In recent times alternate systems of medicine like Ayurveda are gaining widespread recognition as more and more people turn to nature for healing and wellness to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ayurvedic herbs are especially being studied scientifically and gaining popularity across the globe for the natural healing process and as a holistic health panacea.
The widespread recognition of Ayurvedic herbs is backed by nearly 3000 years of traditional wisdom as well as modern scientific and medical research.1
We bring to you the list of the most powerful Ayurvedic herbs and their health benefits. Let’s jump right in!
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in the Ayurvedic system of medicine used as a powerful rasayana known for its adaptogenic properties which has been used traditionally for thousands of years.2 As a powerful adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps our body cope with the physical and mental stress, regulates healthy cortisol levels and promotes a sense of physical and mental balance.
Ashwagandha also finds prominence in ayurveda for its uses as a powerful aphrodisiac. It has been used traditionally to treat erectile dysfunction and enhance sex drive and libido in men.
It also increases stamina, boosts energy levels, and enhances cognitive function especially in children with memory deficit and old age people with memory loss. Ashwagandha also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties which can be useful in cases of both types of arthritis, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.3
In conclusion, Ashwagandha is considered a rejuvenating herb that can nourish and revitalize our body and mind, help it fight mental and physical stress, boost stamina and memory function of the brain making it an important herb for overall well-being and vitality.
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Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
- Potent adaptogen
- Reduces stress
- Provides anxiety relief 4
- Improves sleep quality 4
- Enhances cognitive function
- Boosts immune system 5
- Increased energy and vitality 6
- Balancing hormones
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Support muscle strength and recovery 7
2. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari, a powerful adaptogen, is an important herb in Ayurveda which is used to treat various health conditions since time immemorial.
Shatavari has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda as a powerful rasayana which prevent aging, increase longevity, impart immunity, improve mental function, vigor and add vitality to the body. With its adaptogenic properties, Shatavari herb is considered to help our body cope with mental and physical stress.
Shatavari is especially known for its usefulness in restorative impact on reproductive health of females. It is considered to support hormonal balance, eases menstrual discomfort, and promotes lactation in breastfeeding mothers.
Shatavari is also considered a cooling herb that nourishes and moisturizes the tissues, making it useful for addressing dryness and inflammation. It is often used as a tonic for the female reproductive system, supporting fertility, and overall reproductive health.
Shatavari Health Benefits
- Hormonal balance
- Female reproductive health support 8
- Menstrual cycle regulation 8
- Relief from menopausal symptoms 8
- Increased breast milk production 9
- Digestive system support 10
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Immune system enhancement 11
- Stress reduction and mood stabilization 12
- Improved vitality and energy levels
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3. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn)
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda and is considered the “queen of herbs”. In Hinduism, Tulsi is considered a sacred plant, an earthly manifestation of goddess Tulasi, an avatar of goddess Lakshmi.
Tulsi is also revered for its numerous health benefits which helps promote our overall wellness and help achieve balance of body, mind and soul. Tulsi acts as an adaptogen, helping the body cope with stress and promoting a balanced response.
In various scientific studies, it has been found that Tulsi can boost our immune system, supports respiratory health, and acts as a powerful antioxidant, which neutralizes the cell damaging free radicals and protects against oxidative damage. Tulsi also aids digestion, supports liver function, and has antimicrobial properties, making it an all-round herb for maintaining optimal health. 13
Tulsi (Holy Basil) Health Benefits
- Adaptogenic properties 14
- Stress reduction
- Immune system support
- Antioxidant effects
- Respiratory health support
- Anti-inflammatory properties 14
- Digestive system aid
- Liver detoxification support 14
- Cardiovascular health promotion
- Cognitive function enhancement 15
4. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Also referred to as ‘herb of grace’, Brahmi is considered one of the most important Ayurvedic herbs and is used to balance Vata and Kapha doshas in Ayurveda.
Due to its cold potency and astringent properties, Brahmi is a staple herb in Ayurveda for healthy skin, to enhance mental clarity and improve cognitive functions as well as for liver and immunity.16 In fact, one of the most important usage of Brahmi in Ayurveda is for promoting mental wellbeing and improving brain function.
