"Ayurvedic Remedies: How They Can Improve Your Health and Well-Being"
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most powerful Ayurvedic herbs and spices and how they can improve your health and well-being.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small woody
plant native to India and North Africa. Its root and berries are used to
produce a very popular Ayurvedic remedy. It’s considered an adaptogen, which
means that it’s believed to help your body manage stress more effectively. Research
has shown that it reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone that your adrenal
glands produce in response to stress. There’s also evidence linking ashwagandha
to lower levels of anxiety and improved sleep in people with stress and anxiety
disorders.
Moreover, research shows that
ashwagandha may enhance muscle growth, memory, and male fertility, as well as
lower blood sugar levels. Finally, there’s evidence that it may help
reduce inflammation and boost your immune system1.
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense or
olibanum, is made from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. It’s known for
its easily recognizable spicy, woody aroma. Research suggests that it may be
particularly effective at reducing inflammation by preventing the release of
inflammation-causing compounds known as leukotrienes.
In test-tube and animal studies,
boswellia appears to be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), yet with fewer side effects. Human studies link boswellia
to reduced pain, improved mobility, and a greater range of movement in people
with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis2.
Triphala
Triphala is an Ayurvedic remedy consisting of the
following three small medicinal fruits:
- Amla
(Emblica officinalis, or Indian gooseberry)
- Bibhitaki
(Terminalia bellirica)
- Haritaki
(Terminalia chebula)
Test tube studies have suggested that triphala may
have antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are nutrients that naturally occur in
some foods. They detoxify harmful chemicals in the body called free radicals,
which can cause long-term harm to cells. As such, triphala could theoretically
prevent or delay aging-related diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Proponents also claim that
triphala could support the health of people with obesity, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A 2012 Iranian study of 62
adults with obesity reported that a 12-week course of triphala was able to
decrease body weight, body fat, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and “bad”
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol3.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a bright yellow spice
that’s widely used in Indian cuisine. It’s also one of the most researched
Ayurvedic herbs for its health benefits. The main active ingredient in turmeric
is curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Numerous studies have shown that
curcumin can help prevent or treat various chronic conditions, such as
arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, cancer, and
cardiovascular disease4. Curcumin may also improve wound healing,
skin health, liver function, and immune system4.
However, curcumin has low bioavailability, which
means that it’s poorly absorbed and utilized by the body. Therefore, it’s often
combined with other substances that enhance its absorption, such as black
pepper or fat.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that is frequently added to
baked goods. It is a fantastic option for people with type 2 diabetes because
it has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar
levels. Additionally, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and may also
help lower cholesterol levels.5
Ginger
Ginger is a root that is widely used in Asian
cuisine. It has anti-inflammatory qualities and can help with digestive
problems, nausea, and other discomforts. Additionally, ginger has been shown to
lessen soreness and pain in the muscles after exercise.5
Garlic is a bulb that is a common ingredient in
international cuisines. It may help lower blood pressure and lower the risk of
heart disease because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A
good source of manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C are all found in garlic.5
Cumin
Cumin is a spice that is frequently used in Middle
Eastern and Mexican cooking. It has been demonstrated to enhance digestion and
may aid in lowering the risk of specific cancers. In addition, cumin is a good
source of iron, a mineral necessary for the creation of red blood cells.5
How Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices Can Improve Your Digestion
One of the main benefits of Ayurvedic herbs and
spices is that they can improve your digestion and prevent or treat various
digestive disorders. According to Ayurveda, digestion is the key to health and
wellness, as it determines how well your body assimilates nutrients and
eliminates toxins. Poor digestion can lead to a variety of problems, such as
bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, acidity, and irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS).
Ayurveda recommends using different herbs and
spices according to your dominant dosha or energy type: Vata (air), Pitta
(fire), or Kapha (water and earth). Each dosha has its own characteristics and
needs when it comes to digestion. For example, Vata types tend to have dry,
cold, and irregular digestion, and may benefit from warming, moistening, and
stimulating herbs and spices like ginger, cardamom, fennel, and cinnamon. Pitta
types tend to have hot, sharp, and intense digestion, and may benefit from
cooling, soothing, and calming herbs and spices like mint, coriander, cumin,
and fennel. Kapha types tend to have slow, heavy, and sluggish digestion, and
may benefit from lightening, drying, and energizing herbs and spices like
turmeric, black pepper, mustard seeds, and cloves.6
Some of the common Ayurvedic herbs and spices that
can improve your digestion are:
- Fennel seeds: They help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and prevent bloating and gas.7 They also have a sweet taste that can balance the acidity in the stomach.
- Coriander seeds: They help stimulate the
secretion of digestive enzymes and bile that aid in the breakdown of fats and
proteins.6 They also have a cooling effect that can reduce
inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.
- Cumin seeds: They help enhance digestion and
absorption of nutrients by stimulating the production of saliva and gastric
juices.6 They also have antibacterial properties that can prevent
infections and parasites in the gut.
- Ginger: It helps with digestive problems, nausea,
and other discomforts by reducing inflammation, increasing blood circulation,
and relaxing the muscles in the stomach.8 It also has a warming
effect that can balance the coldness of Vata dosha.
- Turmeric: It helps prevent or treat various
chronic conditions by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.9
It also has a bitter taste that can stimulate the liver function and
detoxification process.
Conclusion
Ayurveda is a
system of medicine that uses natural herbs and spices to heal and prevent
diseases. It believes that health depends on the harmony of the mind, body, and
spirit, and the balance of the three doshas or energies: Vata (air), Pitta
(fire), and Kapha (water and earth). By following Ayurvedic principles and
using Ayurvedic remedies, you can enhance your well-being and vitality in a
holistic way.
Source:
(1)
12 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices with Health Benefits.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ayurvedic-herbs.
(2)
Ayurvedic Herbs: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/popular-ayurvedic-herbs-88822.
(3)
A Complete List of Ayurvedic Treatments, Benefits and How they Work.
https://www.keralaayurveda.biz/blog/guide-to-ayurvedic-treatments.
(4)
Ayurvedic Home Remedies & Herbal Treatment | Dabur. https://www.dabur.com/ayurveda/ayurvedic-home-remedies.
(5) 12 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices with Health Benefits. https://healthybazar.com/lifestyle-tips/12-powerful-ayurvedic-herbs-and-spices-with-health-benefits.
(6) Jiva Aam Pachak Churna - Pure Herbs Used,
Ayurvedic Formulation - Amazon.
https://www.amazon.in/Jiva-Aam-Pachak-Churna-Formulation/dp/B0BJTVGYY1.
(7) Say Goodbye To Bloating: 5 Everyday Herbs And
Spices That May Help.
https://food.ndtv.com/health/say-goodbye-to-bloating-5-everyday-herbs-and-spices-that-may-help-3998544.
(8) 12 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices with
Health Benefits.
https://healthybazar.com/lifestyle-tips/12-powerful-ayurvedic-herbs-and-spices-with-health-benefits.
(9) Care Herbal Tea Range - Amazon. https://www.amazon.in/Ashwagandha-Metabolism-Immunity-Ayurvedic-Cinnamon/dp/B08355NWRG.
Dr. Mayank Chandrakar is a writer also. My first book "Ayurveda Self Healing: How to Achieve Health and Happiness" is available on Kobo and Instamojo. You can buy and read.
For Kobo-
https://www.kobo.com/search?query=Ayurveda+Self+Healing
The second Book "Think Positive Live Positive: How Optimism and Gratitude can change your life" is available on Kobo and Instamojo.
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