What kind of herbs are used in Ayurvedic medicine?

                    

 A key component of Ayurveda is the herbal system used in this particular mode of the medicinal system.  As we have discussed earlier, Ayurveda is the oldest system of medicine practiced in India. The practitioners of this system generally use Ayurvedic herbs to cleanse the body, boost defense against disease and keep the mind, body, and spirit in a perfect balance.

In the pharmacy of Ayurveda, there are 600 herbal formulas and 250 single remedies are included. These remedies are typically grouped into categories according to their health effects, such as pain relief or increased vitality.  We shall discuss here the most commonly herbs used in Ayurveda:

1.      Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): The name Ashwagandha is derived from two words ashwa (means horse) and gandha (means smell). The root of this herb smells like a horse and it is said to confer strength and virility of a horse. Almost all the parts of this plant are used for various medicines but the most common part is the supplements from its roots. For hundreds of years, the roots and orange-red fruit of Ashwagandha have been used for medicinal reasons. It is also known as winter cherry and Indian ginseng. It grows in India, the Middle East, and some areas of Africa. Though it is a traditional medicine of Ayurveda, yet its popularity has recently seen a great surge. In Ayurveda it is considered a Rasayana which is a therapeutic measure to promote longevity, it prevents aging. Rasayana is a branch of Ayurveda that improves the fundamental tissues like Dhatu, Agni, Srotas, etc. It helps in preventing aging. It improves bodily strength. It provides us with strength against diseases. Ashwagandha has a most prominent place in the Rasayana herbs. It is very suitable for people of all ages irrespective of gender.

2.      Triphala: Triphala as the name suggests is composed of three different fruits. It is the most widely used medicine in Ayurveda. It is a combination of three different plants that are native to India. These plants are Amalaki or the Indian Gooseberry, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. Due to these three fruits, Triphala is tridoshik, which means this medicine helps balance all three doshas. Charak --- the father of Ayurveda --- has written in Charak Sahmita, that taking the Triphala Rasayana (Triphala with honey and /ghee) every day can make a person live for hundred years and that too free from all diseases. 

 

Three Fruits of Triphala with their Benefits 

 

As mentioned earlier Triphala is a mixture of three dried fruits. We shall discuss the benefits of these fruits one by one:

 

Amalaki or Amla

It is one of the oldest edible fruits known to India. Amala is very nutritious. It has a high content of Vitamin C, amino acids, and minerals. It has much more Vitamin C than the orange. This fruit has many effective and anti-cancer properties. Its use inhibits the growth of cervical and ovarian cells. 

Bibhitaki 

It is grown on a large tree that is commonly grown in Southeast Asia. It is commonly used for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections. It has in it tannins, ellagic acid, gallic acid, lignanas and flavones. Not only this it has many other powerful plant compounds that have medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It is very effective against diabetes. 

Haritaki 

It grows throughout the Middle East, India, China, and Thailand. It is a small green fruit. It has been used since ancient times as a remedy for many conditions. These conditions include heart diseases, asthma, ulcers, and ailments of the stomach. 

 

3.      Wheatgrass: The name of the young grass of the wheat plant is wheatgrass. It is dry grass that looks like hay or straw but is bright green. Not does it play a role in natural and holistic medicine, but it has many health benefits also. 

It is mainly grown for animals to eat, but now it has become a popular supplement and superfood also. It mainly comes from the family Triticum aestivum. It is harvested early in its development before it reaches its full size. 

It has a high content of chlorophyll; this chlorophyll gives it a bright green hue. It is therefore called green blood also. 

It is low in calorie content but rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and enzymes. 

4.      Brahmi: It is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that has been used to treat neurological disorders. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is a good brain tonic and it helps enhance memory. It acts as a natural blood purifier and gives healthy skin and hair.

5.      Shatavari: Also called ‘queen of herbs’, it is a medicinal herb with excellent health benefits. It is very beneficial to boost immunity and also for the reproductive system of females.

6.      Licorice (mulethi): Since the old days it is used in Indian, Greek, and Egyptian medicine preparations. It provides relief from acidity, ulcers, and food poisoning. It is excellent for hair fall and prevents dandruff.

7.      Neem:  It is a known for its bitter taste but its uses are quite sweet. It has miraculous healing powers to treat various disorders. It has antiseptic, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal properties. It is helpful in treating many skin diseases.

8.      Manjishtha: It is good blood and lymph purifier. It helps regulate the immune system and is effective to clean the liver, kidneys, and skin. It helps boost immunity, improves complexion, and clears acne.

 

These are only a few of the Ayurvedic herbs described. These herbs are an integral part of the Ayurvedic medicine system. We all know that the entire system of Ayurveda is based on three doshas, and any sort of imbalance leads to some of the other types of disease.  The herbs used in this system of medicine treat as a whole -individual that is to say unlike the modern system of medicine, in Ayurveda every person is treated according to his/her prominent dosha.