This is an age of modern medicine, yet I find the ancient knowledge of herbal remedies fascinating. I’d say they’re still popular among people like me who prefer natural ways to stay healthy.
Herbal remedies are a tradition passed down through generations. Back in the day, before we had all these modern medicines, our elders used herbs to heal themselves, ease pain, and stay healthy.
I can still remember the home remedies my mother and grandmother followed. From keeping their manes healthy to getting rid of pain in the knee joints or just to cool one’s mind down, I have seen it every day in my household.
Nowadays, with all the concerns about side effects from pharmaceutical drugs, lots of people are going back to using herbs for health.
Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words ‘Ayur’ meaning ‘life’ and ‘Veda’ meaning ‘knowledge.’ It teaches that our bodies are like a small version of the universe, made up of five elements: air, space, fire, water, and earth. To stay healthy and well, it’s important to keep these elements balanced and working together harmoniously inside our bodies.
It is an ancient system of healing and medicine and is a treasure of ancient India. It’s been around for thousands of years and focuses on keeping the mind, body, and spirit in harmony. Ayurveda has taught me how to stay healthy and full of energy using personalized diets, herbal treatments, and lifestyle changes. It is a whole lifestyle. It offers a different way of looking at healthcare compared to what we have today.
According to Ayurveda, there are three functional energies, or doshas, called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which control the body’s physical and mental processes. Each person is thought to have a unique mix and balance of these doshas, known as their Prakriti. Understanding one’s Prakriti enables personalized Ayurvedic treatment and guidance to achieve optimal health.
Panchakarma is a special Ayurvedic treatment that cleans and refreshes the body. It helps greatly with spiritual health through stress relief, detoxification, rejuvenation of energy, and balance and harmony of the doshas.
In Ayurvedic herbology, herbs and spices are often included in the Panchkarma treatment to release the negativity stored in the body. You can use them in different ways—like eating them, putting them on your skin, or even smelling them.
Here are ten herbs and spices that I add to my daily routine. You can also combine it with other Ayurvedic approaches, like changing your diet, making healthy choices, and staying active to feel even better overall.
- Ajwain is a powerful herb that helps with digestion and stimulates the nerves. It can also help with weight loss by getting rid of deep-seated toxins in the body. Ajwain can also ease joint pain and balance issues related to Vata. I make Ajwain tea for weight loss. Just boil one teaspoon of ajwain seeds in 16 ounces of water and drink it instead of green tea.
- Ashwagandha is an amazing herb that can help with vitality and is one of the best herbs for fighting aging. It’s especially important for people who are feeling overworked or stressed out. Cook half a teaspoon of ashwagandha in milk and sweeten it with a teaspoon of raw honey. To help herbs like ashwagandha work better, it’s best to take them with healthy fats like ghee, butter, or raw whole milk.
- Brahmi is the ultimate herb for keeping the brain and nervous system healthy. It balances both hemispheres of the brain and helps to decalcify the pineal gland. Brahmi is good for everyone, but especially for those with too much Pitta. I suggest drinking brahmi tea every morning. You can boil brahmi leaves in water or milk and drink it, or you can make brahmi ghee and use it for cooking or on your hair.
- Cardamom is full of properties that help to fight off inflammation and act as an antioxidant. It can help to neutralize the acidity caused by coffee, caffeine, and milk. Cardamom is also great for getting rid of excess Kapha in the stomach and lungs. To use cardamom, add some pods or powder to coffee while it’s brewing, or boil cardamom in warm milk and drink it before bed.
- Cumin is fantastic for improving digestion and boosting metabolism. It also helps the body to absorb nutrients better, which is especially helpful for new moms. I simply add it to my cooking.
- Licorice is great for rejuvenating the whole body, soothing the throat, and reducing acidity. It’s also calming for the mind and uplifting for the spirit. Add licorice root to hot tea instead of honey or sugar, or boil powdered licorice root in milk and drink it before bed.
- Manjistha is the ultimate blood-purifying herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s anti-inflammatory and helps to cleanse the blood and liver, as well as regulate liver and kidney functions. Manjistha can be taken in capsule form in the morning and at night or drunk with warm milk before bed. It can also be used externally for face packs or skin issues.
- Neem is another powerful blood purifier and detoxifier. It’s great for wound healing, skin diseases, and damage, and it’s beneficial for Pitta-related skin and eye issues. I apply it to my skin in medicated oil.
- Shatavari is the ultimate herb for women’s vitality—it’s sometimes even called “she who possesses a thousand husbands”! It’s great for nourishing and cleansing the blood and reproductive organs. To use Shatavari, take it in pill or powder form or cook it in milk, which is the best way to take it.
- Turmeric is fantastic for purifying the blood and the body’s channels. It also improves the skin’s complexion and helps with acne-prone skin. I take a teaspoon of it every day, either in capsule form, applied to the skin, or as part of my diet in my cooking. I also boil it in goat milk with honey and drink it before bed for overall health improvement.
