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Ayurvedic herbs and spices are roots connected to the Indian subcontinent, which used as medicine for thousands of years.
Spices are an essential part of Indian cuisine, and herbs have many benefits including:
- Improved digestion
- detoxifying the body
- strengthening immunity
These herbs and spices have powerful medicinal properties, which is why it is the first priority of many people or say alternative medicines.
Here are the top 10 powerful ayurvedic herbs and spices with science research-proven health benefits.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the powerful herbs that has been used in the “Indian Ayurvedic system” for decades.
Its roots are the most used part, and it got its name ashwagandha because it smells like a horse (Ashwa).
Research showed that this herb was allied with making people feel better, fall asleep faster, sleep better, and spend more time sleeping.
It has powerful antioxidants thus it helps to fight free radicals in your scale and hair follicles which leads to promoting healthy hair growth.
NOTE: Ashwagandha is also available in capsule form. you can buy it online.
Cumin
It is an Ayurvedic spice, these plant seeds are used to make medicines. cumin is used extensively in Indian Curries. its nature is hot and spicy.
Popular spice ‘zeera’. According to research gate, it is a vital source of energy, strengthens the immune system, and gives protection against many diseases.
Cumin is mainly used for indigestion problems like gas, colic, and diarrhea also used to increase the urine flow to relieve bloating to start menstruation.
Black cumin seeds are also used, where it is applied directly to the blisters, nasal abscesses, orchitis, eczema, and swollen joints (2).
Cumin increases the release of bile from the liver, bile helps with digestion. It breaks down fats into fatty acids and contains mostly cholesterol (3).
Turmeric
It is the spice that is mainly used in Asian food. it is considered very sacred in India and is used before doing any work like During weddings, new work, etc.
It contains a yellow-coloured chemical called curcumin, which is often used in the field of cosmetics, food colouring, and several medicines.
Curcumin has been shown to reduce
- Inflammation or swelling
- metabolic syndrome
- pain
- help in the management of inflammation and AMD, and also shown to benefit the kidneys (4), (5).
- treat dark spots
- acne
- reduce pimples
- has the properties of strengthening the immune system
- may protect again heart disease
- improving the blood flow as effectively as exercise (6).
4-6. Triphala
It is an ayurvedic remedy which means a mixture of 3 fruits including:
- Amla (Indian Gooseberries) its nature is cool and good for controlling pitta
- Bheda
- Harad (Harad and Bheda are both hot in nature, which means warmth in the body)
Triphala is classified as a tridoshic Rasayana, which means that the energetics are appropriate for Vata, Pitta, And Kapha or all types of patients.
It has multiple properties which include:
- Antioxidants
- anti-inflammatory
- hypoglycemic
- antipyretic
- analgesic
- fat burner
- antibacterial
- anticancer
- digestive stimulant
- anti-hypertensive
According to Charak, taking the Triphala Rasayana (Triphala with honey and ghee) daily has the potential to make a person live for one hundred years devoid of old age and diseases (7).
In one study, 143 children were rinsed with a mouthwash containing Triphala extract.
The results showed, was a decrease in the growth of plaque, gum inflammation, and bacteria in the mouth (8).
Brahmi
It is also called Bacopa, water hyssop, thyme-leaved Graciela, and herb of grace, this grows in tropical environments and is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicines.
Bacopa may help prevent stress and anxiety because it’s considered an adaptogenic herb, which means it increases the body’s resistance to stress (9).
Research also said that it helps in keeping blood pressure within a healthy range which decreases the risk of heart disease.
Brahmi extract is safe for adults when used for up to 12 weeks.
But some common side effects include increased bowel movements, stomach pain, nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue.
Tulsi
Tulsi (holy basil) is an aromatic, tasty, green herb that is considered very auspicious in India and is easily available in every home in India.
Its leaves contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which keep you from illnesses like viral fever, cold, cough, and asthma, and increase warmth in the body.
Animal and human studies have shown that holy basil reduces blood sugar levels, which causes diabetes, and also prevents symptoms of diabetes including:
- Excess insulin in the blood
- Weight loss or gain
- High cholesterol
You can consume its leaves directly or can take it in the form of powder.
Giloy
I have personally seen that giloy is a very effective remedy for dengue and Typhoid because it has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, which reduce fever.
It is popular for its immunity-boosting properties due to its antioxidants present in which help a lot in keeping healthy and getting rid of diseases.
Giloy means “Amrita” which means the root of “immortality“.
However, it also has some side effects including:
- May lead constipation
- blood sugar levels can drop
- Certain autoimmune diseases can get triggered such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Avoid pregnant women.
Cardamom
It is an Indian spice, it is native to the whole of tropical and subtropical Asia.
The first references to cardamom are found in summer (in a civilization).
It is also known as the ‘Queen of spices, which may also increase the ability of natural killer cells to attack tumours (10).
Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight (11).
Most researchers said that cardamon can help in relieving stomach issues, and healing ulcers.
NOTE: It contains anti-inflammatory effects, prevents plaque buildup, and bad breath, helps in the digestive system, fights certain cancers, etc.
Black Pepper
It is also known as the ‘king of spices’ Black pepper owes its origins to Kerala (a state in South India) and is one of the most generally used spices in India.
Black pepper provides many health benefits, including:
- Improved dental health
- Relief from indigestion and constipation
- Treat respiratory disorders
- Reduces heart and liver ailments (12)
- Also, decrease the risk of cancer
- Treat ear aches, hernias
- Tooth decay
- Relieves joint pain
However, too much black pepper can lead to stomach discomfort, heartburn, and indigestion feelings.
BOTTOM LINE
Ayurvedic herbs and spices roots are connected to the Indian subcontinent, it is a part of Indian medicines, which have been used for thousands of years.
Research also said that Brahmi helps in keeping blood pressure within a healthy range which decreases the risk of heart disease.
Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight.
Ayurvedic herbs and spices have powerful medicinal properties, that is why it is the first piority of many people or is say is alternative of today’s medicines.