Brahmi has also been traditionally used in Ayurveda for hair loss, baldness and dandruff because of its sheeta (cold) potency. According to Ayurveda, Brahmi has kashaya rasa (astringent property) which nourishes your scalp and it has cold potency that helps strengthen roots promoting stronger and healthier hair growth and prevents split ends.
Some scientific studies have also found Brahmi as one of the potential ayurvedic herbs for alcohol addiction as it may help get over alcohol abstinence related anxiety thus reducing the chances of relapse in those trying to quit alcohol permanently.
Brahmi Health Benefits
- Cognitive function enhancement18
- Memory improvement20
- Stress reduction
- Helps with neurodegenerative diseases17
- Anti-inflammatory effects19
- Anti-Cancer properties
- Wound healing properties
- Hair growth stimulation
- Blood circulation improvement
- Antioxidant properties
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5. Aloe Vera (Ghrit Kumari)
Most of us are familiar with Aloe vera as it is widely used in sunburn and skin care products for youthful energy, beauty and radiance. But surprisingly, many of us are unfamiliar with various health benefits of Aloe vera.
Aloe vera medicinal properties include protection against cancer, immunity booster, a natural laxative, managing blood sugar level and anti-inflammatory action among others.
It is commonly used topically to soothe skin irritations, burns, and wounds. Aloe Vera has cooling and moisturizing effects, making it beneficial for dry and inflamed skin conditions.
Aloe vera gel stands out as an effective home remedy for hemorrhoids due to its abundant reserves of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
Considered one of the most versatile & powerful Ayurvedic herbs, Aloe vera also supports digestive health, and promotes healthy bowel movements. It also helps in case you are having occasional digestive discomfort.
Aloe Vera Health Benefits
- Skin health promotion22
- Wound healing and soothing properties
- Sunburn relief
- Moisturization and hydration
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Digestive system support
- Gives piles pain relief
- Immune system enhancement
- Dental health support
- Scalp and hair health
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6. Triphala (Sanskrit; tri = three and phala = fruits)
Triphala is a combination of three fruits: Amalaki (Amla), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. It is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation used for its cleansing and rejuvenating effects. Triphala supports healthy digestion, improves nutrient absorption, and regulates bowel movements, promoting optimal gastrointestinal health. It also has antioxidant properties, helping to protect against cellular damage. Triphala is considered a gentle detoxifier, supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes and promoting overall well-being.
Triphala Health Benefits:
- Digestive health support
- Detoxification and cleansing
- Natural laxative properties
- Improved nutrient absorption
- Antioxidant effects
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Immune system enhancement
- Skin health promotion
- Eye health support
- Oral health maintenance
7. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Cinnamon is one of the most widely used ayurvedic herb native to Sri Lanka and Southern India. A widely used spice in Indian dishes, curries and dal and vegetable, Cinnamon is known as Dalchini in Hindi.
Most of you must be familiar with “garam masala”. Cinnamon is one of the spices present in garam masala which is used to add flavor to a variety of Indian cuisine. From dal tadka in North to Sambhar in South, it’s uses are very common and almost staple.
Cinnamon has been referred to as in Ayurveda as a beneficial herb which balances vata and kapha dosha. Traditionally, Cinnamon has been used in ayurveda to treat and cure a number of diseases like diabetes and blood sugar control, to protect against heart disease, to aid with joint pain and arthritis and common ailments like skin care, cold & flu and to aid in digestion.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon:
- Improves and supports digestion
- Protects against cardiovascular disease
- Aids in blood sugar control, improves insulin sensitivity
- May help reverse the effects of neurodegenerative diseases
- May help fight cancer
- Reduce period pain
- Alleviates joint pain and symptom of arthritis
- helps control and cure cold & flu
- Helps support dental and oral health
8. Fenugreek and Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Methi is something most of us are familiar with. Its a staple food in North India with two favorite cuisine being “methi ka parantha” and “methi ka saag”.
Methi as we know it is commonly known across the world as Fenugreek. Its an easily available and widely used as spice blends, flavoring agent for an array of food and beverages as well as flavor in tobacco.
But did you know that Fenugreek has been used since antiquity in Indian subcontinent and that is has alco been mentioned in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia for its numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Fenugreek:
- Regulates blood sugar
- Helps with digestive system
- May increase breast milk production
- Boosts testosterone production
- Aids in weight management
- Supports respiratory health
- Improves natural immunity
9. Ginger and Ginger Tea (Zingiber officinale)
Adrak ki Chai is something that most of us wake up to. Its an integral part of offices and smoking breaks if you are living an urban sedentary corporate life.
