+Curcumin - 1350 Inr

GINGER -

Drinking two to three cups of hot ginger tea every day can -

Mobilizes toxins and restore balance to the body. 
Benefits the digestive system and helps diminish cravings for sweet and salty foods.

Recipe -

Grated Ginger -  1 heap teaspoon

Stir the grated ginger into a cup of hot water and let steep for 2 minutes.
Strain or let the ginger settle at the bottom of the cup.
Your ginger tea is ready.

Precautions - Large doses can lead to mild heartburn, diarrhea, irritation of the mucosal linings of the mouth and purging of gallstones.So limit it to two to three cups a day for optimal benefits.


References -
http://www.chopra.com - ayurvedic-herbs-foods - Amalaki
http://www.chopra.com - ayurvedic-herbs-foods - Ashwagandha
http://www.chopra.com - ayurvedic-herbs-foods - Black Cohosh
http://www.chopra.com - ayurvedic-herbs-foods -  Boswellia
http://www.chopra.com - ayurvedic-herbs-foods - Ginger Tea