Gems of Ayurveda for Healthy Living
Ayurveda is based on the principles of wholeness and balance. When we talk about herbal medicines, each plant remedy has possible benefits for the body, mind, and spirit, and even the names often reflect the metaphysical slant for any given plant. Charaka known as the “Indian father of Medicine” and Sushruta were the pioneers of the practice of medicine in ancient India called Ayurveda.
According to Charaka, “Life (ayu) is the combination (samyoga) of body, senses, mind and reincarnating soul. Ayurveda is the most sacred science of life, beneficial to humans both in this world and the world beyond”.
Importance of Ayurveda and Herbs for health & well-being
Ayurveda has been practised for so long that there is a dazzling array of useful remedies. Ayurveda is not limited to medicine or therapy; instead it implies a holistic approach to life and living in harmony with nature. Ayurvedic medicine uses herbs, special diets, and other natural practices as treatment for a variety of conditions. In fact, there are so many remedial possibilities that we often overlook some real gems. Lets just unravel the world of herbs and find a treasure chest of gems, the ‘Gems of Ayurveda.’
Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)
Ashwagandha the sacred plant and also termed as the ‘King of Ayurveda’. It is an evergreen plant and has been a very important medicinal herb in Ayurveda practised in India. The name has been derived from Sanskrit, Ashwa means ‘Horse’ and it means ‘smell of the horse as the roots have the smell. It also stands for strength and vitality. The botanical name is “Withania somnifera”, it is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.
Benefits of Ashwagandha:
- Ayurveda has been using this medicinal herb for over 3000 years. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is considered a Rasayana(tonic). It is a herb that helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically.
- Ashwagandha has been used to treat various ailments like arthritis, constipation, insomnia, skin conditions, stress, few gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, nervous breakdowns, fevers, snake bites, memory loss etc.
- Though the leaves are bitter it is recommended in fever, painful swellings.
- It helps reduce stress and anxiety and to some extent reduce the symptoms of depression.
- Ashwagandha may have a variety of benefits to heart health, including treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chest pain or heart disease.
- It is believed that it also acts as a stimulant and increases the sperm count.
How Ashwagandha is used:
The leaves, seeds, and even fruit have all been used in different ways for various treatments. The roots as mentioned earlier are used to make a tonic. The paste form of the roots is applied in the joints to reduce pain. Ashwagandha may be used in powdered form in dosages ranging from 450 milligrams to 2 grams. You can buy it in capsules, powders, or as a liquid extract from health food or supplement stores. The powder with nutmeg, cardamom, a dash of ghee with warm milk consumed at night can surely induce restful sleep and calm the mind.
Brahmi (Water Hyssop)
Brahmi the revitalising herb and also known as the ‘herb of grace’. Brahmi gets its name from the powerful creator of the world, according to the Hindu scriptures, Brahma. Though it has a bitter sweet taste, it is known for its multipurpose use and has a cooling and soothing effect.
Benefits of Brahmi:
- It normalizes all three Doshas and all Dhatus (tissues), especially nerve, blood and plasma.
- In addition to being a well-known Nootropic herb for centuries, it has also been used as an antispasmodic, alternative, astringent, cardio tonic, diuretic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, etc.
- Brahmi has antioxidants that are essential for living a healthy life.
- Brahmi regulates the blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes.
- Brahmi helps in boosting your memory. It has a positive effect on the part of the brain that is responsible for intelligence, concentration and memory. It enhances the three aspects of memory which include long term memory, short term memory and the retaining capacity.
- Brahmi is believed to reduce stress and anxiety as it decreases the levels of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone.
- Brahmi is good for treating hair problems like dandruff, itchiness and formation of split ends. Moreover, massaging the scalp with Brahmi oil is known to be very soothing.
How Brahmi is used:
Brahmi, the whole plant can be used. The leaves (fresh or dry) can be best consumed as in herbal tea, it helps in rejuvenating and has calming qualities to relieve stress as well. Brahmi is also available in powder form or pill and used as a supplement. Whole Brahmi herb including roots can be ground into fine powder to be consumed in any form. Brahmi oil massaged into the scalp supports healthy hair growth. Brahmi is available in juice form, capsules, churna, tablet and infusion as well.
Triphala
As the name itself means, Triphala meaning three fruits again is a unique and important medicinal herb in Ayurvedic treatments. The remarkable qualities of Triphala are the three fruits contained in Triphala which are Haritaki, Amalaki and Bibhitaki. In India, it is believed that if a vaidya (ayurvedic practitioner) knows the potential and medicinal use of Triphala properly, he can heal any disease as the combination of the three fruits forms the Rasayana, (path of essence). Triphala is the perfect solution for your holistic healing.
