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Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine. It aims to maintain health and wellness by keeping the mind, body, and spirit in balance and preventing illness rather than treating it.
Ayurvedic herbs and spices are also a vital component of this approach. They're thought to defend your body from illness and offer a diversity of health benefits, including enhanced digestion and mental health.
Here are 12 Ayurvedic herbs and spices with science-backed health benefits-:
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa. Its root and beans are used to create a very popular Ayurvedic remedy. It's considered an adaptogen, which implies that it's believed to improve your body manage stress more efficiently. Research has shown that it reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone that your adrenal glands produce in acknowledgement to stress.
- Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense or olibanum, is made from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. It's known for its simply recognizable spicy, woody aroma. Boswellia helps to reduce pain, improved fluidity, and a greater range of movement in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also help limit oral diseases and fight gingivitis. Moreover, it may improve metabolism in people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as breathing in people with chronic asthma.
- Triphala
Triphala is an Ayurvedic remedy consisting of the following three small remedial fruits:
- Amla
- Bibhitaki
- Haritaki
Triphala may reduce swelling caused by arthritis, as well as prevent or limit the growth of certain types of cancer. It may also function as a natural laxative, reducing constipation, abdominal pain, and flatulence while improving the frequency and consistency of bowel movements in people with gut disorders.
- Brahmi
Brahmi is a staple herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps in improvements in learning rates, attention, memory, and information processing, as well as reduced symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as inattention, impulsivity, poor self-control, and restlessness.
- Cumin
Cumin is a spice native to the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. It's made from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, which are recognised for their distinctive earthy, nutty, and spicy flavour. Research shows that cumin may boost the movement of digestive enzymes and facilitate the release of bile from the liver, promoting digestion and easing the absorption of fats.
- Turmeric
Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its characteristic yellow colour, is another popular Ayurvedic remedy. Curcumin, its main active compound, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Test-tube research shows that it may be equally or even more effective than some anti-inflammatory drugs without all of their side effects. Also, turmeric may help protect against heart disease, in part by improving the blood flow as efficiently as exercise or certain pharmaceutical drugs. One study further suggests that it may be as effective as Prozac, a drug commonly used to treat depression.
- Gotu Kola
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), or "the herb of longevity," is another popular Ayurvedic remedy. It's made from a tasteless, odourless plant with fan-shaped green leaves that grows in and around water. There is also some evidence that the herb may help prevent stretch marks, reduce varicose veins, help wounds heal faster, and diminish symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
- Bitter Melon
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a tropical vine closely related to zucchini, squash, cucumber, and pumpkin. It's considered a staple in Asian cuisine and packed with nutrients and powerful antioxidants. Research suggests that bitter melon may help lower blood sugar levels and promote the secretion of insulin, the hormone responsible for keeping blood sugar levels stable. If you use insulin to manage your blood sugar levels, consult your healthcare before adding bitter melon to your daily routine to prevent your blood sugar levels from becoming dangerously low.
- Cardamom
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), which is sometimes referred to as the "queen of spices," has been part of Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. cardamom powder may help reduce blood pressure in people with elevated levels. There's also evidence that inhaling cardamom essential oil may increase the uptake of oxygen into the lungs during exercise.