Top 10 Ayurvedic Herbs and Their Health Benefits

Table of Contents :

Ashwagandha, Fatigue, and Stress

Bitter Melon, Digestion, and Blood Sugar

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) and Inflammation

Bacopa and Cognitive Function

Cardamom and Antioxidant Properties

Gotu Kola and Brain Health

Licorice (DGL), Hormonal, and Digestive Health

Neem’s Antibacterial Properties

Triphala, Arthritis, and Diabetes

Turmeric is a Potent Antioxidant

is a traditional method of treatment that is well-liked in India and Asia. Ayurvedic medicine, which dates back more than 3,000 years, is based on a thorough understanding of the , or energy centers, in the body. True health can only be achieved when the mind, body, and spirit are in harmony, according to Ayurvedic medicine. Natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness are at the heart of Ayurvedic medicine, which emphasizes balancing diet and exercise with herbs.

The following are commonly used ayurvedic herbs.

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1. Ashwagandha, Fatigue, and Stress

Ashwagandha is a herb with adaptogenic properties that is said to help with a variety of issues, including managing chronic fatigue. Ashwagandha is a plant that is native to Asia, specifically India and parts of China. It has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Studied Benefits of Ashwagandha Include:

Anxiety and Stress: A 2014 study1 found that taking the medication reduced anxiety and stress symptoms.
Energy and Perseverance: Animal studies2 have also demonstrated that ashwagandha can enhance both endurance and energy levels. Ashwagandha could help athletes in Ayu improve their endurance and quality of life, according to a 2015 study3.
Sexual Function: A 2015 study4 found that ashwagandha could improve healthy women's sexual function, particularly their libido. Ashwagandha is recommended at a dose of 500 mg once or twice daily.

2‌‌‌‌. Bitter Melon, Digestion, and Blood Sugar

Momordica charantia is a tropical plant that can be found in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It is also known as bitter gourd, bitter melon, and Momordica charantia. Since ancient times, bitter melon has been used for its health-promoting properties.

Among the researched advantages of bitter melon are:

Digestion: Ayurvedic medicine frequently uses bitter melon to calm an upset stomach.
Blood sugar levels: A 2009 animal study demonstrated that bitter melon may reduce insulin resistance, a common condition in diabetics.
A 2015 study5 published in Nutrition Journal demonstrated the fruit's capacity to lower blood sugar levels when consumed at daily doses of 2,000 and 4,000 mg.
Cholesterol Levels: According to six studies, this fruit may assist in lowering cholesterol levels.

Bitter melon - Take as directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌3. Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) and Inflammation

is an Ayurvedic herbal supplement that has been used to treat chronic health conditions for thousands of years.

Boswellia's studied benefits include:

Inflammation : Bitter melon was used by ancient healers to treat bowel inflammation, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and joint pain caused by arthritis. It is known to reduce inflammation in the body.
Asthma: A 2015 study7 demonstrated that by reducing inflammation, Boswellia could reduce inflammation in the lungs of asthmatics. Asthma sufferers frequently encounter breathing difficulties, which may be alleviated by this.
Arthritis: Boswellia was shown in a 2019 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial8 to reduce inflammation, improve function, and alleviate joint stiffness and pain in arthritis patients. In addition, a 2018 study9 found that a synergistic effect between turmeric and boswellia made the combination even more effective at relieving arthritis pain. Boswellia:

Take the recommended dose as directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌4. Bacopa and Cognitive Function

Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), which was traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine for its memory-enhancing properties, has gained popularity outside of India over the past ten years due to studies demonstrating its effectiveness.

Bacopa monnieri's studied advantages include:

Memory and Cognition: "...Bacopa monnieri can improve attention, cognitive processing, and working memory..." was the conclusion of a 2012 study10 published in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. In addition, a meta-analysis study11 conducted in 2014 concluded that "Bacopa monnieri has the potential to improve cognition, particularly speed of attention." This study looked at multiple studies together. In a similar vein, a "statistically significant improvement was seen in the tests relating to the cognitive functions with use of Bacopa monnieri" was observed in a study conducted in 201612. Dosage recommendation:

Take Bacopa monnieri as directed on the package.

‌‌‌‌5. Cardamom and Antioxidant Properties

Cardamom, a sweet Indian spice that is frequently compared to mint, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and the culinary arts.

Ayurvedic practitioners believe that cardamom has the following health benefits:

Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Digestion aid
Anti-microbial
May help lower blood sugar
May help reduce fatty liver¹³
May help to lower cholesterol and prevent liver damage¹⁴

Cardamom - may be taken as a food spice, essential oil, or hot tea.

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6. Gotu Kola and Brain Health

, also known as Asiatic pennywort or Centella Asiatica, is a green, leafy herbal vegetable that is widely consumed in Asia. This herb, which is related to celery, parsley, and carrots, is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and B vitamins. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat wounds and aid in lactation.

