Ashwagandha

 

Ashwagandha is an herb of the ages. It is the "ginseng" of Ayurvedic Medicine, the traditional medicine of India. It improves physical energy and athletic ability, increase immunity to colds and infections and increas sexual capacity and fertility in men.

It reduces chronic fatigue and exhaustion. It is rich in antioxidants and is a powerful anti-stress agent.

Ashwagandha enhances vigor and vitality, improves brain and nerve functions in diseases of the central nervous system and inhibits and retards tumors.

Research shows Ashwagandha may be a promising alternative for cancer treatment prevention. Ashwagandha seems to show positive effects on the endocrine, cardio and central nervous systems. It is one herb that could help your body produce its own thyroid horomones.

Ashwagandha may also have a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system and in animal studies it has been shown to be a muscle relaxant. It is commonly used to increase vitality, particularly when recovering from chronic illnesses and pain management for arthritic conditions. Ashwaganda may also help regulate blood sugar which aids in suppressing sugar cravings.

 

Contraindications of Ashwagandha:

May increase the effects of barbiturates, use in combination with sedatives should be avoided. As a central nervous system depressant or tranquilizer, the herb should be used in moderation

 

Shallaki (Boswellia)

 

Shallaki or Boswellia Serrata is an herbal extract well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-arthritic activities. Shallaki is effective in the treatment of the common ailments:

• Rheumatiod Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Cervical Spondylosis

• Ankylosing Spondylosis

• Lumbar Spine

 

Rheumatic Disorders: Shallaki  (Boswellia) is an Ayurvedic herb that contains anti-inflammatory triterpenoids called Boswellic acid. Boswellic Acids are effective in anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agents, for both osteoarthritis and rehumatoid arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism and low back pain.

Shellaki (Boswellia) has a beneficial effect by  supressing the growth of the inflamed tissue, as well as preventing the breakdown of the surrounding connective tissue.

The anti-inflammartor properties can help to reduce aching and stiffness, especially when associated with low back pain. Although research indicates that Shallaki is best taken orally for this purpose, creams appear to be soothing as well.

 

Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome: Shallaki (Boswellia)  may improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including abdominal pains, loose stools and mucous and blood in the stools.

Boswellic Acid has been studied for anti-neoplastic activity, especially in experimental primary and secondary brain tumors, indicating potential efficacy from invitro and limited clinical research. Boswellic Acid is also undergoing an early stage clinical trial at the Cleveland Clinic.

 

Triphala

 

Triphala is a combination of three very powerful fruits that are known to possess intensive health benefits.

The potent medicine is often used by people in India as a laxative. It stimulates the digestive system and is a mild bowel cleanser. While you can use it as a gentle laxative once in awhile, you may also consider using it as a detoxifying agent on a regular basis. Its mild nature makes it quite safe to use on a daily basis without any side effects.

Triphala has many benefits and it includes protection and enhancement of the functions of the body organs such as the eyes, skin and heart. It can also cleanse the body so that energy is channeled better and more intensively. In its most natural form, triphala is known as the most effective combination of herbs that can cleanse the colon, keep the liver healthy and flush out body toxins. It effectively regulates the functions of the digestive system, while enhancing the strength of the immune system, lungs, urinary tract and the muscles.

 

Tulsi

 

The Tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration.

Some of the more common uses of Tulsi are:

• Kidney Stone: Tulsi has strengthening effect on the kidney. The juice of Tulsi leaves and honey if taken regularly, can aid in expelling stones.

• Heart disorder: Tulsi has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting form them. It reduces the blood cholesterol level.

• Childrens Ailments: Common pediactric problems like cough, cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting, respond favorably to the juice of Tulsi leaves.

• Stress: Tulsi leaves are regarded as an "adaptogen" or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of Tulsi, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.

• Mouth Infections: The leaves are quite effective for the ulcer and infections of the mouth.

• Insect Bites: The herb is prophylactic or preventative and curative for insect stings or bites.

• Skin Disorders: Applied locally, Tulsi juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

• Teeth Disorders: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. It's leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil to make a paste used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

• Eye Disorders: Tusli juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black Tulsi juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

 

 

Haridra

 

Haridra is Turmeric/Curcuma Longa, a vital herb in Ayurvedic Medicine, whose spice form can be recognized by it's dazzling yellow color. The rhizome of the herb, used either fresh or dried, has a host of medical benefits. It acts as a carminative and also enhances the complexion and skin tone. Apart from that, Haridra can be used to combat liver damage, respiratory disorders and ulcers.

