Five Ayurvedic Herbs You Should Know

| Written By: Denice Zengo |

Herbal remedies have powerful healing abilities

Herbal medicine has been around for thousands of years. In fact, about 25 percent of prescribed drugs are derived from plants.

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical systems and uses herbs to balance the doshas, cleanse and detoxify the body, rejuvenate the entire system, maintain a healthy digestive tract and assist in getting a good night sleep. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, herbs come from plants which have an intrinsic intelligence and life-force energy. They are harmonious to your body, mind and spirit – remember we have all evolved together in an intricate and sophisticated system of balance.

Triphala

Most commonly, Triphala is considered a gentle laxative and is one of the best herbs for supporting overall digestive health. Unlike over the counter laxatives, Triphala does not work as an irritant but rather as a “corrective” bowel tonic. In Ayurveda, Triphala is a Rasayana (an herb that has rejuvenating properties).

Triphala is made from a combination of 3 herbs; Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. Together these 3 herbs are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to prevent disease and treat a variety of symptoms, including constipation and inflammation.

Triphala contains Vitamin C, Flavanoids, Polyphenols, Tannins and Saponins as well as a number of Antioxidants. It is considered Tri-Doshic, which means it has a beneficial effect on all three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Take your Triphala before you go to bed at night or during the day if you are feeling gassy and bloated.

Like most herbs, Triphala is available in powdered form, caplets, capsules and tinctures. I prefer the capsules as they seem to digest better than the caplets. It has a strong bitter and astringent taste but you can still make a tea from the powder by mixing a 1/2 teaspoon in a cup of hot water, stir, cool down and drink.

If you opt for caplets or capsules, start with (2) 500 milligram tablets at night. If you prefer to take Triphala liquid extract, you would add about 1 dropper full to 2 ounces of water or juice. You can take 1-3 times a day. Experiment and see what works best for you. Always being mindful and lowering the dosage if any stomach upset occurs.

Ashwaghanda

Ashwaghanda is often referred to as “Indian Ginseng” as it is known to increase stamina and strengthen the immune system. Ashwaghanda is a good herb to take while recovering from an illness as it helps the body maintain homeostasis in times of emotional and physical stress. Just like Triphala, it is also considered a Rasayana so it’s a good herb to take to promote overall physical and mental health, as well as increasing stamina.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwaghanda is used to prevent anxiety and stress-induced depression. Research indicates that Ashwaghanda helps to lower cortisol levels, balance thyroid hormones and relieve adrenal fatigue. And let’s not forget that Ashwaghanda is said to enhance sexual potency for both men and women!

Not a good herb to take when pregnant or breast feeding – check with your Doctor if you are on any prescribed medications. Even though herbs are natural, they are still very powerful and may be contraindicated in a variety of situations.

For me, capsules are the easiest way to go but you can make a tea with 1/2 teaspoon of Ashwaghanda powder and add a little honey to sweeten.

Shatavari

Shatavari is said to be the most important herb for women. Sometimes you will see the word translated as “A woman with one thousand husbands” – I’m not sure if this would be considered a blessing or a curse… What do you think?

Well… Whether you have 1 or 5 husbands, Shatavari is an herb that supports and tonifies the female reproductive and hormonal system. It is beneficial through all stages of a woman’s life – from the start of menses and through the transition to menopause. There are claims to research indicating that Shatavari increases breast milk production, helps relieve urinary stones and relieves menopausal symptoms. I would always check with your Doctor before taking any herbs while pregnant or nursing.

Shatavari is considered one of the Ojas building herbs. Ojas gives us our vigor and vitality. It is instrumental for a strong immune system, mental clarity and overall health.

You have the same options of how to take Shatavari as with the above mentioned herbs. Recommended dosage is 500 – 1000 mg per day.

Brahmi / Gotu-Kola

When an herb is named after the supreme being, Brahman… Then you know it must have tremendous value.

Brahmi is another common Rasayana herb in Ayurvedic medicine and is considered to be one of the most effective brain tonics. It can help increase your memory and makes your mind clear and sharp. When your mind is clear and sharp your ability to focus and concentrate is enhanced. Brahmi brings the clarity that is so crucial when we need to make important changes and decisions in our lives. This herb also relaxes the central nervous system and supports the body’s natural healing process.

Caplets, capsules, powder and tea are all optional way to ingest Brahmi.

Turmeric

Now here’s an herb almost everyone has heard of… And it’s probably in your spice rack somewhere. Its benefits have become quite popular of late in our western world… But don’t just use ordinary Turmeric in a prepackaged spice jar. Always make sure you are using high quality herbs for your remedies.

Just like all other Ayurvedic herbs, Turmeric has been used for its medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Recently there has been a fair amount of scientific research done on the efficacy of a chemical compound called Curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in Turmeric with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Studies indicate that Curcumin may regulate blood sugar, boost brain function and relieve joint pain.

“Turmeric, a spice that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, has received interest from both the medical scientific world and from culinary enthusiasts, as it is the major source of the polyphenol curcumin. It aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety and hyperlipidemia. It may also help in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery and performance in active people.” – Susan Hewlings / Douglas Kalman NCBI 2017

The importance of organically sourced herbs

As more and more of us are interested in herbal remedies we need to be conscious of where they are coming from. Not just for our own sake, but also for sustainability.

As we move towards a state of increased awareness we need to ensure that we are buying herbs that are not over harvested through cultivation in natural settings. We must assume responsibility for our long-term effects on the plants and the environment. We need to ask ourselves if there is a fair exchange between the companies we are buying from and the livelihoods of those involved in the farming and harvesting process.

Disclaimer: It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.