8 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs With Their Great Benefits

Introduction

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system. Ayurveda means the science or knowledge of life, where ‘Ayur’ means life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge.  

The Ancient and Traditional practice of Ayurvedic is 5,000 years old and works on three basic three principles or doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and ayurveda practice is based on three classical texts – the Charaka Samhita, the Sushruta Samhita, and the Ashtanga Hridaya which were written in Sanskrit over 2,000 years ago and are collectively known as the Great Trilogy. 

Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on lifestyle, diet, and natural substances. It is important to note that while Ayurveda is a recognised traditional system of healthcare in India, its treatments should be approached responsibly and under the guidance of qualified practitioners. Individuals are encouraged to consult registered medical professionals for the diagnosis and management of any medical condition¹. 

The Role of Ayurvedic Herbs

Ayurvedic herbs are an integral part of the Ayurvedic medicine system. Since ancient times, these herbs have been used to help manage different diseases, promote mental clarity, boost immunity, and support healthy skin. In Ayurvedic practice, attention is given to the person as a whole, addressing the mind, body, and lifestyle rather than focusing solely on the symptoms of a condition. A wide range of herbs are used in Ayurveda to treat illnesses, with active ingredients derived from leaves, roots, flowers, and bark. These herbs are selected with the intention of promoting internal balance and supporting the body’s natural functions².  

Manjistha, for instance, may be beneficial in managing bone-related conditions. A 2020 study found that the root of Manjistha contains a compound that may be effective as a phytomedicine in the treatment of bone disorders¹⁶.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Benefits of Ayurvedic Herbs

The Ayurvedic system offers a traditional, holistic approach to wellness, focusing on balance and overall health rather than isolated symptoms. Some of the benefits of ayurvedic herbs are as follows: 

• Supports the balance among the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which is considered important for overall well-being in traditional Ayurvedic understanding³.   
• Considers the individual as a whole, and any supportive measures used are selected with the aim of promoting general health, not solely addressing isolated symptoms³.   
• Centres around lifestyle, diet, and plant-based preparations, and is considered by some to be gentler in its approach⁴.   
• Improves vitality and provides strength, in line with the system’s holistic philosophy⁴.   
• Emphasises maintaining internal balance, which is believed to help support the body’s natural defences⁴. 

Some of the Best Ayurvedic Herbs

The following ayurvedic herbs have been traditionally valued for their various properties and uses over many years. Below is an overview of some commonly known herbs and their traditionally associated benefits: 

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a well-known herb in traditional Ayurvedic practice, used for various purposes over many centuries. The name ‘Ashwagandha’ is derived from Sanskrit, where ‘Ashva’ means horse and ‘Gandha’ means smell, suggesting, in traditional texts, the vitality and strength associated with a horse. 

It is sometimes referred to as ‘Winter Cherry’ or ‘Indian Ginseng’, and is particularly noted in Ayurveda for its traditional association with supporting the body’s resilience and overall vitality. The roots of the Ashwagandha plant are commonly used in Ayurvedic preparations⁵. The benefits of Ashwagandha are as follows: 

• Boosts immune system⁵ 
• Decreases stress⁶ 
• Helps with memory and cognition⁶ 
• Improve sleep patterns⁶
• Helps to maintain normal testosterone levels in males⁶ 
• May improve fertility⁶
• Helps improve heart health⁶
• Helps improve thyroid health⁶

Ashwagandha is a versatile herb and is traditionally available in various forms, including powders, tablets, and liquid extracts. It may be taken with or without food, depending on individual preference and practitioner guidance. 

Caution: The use of Ashwagandha during pregnancy is not generally recommended unless under the supervision of a qualified medical professional. Individuals with thyroid-related conditions, particularly hyperthyroidism, should seek advice from a healthcare practitioner before using Ashwagandha or related preparations. 

2. Brahmi

Brahmi, also known as Bacopa monnieri, is a well-regarded herb in traditional Ayurvedic practice. It has been traditionally used for its association with supporting cognitive health and mental clarity. The plant’s leaves are considered particularly valued in Ayurvedic literature and are often used in various preparations  

Brahmi is also noted in traditional sources for its natural antioxidant and soothing properties, which have contributed to its continued use over generations. 