• Lowering Cholesterol: Haridras cholesterol lowering actions include preventing intestinal cholesterol absorption, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and increasing the excretion of bile acids, due to it's choleretic properties.

• Hepatoprotective: The curcuminoids present in Haridra prevent the increase in the liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT which are elevated in the case of liver disease. This validates the use of Haridra as a hepatoprotective drug in liver disorders.

• Anti-Ulcer: The herb decreases gastric acid secretion, increases the mucin content of gastric juices and exerts gastroprotective effects against stress, alcohol and drug induced ulcer formation.

• Anti-inflammatory: Haridra acts as an anti-inflammatory herb in both acute and chronic inflammation. It prevents the release of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-a. The volatile oil, curcumin and it's derivatives, are the active anti-inflammatory constituents of the herb.

• Anti-Allergic: The herb is extremely helpful in soothing allergic respiratory disorders like allergic rhinitis, allergic bronchitis and skin allergies.

• Natural Detoxifier: Haridra is a natural blood detoxifer and anti-microbial which helps alleviate skin diseases and enhances complexion.

• Neuroprotective: Haridra's excellent antioxidant activity renders it a potential neuroprotective herb, helpful in the management of diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinson's.

Antioxidant: Haridra's ability to reduce oxidative stress makes it helpful in the management of conditions such as leukoplakia, diabetes mellitus, chronic eye disease and tissue injury.

 

 

 

Guduchi

 

Guduchi helps protect the effectiveness of protective white blood cells and helps in building the immune system and the body's resistance to infections. It is also used to treat dyspepsia and various types of fever.

• Relieves post menopausal syndrome: Guduchi has been tested in women suffering with post menopausal syndrome which can have symptoms such as breast discomfort, nausea and fluid retention. These symptoms and ultimately PMS were staistically reduced by administering Guduchi extracts.

• Liver protection: For hundreds of years, Ayurveda has been prescribing Guduchi for liver disorders. Tests have shown that Guduchi speeds up regeneration of damaged liver tissue. Apart from extracts of Guduchi, a standard Ayurvedic medicine made from Guduchi was also tested which proved to be very effective in controlling liver damage.

• Heals Ulcers: Ulcers can be a result of excessive acid secretion in the stomach which damages the stomach wall. Generally, the stomach wall lining is affected regularly but the stomach makes a new wall lining. If the stomach is not able to fully heal the wall lining, then the result is the formation of ulcers. These ulcers have been controlled to an appreciable level with Guduchi extracts.

• Cholesterol control: Cholesterol control was also observed with the extracts of Guduchi roots. Administeration of Guduchi root extract on rats resulted in noticeable control of serum and tissue cholesterol. The results have been noted to be at par with standard drugs used to control Cholesterol.

• Diabetes control: When the extracts from Guduchi were fed to diabetes induced rabbits and rats, their blood glucose levels had decreased to a significant level, particularly the fasting blood sugar levels were controlled, implying a change in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

 

Yashti-Madhu

 

An herb like licorice has to be God's gift to us, especially when you consider its myriad of uses.

Known as mulathee or Yasti Madhu in Hindi, this is an herb known for providing us with a variety of health benefits. It may be used both for preventative, as well as curative purposes, although within the recommended dosage.

Yashti Madhu is beneficial in hyperacidity, habitual constipation, abdominal pain, bronchitis, colds, cough, sore throat, muscle spasms, mouth and stomach ulcers and painful or burning urination. Moreover, it naturally supports the vital organs by improving the body's immunity and endurance.

It is believed to be good for the voice, eyes and hair too.

Yashti Madhu increases the stamina and fertility, and also finds use in the problems of excessive thirst, toxicity and nausea. As a medicine, it is used for treating headaches, scabies, rickets, anaemia and urinary infections. It acts as an aphrodisiac and is assumed to keep away premature aging.

 

Contraindications:

Overuse of Yashti Madhu, both in terms of frequency and dosage, can be dangerous. When taken in large amounts for a prolonged period, the herb may affect electrolyte balance in the body. Cases of water retention and high blood pressure have been noticed and therefore Yashti Madhu must be taken with care, especially if you are suffering from hypertension or some kidney ailments.