Digressions apart, Ginger (Hindi name अदरक/adrak) is hot, sweet, dry, spicy, fatty, and heavy in terms of the Ayurvedic attributes of food, which in the typical diet alter the balance of our dosha constitution. Thus, if taken in greater amounts, it decreases vata and kapha and raises pitta.
Ginger is quite commonly used in preparation of numerous Indian dishes as well as chutneys, curries and daal (lentil). According to ayurveda Ginger is a powerful herb with an array of medicinal properties. It balances vata dosha and helps alleviate symptoms associated with imbalances caused by vata.
Additionally, ginger has a potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory impact. It helps clean blood in our body, and boosts the heart and circulatory system. It may also potentially help in treating hives, arthritis, hemorrhoids, edema, and jaundice.
Health Benefits of Ginger
- Promotes digestive health
- Helps with nausea and vomitting
- May help relief joint pain
- Supports immune system
- helps with weight management
- Helps manage heart related risks
10. Fennel & Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel (Hindi name सौंफ) is a nutritional powerhouse and a widely available and used ayurvedic herbs. In one form or another, you must have consumed or come across fennel as a part of food or diet.
Fennel is consumed in many forms across the world. It is commonly used as a mouth freshener after a meal, it is used as flavor in preparing herbal tea, as well as in snacks and bakery products and it is also consumed in raw seed form.
According to ayurveda, fennel seed is an excellent home remedy for digestive health. Fennel seeds also treat krumi (worms), baddhavit (constipation), anila (Vata/bloating), daha (burning sensation), aruchi (anorexia, lack of interest in food), chardi (vomiting), and kasa (cough, cold), according to the Ayurveda expert.
Health Benefits of Fennel
- It can ease tummy troubles like gas and bloating
- Remedy for mestrual camps and period pain
- Chewing fennel seeds can make your breath smell better
- It has nutrients that support healthy vision
- It supports a healthy heart and blood vessels
- Fennel can make you feel more awake and energetic
- Fennel has antioxidants that keep your skin healthy and glowing
- It can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing
11. Amla or the Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica)
Phyllanthus emblica, also known as Indian gooseberry, Malacca tree, or amla, from the Sanskrit आमलकी, is a fruit obtained from a deciduous tree of the family Phyllanthaceae.
Because it supports everything due to its tridoshic (vata, kapha, pita doshas), it is also known as Amalaki and is referred to as “The Mother” in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, amla is classified as a rasayana, which means that it has rejuvenating and restorative properties.
Vital nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals etc. are present in abundance in amla. Amla is a rich source of nutrients that includes iron, calcium, potassium, vitamin E, and vitamin A.
Yet another important nutrient present in abundance in Amla is Vitamin C which plays an important role in efficient functioning of our immune system.
Health Benefits of Amla
- Strengthens the immune system
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Protects the heart and blood vessels
- Improves skin health
- Promotes hair growth
- Improves liver health
- Regulates blood sugar levels
12. Vidarikand Or Indian Kuzdu
Known as Vidharikhand, Vidarikand, Indian Kudzu or Pueraria Tuberosa, this herb holds immense therapeutic importance in Ayurveda. The cooling and soothing properties of this tuberous root provide benefits for various health concerns ranging from skin and respiratory problems to digestive problems.
This powerful ayurvedic herb also holds great improtances in ayurveda as an aphrodisiac. It has been used tradationally to improve make potency by boosting testosterone production and stimulating sperm count and motility.
Vidarikand, is considered a rasayana in Ayurveda and is reputed for its role in promoting health and longevity.
Its notable feature lies in being a ‘balancing’ herb, which harmonizes the vital energies of the body – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – and brings balance to the overall well-being of the individual.
Health Benefits of Vidarikand
- Boost Testosterone
- Improve sperm count in male
- Helps in quitting alcohol consumption
- Boosts the immune system
- Promotes wound healing
- Reduces inflammation
- Treats respiratory problems
- Improves digestion
- Treats digestive problems
- Treats respiratory problems
- Protects the heart
- Treats skin problems
