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A Comprehensive Guide for Everyday Use
Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, involves a deep, yet responsible understanding of different resources provided by nature. It employs herbs, minerals, and animal products in their raw, semi-processed, and processed forms, for health and well-being. The aim is to harness the healing potential of natural elements to address various health conditions and well-being with the intention to restore balance and harmony within the body. However, there exists a widespread misconception that these herbal remedies are entirely harmless. This belief can, and has, led to significant misadventures with respect to health. It is essential to understand that Ayurveda emphasizes on the importance of using these substances judiciously. The delicate balance of nature's offerings require careful consideration of dosage; too much or too little can hinder the desired effect. Each herb possesses the potential to heal, but they also carry the capacity to disrupt the body's equilibrium if misused. With this in mind, we will explore some of the most used—and, at times, misused—Ayurvedic herbs, while considering their advantages, disadvantages, risks and benefits, research findings, and practical tips to integrate them thoughtfully into daily life.
1. Turmeric - Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is easily one of the most well-known Ayurvedic herb making it internationally popular as the Indian golden spice. It is celebrated for the vibrant yellow energy and potent medicinal properties. It is also called as kanchani (golden), yoshitpriya (liked by women), soubhagya (auspicious) based on its qualities and benefits. Haridra has a bitter-pungent taste, dry and light in nature with hot potency. These characteristics make turmeric - tridoshahara (balancing three doshas). Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antimutagenic effects.
Benefits:
Turmeric is very useful in the management of prameha (diabetes). It regulates metabolism thus preventing obesity and atherosclerosis, aids in digestive health – alleviating indigestion, intestinal worms, improving absorption and also regulating irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), corrects anaemia. The use of haridra as a potent immunomodulator has been applied extensively in traditional health care. It’s use in upper respiratory tract infections is common knowledge. Turmeric also has proven impact on relieving menstrual cramps. When used in a certain dosage, it can improve mood, memory, and concentration. Research suggests that turmeric can support joint health, improve skin conditions, and enhance cognitive function. It is also being studied for its potential role in cancer prevention.
Risks :
- Dried turmeric is rich in phytonutrients and has its molecules closely bound. This can make
it difficult to digest, acting as a stomach irritant when used in large quantities. Pitta
dominant people are advised to have it with milk to reduce gastric symptoms.
- The intense heat of haridra might impact reproductive functions and must be used with
caution by those who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
- It is a commonly adulterated spice, so must be purchased from trusted sources.
How to Use :
2. Indian ginseng - Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is rightly known as the "king of herbs," as it helps the body manage stress and promotes overall vitality. Also known as Vajigandha (smells likes horse/ gives vitality like a horse) or Putrada (increases chance of progeny), the name suggests its role in strengthening the body right up to the seventh dhatu (tissue) which is shukra (reproductive element). It has a pungent- bitter- astringent taste with hot potency. Owing to its unctuous and light characteristics, it has a balancing effect on tridoshas, especially kapha and vata. It's extracts and phytochemicals have proven antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anti-Alzheimer’s, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects.
Benefits:
Ashwagandha is a drug that revives and rejuvenates. The roots are primarily used, with a well-known effect on reducing cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and effectively alleviating stress. It enhances stamina, making it an excellent energy booster, enhancing sexual performance as well as libido. It improves cognitive function and is recognized for its balya (strengthening and nourishing) properties. It is also included as an ingredient in traditional formulations like Chyavanprash. Ashwagandha supports cardiac health, relieves symptoms of stress and depression, and improves sleep quality. It also possesses rasayana (rejuvenating) and vajikarana (aphrodisiac) qualities. Furthermore, it boosts immunity, and works wonders in managing vata disorders like Parkinson’s, alleviates dysmenorrhea, and acts as an effective anti-ageing resource.
Risks:
- Its sedative effect may cause drowsiness, when taken in large doses at wrong times.
- The Ushna (hot) potency can cause gastric irritation especially in pitta dominant
individuals. Processing and right usage can help.
- The drug has hormonal effects and must not be overused or used casually.
How to use:
- Ashwagandha powder (½ teaspoon*) can be mixed with warm milk before bedtime for
better sleep and improved strength
- Ashwagandha based oil preparations can be used for strength and improved muscle
function
3. Holy Basil - Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is revered in Ayurveda for its sacredness and health benefits, with its glory mentioned in vedas and puranas. It is used as a natural remedy for various ailments in Indian households. The name Tul-asi itself means that it is incomparable. It is called bhutagni (destroying evil) and surasa (one with juice extracts) indicating the importance of its components as well as extent of its utility. It has pungent-bitter taste with teekshna (piercing), ushna (hot) properties that balances kapha and vata, but having an aggravating impact on pitta dosha. There are 3 varieties, shweta tulasi, krishna tulsi and vana tulsi. Though they have some differences in composition, traditionally they are used in similar ways. Numerous studies have proven its effects as anti- inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, metabolic, antimicrobial and antidiabetic.
