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Herbs have a multitude of health benefits and are an excellent source of antioxidants. They help to balance your hormones, improve your gut and brain health, fight infections, and can even aid in cancer prevention!
Herbs can be found in a variety of forms such as capsules, tinctures, tea blends and powders. Below are some commonly used herbs in Indian herbalism that can be incorporated into your diet to enhance your overall health and well-being.
Tulsi
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is one of the most sacred plants in India and is known as “The Queen of Herbs” for its restorative and spiritual properties. It has been used for thousands of years to support a healthy response to stress, natural detoxification, increase stamina, endurance and energy, as well as restore balance and harmony.
Tulsi can be consumed as tea, infusion or tincture to reduce stress levels and promote overall health. It’s a premier adaptogen, helping the body to balance hormone levels, immune function, brain chemistry and more to help the body manage both short-term and long-term stressors naturally.
Tulsi is also a powerful antioxidant, promoting the production of glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the body. This makes it effective for reducing free radicals from chronic stress and other sources, such as pollution, toxins, poor diet and stress-related hormones.
Katuki
Katuki, also called Picrorhiza kurroa, is an Ayurvedic herb that carries many benefits for the liver. It helps balance the 'pitta' in the body and prevents bile disorders. It can also be used to treat digestive issues like indigestion, gastric pain, and constipation.
It is a perennial plant, which spreads by stolons. Its rhizome looks like fish scales and is covered with white to yellowish-brown hairs.
The root of katuki is bitter to taste and it can be a good remedy for fever. A finely powdered root can be mixed with warm water and sugar and consumed to fight a high fever.
Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe respiratory problems as well. It is especially beneficial for people with breathing troubles due to pollution, seasonal woes or viral infections. It also limits the release of histamine and thus can help relieve asthma.
Pushkarmool
Pushkarmool is an herb that is used to treat a wide range of health conditions. It is a potent herb that is a good anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agent. It also has anti-allergic properties.
This herb is used in many different Ayurvedic treatments. It is an excellent herb for reducing edema, promoting healthy blood circulation, and boosting heart health.
It is also useful in treating lung disorders like asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis. It is also a great herb for treating chest pain.
The herb is also a good diuretic that promotes increased urine output. This helps to decrease the edema caused by chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
The herb has a rich history of use by indigenous groups throughout the Himalayas and other mountainous regions. It is a popular ingredient in classical Ayurvedic formulas for respiratory support.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, is an important herb in the traditional system of Indian herbalism. It is a potent adaptogen that improves resilience to stress and promotes a healthy body-mind-spirit balance.
It can be taken as a powder, tincture or ghee (clarified butter) to support the immune system and help with stress. It also enhances energy, improves sleep and reduces inflammation and pain.
Studies have shown that it may boost cardiorespiratory endurance, which helps the heart pump oxygen to muscles during exercise. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
In addition, it may also help reduce inflammatory markers in the blood and improve cholesterol levels. In a study, participants who took 300 mg of ashwagandha twice daily for 60 days showed significant reductions in C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. This suggests that it might be beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make medicinal herbs?
There are many different methods to make herbs into medicinal products. The most common method is to dry the herbs in a warm, dark location before grinding them into a powder or extracting their essential oils. This can be accomplished by hanging herbs upside down in bunches, laying herbs on a drying screen, or using a food dehydrator.
Once dried and ground, herbs can be stored in airtight containers for future use. Other herbs may require special preparation, such as infusing herbs into oil or vinegar, making tinctures with alcohol, or distilling herbs to create essential oils.
Learning the correct techniques for preparing herbs can help ensure that they retain their medicinal properties and potency for optimal health benefits. Using fresh herbs is usually best, but herbs can also be grown in a pot or garden and harvested when they are mature. Herbs can be purchased at health food stores, online retailers, and specialty shops.
No matter where herbs come from, the preparation techniques remain the same; drying herbs in a warm location followed by grinding or extracting the essential oils. You can make your medicinal herbs with the right herbs and preparation techniques.
When making herbal preparations, it is essential to remember that herbs can vary in potency, so always dilute herbs before use or follow the directions on any product label. Additionally, herbs are best used fresh, as many of their beneficial components degrade over time.
Following safety guidelines and paying attention to the potency of herbs can help ensure that you get the most benefit from your herbs. With a bit of practice and preparation, anyone can make therapeutic herbs with medicinal properties. Remember that herbs should never replace any medical advice or treatments prescribed by a doctor. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally.
What spice is good for inflammation?
Turmeric is one spice that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been studied extensively and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Other spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cardamom may also reduce inflammation in the body. Adding these spices to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Another spice that can be used to reduce inflammation is black pepper. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has been studied and found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, the spice contains antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.
Adding black pepper to your diet may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any spice to your diet, as some spices may interact with your medications or supplements. Eating various healthy foods, including spices with anti-inflammatory benefits, can help keep your body balanced and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related illnesses.
In summary, adding spices to your diet can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, cardamom, and black pepper have all been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.
Which spices from the kitchen are used to cure diseases?
There are more than 4000 medicinal plants that are widely distributed throughout the world. Some of these plants contain active compounds that may help treat various ailments.
In India alone, there are more than 1000 species of herbs that are used for medical purposes. This includes Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Siddha medicine, Homeopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine.
The most common ingredient found in these medicines is ginger. Ginger contains volatile oils that give it its aromatic flavor. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful against arthritis, fever, vomiting, and indigestion.
Ginger also helps relieve nausea and stomach cramps caused due to pregnancy. Pregnant women often consume ginger tea to reduce morning sickness. Ginger is also commonly used for cough and cold relief.
Another spice that is known to have medicinal value is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This makes it an effective cancer treatment.
Turmeric is also considered to be very beneficial for joint health. It relieves inflammation and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also believed to prevent osteoporosis.
Garlic, too, is another herb that is extensively used in traditional medicine. Its healing qualities include treating infections, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes and even reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic oil is also used to treat wounds and insect bites.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial property makes it ideal for treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
It is also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.
Other spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, mustard seeds, fennel, and coriander are also used to treat different illnesses.
What plant helps with infection?
There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.
Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.
Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.
You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.
Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.
What are the side effects of basil?
Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.
The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.
As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.
Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.
However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.
You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.
Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.
Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:
- Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
- Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
- Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
- Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
- Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
- Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
- Diuretics (like Lasix)
- Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
- Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
- Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
- NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
- Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
- Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren
How is basil used for medicinal purposes?
In ancient times, doctors would prescribe basil leaves to treat colds and coughs. Today, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal remedy for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, gout, hay fever, indigestion, migraines, menstrual cramps, sinus infections, sore throats, ulcers, varicose veins, and more.
Basil is also known for its ability to help protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, skin conditions, and even aging.
Basil is often referred to as "the herb of grace" because it helps us relax and unwind after stressful situations. It is also said to improve memory and concentration, boost energy levels, increase libido, and enhance athletic performance.
The list goes on and on. Basil is a versatile plant that offers a wide range of benefits for our health and well-being.
Statistics
- Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)
- The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.
External Links
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- Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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- Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed
- Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC
How To
How to use herbs safely?
Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.
Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.
However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.
You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.
Resources:
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