7 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs and their Benefits

We cannot scrub our inner bodies, so how do we clean them?

The answer is Ayurveda. 

Ayurveda is the science of life that teaches us to be clean inside and out. It is the art of living that focuses on all the vital aspects of the human body

• Food (Ahara)
• Lifestyle (Vihara)
• Mental Health (Manas)

Any imbalance in these can cause toxins in the body. 

Food (Ahara) is the most important component for maintaining good health. Unhealthy food combinations or poor diet can cause problems with digestion. It can produce amavata or toxins in the body. 

A lazy lifestyle (Vihara), on the other hand, is also a common toxic trait. Eating more and not doing any physical activity is a major cause of toxicity in the body. 

Apart from these habits, mental health (Manas) is also a major participant in the overall health of the body. Our mental state has a direct effect on our health. Negative thoughts, anxiety, or depression can cause ama or toxins production in the body. 

So Ayurveda teaches us the art of life to keep us healthy in all ways and prevent toxins formation in the body. However, if there is a toxic formation in the body, then there are various Ayurvedic remedies to get rid of them.

The best and easiest way to clean the body from the inside is with the help of Ayurvedic herbs which are easily available around you. The herbs come from the womb of Mother Earth and are rich in healing properties. Herbs are referred to as oushadhis and they have been used for the longest time to heal various ailments and diseases (vyadhis). The importance of Ayurvedic herbs has been highlighted throughout our culture and traditions. 

In this blog, we will discuss about the health benefits of Ayurvedic herbs:

1. NEEM

• Raw: you can eat raw neem leaves. It is very good to take them along with turmeric. If not available around, then neem tablets can be chewed.
• Herbal Tea: Neem leaves can be boiled in water and then add some honey for taste. Do not put honey in the boiling water, it must be added after cooling the tea.
• Paste: Neem leaves can be made into a paste along with chickpea four and rose water. It is very good for skin health.
• Oil: Neem oil alone or mixed with coconut oil is very good for skin and hair. Neem oil benefits for acne-prone skin are well renowned. It is also very good to use neem for dandruff treatment. 

2. TULSI

It is a sacred Indian herb that has been worshipped in India. It is filled up with medicinal properties, and our ancestors recognized it. This is the reason it has been used for ages in treating various diseases. It can be consumed daily as:

• Tulsi Tea: Boil tulsi leaves in water for some time and have it, you can also add honey for taste. 
• Tulsi Water: One or two basil leaves can be added to the water overnight, and then this water can be consumed throughout the day.
• Salad Garnishing: Basil leaves can be added to the salad.
• Ghee or Honey: Basil leaves can be added to ghee or honey for 2 days, and then basil-infused ghee or honey can be used.

Keep in mind not to chew basil leaves directly because they are filled with mercury and can damage the teeth.

3. AMLA

Indian gooseberry (amla) is known as the Ayurvedic superfruit. It is citrus in nature containing vitamin C benefits. It is loaded with health benefits and you can consume it as:

• Amla Juice: Amla juice can be consumed daily. You can also add other fruits or herbs to enhance the taste. Amla juice benefits for hair growth. 
• Amla Candy: Amla candy with natural sweeteners is very healthy.
• Amla Jam: Amla and jaggery jam is the most delicious way to consume amla.
• Dried Amla: It can be added to various food items after drying and is also very good for dry cough. 
• Raw Amla: This fruit can be consumed raw or along with some salt.
• Oil: Amla oil is best for strong and healthy hair.

4. TRIPHALA

It is a traditional Ayurvedic mixture of 3 key herbs i.e. amlaki, bhibitaki, and haritaki. It is an extremely potent oushadhi that can balance all the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) in the body. Triphala benefits for digestion and removes toxins from the body (shareera). It can be consumed as:

• Herbal tea: Triphala can be boiled in water to make herbal tea. Honey can be added for taste. 
• Capsules or Powder: It can also be consumed raw or in capsule form with lukewarm water. 
• Paste: Triphala and honey paste can be taken early in the morning or 30 mins before meals. 
• Ghee: Triphala can be mixed with ghee and then add it to warm water for a soothing drink.

5. ASHWAGANDHA

It is one of the key soothing herbs of Ayurveda known for its relaxing properties. Ashwagandha benefits for anxiety and depression. You can consume this as:

• Ashwagandha root powder: Take this powder with lukewarm water  
• Tablets: You can also take tablets with lukewarm milk or water. 
• Herbal tea: Boil Ashwagandha in water and add honey for taste. 
• Smoothie: Add ashwagandha to your favorite fruit smoothie.

It is advised to consume this at night and have a happy sleep.

6. BRAHMI

Also known as the herb of grace it is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine that has been used for a long time in healing both body and mind. It can be used in various ways:

• Oil: Brahmi oil benefits for hair growth, healthy joints, glowing skin, and, mental peace. 
• Raw: Brahmi leaves can be consumed raw for purifying the blood.
• Powder or Tablet: It can be consumed in the form of powder or tablet along with lukewarm water.
• Paste: Brahmi can be mixed with honey or ghee and then consumed.

7. GUGGUL

Guggul (Commiphora wightii) is an Asian herb that has been used for thousands of years. It is extracted from the plant just like maple syrup is extracted from maple trees. It is rich in various medicinal properties. It can be consumed as:

• Powder or Tablet: It can be consumed in the form of powder or tablet along with lukewarm water.
• Herbal tea: It can be boiled in water to make an herbal tea. 
• Paste: Guggul can be mixed with honey or ghee and then consumed.
• Balm: Guggul balm is extremely beneficial for joint pain patients.

All these herbs are loaded with benefits and they are a very healthy addition to your daily routine. You can consume them daily to maintain good health and prevent diseases.