Studied Benefits of Gotu Kola Include:

Brain Health: A 2014 study15 published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that gotu kola's main ingredient, caffeoylquinic acids, can help protect the brain from amyloid deposits, which are thought to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease. A 2017 study16 published in Neuroscience Letter also demonstrated that the gotu kola active ingredient enhanced brain nerve function and enhanced memory retention.

Gotu kola should be taken at the recommended dosage, as indicated on the label.

‌‌‌‌7. Licorice (DGL), Hormonal, and Digestive Health

The majority of people associate licorice with candy rather than an herb. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, on the other hand, is a herb that has been used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Licorice is known as gancao, which translates to "sweet grass" in Chinese.

The first mention of the use of licorice can be found in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica17, which was written in 2100 BC. It is frequently used to treat adrenal fatigue, which affects a lot of women. Among the licorice's active ingredients are genistein and glycyrrhizin. For decades, studies have demonstrated the benefits of DGL licorice.

The following are some potential advantages of licorice:

Digestion: A 1968 study18 demonstrated that this natural remedy can aid in the healing of intestinal and stomach ulcers. According to a 1978 study19 published in the British Medical Journal, it may also aid in the prevention of stomach ulcers. A 2012 study20 found that it can also calm stomachaches.
Menopause: A 2013 study21 demonstrated that licorice could help women with symptoms of menopausal changes balance their hormones.

Dosage suggestion: Licorice root, as indicated on the label.

‌‌‌‌8. Neem’s Antibacterial Properties

The neem tree's seeds, bark, and leaves are the source of neem. It is also known as Indian lilac and Azadirachta indica. This plant, originally from India, is also found in Persia's southern regions.

Neem is believed to have the several benefits:

Insect repellant
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory²²
Anti-bacterial
Ant-viral²³
Digestive help
Oral health improvement²⁴ when used as a mouthwash or toothpaste

Suggested dosage: Neem - As directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌9. Triphala, Arthritis, and Diabetes

Triphala is a well-known herbalist with more than 1,000 years of history. It is a favorite among ayurvedic practitioners and is a polyherbal remedy made of the following three herbs:

Amla (Emblica officinalis) – Also known as Indian gooseberry

Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

Studied Benefits of Triphala Include the following:

Arthritis: A 2017 study25 demonstrated that haritaki may be able to alleviate the symptoms of joint arthritis, a common condition that comes with age.
Diabetes: A 2014 study26 found that Triphala's amla component can lower blood sugar. Amla's active ingredient "...exerts anti-diabetic activity through the action on -cells of the pancreas that stimulates insulin secretion and decreases glucose intolerance," according to a 2017 study27.
Gouty arthritis is a common condition characterized by excruciating pain brought on by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Triphala might be able to stop this. According to a 2016 study28, both bibhitaki and haritaki have the potential to lower blood levels of uric acid. However, bibhitaki performed better.

Despite the fact that Triphala is successfully used by some to treat constipation, I was unable to locate any studies that were specifically focused on the condition. But I did find a study that said the herb had a good effect on the microbiome in the gut, which may explain why it has been used to treat this common digestive problem.

Triphala: Take as directed on the label.

1‌‌‌‌0. Turmeric is a Potent Antioxidant

, also known as Indian saffron and Curcuma longa, is a rooted ginger family plant that is frequently consumed for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive health benefits. It is thought that curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, provides many of the health benefits. Over the past 4,000 years, many people have used turmeric as a spice to add flavor to food.

However, turmeric has also been used in medicine. As an alternative treatment option for numerous common illnesses, injuries, and chronic diseases, its use is still the subject of research today.

Studied Benefits of Turmeric Include the following:

Arthritis: Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may benefit from turmeric's ability to ease pain29. Researchers have discovered that turmeric, like a number of well-known prescription medications, can reduce inflammation.
Boost of antioxidants: Turmeric, whether consumed as a spice or as a curcumin supplement, is also a potent antioxidant. According to a 2016 study published in the journal Diseases30, turmeric can assist in preventing oxidation.
Memory: A 2017 study31 published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that turmeric may also help prevent memory loss. It might be a necessary supplement for anyone who wants to improve their memory.
Asthma: A 2010 study32 found that taking turmeric along with licorice root and Boswellia serrata improved bronchial asthma management. Additionally, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research33 found that people with asthma may benefit from taking turmeric orally to improve lung function.

Other conditions that turmeric may help with, according to studies, include:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Indigestion
Gallstones³⁴
Bacterial infections
Ulcerative colitis (colon inflammation)
Helps remove toxins like mercury from the body³⁵

Suggested Dosage: Turmeric is commonly consumed by drinking it as a tea, using it as a powder to treat certain skin conditions, and swallowing it as a capsule. Turmeric and curcumin supplements are typically taken three times daily at doses of 500 mg or 500 mg.

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