12 Amazing Ayurvedic Spices and Herbs with Health Benefits
Right now, the world is facing an unprecedented health crisis. Everybody needs to take particular care of themselves and their health. Building immunity, eating healthy, and exercising regularly can help you immensely. You can start looking at your kitchen itself to find ingredients that can benefit your health. Ayurveda has several spices and herbs to boost your immunity and build your health. Ayurveda is a traditional form of Indian medicine. It preserves health, wellness, and strengthens your mind. Ayurveda has a lot of ways to prevent and cure disease.
Ayurvedic herbs and spices are very handy to improve digestion, skin texture, hair growth, and fight against lifestyle diseases. All these benefits and effects have been researched and studied so you can trust us!
- Cumin-This native South Asian plant is known for its earthy flavor and smell. Cumin boosts the functioning of digestive enzymes and facilitate the release of bile of the liver. It speeds your digestion basically and helps with digesting fatty foods. Cumin is super beneficial for people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bloating, constipation, or indigestion. It is traditionally added to Indian meals for its particular flavor. However, it is loaded with antimicrobial properties. This makes it ideal to fight against infections. Cumin also helps in reducing blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Turmeric- Known as one of the most powerful spices, Turmeric is universally popular for strengthening immunity. Turmeric is useful in fighting heart disease, fever, cold, cough, skin infections, or lifestyle diseases. Drinking turmeric with warm water or milk is considered to be a very effective immunity booster. You can also mix turmeric and milk to apply it on your face for a healthy glow.
- Bitter Melon- A staple in Indian cuisine, Bitter Melon is related to zucchini, squash, cucumber, and pumpkin. Bitter Melon is often used to reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. You can have it as a vegetable or in curries.
- Cardamom- The ‘Queen of Spices’ is popular for its specific smell, taste, and flavor. Cardamom fights against stomach ulcers and reduces blood pressure. Cardamom oil or powders are recommended by Ayurvedic experts. You can add cardamom to your meals, tea, or just drink it with hot water for its benefits.
- Cinnamon- Cinnamon has several health benefits besides its amazing and wonderful smell. It is known to improve metabolism, clear your skin, and prevent bloating. Cinnamon is highly versatile and can be used in cakes, teas, curries, meals, milk, coffee, and drinks. Cinnamon powder or sticks mixed with warm water should be had daily to help your skin glow.
- Amla- Amla or gooseberry is another traditional Indian fruit that has been known for its powerful health benefits. Amla was ground into a fine paste in the earlier centuries and used as a shampoo for thick, lustrous hair. Amla juice is useful for speeding your metabolism and reducing plaque buildup in your teeth.
- Ashwagandha- The roots of the Ashwagandha plant are used in various Ayurvedic remedies. It can reduce cortisol levels, manage stress, improve sleep, and enhance muscle growth. The plant is native to India and North Africa. You can have it in teas or with milk for combating anxiety and building your muscles.
- Nutmeg- It is really useful for improving digestion and calming your mind. Have it in teas or with milk for bloating or gastric issues.
- Boswellia- This aromatic plant is used to fight bone decay, oral infections, and reduce body pain. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is really helpful for people with breathing problems.
- Brahmi- One of the staple and most potent herbs in Ayurveda, Brahmi can improve brain function. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce stress, anxiety due to its adaptogenic nature.
- Licorice Root- Licorice root is recommended by Ayurvedic experts for oral health, bloating, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and skin rashes. If directly applied to the skin, it can reduce redness, itchiness, and swelling. This plant is native to Europe and Asia. You can also consume this if you are suffering from sore throat or itchiness in the throat.
- Gotu Kola- It is traditionally known as the ‘herb of longevity.’ Ayurveda suggests that regular consumption of gotu kola can boost your brain function, improve memory, and even improve damaged memory after a stroke. Gotu Kola is used for reducing stretch marks and fighting skin infections like eczema.
These Ayurvedic remedies come tried and tested with several centuries of knowledge and science to back them. We do recommend that you consult with a medical health expert before adding these to your diet. You should also check the authenticity of these herbs and spices if you are ordering them online or buying them from a store. Some herbs and spices can cause damage if consumed in excess.