Ayurvedic products have taken the world by a storm in the recent years. We have ayurvedic remedies for almost everything from cold & cough to cancer, hair fall to weight loss. I think the best thing about ayurvedic treatment is that you can undergo it either as an entirely alternative treatment method or simultaneously along with allopathic treatment. Ayurvedic medications barely have any side effects, in fact, each medicine or herb is packed with abundant benefits. The ideal place to find the chief ayurvedic herbs and spices is your own kitchen!
Turmeric is commonly used in Indian dishes as a flavoring agent and it's most common benefit that everyone knows is its ability to heal. It is used as both, spice and herb. Each one of us has had haldi milk at least once on our lives. It assists in alleviating pain and healing internal injuries. It can also be applied topically (on the skin) to heal cuts and bruises.
Have you ever wondered why do we have an entire ceremony dedicated to the application of turmeric on the bride/groom in Indian tradition? It is because turmeric has a tremendous quality to make your skin glow. You must have also used a pinch of turmeric in making face masks or face packs at home.
Other vital health benefits of turmeric include its ability to protect your digestive tract, reduce inflammation, protect cognitive abilities, eliminate depression & reduce stress, provide relief from fatigue and nausea, ease menstrual difficulties, slow premature signs of aging, improve your liver function (good for detoxification) and reduce the risk of cancer.
This herb is known for its three major 'anti' properties, namely, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Besides that it is widely used in home remedies for influenza, cold & cough. Have you ever felt the excruciating pain in your ear that almost paralyzes a part of your face? Garlic can help you reduce that terrible pain.
Garlic contains essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, and iron. Traces of other minerals such as iodine, sulfur, and chlorine is also found in garlic.
Did you know that during world war one medical personnel used garlic juice for its antiseptic health benefits for treating war wounds in soldiers? Other health benefits of garlic are innumerable. Apart from being beneficial for cold and cough it helps you to fight heart ailments, diabetes, acne, intestinal troubles, asthma and lowers blood pressure.
Garlic is highly effective when eaten raw (either crushed or chopped). Just one clove in a day can bring great transformation in your overall health.
The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear about ginger is the blissful feeling that comes when I sip ginger tea in winters, especially when I have a sore throat. Ginger possesses a natural anti-inflammatory property known as 'gingerol' which is helpful in reducing muscle soreness which is common after exercise and sports.
In Ayurveda, this herb is used for its various advantages. It is used to treat digestive problems and morning sickness. Ginger tea is a good source of essential minerals and vitamins such as calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins B6, C, and D. It also carries antiparasitic, antibacterial and antiviral benefits.
It is well known for its numerous health benefits, such as its ability to increase your appetite, boost bone health, prevent various types of cancer, strengthen your immune system, improve respiratory conditions, and aid in proper digestion. It is also beneficial for eliminating the symptoms of arthritis, reducing excess gas, enhance sexual activity, and relieve pains related to menstrual disorders, flu, and nausea.
The basil plant is an essential part of the Indian household. It is worshiped and used in many religious ceremonies. Holy basil has acclaimed the title of the 'queen of herbs' and rightly so because its benefits are innumerable! Its health benefits include relief from respiratory disorders, as well as treatment of fever, lung disorders, asthma, heart diseases, oral or dental care, and relieves stress.
By simply standing close to a Tulsi plant alone can defend you from various infections. Drop a few leaves of tulsi in your food and drinking water, it will purify them and will kill germs as well. Just by inhaling the fragrance of basil or keeping it planted in a pot indoors will protect your entire family from bacterial infections, cough & colds, and other viral infections.
Aloe Vera consists of 18 amino acids which work together with other compounds of your body to deliver diverse benefits for your health. The health benefits of Aloe Vera include from improving the digestive system,strengthening your immune system, delaying the process of aging (or delaying premature signs of aging), reducing the pain caused by arthritis, healing wounds, curing nausea, eliminating ulcers, lowering your blood sugar levels, preventing deadly diseases such as diabetes and the growth of cancer, reduces oxidative stress, heals the side effects of radiotherapy treatments.
It also promotes hair growth, soothes acid reflux symptoms, cures dermatitis, improves your heart's functions, alleviates menstrual problems, and cures diseases related to gums.
You can avail its benefits by applying its gel on your skin (to treat acne, rashes, sunburns and other kinds of skin related problems) as well as by drinking its juice.
The amazing health benefits of Amla can be attributed to its rich vitamin C content. Amla enhances food absorption, balances the acids present in your, builds up the liver resistance, nourishes your brain & mental functions, strengthens the heart muscles (reduces the chances of heart attacks and strokes), strengthens your lungs, regulates elimination of free radicals (detoxification), enhances fertility, and helps the urinary system.
It is also great for your skin and hair. It enhances you skin's health and delays the signs of aging such as wrinkles and age spots. Amla promotes healthier hair that is why it is used in many hair tonics and herbal shampoos.
It acts as a body coolant, assists in detoxification by flushing out toxins, strengthens your eyes, and improves muscle tone.
Neem leaves are widely sought after their valuable health benefits and are used majorly by skin and hair industres in the Indian subcontinent. The oil extracted from neem leaves can be used in a wide variety of medicinal remedies. Dried neem leaves can also be used as a pest repellent.