 

Amalaki

 

Amla (Amalaki or Indian Gooseberry) is the richest natural source of Vitamin C and is the most used herb among all herbs in Ayurvedic Medicine System.

Some of the benefits of Amalaki are:

• Effective anti-oxidant

• Strong rejuvenative

• Helps in food digestion and absorption

• Strengthens the immune system

• Regulates stomach acids

• Strengthens lungs and helps respiratory system

• Effective in cleanses and detoxification

• Helpful in dysentry and diarrhea

• Well known for skin disorders

• Helps in hair falling and premature hair greying

• Effective in hemorrhage, heavy menstrual bleeding and painful menstruation

• Helps with colds, cough, sore throat and other respiratory infections

• Effective for indigestion, jaundice, anemia, urination and heart problems and hyperacidity

 

 

Shatavari

 

Shatavari, known as asparagus racemosus or Indian Asparagus. It's tubers are whits, radish shaped and found in clusters. It's branches are modified into a leafy structure. Shatavari nourishes and cleanses the blood and the female reproductive organs, enhancing female fertility. It also nourishes the womb and ovum and helps to prepare the female organs for pregnancy, as well as to prevent threatened miscarriage.

It contains phyto-estrogens, the precursors of estrogen, that are really very useful for women who suffer from low natural estrogen levels as a result of menopause or hysterectomies. For menstruating women, Shatavari helps to regulate monthly cycles and ovulation. It is used to soothe PMS cramps, bloating and irritability. It is also high in folic acid and so it helps to prevent anemia.

Shatavari strengthens a woman to the point where she is capable of producing thousands of healthy ova. Dry membranes, such as those on the vaginal wall, are also brought into balance through the herbs action. Shatavari alleviates morning sickness during pregnancy, and is effective after childbirth in cleaning out the uterus.. It promotes maternal health too, and its meticulous use enhances breast milk in lactating mothers. Pre-menopausal women can take it to cool annoying hotflashes and mood swings. Even post menopausal women and those who have had hysterectomies greatly benefit from Shatavari's rich source of phyto-estrogens, and the herb will lubricate and moisten the dry reproductive tissues as we age.

Shatavari is also quite effective for stomach ulcers, hyperacidity and diarrhea. Dry and irritated membranes  in the upper respiratory tract are soothed by this herb making it useful in cases of bronchitis and chronic fevers. Known as an adaptogenic herb, Shatavari minimizes the negative effects of stress on the nervous system. this herb is good for anyone under pressure, helping the body and mind to cope with challenges.

 

Vasaka

 

Vasaka, made from leaves of the malabar nut tree, is an Indian herb used to improve lung function and aid respiratory problems such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, congestion and asthma. The herb breaks up phlegm in the chest and thins out mucous, expelling both from the body. Bronchioles and bronchi are dilated by the botanical so that deep breathing is possible and wheezing is stopped. Constant coughing can also be subdued by using Vasaka.

 

Brahmi

 

Brahmi is widely used for its effects in blood circulation that promotes efficient function of the liver, lungs and the kidneys. It is also used to treat skin problems including psoriasis, eczema, abscess and ulceration. Brahmi is used to stimulate skin cell regeneration and growth.

The traditional medicinal uses of Brahmi include:

• memory inhancer

• mental and physical fatigue

• insomnia

• irritable bowel syndrome

• increase sex drive

• impotence

• bronchitis

• coughs and hoarseness

• arthritis

• rheumatism

• inflammatory conditions

• high cholesterol levels.

 

Brahmi has neuroprotective effects. Studies conducted in Naresuan University in Thiland (2008), suggest that in an induced neuron cell death (neurotoxicity) in the primary cortical culture, Brahmi extract has a positive effect in neurons preventing the progressive reduction in mass thus mitigating neurodegeneration, making Brahmi one of the most important herbs in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

 

Arjuna

 

A unique herb that helps maintain a healthy heart and reduces the effects of stress and nervousness, Arjuna promets effective cardiac functioning and regulates blood pressure. It improves blood circulation to the heart and alspo tones the heart. The bark of the Arjuna tree is an anti-ischemic and cardio protective agent useful in treating hypertension and ischemic heart disease.

Indications:

• as an adjuvant in ischemic heart disease

• hypertriglyceridemia

• mild to moderate hypertension

• as a preventative medicine in individuals susceptible to ischemic heart disease.