Ayurveda is perhaps the oldest system of health care in
the world and originates from the Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda is based on
scientific principles of diagnosis and treatment. It differs from conventional
medicine in the basic principles of investigation and assigning causes to
processes rather than specific areas of physiology.
Here are some Important Herbs and their Use in Ayurvedic
Treatment:
Ashwagandha ( Withania Somnifera), ( Winter Cherry):
Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used in many ways–as a sedative, a
diuretic, a rejuvenating tonic, an anti-inflammatory agent, and as an
“adaptogen” (endurance enhancer). Many Western herbalists refer to this herb as
“Ayurvedic ginseng” because of its reputation for increasing energy, strength,
and stamina, and for its ability to relieve stress. It is especially beneficial
in stress related disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general
debility, etc. It has also shown impressive results when used as stimulants for
the immune system.
Amla ( Emblica officinalis), ( Indian Goosebery):
Amla
contains the highest amount of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Phyllembin,
Phyllemblic acid, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid in natural form and Cytokin like
substance identified as Zeatin, Zriboside, Z nucleotide, Tannins 30%. It is one
of the strongest rejuvenatives in Indian pharmacopoeia. It contains 30 times
the amount of Vitamin C found in oranges. It’s antibacterial, carminative,
hypoglycemic, stomachic, Hypotensive and astringent action prevents infection,
helps in healing of ulcers, treatment of jaundice, dyspepsia and cough and
controls hyperacidity. Alma is a good Cardio Tonic and its mild stimulant
action on heart helps to control blood pressure. The use of Indian Gooseberry
enhances the antidiabetic action of Karela. Phyllanthus Emblica is a very good
hair tonic.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monniera):
Aside from increasing
intellectual and cognitive function, Brahmi induces a sense of calm and peace
in its users. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst
reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety. This makes Brahmi extremely
applicable in highly stressful work or study environments where clarity of
thought is as important as being able to work under pressure. Many people have
the intelligence to perform to strict standards, but lack the composure and
self-confidence to reach them. Additionally, Brahmi helps soothe the
restlessness and distraction that nervousness causes. Brahmi is ideal for
students and workers faced with this problem.
Shallaki ( Boswellia Serrata):
Today its major use is as
an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain, myositis, fibrositis, and osteoarthritis.
Experimental and clinical usage of boswella indicates it has none of the side
effects on blood pressure, heart rate of the gastric irritation and ulcers
associated with many anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic drugs. It is now an
approved herbal medicine in India for use against osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, low back pain, myositis and fibrositis. In
the United States,physicians are giving boswella high marks for effectiveness.
Dr. E. W. McDonagh, a Kansas City physician, has reported success among some
350 patients suffering from a variety of advanced muscular and skeletal
conditions for which other treatments had failed to help.
Karela ( Bitter Gourd), ( Bitter Melon), ( Momordica
charantia):
Bitter Melon, also known as Karela, Momordica Charantia or Bitter
Gourd is a herb that helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps body functions
operating normally. It contains Gurmarin, a polypeptide considered to be
similar to bovine insulin, which has been shown in experimental studies to
achieve a positive sugar regulating effect by suppressing the neural response
to sweet taste stimuli. Karela’s principle constituents are lectins, charantin
and momordicine. The fruits have long been used in India as a folk remedy for
diabetes mellitus. Lectins from the bitter gourd have shown significant
antilipolytic and lipogenic activities.
Shilajit (Asphaltum):
Shilajit is one of Ayurveda’s most
potent and unique rejuvenatives. The ancient medical literature attributes many
health benefits to Shilajit known as “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of
weakness.” It has been said that there is hardly any curable disease which
cannot be assisted with the aid of Shilajit. Shilajit has been used
historically for general physical strengthening, anti-aging, blood sugar
stabilization, libido, injury healing, urinary tract rejuvenation, enhanced
brain functioning potency, bone healing, kidney rejuvenation, immune system
Strengthening, arthritis, hypertension, obesity and many other application for
numerous conditions.
Garlic ( Lasuna), ( Allium sativum):
The platelet and
hypolipidemic activities of Lasuna ensures smooth coronary function. Garlic is
regarded as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure. The
pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the spasm of
the small arteries. It also slows the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm,
besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath and the
formation of gas within the digestive track. It has an antiseptic effect and is
an excellent remedy for infectious diseases and inflammations of the stomach
and intestine. Human population studies show that eating garlic regularly
reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer. This is partly due
to garlic’s ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds.
Triphala:
Triphala, a cornerstone of ayurvedic medicine,
is a composite herbal preparation containing equal proportions of the fruits of
three myrobalans, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia
bellirica. When consumed for a long period, it helps reduce excess weight. It
promotes good colon health and acts as a laxative without causing cramps or
irritation. It gently stimulates the intestinal walls and restores tone to the
colon, thus helping in the elimination process, providing a colon cleansing
effect. When consumed for a long period, it helps reduce excess weight. It
promotes good colon health and acts as a laxative without causing cramps or
irritation. It gently stimulates the intestinal walls and restores tone to the
colon, thus helping in the elimination process, providing a colon cleansing
effect.
Guggul: ( Bedellium), ( COMMIPHORA MUKUL):
Studies show
that a 14-27% of LDL cholesterol and 22-30% of triglycerides levels were
reduced when guggul was given to men and women with high cholesterol for 12
weeks with no change in diet or exercise. Research with laboratory animals
suggests guggul may help enhance thyroid function. Since the thyroid gland
produces hormones that are needed to regulate metabolism, it can help in weight
loss. Studies show guggul may change thyroid hormone metabolism, increase
levels of circulating T3, or triiodothyroxine, a thyroxine metabolite known to
raise overall metabolism, which in turn increases fat burning. Since guggul
supports atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which may impede blood
flow to and from the penis, guggul may possibly be the treatment for impotence
many men are looking for.
Tulsi ( Holy Basil), ( Tulasi):
Tulsi has antioxidant
properties, and helps boost the body’s ability to fight off damaging free
radicals, which have been linked to disease and aging. It is an adaptogen that
helps the body fight the effects of ongoing stress and also balances the mind,
nerves and emotions. Tulsi maintains the health of the throat chest and lungs.
In fact, it helps protect the entire respiratory tract. It is an
anti-inflammatory. A herb that promotes optimum respiratory support. Tulsi has
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant properties and is useful in
respiratory tract infections. It helps during respiratory stress.
Neem (AZADIRACHTA INDICA):
Neem effectively kills the
bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation,
even the inflammation produced by Acne. In the case of eczema clinical studies
demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively
cured acute conditions of eczema, what to speak of the fresh cold pressed oil
with its high concentration of active ingredients. Modern clinical studies have
identified a number of compounds in the Neem tree that effectively regulate
immune system functions. Whether drinking a simple cup of tea out of the leaves
or taking extracts of the Neem leaf, Neem significantly and consistently
reduced insulin requirements for nonkeytonic, insulin fast, and insulin
sensitive forms of Diabetes.The pain, inflammation, and swelling of the joints
in arthritis can be greatly reduced by different compounds in Neem
Arjuna (TERMINALIA ARJUNA):
Arjun improves cardiac muscle
function and pumpingactions of the heart. Scientific studies have shown Arjun
to be very effectivewhen used regularly over a period of time for the treatment
of angina, coronary artery disease, heart failure, edema, and possibly
hypercholesterolemia. Studies have also shown Arjun to have positive effects in
the treatment of gonorrhea. Externally, this herb has been used to treat acne,
blemishes, wounds, dysentery, and diarrhea.