10 incredible herbs used in ancient India as Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurveda is a traditional medical science of ancient India. This science was preserved and
compiled in ‘Atharva Veda’. Ayurveda literally means Science of life (Ayur=Life, Veda=Sciences).
It is a system of holistic medicine written in ‘sanskrit’ language thousands of year ago. This
science primarily deals with longevity and preventive health care. Ramayana an ancient Hindu
religious text mentions “Sanjivani” a magic herb found in the Himalayas which glows in the night
and can cure rare diseases.

1. Turmeric
It is known as the golden spice of India (LINK 1). This tropical plant of ginger family is widely used
in India as a flavoring agent. Turmeric is also widely acclaimed to have anti-oxidant (Link6), anti-
inflammatory (Link 2) & anti-carcinogenic properties (Link 3).

Turmeric is widely researched for its beneficial effects on learning & memory (Link 4). This is one
flavorful way to get rid of depression as well (Link5).

2. Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Widely worshiped in India “Tulsi” is considered as god plant in Hindu religion. Tulsi is a common
name in every Hindu household. Just a few leaves of Tulsi can get rid of a wide variety of
ailments such as common cold, immunity problems (Link 10), bacterial infections (Link 7) and
skin diseases (Link 8).

Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial
pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia,
physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise (Link 9). Rich in antioxidants Tulsi
assumes utmost importance in Ayurveda. Cultivation of Tulsi (Holy basil) in the backyard has
both spiritual and practical significance.

3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is a potent natural elixir & a powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in Vitamin
C, it boosts immunity. Indian gooseberry is traditionally used to reduce inflammation and as an
analgesic (Link 11). Amla is consumed for centuries in India. It is preserved in various forms such
as Amla pickle, chutney, sun dried and powder. It can be eaten raw or with honey.

Amla is known to improve age-related problems (Link 12). This is a fruit with proven anti-ageing
properties (Link 13). Due to its proven anti-cancer properties (Link 14), ‘Amla’ is now widely
researched. Amla has taken a well-deserved place in Indian cuisine as well.
4. Ashwagandha or Winter cherry

Nature’s gift to mankind, Ashwagandha is known as a magical herb to many. A native plant to
India, North Africa and the Middle East ashwagandha is also known as Indian Ginseng and
winter cherry. Primarily the root is used in various formulations. The literal meaning of
ashwagandha is ‘odor of Horse’ (Ashwa = Horse, Gandha= odor). In ayurveda, it is believed that
the person who consumes Ashwagandha will gain horse-like strength.

It is also known as Medharasayana (Medha=Memory, rasayana= plant extract) in Sanskrit text

which means “that which promotes learning and a good memory” (Link 15). Ashwagandha is
used in the management of chronic fatigue, weakness, dehydration, impotency, premature
aging, debility, and muscle tension (Link 15). This is one plant which has wide applications in
traditional ayurvedic medicine.

5. Jatamansi or Indian Spikenard

The Himalayan herb is well known for its use in the treatment of mental stress, chronic fatigue
(Link 16) and Insomnia. It also helps in enhancing memory and treating the mental disability.

Jatamansi is a herbal extract which is used to ward off stress-related mental disorder in ancient
India and was proven to be an effective ayurvedic medicine due to its stress modulating
antioxidant properties (Link 17). Jatamansi is also used as a digestive stimulant and in gastric
disorders (Link 18). This is one of the essential ingredients in all ayurvedic medicines related to
mental disorder.

6. Brahmi

This is the herb which is thought to promote subtle awareness and ‘sattva’ (the pure essence of
consciousness). This herb is highly revered for its mind enhancing properties and support of the
nervous system (Ref19).

The herb is often associated with ancient sages as it is known to increase the clarity and subtlety
of the mind. Brahmi is used as a brain tonic in Ayurveda to deal with broad range of mental
imbalances (Ref19).

7. Neem (Azadirachta Indica)

Neem is considered a divine tree in the Indian subcontinent. Neem tree is being used to treat
various ailments since pre-historic times (Link 20). The first recorded incidence of neem being
used in medicinal preparation dates back to 4500 years ago (Link 20). Today neem tree is found
in 30 countries worldwide (Link 20).

In India, neem twigs are used to clean teeth, the leaves are kept in drawers and cupboards to
keep the bugs away, the neem paste is used for skin diseases, fresh neem leaves are used to
 make delicious dishes and the neem oil is used in cosmetic preparations (Link 20). Due to its
versatility, it is worshiped in India. Neem is certainly a wonder plant.

8. Ginger

A study data indicates that Ginger if consumed daily has a potential to prevent some chronic
diseases such as hypertension and Coronary heart disease (Link 21). It is cultivated widely
around the world and is considered the most versatile, evidence-based natural health remedy. It
is used as a digestive aid and promotes the elimination of flatulence and prevents bloating.

Ginger is effectively used to prevent nausea. A recent study proved this fact in chemotherapy
induced nausea in cancer patients (Link 22). The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger make it
a perfect herb for reducing the severity of Osteoarthritis and muscle pain (Link 23). Ginger is
traditionally known to reduce migraine pain and is proven through recent scientific research
(Link 24). More or less ginger is an essential component in Indian cuisine and along with garlic, it
becomes the primary ingredient in Indian curry.

9. Garlic

Garlic has numerous applications in Ayurveda. Garlic is widely available worldwide and is used
as a flavoring agent in many cooking styles. Garlic has medicinal properties which were well
documented in the Ayurvedic text. Recently the effect of garlic on cardiovascular health was
thoroughly researched and the results had proved that garlic consumption can improve lipid
levels and hypertension (Blood pressure) in patients with high cholesterol levels (Link 25).

Garlic is an ayurvedic remedy for toothache, sinus headache, pain and tingling sensation in the
ear (Ref 26). Primarily the garlic oil is being used for medicinal purpose. Though garlic has many
medicinal benefits it is mostly cherished in India as a primary ingredient in all kinds of curries
and chutneys.

10. Aloe Vera

This is an incredible plant which has numerous uses in traditional medicine and modern
cosmetics. Aloe vera is used in India for centuries as an ayurvedic medicine. Known as ‘Ghrita
Kumari’ in Ayurveda it is used in its original form in oral care, wound care, skincare, burns and
digestive problems (Link27).

The active compounds in aloe vera have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effect (Link
28).Due to its unique immune modulating properties (Link28), it is now widely researched in
cancer treatment (Link 29).
Reference Link:

Link 1: http://www.turmeric.co.in/turmeric_facts.htm

Link 3: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28331366

Link 2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28289922

Link 4: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28302036

Link 5: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28236605

Link 6: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26648822

Link 7: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27143825

Link 8: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27242708

Link 9: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25624701

Link 10: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24266685

Link 11: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27898027

Link 12: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27364038

Link 13: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26912420

Link 14: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26180601

Link 15: http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/14/7/2373/htm

Link 16: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19375459

Link 17: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19374260

Link 18: https://www.mdidea.com/products/proper/proper05804.html

Ref 19: Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingston Elsevier,
2006. 149-150, 187-188.

Link 20: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3695574/

Link 21: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28336112

Link 22: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21818642

Link 23: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16117603

Link 24: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2214812

Link 25: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27563431

Ref 26: Ayurveda : The science of self healing by Dr. Vasant Lad. ISBN:81-208-1130-3

Link 27: http://food.ndtv.com/beauty/6-amazing-benefits-aloe-vera-hair-skin-weight-loss-1221869

Link 28: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26181152

Link 29: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25854386