Apart from food, whole herbs are also advised as part of the regular diet. These herbs support and balance the natural body systems. Some of these herbs are advised based on specific imbalances or symptoms, required by the body to maintain its natural balance.
Here are 23 of the most important and effective herbs in Ayurveda that are either part of a regular diet, potent extracts, rasayanas, or herbal mixes.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it can help your body adapt to ever-changing external physical and mental stressors, ranging from cold temperatures to social phobias– without targeting any one system or organ.
Most of the credit for ashwagandha’s benefits goes to a group of compounds called withanolides. Withanolides include withaferins and withanosides too.
2. Turmeric
The turmeric root has around 235 identified compounds capable of working in harmony in your body and improving your health. The most noteworthy are curcuminoids, responsible for turmeric’s trademark orange-yellow color, and volatile oils.
3. Holy Basil
Well deserving of the title “The Queen of Herbs,” holy basil or tulsi is quite the multitasker in the health department. You’ll reap the most benefits if you’re patient with it, but even a single cup could perk up your energy levels.
4. Brahmi
A creeping marsh plant, brahmi (also known as bacopa) is all kinds of good for your brain. It is also an adaptogen – which means it helps your body cope with both physical and mental stress.
The leaves are especially valuable with their arsenal of health-promoting compounds.
5. Fennel
The fresh burst of flavor typically delivered by fennel seeds can be accredited to a compound called anethole – also found in anise and licorice. Anethole is health promoting and, together with other compounds, brings a range of benefits to the table, quite literally.
6. Licorice
A regular for those nurturing a sweet tooth through candies, chewing gums, and beverages, licorice root is popular for being just that – sweet. However, it has so much more to offer than flavor alone. Packed into its root are compounds that travel to your liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart and can do you a world of good.
7. Nutmeg
Neither a nut nor tough to crack, nutmeg is the seed of the plant Myristica fragrans. It can be grated or powdered into a flavoring spice, blending well into comforting baked goods and energizing beverages.
The seed has two oils: an essential oil and nutmeg butter. The essential oil is responsible for nutmeg’s unique flavor and fragrance while also carrying health-promoting compounds.
8. Cardamom
Cardamom has long been an ayurvedic staple for clearing up ama or toxins in the body. Modern science recognizes this as its diuretic effect – water retention can make you look puffy. Cardamom can also help lower the bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and improve glucose tolerance, all of which raise your risk of metabolic syndrome. It can also balance the gut flora, boost digestion, reduce blood pressure, improve your immunity and reduce inflammation.
The credit for cardamom’s health benefits can largely be given to the volatile oils in its seeds – the very oils that make it intensely aromatic and flavorful.
9. Amla
Often considered the “best among the sour fruits,” the amla fruit (also known as amalaki) has earned a spot in go-to ayurvedic concoctions like chyawanprash and triphala. It finds its footing in all five tastes – sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent – and promises to make you feel a lot more upbeat.
Amla helps your body to cope with blood sugar fluctuations, protects the heart and liver, and regulates the immune system.
10. Gokshura
You don’t very often come across herbs that go out of their way to help your kidneys. Voila! Tribulus, also known as gokshura, does that and more. You need to look to the fruits and roots of the plant to retrieve its benefits.
Gokshura is very effective in regulating blood pressure levels, supports kidney health, helps your body cope with physical and mental stress, assists muscle building and enhancing athletic performance in men.
11. Bhringaraj
Though often considered a troublesome weed, eclipta (also called bhringaraj or false daisies) is quite the herbal antidote. Most of the magic lies in the leaves and roots, though the plant as a whole has loads to offer too.
Bhringaraj helps protect the liver, promotes hair growth, shields the skin from sun damage, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and supports heart health.
12. Bhuminba
Bhuminba also known as kalmegha (“King of the Bitters”) wraps beneficial compounds in its roots and leaves. Two groups of compounds – diterpenoid lactones (extremely bitter to taste) and flavonoids (responsible for color) – can help your immune system remain an impenetrable shield.
This versatile herb strengthens your immune system, limits inflammation, improves digestion, normalizes blood sugar levels and protects your liver.
13. Bibhitaki
Bibhitaki, in Sanskit which literally translates to “fearless,” is believed to take away the fear of disease. While that may seem far-fetched at first, we’d say first understand what the tree offers and see if you can trace any of the benefits back to your body’s needs. If you have a match, there’s nothing like it.
This is also why bibhitaki has earned a spot in the tri-ingredient ayurvedic tonic called triphala. The matured, dried fruits are the most helpful, with the mojo concentrated in the fruit rind.
Bibhtaki supports healthy digestive function, manages blood glucose levels, and boosts liver health.