Benefits:
Tulsi possesses krimihara properties, making it useful in combating parasitic infections, while improving appetite and digestion. It also provides relief from itching and pain, commonly used to address eye infections and skin infections. As an immunity booster, Tulsi enhances the body’s immune response, helping to ward off illnesses. Its kaphahara properties offers respiratory support, alleviating conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and headaches. Research indicates that it positively impacts memory and cognitive functions, demonstrating a considerable effect in reducing anxiety and improving adaptability and attention in individuals.Risks:
Risks:
- May impact blood sugar levels, diabetic patients should monitor levels carefully
- Can cause irritation in pitta dominant individuals
- An animal study on hormonal impact of oral Tulsi leaves administration has shown
decrease in sperm count, LH, FSH hormones, indicating a strong contraceptive
possibility. Must be used with consideration in those desiring a child.
How to Use:
- Tulsi juice can be used for stomach aches. It is best effective when extracted from fresh
Tulsi leaves ( 8-10 leaves can be used).
- External application of tulsi paste for urticaria and fungal infections.
- Brewing tulsi tea as a soothing beverage that boosts immunity.
- Chewing on tulsi leaves helps in removing bad breath, improving appetite and useful in
hoarseness of voice; even in fevers.
4. Ginger – Ardraka/ Shunti (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is a popular kitchen spice and medicinal herb known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known as vishwabheshaja or mahaushadha indicating its superiority over any other drug in the world. It is also called “ushna” owing to its innate spicy nature. This obvious hot potency drug is pungent in taste, has dry, heavy, and piercing characteristics which makes it best for kapha disorders. The active components of ginger have significant effects as anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-nausea, cardioprotective and radioprotective agents.
Benefits:
Ginger is a versatile herb celebrated particularly as a digestive and carminative aid. It effectively alleviates nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, making it a go-to remedy for issues like tastelessness, abdominal pain, and constipation. Beyond its digestive properties, ginger is good for chronic cough and known to improve voice quality. It can enhance the overall taste of dishes, providing a nourishing boost to meals. It helps reduce inflammation and pain in conditions such as arthritis and dysmenorrhea. Additionally, ginger supports the immune system with its antibacterial properties, helping in fevers and other infectious conditions. It is proven to be beneficial to alleviate nausea during pregnancy and chemotherapy. It is also used to improve health during post-partum.
Risks:
- Dry and wet ginger have slightly different properties and must be used accordingly.
Wet ginger- ardraka is drier and more intense compared to its dry version – shunti.
This makes ardraka a quick acting but potentially irritant variety that cannot be
used for prolonged duration.
- Ardraka should not be used in summer and autumn, in conditions associated with
burning sensation or any bleeding disorders.
- In high doses, ginger can cause heartburn or diarrhoea.
How to use:
5. Triphala
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation made from three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It is known for its detoxifying and rejuvenating properties, popular as tridoshahara rasayana or Vara (rejuvenator that pacifies three doshas). It has equal quantity of three fruits in powder form and maybe use in combination with ghee, honey or in tablet or capsule form. This combination maybe varied in proportion or added with yashtimadhu (liquorice) to suit different health conditions. The 1:1:1 version is slightly hot in potency and dry in nature. It is proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, wound healing, hypoglycaemic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, chemoprotective and radioprotective effects.
Benefits:
Triphala promotes regular bowel movements and supports overall digestive function, making it effective for managing constipation. It plays a significant role in detoxification, while also providing powerful antioxidant properties that combat oxidative stress. It has antiaging effects, enhances appetite, and improves taste perception. Triphala can be beneficial in addressing skin diseases, diabetes, urinary issues, and even chronic and recurrent fevers. Its use in eye care, both as a wash and in collyrium form, is noteworthy. Research indicates that Triphala is particularly effective for weight management and metabolic health, with studies highlighting its potential in promoting gastrointestinal health. It can also be used for wash in wound healing and infections of perineal area.
Risk:
- Its dry nature can cause dryness/dehydration when used over long
time.
- It is also hot in potency and must be used with care.
- Over usage can also cause sleeplessness.
- When taken with milk, it may cause bloating and gastric irritation.
- Excessive consumption may lead to a laxative effect, and it may not
be suitable for everyone, particularly pregnant women.
How to use:
- Triphala powder mixed with warm water before bedtime for
digestive benefits.
- Triphala mixed with honey, ghee and / or other herbs for
rasayana (rejuvenate) benefits.
- Mix with water or milk and use as a face mask for natural skin
rejuvenation.
- Mix with hair wash powder for relieve from dandruff.
- Kashaya can be used for washing chronic wounds and for
vaginal care.
Apart from these there are other drugs like Indian Gooseberry - Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Neem - Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Shigru- Moringa (Moringa oleifera) which are used as supplements or medicines. While these herbs possess numerous benefits, it is essential to consider their potential risks and consult an Ayurveda physician for long term use or when there are other associated health concerns. Incorporating herbs into daily routine can enhance overall health and provide instant effective remedies for various ailments. Always remember to start with small doses and observe how the body reacts to each herb, gradually incorporating them into your lifestyle or medicine cabinet for optimal benefits.
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