AYURVEDIC HERBSAND SPICES-min

AYURVEDIC HERBSAND SPICES

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Ayurvedic herbs and spices are used in the Indian traditional medicine system to help protect your body against diseases and give you numerous health benefits, such as improved mental health.

Over the years, Ayurveda has continually grown in popularity. It is, therefore, not surprising to see most people, including Americans, embracing this system of medicine that is native to India for its potential health benefits. The main aim of Ayurveda is to maintain a balance between your mind, spirit, and body and focus on the prevention of illnesses rather than the treatment. It also involves a combination of different aspects such as diet, exercise, and your overall lifestyle. This article will discuss more on one major component of the Ayurveda approach; herbs and spices. Keep reading to discover more.

What Are Ayurvedic Herbs?

These herbs are components of Ayurveda, which is India’s traditional practice of medicine. Most practitioners use them to aid in cleansing the body and protecting it against diseases. Moreover, the principle behind Ayurvedic herbs lies in preventing ailments by keeping your mind, body, and environment in balance. This is unlike the common principle of response to diseases and the treatment.

These herbs and spices are incorporated with yoga, massage, meditation, and therapeutic oils. When applied in the treatment of diseases and ensuring your overall well-being, they are rarely used independently. Moreover, they can be internally and externally used since they are beneficial.

Among the potential health benefits you can get from Ayurvedic herbs and spices include;

  • They may aid in weight loss.
  • They may enhance overall vitality.
  • Help reduce the risks of cancer.
  • Help purify and act as a detox to your body.
  • Enhance your mental health.
  • They may help your skin maintain its glowing and youthful look.
  • It may be great in improving digestion and other processes in your body.

Therefore, what examples of these herbs and spices can you take advantage of with all these amazing benefits?

8Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices

If you are undecided on which Ayurvedic herbs and spices to settle for, worry no more. You can choose any of the following;

Ashwagandha

This is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs. It has anti-aging properties. Also, if you are overworking or get lots of stress, this should be your go-to herb. It can help keep your stress under control by reducing the levels of cortisol hormones produced by your body. Moreover, this herb is linked to reduced anxiety levels, enhancing sleep in those individuals who have anxiety disorders.

Well, to benefit from it, how should you take it?You can add half a teaspoon of ashwagandha to your boiling milk, then drink. For some sweetness, a tablespoon of raw honey won’t hurt.

Brahmi

This staple herb in India has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties.  Other studies also suggest that it can help you enhance your attention span, rate of processing information, and memory. Also, if you are restless and lack self-control, it may benefit you.

According to other studies, it can help you deal with stress and anxiety, but more research should be conducted to determine how effective it is.

Cardamom

Do you crave clarity and pure happiness in yourheart and mind? You can try cardamom. This natural tranquilizer can deliver just that. Moreover, it helps neutralize acidity in caffeine and gets rid of too much Kapha in your lungs and stomach.

As a tip, if you have pods or powder, you can add to your coffee. Alternatively, when boiling that milk, you can throw in some then take it before sleeping.

Licorice Root

This herb is important for its rejuvenating properties. All systems in your body can benefit from it. Also, it can help soothe your throat. If you want some calmness of mind or nurture your spirit, this is a g-to herb. So, how do you take it?

You can have it as a sweetener, hence a replacement of your sugar or honey. Therefore, don’t be scared to add it to your tea. Alternatively, if you have powdered licorice root, you can boil it in your milk then take it before going to bed.

Cumin

This is another great Ayurvedic spice. It helps improve your digestion, metabolism, and absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, if you are a new mother, you can take cumin to help cleanse your reproductive organs and help you secret more milk too.  Therefore, why not incorporate this spice into your diet by adding it to your food as you cook?

Boswellia

This spice is famous for its aroma. According to research, it can help reduce inflammation by reducing the production of compounds responsible for the same. The available evidence also suggests that it can improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance movement in people suffering from osteoarthritis.

Furthermore, this herb is connected with improved digestion. Also, if you have chronic asthma, you can consume it to help improve your breathing.

Turmeric

Turmeric is beneficial in purifying your blood, improving the complexion of your skin, and enhancing blood circulation on your skin. Moreover, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help your skin if you are prone to acne.

Therefore, if you want to obtain these and other benefits of turmeric, what amount should you consume? Taking 1 tablespoon daily can be great. You can take it as a tablet or apply it directly to your skin. You can even incorporate it into your diet. You could add it to milk, boil, and drink before you retire to bed. Remember, consistency is key; hence you should be regular to see the results and how your health will improve.

Neem

In Ayurvedicherbology, one of the most common blood purifiers and detoxifiers is neem.If you have a wound, skin disease, sunburns, and other sun-related damages, it can come in handy. Moreover, if you are suffering from eczema or have pains in your muscles and joints, neem is a beneficial herb you can try.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic herbs and spices have numerous potential health benefits. Also, you can easily incorporate them into your diet. However, before you do so, you can consult yourhealth professional first. Furthermore, concerning the supplements, there is no regulation on the amount and quality of Ayurvedic products in them. Overall, you can always give these Indian herbs and spices a try for their amazing benefits.

Elena Ognivtseva
Latest posts by Elena Ognivtseva (see all)

Nutritionist, Cornell University, MS

I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.

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