The modern, fast-paced, yet sedentary lifestyle is not particularly ideal to maintain a healthy balance. With work and other commitments always taking precedence, our health is inevitably pushed to the bottom of our priority list.
So how do you improve your health before disaster strikes?
Packed with anti-oxidative, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, Ayurvedic herbs and herbal formulations have proven to be a simple, yet highly effective way of becoming a healthier you!
The Use of Herbs in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine is essentially an ancient, holistic approach to health originating from India. Combining diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, ayurvedic treatments are curated towards restoring the delicate balance between the body and the mind to promote overall health and wellness.
With techniques and theories perfected over thousands of years of research and practice, Ayurveda encourages the use of various herbs and herbal remedies such as Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Turmeric, (and others!) as preventative measures for a myriad of ailments.
Besides bursting with flavour, these incredible Ayurvedic herbs possess potent healing properties and can improve longevity, boost recovery and power up your immune system. Combinations of herbs are incorporated into Ayurvedic treatment plans either as part of your diet, as teas, herbal formulations, massages or medicinal preparations to form a unique integrated therapy that aligns with each individual’s specific doshas and energy.
Ayurvedic Doshas and Their Importance
In Ayurvedic Practice, the entire universe is believed to be composed of five elements:
- Earth
- Fire
- Air
- Water
- Space.
Inside our bodies, these 5 major elements combine together and exist as 3 primary energy patterns or body humours. These 3 humours – or doshas, are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
The 3 doshas control the creation and maintenance of all body tissues, and influence our thoughts, feelings and habits. Each dosha has various corresponding qualities that are expressed in the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of your being.
Vata Dosha or Wind Dosha is said to be light, dry and flowing. People with the Vata Dosha are considered creative but distractible and easily affected by the cold. They are advised to ensure they maintain regular routines and eat warm, “moist” foods (e.g., bananas, peaches, cooked vegetables, oats, brown rice, lean meat, and eggs).
The Pitta or Fire Dosha is hot, wet and volatile. Pitta personalities are fiery, tenacious and said to be natural leaders. But beware, because this sometimes-pushy personality type rubs many people the wrong way. Susceptible to acne, skin problems and heartburn, a Pitta-personality should avoid hot food, heated situations and hot weather.
The 3rd Dosha – Kapha, also known as, you may have guessed it – the Water Dosha, is cold, wet and heavy. People with Kapha are well-liked for their strong, dependable and caring natures and prone to weight gain and breathing issues. Therefore, Kapha types are directed to stay away from heavy, fatty foods and instead indulge in spicy, acidic and filling dishes.
Every individual is born with all 3 doshas, however, we all have one dominant dosha that determines our personal Ayurvedic constitution or Prakriti. Ayurvedic practices help attain balance and synchrony between all 3 doshas to achieve optimal health. Thus, it is paramount to first identify each patient’s dosha to then recommend treatment and specific Ayurvedic herbal formulations according to the characteristics of each dosha.
Ayurvedic herbs are an integral part of any qualified Ayurvedic practitioner’s arsenal. This is because of their phenomenal ability to heal and restore the body whether it be ridding the body of toxins (ayurvedic detoxes), supporting digestive health, or managing symptoms and side effects of diseases. The best part? They pack a punch in small quantities.
Below we’ve compiled a list of herbs that Ayurvedic practitioners absolutely cannot do without and whose effects are, simply put, incredible.
5 of the Most Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs:
- Tulsi
Tulsi or Holy Basil is one of the most revered adaptogenic ayurvedic herbs; known to normalize and regulate the systems of the body. The healing properties of Tulsi have been explored in hundreds of clinical trials and studies revealing that the plant has a multitude of actions including antimicrobial, mosquito repellent, anti-cataract, chemo-preventive, and anti-diabetic properties.
Tulsi balances Vata and Kapha Doshas and is renowned for treating sore throats, improving lung health, supporting weight loss and boosting immune response. An ayurvedic formulation of Tulsi leaves, honey and ginger is a highly effective treatment for respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough, and cold. An ideal houseplant, Tulsi can be effortlessly grown on your windowsill with plenty of sunlight and water, ready to use anytime.
