16 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs

The use of powerful ayurvedic herbs, is one of the oldest methods that has been curing many healthy issues and strengthening the body’s immune defence. The wonderful thing about herbs is that they bring no side effects. Ayurveda treatments are highly individualised and are tailored according to the person’s environment, age, needs, digestive power, physical capability, nature of health issues etc. In this article, we will come across the list of some powerful ayurvedic herbs used to treat multiple ailments.

16 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs:

1. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum):

There are several varieties- krishna,vana, rama – all offering distinctive benefits. Krishna tutsi is the most common, it is seen in the porches and backyards of many households.

In Ayurveda, tutsi, like neem is called the ‘village pharmacy’ owing to its numerous medicinal properties like antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal anti-inflammatory, immune modulator and anti-stress. Its antioxidant properties make it useful tonic against ageing.

Tutsi, one of the powerful ayurvedic herbs is used for treating common cold, cough, fever; to clear toxins in the blood. A tablespoon or 10ml tutsi juice mixed with 1gm black pepper powder is used to treat malarial fever.

2. Katuki (Picrorrhiza Kurroa):

Originating from the Himalayan regions, kabuki helps build immunity and hence remove both ‘kapha’ and ‘pitta’ when they are in excess from the body, cleaning the channels associated with these ‘doshas’.

In Ayurveda, this herb is used to activate the digestive juices and cure digestive problems, treat atherosclerosis, weight reduction and skin diseases. It acts as a purgatory; stimulates the liver and cures hepatitis.

3. Sadabahar (Vinca rosea):

The humble periwinkle with its ubiquitous pink flowers that grows profusely in backwards and in the wild was only included in Ayurveda in the 15^th century.

In Ayurveda, leaves of periwinkle are used by practitioners to treat mild diabetes mellitus.

Alkaloid extracts of the periwinkle (vincristine, vinblastine) is used in cancer treatment.

4. Bimbi (Coccinia Indica):

A common Indian vegetable (also known as tendli, bhimb, kovai) bimbi is also used by herbalists for various purposes.

In Ayurved, it is used to control blood sugar level and heal mouth ulcers.

5. Bougainbelia (Bougainvillea Spectabilis):

Bougainvillea spectabilis is a species of Bougainvillea. These, thorny, woody vines grow in areas where the rainfall is high.

In Ayurveda, it is used to improve sensitivity of insulin receptors. As a natural source of pinitol which acts like insulin.

6. Moringa (Moringa Oleifera):

A native of Asia and Africa, the moringa tree is a familiar sight in many South Indian homes. The leaves are rich source of protein, vitamins A, B, C and minerals like iron and calcium. Moringa leaves contain more than 90+ nutrients and 40+ antioxidants.

In Ayurveda, different parts of the moringa tree including flowers, leaves, sticks pods and even roots are used to treat various ailments, such as ring worms, irritable bowel syndrome, liver problems, conjunctivitis, hyper acidity and malnourishment. Small daily doses of moringa are recommended to improve energy, boost immunity and maintain good health.

7. Pippali (Piper longum):

Better known as the India long pepper, or black pepper, this indigenous spice is cultivated for its fruit which is dried and used as a seasoning.

In Ayurveda, pippli is used for aiding digestion, bolstering liver health, reducing stress and irritability, lowering blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels; cure cough and cold, as a support in the treatment of TB and allergic bronchitis; to address hyper activity and insomnia.

8. Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna):

This evergreen and one of the powerful ayurvedic herbs, is supposed to be found in Indian mythology. It grows on river banks in West Bengal and South India. Every part of this tree is said to have medicinal properties.

In Ayurveda, it is used to control blood lipids, reduce LDL bad cholesterol. It is also used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, skin diseases diarrhoea, bone disorders.

9. Bel (Aegel Marmelos):

The Bel tree is considered sacred in Hindu mythology and hence is often found growing in the compounds of Shiva temples.

In Ayurveda, the power of bel juice derived from its leaves or the fruit pulp (in the

form of murabba0 is used to treat diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome; to lower blood sugar levels and high blood pressure.

10. Wheat Grass:

It is considered as a super food because of its ability to solve many health issues. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin Bu3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, iron and chlorophyll which are easily absorbed by the body.

Wheat grass has anti-ageing properties that acts as a detoxificant and keeps the intestine healthy. It builds immunity and keeps the infections away and helps to regenerate healthy cells in the body.

11. The Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs, Chandrashoor (Lepidium sativum):

These tiny mustard like seeds are a common herb that is added to soups, sandwiches and salads for its tangy flavor. The seeds, which are high in calcium, are also eaten as sprouts, and the fresh or dried seeds pods can be used as a peppery seasoning.

In Ayurveda, chandrashoor is used to increase lactation in breast feeding mothers and treats spondolysis, strengthen bones.

12. Isabgol (Plantago Ispaghula):

Ayurveda discovered the health benefits of this fibre-rich plant long before the West did. Isabgol supplements are to date, being exported to America and other countries to support diets that lack roughage. The husk or the seeds of isabgol when soaked in milk or water swell in size and when consumed, bind with stools to promote easy passage.

In Ayurveda, it is used to treat chronic constipation, as a stool softening agent, and skin disorders like acne vulgaris.

13. Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula):

This is the second pillar of triphala and one of the powerful ayurvedic herbs, is a native tree to India and other South Asian countries. The dry nut-like fruits and bark/peel are generally used for pharmacological purposes.

In Ayurveda, haritaki is used to cure cold and cough, chronic constipation and other disorders like indigestion and hyper acidity. it is also used for skin problems like psoriasis, leucoderma, acne vulgaris.

14. Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica):

One of the three ingredients of the framed triphala, bibhitaki’s small brown fruits are dried and powdered and consumed as a churna.

In ayurveda, it is used to treat cough (along with honey), chronic constipation and skin problems like acne vulgaris, dandruff, psoriasis. It also helps to nourish hair when mixed with oil.

15. Amalaki, The Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs (Phyllanthus Emblica):

An ingredient of triphala, the Indian gooseberry offers a veritable bounty of nutrients, most notably vitamin C (a single amla offers 3 times as much as an orange) bioflavonoids, flavones, polyphenols and carotenoids.

In Ayurveda, it is used as a nutraceutical for clear complexion and healthy hair, to hike up hemoglobin in people diagnosed with anemia, to treat leucorrhea (white discharge) in women and for managing diabetes (used with haldi).

16. Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs, Turmeric (Curcuma Longa):

A native of the tropical Indian subcontinent, the orange-yellow turmeric powder is a common a spice in in Indian cuisine and curries. It is also used as a natural dye. Curcumin its active ingredient, has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy-smell.

Turmeric, one of the most powerful ayurvedic herbs, is used both, externally and orally, in the form of capsules. Externally it is used as a sunscreen, to remove pigmentation and give a glow to the skin, expel toxic in the blood and in the skin, to hasten wound healing, treat eczema, conjunctivitis and leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge).

Tumeric capsules are prescribed for symptomatic relief from cold and cough, pain and inflammation, relieve arthritis, lower blood glucose and as an anti=cancer agent. It also supports the immune system to prevent infections. Studies have shown curcumin in turmeric may help promote removal of potentially toxic metals from the brain. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to keep arteries supple and plaque free.