Lesser-known Herbs: Its benefits in Ayurveda
Nature has always been bountiful. We all agree that nature has the power to heal and that, when correctly used, earth’s elements can aid and benefit our bodies. We are talking about herbs. Whether it be essential oils, herbs, or common spices found in our kitchen, organic and sustainably harvested ingredients can do wonders for our bodies. Herbal remedies that have the ability to heal and boost physical and mental well-being have been widely embraced by people from many other parts of the world as well.
Ayurveda and Ayurvedic herbs:
Ayurveda, the science of life has been in existence since ancient times. This ancient method of science includes the use of herbs, herbal formulas, and adaptogens as they are another fundamental aspect of Ayurveda because of their medicinal properties. Let’s find out some of the lesser-known herbs:
Haritaki or Harad is packed with immune-boosting antioxidants vitamin C. It is also rich in vital nutrients like selenium, manganese, potassium, copper and iron. This Ayurvedic herb also has healing anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. Haritaki is good for all three doshas and removes toxins and helps in healthy weight management. Some of the benefits are:
- Fight cold and clears Phlegm: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in Haritaki are helpful in treating sore throat, dry cough, and discharge mucus. Chewing a small piece of Harad is a good remedy for dry cough.
- Boosts immunity: Its antibacterial properties have a bacterial static effect, which means rather than killing the bacteria, it stops the multiplication. In doing so it helps build immunity.
- Promotes healthy digestion: The anti-flatulent property of the root powder of this climber reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus preventing flatulence, bloating and abdominal distension.
- Promotes cardiac functions: Being a natural antioxidant and a cardio-protective herb, it plays a crucial role in treating a host of heart ailments.
- Helps heal inflammation: Reduces Edema and helps reduce inflammation because of the anti-inflammatory properties
How it can be used:
It is available in different forms. The dried seeds are powdered. It can be consumed with warm water, milk or honey. It is also available in tablet form, murabba, etc.
Bibhitaki commonly known as Baheda is a classical ayurvedic herb that is extremely beneficial in relieving respiratory anomalies. Most of these respiratory infections occur due to imbalances of the Kapha doshas within the body. Bibhitaki balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and nourishes the Dhatus within the body. This herb has incredible expectorant and bronchodilatory properties. Thanks to the essential bio-active ingredients and incredible therapeutic properties, it is widely used as a remedy for many health conditions. Some of them are:
- Managing cough & cold and remedy for sore throat: The antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties are beneficial in relieving cough and cold. The Kapha balancing property controls cough releases mucus and clears air passages. Taking Baheda powder with honey relieves cough and is a good remedy for sore throat.
- Enhances digestion: Baheda powder is an effective home remedy to improve digestion. It can be prepared by adding Baheda powder to a glass of warm water and consumed regularly.
- Boosts immunity: It also supports the respiratory system as well as Kapha accumulations in all systems. Also, it is believed to be a good bolster to your immune system and can easily help with the common cold symptoms and respiratory infections.
- Relieves constipation: The laxative properties gives a soothing and lubricating effect on the gastroenteric tract and helps in the easy expulsion of stool. It helps prevent constipation by loosening stool and promoting bowel movements.
- Healing wounds and skin injury: Baheda oil helps in quickly healing the wound and skin injury due to its good healing quality. The use of Baheda oil also prevents secondary infection in the body.
- Prevents skin infections: The fruit is beneficial for skin problems such as acne and acne scars due to its antibacterial property. Applying Baheda fruit powder with rose water on the face prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Effective for weight loss: Baheda powder helps in weight loss as it improves metabolism and reduces Ama by increasing the digestive fire.
How it can be used:
It is available in herbal powder form, oil or capsules. It can be consumed with warm water or even with honey.
Shatavari is a species of asparagus plant that has been used for many centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Also known as the wild asparagus and known for its medicinal properties this herb is an adaptogen and can tackle a range of health issues like regulating the body systems and manage stress. Some of its benefits.
- Hormonal balance: Being an adaptogenic herb, its primary uses are linked to the improvement in the restoration of hormonal balance.
- Improves female reproductive system: It helps in strengthening the female reproductive system and thereby resolves infertility related problems.
- Antioxidant properties: It protects the body from harm caused by free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to the development of diseases like cancer. Antioxidants also fight against oxidative stress, another cause of disease.
- Reduces symptoms of menopause: Most of the menopausal discomfort or problems like palpitations, hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, insomnia, and atrophy of the cervix, etc. are associated with aggravated estrogen levels. Shatavari herbs occupy some of the estrogen receptors giving the body an anti-estrogenic effect.
- Good for lactating mothers: The galactagogue present in Shatavari is the substance that boosts milk production during breastfeeding and is so good for lactating mothers.
How it can be used:
Shatavari is available in powder, tablet or liquid form. As it is a very mild and soothing sweet herb, it can be consumed either in powder form or capsule. As the benefit of it can vary from person to person it is better advised to ask your doctor and then use it.
Punarnava is a traditional ayurvedic plant that is used to rejuvenate the whole body. The root, leaves, aerial parts or the whole plant is used for treating various ailments. In fact, Punarnava is a reservoir of health benefits. Some of the benefits are:
- Treating obesity: This herb plays a key role in burning excess fat. The presence of the potent bioactive constituents prevents weight gain and reduces the bad cholesterol in the blood. Being a mild laxative, it washes out the excess unwanted fluids and harmful toxins from the body and maintains body weight.
- Fights respiratory issues: Being an expectorant, the herb helps in clearing out any congestion or blockages. Due to its ability to relax the airway and curb spasms, it gives relief for bronchial asthma and clears the airways.
- Reduces stress: Being an adaptogen the herb extract can combat the biochemical indicators of stress such as increased blood glucose and cortisol and thus calming the mind.
- Urinary disorders: The potent present in the herb potent has anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties which may help to prevent bacterial infections in the urinary tract and thereby reducing inflammation and pain while urinating.
- Protects the liver: The hepatoprotective properties of the herb protect your liver from toxins and chemicals and revitalize and cleanse your liver.
How it can be used:
The extremely beneficial herb is available in the form of decoctions, pills, juice or powder(Churna form). It can be taken along with milk or water.
The Vasaka also popularly known as the Malabar nut has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and expectorant properties. Its leaves are rich in phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and phenolics. Some of the benefits of Vasaka are:
- Relieves from cough: It has potent antitussive properties which may help give relief from a cough.
- Stimulator for respiratory issues: The leaves work as a stimulator to treat respiratory issues. This helps in reducing the inflammation in the air passage and lungs and promotes healthy and easy breathing preventing the adversities of asthma.
- Treats respiratory disorders: It helps eliminate excess phlegm from the throat, clear the lungs and improves bronchodilation and may treat bronchitis, tuberculosis and other lung disorders.
How it can be used :
Vasaka herb is a very safe herb and so all parts of the herb like the leaf, root, flower and bark can be used. It is either available as juice, decoction or powder.
Bottom line:
Ayurved has an array of uses because of its medicinal properties. Today, many are taking notice of these herbs, herbal formulations, and other natural substances for their star-performing wellness benefits. Some are blends of several fruits or plants and are taken as Rasayanas, a general wellness-promoting tonic. Some are adaptogens, meaning their function adjusts according to the specific needs of the body, for which research is steadily growing. And others are non-plant earth substances, such as vegetable asphalts and metals.
The quest for Ayurveda- its availability in nature, its medicinal properties and the innumerable health benefits is making it popular and people continue to thrive today to infuse Ayurveda in their everyday life. Have you made your decision?
Also read:
Gems of Ayurveda for Healthy Living
Unlock your Happiness with these Amazing Herbs
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