Below are some traditionally associated uses of Brahmi⁷: 

• Supports mental health and cognitive well-being   
• Helps improve memory, concentration, and learning 
• Helps with nervous system function 
• Helps reduce stress and depression 
• Can help calm the mind 
• May reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (like hyperactivity). 
• Recognised for its antioxidant content, it may support general cellular health 
• Traditionally used in formulations aimed at promoting healthy skin and hair by supporting internal balance 

3. Shatavari

Shatavari also known as ‘queen of herbs’. is a medicinal herb with many health benefits. The presence of saponins contributes to its antioxidant properties. Shatavari is traditionally associated with supporting immune function and female reproductive health, as described in classical Ayurvedic texts.  

Here are some benefits of Shatavari⁸: 

• May improve immunity  
• May reduce inflammation 
• May be effective in alleviating respiratory symptoms 
• Helps relieve acidity symptoms 
• Helps with stomach and intestinal ulcers 
• Helps manage blood sugar levels 
• Helps with anti-aging changes in the skin 

4. Liquorice

Liquorice has been used since ancient times in various traditional systems of medicine, including those of India, Greece, and Egypt. Owing to its naturally sweet flavour, it continues to be used in a range of preparations such as herbal teas, confectionery, capsules, and liquid extracts. 

The benefits of Liquorice are as follows^9,10: 

• Helps provide relief from acidity, stomach ulcers, and food poisoning 
• Helps with cold and cough 
• Helps reduce stress 
• Acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-microbial agent 
• Helps reduce hair fall and to prevent dandruff 
• Beneficial in prostate gland problems   

5. Neem

Neem has been mentioned extensively in classical Ayurvedic texts and is included in a large number of traditional formulations. It is often associated with supporting general hygiene, skin care, and internal balance in Ayurvedic practice¹¹.  

The benefits of neem are as follows: 

• Neem has antiseptic, anti-microbial, and antifungal properties¹¹.   
• Potent blood purifier and detoxifier¹¹.
• Treat eczema, and skin diseases¹¹.
• Helps to reduce fever, especially malarial fever¹¹.
• Helps maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental caries and infections 
• Beneficial for the hair and helps to control dandruff.   

Licorice root has been traditionally studied for its potential benefits in supporting oral hygiene. Some research¹⁷ suggests that compounds found in licorice may help in maintaining dental cleanliness and overall oral health. However, its use should be approached with caution and under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

6. Manjistha

Manjistha is particularly noted for its long-standing use in Ayurvedic practices related to circulatory and skin wellness¹². The benefits of Manjistha are as follows; 

• Helps boost immunity 
• Helps improve complexion and clear acne¹²   
• Helps improve memory and learning ability   
• Helps with allergic conditions  

7. Amla

Amala is highly regarded in Ayurvedic tradition as a nourishing and revitalising fruit. It has naturally occurring antioxidants and helps support the body’s internal balance. The benefits of amala are as follows¹³: 

• Supports immunity 
• May strengthen the heart 
• Beneficial for hair, skin, and eyes 
• May help reduce high blood sugar levels 
• May provide relief from acidity  

Some studies¹⁸ suggest that Amla contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help support cognitive health. Its naturally high Vitamin C content is also believed to play a role in maintaining normal brain function.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

8. Haritaki

Haritaki is known as the ‘king of herbs’ in Ayurveda. In traditional Ayurvedic belief, Haritaki is associated with promoting internal balance and supporting clarity of mind, vitality, and overall well-being. The benefits of Haritaki are as follows: 

• Strengthens the vital functions of the body, such as strong digestion¹⁴, nutrient absorption, and elimination. 
• May reduce cholesterol levels¹⁵  
• Helps prevent lung infections¹⁵
• May support eye health¹⁵

Also Read: Black Salt: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

Conclusion

Ayurveda offers a time-tested, holistic approach to health, rooted in balance and natural practices. When used under the guidance of qualified professionals, Ayurvedic herbs may support general well-being as part of a balanced lifestyle. 

Also Read: Tamarind (Imli): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

References

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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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