Practiced in India for over 3000 years, traditional Ayurvedic medicine uses the properties of many plants. These have virtues recognized for all types of ailments: immunity, memory, digestion, pain… Here are the top 10 Ayurvedic plants to know.
Word ayurveda comes from the combination of two Sanskrit terms: “Ayur”Which means life and“Veda”Which means knowledge. The literal translation would therefore be “the knowledge of life”. This ancient practice is based on three main pillars: food, healthy living and plants. It is recognized by the WHO as a complete system of traditional medicine.
The ayurvedic plants are often used in cooking in various preparations, or drunk in infusions. They are also found in certain cosmetic products (hair, skin, etc.). Some of these plants are indeed ideal against hair loss, and help strengthen the scalp, bring shine, fight against dandruff, etc. They help stimulate blood circulation and regulate nervous tension.
Ayurvedic plants are used for many reasons: to maintain good health, to strengthen the immune system, promote concentration and mental clarity, calm nerves, improve digestion, protect the body from toxins and support the detoxification process, etc. We present to you our selection of the 10 best Ayurvedic plants.
10 major Ayurvedic plants
1- Shatavari
A traditional Ayurvedic plant, shatavari has a taste that is both bitter and sweet with a smooth texture. This is what makes it an excellent emollient. Its action is mainly based on the genital and hormonal sphere of women. It contributes to the regeneration of the female cycle in case of amenorrhea or irregular cycle.
Shataravi is also an aphrodisiac herb that gives women energy by increasing sexual desire. It is recommended in case of fertility problems and in early pregnancy to nourish the body and prevent miscarriages. It also helps support milk production.
Plant with multiple benefits, shatavari is effective against digestive disorders and helps to treat inflammatory diseases of the digestive system such as Crohn’s disease by its emollient action. It soothes the the nervous system in case of insomnia, anxiety or spasm.
2- Moringa
Called the “tree of life”, moringa is a superfood widely used around the world. Good source of nutrients, it is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, minerals, fatty acids and essential amino acids. It helps to lower blood sugar fasting and blood glucose levels. It is often recommended for people with Alzheimer’s because it exerts a powerful action on the brain, improves memory and cognitive functions.
Moringa is available as a powder that can be added to juices, smoothies, dishes, cakes … It is also found in the form of oil, and in this case it helps to protect the skin against scars, wrinkles and stretch marks.
3- Tulsi
Adaptogenic plant, tulsi (or holy basil) is recognized for its benefits to calm the nerves and stimulate memory. It increases resistance to stress, endurance and promotes balance and harmony of body and mind.
Tulsi is also well known for its detoxifying virtues. It helps to drain toxins, regulate blood sugar, protect the heart, contribute to better digestion. It would also have powers over the fertility of women.
Commonly called “holy basil” it is often mixed with food and can be used as an infusion, decoction or as a gargle.
4- Boswellia
Boswellia is a medium-sized tree of Indian origin whose resin is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in the rheumatism and arthritis treatment. Boswellia root has the property of reducing pain, swelling and mobility problems in people with arthritis or osteoarthritis thanks to terpenes (antioxidants) which reduce free radical damage.
By affecting the cellular defense system, boswellic acids prevent the production of cytokines (substances that regulate cell proliferation). In fact, boswellia has an effect on inflammations while shrinking the affected tissue area. It is the main cause of pain and discomfort in many cases.
Boswellia extract is so potent that today it is considered a great natural alternative to anti-inflammatory because it considerably increases the threshold of tolerance to pain.
5- Bacopa
Bacopa is a small plant that is 20 to 25 cm in size. It is part of the traditional ayurvedic medicine for almost 3000 years. It thus joins a list of medicinal plants which have been proven in India such as ashwagandha, turmeric, arjuna or aloe vera.
Often called “brahmi”, he acts in a effective on the nerves by reducing stress and anxiety. It thus promotes falling asleep and reduces physical or mental fatigue.
Stress and anxiety are factors that alter the phase of falling asleep and prevent a good sleep. In India, bacopa is thus commonly used for relieve insomnia and nocturnal agitations.
6- Ashwagandha
Native to India, ashwagandha is a plant that has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal virtues. This famous “Indian ginseng” arouses more the interest of Europeans and Americans for its many benefits for health.
Ashwagandha is one of the Ayurvedic plants that helps reduce the harmful effects of anxiety and stress on the body through its adaptogenic action. This helps to improve the quality of sleep. It promotes the production of beneficial enzymes for the brain. These enzymes help reduce oxidative stress, protect brain cells, and help protect the brain system from damage.
7- Ginger
Renowned for its culinary virtues and therapeutic for more than 5000 years, ginger has multiple health benefits. It is useful for treating the most diverse ailments that one suffers from infection, fatigue or muscle pain …
Besides its benefits for the intestinal flora, ginger stimulates the appetite and helps to lose weight thanks to its fat-burning action. It is often used to prevent nausea in pregnant women, but also to prevent vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy.
Ginger relieves digestive disorders such as bloating, gas, and intestinal pain. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties help relieve arthritis pain or sprains. Also, its energizing effects give it the reputation of an aphrodisiac, because it tones and strengthens the body.
8- Aloe vera
Aloe vera (or aloe) is a plant that works wonders for digestion, relieves the stomach and regulates intestinal transit. It allows to fight against constipation chronic thanks to its water content, by increasing the volume of stools and promoting their evacuation.
Aloe vera is also effective against diarrhea thanks to its anti-inflammatory action. Its juice is also recommended for people suffering from intestinal candidiasis.
It is also a natural remedy for gastrointestinal diseases. It reduces the excess of gastric acid secretions and fights the rise of alkaline bile. Its extracts also have bactericidal, coagulant, disinfectant and healing properties.
9- Tamarind
Besides its tangy taste and its richness in fast sugars (30?%), Tamarind is a good laxative, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant … The fruit of the tamarind tree is renowned in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its curative virtues.
Laxative and emollient, It relieves digestive disorders (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc.), facilitates digestion by activating the flow of bile in the intestine and treating intestinal disorders.
In case of heartburn and ulcers, tamarind is also a good remedy by its soothing and antiseptic action. It helps relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
10- Neem
Also called neem, neem is a plant that is involved in the treatment of several ailments. The used parts of this plant are its fruits, leaves, root, bark, seeds and oil. He is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a detoxifier, antifungal, antiparasitic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and slimming agent.
It can be found in powder form that can be incorporated into cosmetic preparations to treat oily skin or treat acne. It is also available as an essential oil.
Do you know of any other Ayurvedic herbs that are not in this list? Tell us in the comments.