Why is neem so widely used in ayurvedic products? It is because Neem contains a unique composition of beneficial components and organic compounds, making products containing neem or neem extract very well received in alternative and herbal remedies.
From being used as garnishes to skin ointments and herbal supplements, neem is considered as one of the most important and versatile plants in the Indian household.
Some of the vital health benefits of neem include its ability to protect your skin, treat dandruff, boost your immune system, soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, speed the wound healing process, treat gastric conditions, and slow the process of aging. Apart from that, it helps in increasing the health of your scalp and hair, treat various forms of cancer, and manage as well as treat diabetes.
Cinnamon holds a special place in traditional Indian medicine system (Ayurveda). It has been in use in many traditional cultures for treating a plethora of health disorders such as diarrhea, menstrual cramps & heavy menstruation, arthritis, yeast infections, colds & flu, and digestive problems.
The most important part of cinnamon is its bark, which is used in a variety of ways. The credit for its amazing health benefits goes to its antimicrobial, antifungal, astringent antibacterial, and anti- clotting properties. This spice is packed with essential minerals such as iron, manganese, and calcium, it also has a high content of fiber.
Cinnamon improves brain function, purifies blood and aids in better blood circulation. It also aids in pain relief, digestion, and helps relieve symptoms of influenza, cold, sore throat and other respiratory problems. It is also highly beneficial for people who have type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon oil is extracted from the leaves and barks of the cinnamon trees and is used widely in aroma therapy. Cinnamon and honey make a heavenly combination.
Like basil is called the 'queen of herbs', Cardamom has acclaimed the title of being called the 'queen of spices'.
The health benefits of cardamom include cholesterol control, gastrointestinal protection, resilience against heart diseases, and the improvement of blood circulation in your body. It comes in handy for curing dental problems and urinary tract infections (UTI) such as nephritis, cystitis, and gonorrhea.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, 100 grams of cardamom contains energy (300 kcal), protein (11 g), carbohydrates (68 g), dietary fiber (28 g), and literally zero cholesterol (0mg).
Cardamom is packed with various vitamins and micronutrients. These include thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin A & C, sodium, calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, and zinc.
In ancient Chinese and Indian medicine treatment cardamom was believed to be a remedy for teeth and gum infections, congestion in the lungs, throat problems, pulmonary tuberculosis, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation of the eyelids, disintegrating gall bladder and kidney stones, and was also used as an antidote for poisonous substances.
Extensively used for the purpose of garnishing in the Indian household, Coriander is also known as cilantro (in some parts of Europe and Americas). It is useful in the treatment of high cholesterol levels, skin inflammation, diarrhea, anemia, mouth ulcers, indigestion, smallpox, conjunctivitis, menstrual disorders, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, and is good for your eyes.
It has eleven components of essential oils, a number of minerals & vitamins, six types of acids (including ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C).
Coriander is also quite popular as a means of preventing vomiting, nausea, and other stomach disorders.
Its richness in bioactive compounds makes it possible to discover new health benefits of this super awesome plant.
Black pepper comes from the fruit of the black pepper plant and is used as a spice as well as an ayurvedic medicine. It has been one of the most widely traded spices in the world since the ancient times.
It is a rich source of dietary fiber, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamin C & K. Black pepper is also an excellent anti-inflammatory agent.
The health benefits of black pepper consist of relief from respiratory disorders, constipation, indigestion, impotency, dental diseases, coughs, the common cold, anemia, muscular strains, pyorrhea, diarrhea, and heart problems.
It is good for your skin, has antioxidant properties and also helps in weight loss.
Cumin may be beneficial for some of the most dangerous diseases that we know of and is generally considered to provide a boost for your overall health.
The health benefits of cumin consist of its ability to improve immunity, aid in digestion, and treat piles, insomnia, respiratory disorders (such as asthma and bronchitis), common cold, skin problems, lactation, anemia, boils and cancer.
It consists of nutrients such as dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamins such as thiamin, vitamin B6, Vitamin A and E and niacin, and essential minerals like calcium, iron, copper, manganese and magnesium.
Fennel is also known as anise seeds and is widely used all around the world as a component in mouth fresheners & toothpaste, desserts, antacids and in various other culinary applications.
The health benefits of fennel include relief from anemia, indigestion, flatulence, colic, diarrhea, constipation, respiratory disorders, menstrual disorders, and protects your eyes from macular degeneration.
It consists of nutrients such as dietary fiber, carbohydrates, proteins and calories and vitamins such as folate, niacin, vitamin A & C.
Sesame seeds are extremely beneficial for your health. They possess the ability to prevent diseases such as diabetes, improve digestion, prevent a wide variety of cancers, build strong bones, lower blood pressure, protection against radiation, enhance your heart's health, help cure sleep disorders, boost respiratory health, strengthen your oral health, detoxify your body, reduce inflammation, aid in healthy growth, improve circulation, and eliminate depression and chronic stress.
It has important vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate and minerals such as copper, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. Sesame seeds are also rich in vital nutrients like dietary fiber, protein, and calories.
Hi! I’m Gunjan, a self-proclaimed tea fanatic and intrigued with alternative ways to lead a healthy life. I firmly believe that we should take care of our bodies because it’s the only place we live in.