- Turmeric
This heady golden powder is a super spice with an inexhaustible list of health and beauty benefits. Considered a staple in South-Asian curries, Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound which has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus, it’s considered an Ayurvedic essential when fighting off infections, best consumed when mixed with a glass of warm milk.
A popular tradition in Indian weddings, thick honey-gold turmeric paste is applied on the bride’s face to promote healthy, glowing skin. Additionally, Turmeric enhances focus, promotes gut health, has been shown to regenerate and protect the cells of the nervous system and is said to have restorative and enlivening effects on almost all systems of the body.
No wonder it’s a winner all around!
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Ginseng is a versatile herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating infertility, insomnia, arthritis and even depression. Its roots are loaded with essential volatile oils and amino acids, while the fruits and leaves are rich in tannins and flavonoids which makes it a powerful antioxidant.
The herb is also infamous for its stress-reducing abilities, providing a calming yet revitalizing effect on the body that helps you regulate your energy levels more efficiently. Daily doses of 225–600 mg of Ashwagandha for 1–2 months have been shown to significantly lower levels of cortisol – the stress hormone.
Moreover, Ashwagandha works particularly well in ayurvedic herbal formulations. Used in combination with licorice, shatavari, safed musli, and sesame seeds, this powerful healing agent greatly improves healthy cholesterol levels. Ashwagandha Arishtam, a liquid preparation of ashwangandha and a combination of other beneficial herbs is another popular herbal mix that improves immunity, increases bone health and treats insomnia and depression.
- Cumin
In Ayurvedic medicine, cumin increases Pitta – the Fire Dosha in the body. An apt sequitur considering that its pungent flavour heats up blood and stimulates its flow to the digestive system, effectively warming up the digestive process and promoting smooth digestion.
Used primarily to treat stomach and digestion-related disorders, cumin with curd is an effective remedy for diarrhoea. Patients suffering from fever are advised to take cumin along with jaggery to improve appetite, cleanse the bowel and reduce burning sensations.
As a rich source of iron, the healing properties of cumin are not restricted to digestive disorders. Cumin seeds aid in treating anaemia, promote weight loss and help control blood sugar. However, overuse of cumin is associated with side effects such as reduced fertility and an upset stomach.
- Amla
Amla or Amalika is a small sour-tasting fruit that is said to have the highest Vitamin C content in the plant kingdom. The healing properties of this plant are such that its Sanskrit nicknames can be translated to “mother”, “nurse” and “immortality”. The fruit is also a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin E, iron, calcium, and dietary fibre.
Providing all-encompassing support for the body, amla rejuvenates and revitalises. The tarty fruit nourishes the heart and respiratory system, strengthens bones, teeth and nails, controls blood sugar, and can also be used as a brain tonic to improve focus. When used regularly as a hair oil, amla reverses hair damage and fortifies hair follicles leading to voluminous, shiny locks.
Taking Amla powder mixed with warm water, milk, honey, or ghee, is one of the best ways to avail of its many benefits. Chyvanprash, an herbal formulation with a base of fresh Amla and a mix of other herbs is a popular Ayurvedic jam taken each morning by Ayurvedic practitioners around the world as an immunity booster. But, as with anything, overconsumption of amla has its own pitfalls. Side effects include acidity, dehydration and increased risk of bleeding. People are also advised to avoid amla when suffering from coughs or a sore throat.
Conclusion
Health should be a priority. Ayurveda, through small adjustments in lifestyle and diet, ensures we take a proactive approach to our well-being. Harnessing the wondrous powers of Ayurvedic herbs and herbal formulations is an easy and budget-friendly preventative measure that can become part of your day-to-day and waylay a majority of health concerns.
To make the best use of the healing properties of these Ayurvedic herbs in a way that is most suited to your specific Dosha and needs, visit The Ayurvedic Clinic for an in-depth consultation with our expert practitioners. The Ayurvedic Clinic will design a bespoke treatment plan to address all your concerns and for your optimal health and longevity.