8 Ayurvedic Herbs That Will Transform Your Health
Has fatigue become a regular part of your day? Accompanying you from home to office, monopolizing your lunch break or impeding on your relationships? Maybe you don’t feel bad, but that could be because you forgot what it’s like to feel energized, at the top of your game, and properly relaxed. Remember how good that feels?
Many of us are suffering because we don’t realize that our health, energy, vitality, memory, sex drive, mood, and elimination activities (yes, I’m talking about poop) could be remarkably better than what they are right now. According to the four noble truths of Buddhism, life is suffering–but Ayurveda teaches us it doesn’t have to be. Becoming aware that we’re just not feeling 100{333419861ba30e1dc2ec13e0bc68cc1cc8c177a4fba1b407cb76f9cb1a355b06} squeaky clean inside is the first step in taking our health up a notch. I struggled with this feeling for years to later find out that I’d been further harming my health by ignoring subtle signs of illness I thought were just side effects of normal life. Taking the right Ayurvedic supplements after consultation with my physician changed my life.
So how can we feel better? Who can help us? Where should we go to gas up our energy and reduce our stress? As always, Mother Nature provides the answers.
Ayurvedic Herbs & The Five Elements: Nature’s Health Supplements
Like food, Ayurvedic herbs are composed of the five great elements in their natural form, but they’re more potent than any fruit or vegetable. Many are tri-doshic, meaning they balance all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha). Some Ayurvedic herbs can be used to reduce an excess of a particular dosha because they contain more or less of a certain element. Illness is the cause of an internal imbalance of any one of the doshas in response to something in our external environment, including stress and diet.
Organically-grown Ayurvedic herbs and supplements can do wonders to restore harmony to internal factors of the body, rather than suppress the effects of illness. They offer subtle but potent nutrition that we can consume in small quantities, sprinkled on salads and in curries, brewed into tea, or taken as a supplement.
Below are eight Ayurvedic herbs and supplements that can improve your health from head to toe. Before beginning any herbal therapy, you should know and understand your Ayurvedic constitution and consult with a doctor. Ayurvedic herbs can have an effect as powerful as pharmaceuticals so understanding their therapeutic benefits and possible side effects is crucial before deciding which ones are right for you.
Ashwagandha – Powerful Rejuvenator & Libido Enhancer
Ashwagandha is one of the top three Ayurvedic herbs. Best known as an adaptogen, ashwagandha balances your body’s energy by simultaneously calming the nervous system and enhancing stamina. The etymology of this potent herb comes from its horse-like smell, but “stallion” also describes its effect on the male reproductive system. Hold the oysters guys and include an ashwagandha supplement in your daily diet. Balanced energy (on all accounts) means the body is in harmony with nature, which makes Ashwagandha our number one Ayurvedic herb for supporting general wellness.
Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory & Liver Detoxifier
Turmeric has a variety of use for culinary delight and physical health. Many Indian curries, soups, salsas, and stews contain turmeric for flavor, color, and nutritional benefit. This spice of life can reduce and prevent low-grade, chronic inflammation that may lead to a variety of serious health conditions. Several scientific studies have shown that this Ayurvedic herb has a potency equal to over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines but without the harmful side effects. Its active ingredient curcumin cleanses the colon, stimulates circulation, detoxifies the liver, and contributes to weight loss. Add turmeric to any of your meals but include a few grinds of fresh pepper to increase its bioavailability. If you’re looking for a turmeric supplement, ensure the formula you choose is 95{333419861ba30e1dc2ec13e0bc68cc1cc8c177a4fba1b407cb76f9cb1a355b06} curcuminoids and includes black pepper extract for absorption. Click here to discover the full benefits of turmeric.
Triphala – Digestive Aid & Blood Purifier
This powerful Ayurvedic herb and blood cleanser is a blend of three fruits that each have individual benefits but combined, create a synergistic formula that will boost your body’s protective function. In Ayurveda, a clean gut is one of the body’s most powerful weapons against disease and even minor viral and bacterial illnesses. Triphala stimulates digestion and encourages elimination, preventing the build-up of ama, the toxic substance that resides in the digestive tract. With such a comprehensive list of benefits including weight loss, blood purification, and eye health, triphala is one of Ayurveda’s most widely used therapeutic herbal formulas. We source our triphala supplement from pure, organic ingredients. Find it in our shop.