Benefits of Triphala:
- Triphala is known for aiding digestion and supporting bowel functions.
- Its antioxidant properties help strengthen the overall immune system and helps in getting rid of toxic waste from the body.
- Amalaki is added to Triphala for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, strengthen the body’s immune system and detoxify the mouth, as well as the liver.
- Bibhitaka has astringent properties and helps the body remove Kapha dosha by helping expel water from the lungs, the urinary tract and the digestive tract. It is also believed to wade off bacterial and viral infections.
- Haritaki works well on the Vata dosha in the body. It strengthens your immune system, is known for its laxative properties, and helps regenerate body tissues. It has also been linked to aiding heart disease, ulcers, asthma and more.
- The combination of all three herbs together makes it a powerful medicine.
- It boosts dental health as it has strong restorative effects on the gums and teeth.
- It also helps you in losing weight and maintaining good skin health.
How Triphala is used:
Triphala is known to be best taken on an empty stomach in the morning or right before going to bed at night. It is mostly available in 3 forms: a tablet, a capsule, a juice, or in powder form.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Holy Basil as it is known or Tulsi the healer plant again is a great ayurvedic ingredient for many seasonal ailments. It is used on religious occasions and as a medicine because of its healing and medicinal properties. It’s a herb for all reasons. It is highly revered in culinary, aromatic and medicinal use. Given the name ‘Elixir of life’ in Ayurveda it is a classic adaptogenic herb that supports a healthy response to emotional, physical, and environmental stress.
Benefits of Tulsi:
- Tulsi is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and so used it lowers the inflammation,
- Tulsi is packed with disease-fighting antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, protects the cellular structure, DNA and can cause a delay in the effect of skin ageing.
- Tulsi helps prevent the formation of acne because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
- Chewing of Tulsi leaves soothes fever, headache, sore throat, cold, cough, flu. The decoction of tulsi flowers, ginger, black and long pepper powder along with honey for at least three to four times a day is a good remedy for cold, cough and fever.
- A paste made from tulsi leaves extracts heals wounds and protects against infections.
- Tulsi is a stress buster as it stimulates neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones responsible for including happiness and energy. Chewing 10-12 fresh Tulsi leaves control stress and manage anxiety.
- Tulsi shows a positive impact in reducing cholesterol level in the body, thereby helps in preventing cardiac diseases.
How Tulsi is used:
Tulsi(Holy Basil being a versatile herb can be had in many forms. Different parts of the herb have been used medicinally, including the leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and even whole plant. It can be added in herbal tea along with ginger and honey, which is the type of tea we need to sip when we are down with the flu. It can be consumed and chewed as fresh leaves, made into a paste for healing wounds and inflammation, tonic form, powdered form or juice. Basil is a very flavorful and diverse herb that fresh basil can be added to many dishes and recipes like salads, soups, stews, sauces sprinkled over eggs, and steamed vegetables.
Aryan Herbals Products to Help you:
Keeping healthy traditions alive has been the mission statement for Aryan Herbals. We at Aryan herbals also believe that plant-based preparations play a major role in the ayurvedic healing process. Considering the importance and benefits of these gems of Ayurveda, we have the following products at our store.
Aryan Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) Powder 100gm
The Rasayana made from this magical herb is power-packed with an abundance of antioxidants, iron and amino acids. It is believed to promote physical and mental health, restore the body and increase longevity. It has the magical healing power to energise and calm at the same time.
Aryan Brahmi (Water Hyssop) Powder 100gm
Brahmi the therapeutic herb can be consumed commonly as a memory enhancer, aphrodisiac and a health tonic. It helps boost longevity, improve mental functions & learning ability. With its antioxidant properties, it acts as an overall nervous system tonic and helps calm the mind.
Aryan Triphala Juice 1000ml
Triphala is a herbal preparation containing equal proportions of the fruits Amla, Haritaki & Vibhitaki. It is believed to help achieve a balanced digestive system and promote overall well being. Triphala is also believed to help remove antiviral effects, maintain vitality & rejuvenate all body systems, stimulate the pancreas to work and secrete all the secretions properly.
Aryan Tulsi (Holy Basil) Powder 100gm
Tulsi or holy basil is an important herb in the Ayurvedic system. It is believed to help fight common colds, bronchitis, diarrhoea, stomach disorders, headaches, etc. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to improve cognitive function. It is also believed to help with diabetes and blood sugar imbalance.
Paracelsus the renowned physician quoted ‘All that man needs for health and healing has been provided by God in nature, the Challenge of science is to find it.’
So let’s discover the healing science of Ayurveda for a happier, healthier life by exploring more of such wonderful Gems of Ayurveda.
Also read:
Lesser-known Herbs: Its benefits in Ayurveda
Unlock your Happiness with these Amazing Herbs
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