Ayurveda Herbs

Ayurveda herbs from India

In India, plant knowledge was systematically recorded in Ayurveda and used in the health care system. Over 2000 medicines are contained in the Indian Materia Medica, most of them are from plants, there are some 20,000 medicinal plants and herbs found in India. Whole plants are used in Ayurveda and not just the active ingredient. Ayurveda herbs include:

1) Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) - a very popular Ayurvedic herb, another name for it is Indian ginseng.

2) Curcumin (Curcuma Longa) - is found in turmeric. It may possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

3) Guggul (Commiphora Mukul) - is one of the oldest and most famous herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It is traditionally used as a laxative and may possess antiseptic properties. Also traditionally used in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and used to lower cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides and may also burn fat. It is available in Guggulipid form.

4) Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata) - may improve blood supply to the joints. Widely used traditionally in arthritis and to lower cholesterol.

5) Gurmar (Gymnema Sylvestre) - in Hindi, Gurmar means "sugar destroyer", it is an ancient remedy used in diabetes.

6) Neem (Azadirachta Indica) - neem in Sanskrit is called "Arishla" which means "sickness reliever". The whole plant is traditionally used for various healing purposes. In India, it has been used in toothpaste, it may strengthen the gums and firm the roots of teeth, it is the only plant used in different forms as paste, ointment, powder, shampoo, soap, capsules and gel.

7) Triphala - tri stands for three and phala stands for fruits. It is a combination of three important fruits: amla, bibitaki and haritaki. Haritaki is known as "king of medicines" in Tibet. 

More specialty topics   Health topics

Previous page

Top 

Disclaimer