Top 7 Best herbs that improve your health

Ayurveda is the traditional and ancient Indian system of medicine which emphasizes equally on maintain good health as well as treating diseases. It is a science which is so strongly built that it has stood the test of time for thousands of years. Ayurveda believes that most of the diseases can be easily avoided by following a disciplined life as well as taking certain herbs in the daily routine.

This ancient system of medicine has many dimensions. There are certain herbs that are prescribed in Ayurvedic texts which promote the health of an individual. The regular intake of these herbs not only prevents many diseases but also makes the body healthy to cope with day to day stress. Herbs are the wonderful gifts of nature to mankind. By the regular use of certain herbs in our daily diet, we can feel fresh, energetic and also can improve our health as these herbs are also useful in the management and prevention of various lifestyle disorders like- cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.

Top 7 best herbs that improve your health are

1. Triphala powder

Triphala powder is one of the most famous and widely used Ayurvedic products. It is made up of 3 fruits hence the name – Triphala.

Triphala ingredients

1. Amla (Emblica officinalis)
2. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
3. Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)

The dry powders of fruit rind are mixed in equal proportions.

Triphala can be used as a daily tonic due to its rich antioxidant activity.

Benefits of taking Triphala powder

• Triphala powder is a powerful source of anti-oxidants.
• It can be used by the people regularly having pre-diabetes.
• It is also used in the treatment of diabetes due to its rich anti-oxidant property.
• It is good for improving eyesight vision and treats computer vision syndrome.
• It is also used in the treatment of obesity.
• Triphala powder is very useful in treating constipation as Haritaki is very good in easing bowel movements, Vibhataki helps to improve digestion strength and Amla balances Pitta (heat) in the body.

2. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)

It is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. Giloy is also known as “Amruta” meaning nectar. Giloy is well known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory purposes. It also possesses Rasayana (anti-aging/rejuvenating) qualities.

The concept of a single herb used along with different adjuvants is not new in Ayurveda. Giloy can be used with different substances for the treatment of various disorders. For example

Dry herb powder along with cow’s ghee is useful in Vata imbalance disorders like – arthritis.

• Giloy along with castor oil is useful in relieving gout.
• Giloy along with jaggery is used to relieve constipation.
• Giloy along with ginger powder is useful in relieving arthritis

Master Charak has classified giloy among the group of herbs which are – Rejuvenative, an herb that reduces burning sensation, an herb that relieves early satiation and herb that cleanses the breast milk. According to Charak, Giloy is one of four medhya rasayana (brain tonics, to improve memory).

Giloy balances all the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is known to cause astringent effect, promotes digestion and alleviates Vata, Kapha, constipation, and bleeding disorders. (Reference: Charak Sutrasthana 25)

90% of Ayurvedic medicines for fever contain Giloy as an ingredient.

Its regular use promotes strength, immunity, good vision. It has anti-aging and rejuvenating properties as well.

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is a very common herb that is widely used in Indian kitchens. It has numerous health benefits. Master Charak has classified turmeric among the group of herbs which have scraping property, that relieve skin diseases, itching sensation, worm/microbial infestation, an herb that is useful to remove toxins from the body. It balances all the three doshas in the body. It is a natural detoxifier so regular consumption of turmeric boosts immunity, relieves intestinal worms and infected wounds, useful in anemia, and in the initial stages of liver disorders, it is a natural anti-inflammatory herb.

A recent study on Curcuma longa revealed that a dose-dependent administration of curcumin effectively activated the degeneration of liver cancer cells.

Turmeric can be taken as one of the spices in your daily diet or add a pinch of turmeric to a cup of milk and have it.

4. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanica)

Hindi name of Cinnamon is Dalchini. It improves digestive strength, useful in diabetes and much more. It balances Vata and Kapha doshas in the body.

• Cinnamon is considered as an anti-toxic so useful in toxic conditions.
• It relieves Am – a a product of indigestion and altered metabolism.
• It helps to lower blood pressure by its cardiac tonic and diuretic effects.
• It relieves cough and sputum.
• It also reduces cholesterol levels.

Cinnamon can be used regularly in the form of powder (1-3 grams) and the external application of its oil heals wounds quickly.

5. Psyllium husk (Plantago ovata)

Psyllium husk is known as “Isabgol” in Hindi. It balances Vata and Pitta doshas in the body. Its regular use helps in not building “Ama” (toxins) in the body. Psyllium husk must be taken before food with plain water. It must not be taken in night after meals. Psyllium husk is beneficial in chronic constipation, bacillary, and dysentery.

6. Ginger (Zinigber officinale)

Ginger is quite useful in indigestion, asthma, nausea, and in many other ailments. It balances Kapha doshas in the body. Before taking food, if 2-3 slices of ginger are taken, it will initiate the liver to secrete the enzymes properly which aids in the digestion process. Dry and fresh ginger are quite similar in action. It has a pungent taste. Usually all spices with pungent taste increase Vata dosha except long pepper fruit and ginger.

• Ginger is an anti-inflammatory herb
• It relieves constipation
• It relieves bloating, gas, the fullness of stomach, abdominal colic pain.
• It cleanses and clears the tongue by relieving white coating.
• It is quite useful in the treatment of chronic respiratory disorders like asthma.

7. Aloe vera

The beauty of aloe vera can be matched with the beauty of its health benefits. It balances all the three doshas in the body. It is the anti-toxic.

• Because of its mild laxative action and wound healing properties, regular intake of aloe vera must be taken in the form of capsules or in the form of juice.
• Aloe has blood-thinning action so quite useful in bringing down cholesterol levels.
• Aloe vera is quite useful for teenaged girls as it induces menstruation and relieves pimples.