Brahmi – Brain Booster
Brahmi, Sanskrit for gotu kola, comes from the word Brahma, the Cosmic Consciousness and God creator in Hinduism. Brahmi is a healthy, organic Ayurvedic herb for overall brain health. It fuels cognition and improves memory and concentration. Its leaves and stems even resemble the brain and nerve fibers, supporting the Chinese Medicine theory of “Doctrine of Signatures” that a plant’s appearance indicates its therapeutic use. Brahmi powder can be mixed with ghee to use in cooking, mixed into warm milk or water as a tonic, or taken as a supplement to enhance cognitive function, alleviate depression, and balance the body’s stress hormones.
Amla – Nectar of Life
Of the six tastes in Ayurveda, amla contains five, making it one of the most widely used herbs in Ayurvedic medicines. While it has a range of benefits, many women swear by it for enhancing the complexion and strengthening hair follicles and promoting faster growth. From fighting colds to burning fat and improving eyesight, squeeze this small translucent fruit into juice for the most potent benefits. It’s a bit sour tasting though, so mixing it into Indian achaar or taking it in powdered form might suit your taste better. Amla supplements are an easy way to include this Ayurvedic herb in your diet, but ensure they’re made with pure, organic ingredients.
Cumin – Vitamin-Packed Digestif
Cumin, or jiraka in Sanskrit, means “that which digests.” It has a distinct earthy flavor that makes it a popular addition to many Indian dishes, using either the whole seeds or ground powder. This highly aromatic Ayurvedic herb simultaneously relaxes and stimulates, and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in protein, iron, and dietary fiber. A benefit to new moms, cumin also increases lactation and cleanses the reproductive organs. Add this highly aromatic herb to any dish to enhance its flavor and promote digestion. Try Indian papadums with whole cumin seeds for a tasty and nutritious appetizer, or take a black cumin seed oil supplement.
Shatavari – Shakti’s essence
This rejuvenating Ayurvedic herb is ashwagandha’s female counterpart for its ability to enhance women’s fertility. Honouring Shakti, the divine female cosmic energy in Hinduism, shatavari is also useful for treating other feminine issues, such as conditions associated with premenstrual syndrome, hot flashes, lactation, and mood swings. With both a bitter and sweet virya, this Ayurvedic herb also promotes a cooling effect on the body, making it an ideal remedy for restoring balance and reducing symptoms of excess heat. Shatavari is available in tea, pill, or powder form, or as a supplement. Consult an Ayurvedic specialist before consuming shatavari if you are predominately kapha as it is known to strongly increase kapha.
Tulsi – Skin Enhancer
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a spiritual and therapeutic Ayurvedic herb. It has antimicrobial properties, which make it an excellent remedy for acne and other skin irritations, and internal infections. To improve your complexion, combine tulsi oil with coconut oil, which increases its absorption and effectiveness. Dr. Axe gives us a detailed profile of how this adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb also combats anxiety and a host of other common health conditions that can impede our daily functioning. See his video for beneficial ways to use tulsi.
Ayurvedic Herbs & Supplements: A Little Goes A Long Way
Our physical health is something many of us take for granted without even knowing it. The body is the world’s most sophisticated and delicate machine, but we often expect it to function without adequate nutrients or sleep, and in spite of excessive stress. Ayurveda regards food as medicine. Our bodies are the result of everything we eat so the first step in improving our health is changing our diet. When we have the will and the right information, making small changes in the way we eat can have transformative effects on our health, especially if we include Ayurvedic herbs. Even in meager amounts, organic Ayurvedic herbs have a richer supply of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healing properties than many fruits and vegetables. We can use them to jazz up the taste of our meals, brew therapeutic teas, or as supplements and medicinal tonics.
Nature intends you to feel awesome every day–you don’t have to settle for less. Adding just a few of these Ayurvedic herbs to your daily meal plan can sharpen your brain, increase your mobility, and boost your energy so you can tackle whatever life presents. Ayurvedic herbs are one of life’s little wins.
Unsure about if supplements are best for you? Visit our Ayurvedic Herbs page to find out.
