Named after Brahma, the God of creation, Brahmi is a powerful herb with significant health benefits. From treating Alzheimer’s to reducing stress, Brahmi is a perennial, creeping herb, that grows in marshy wetlands and is indigenous to India, but now, it grows throughout the tropical regions. It is an edible plant with small, oval-shaped juicy leaves, which grow on a soft furry stem. The plant branches out horizontally over the ground and grows to a maximum height of 6 inches. Brahmi also blooms small white-purple flowers with four or five petals and produces an oval-shaped fruit.

The herb is enriched with several bio-chemical compounds including brahmine, herpestine, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, alkaloids, betulic acid, stimastorol, betasitosterol, bacoside and bacopasaponins. With these inherent ingredients, Brahmi is highly valued in Ayurveda as a brain tonic, an aphrodisiac and as a stress reliever.

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Turmeric, the golden spice of life is one of the most essential and beneficial spices used in culinary all over the world. It is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant and is commonly used in Asian especially Indian food. It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butter, and cheeses. The root of the turmeric is used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. It contains a yellow-colored chemical called curcumin, which is often used to color foods and cosmetics.

This yellow spice with its strong flavor is obtained from the dried grounded underground stem, rhizome. The rhizome of the turmeric is a yellowish orange tuberous juicy stem. The outer part of the rhizome is covered with a segmented yellowish-brown color.

It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as dietary fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, copper, magnesium, and zinc. Turmeric is useful as an external antibiotic in preventing bacterial infection in wounds. Turmeric decreases congestion and inflammation from stagnant mucous membranes. Turmeric is also beneficial for a healthy liver.

Related Herbs

Ashwagandha, Ginkgo Biloba, Goji Berry, Ginger, Cannabis, Guarana, Echinacea

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Arjuna is used as a cardiotonic herb in Ayurveda as it improves the functioning of cardiac muscles. It contains antioxidant properties that maintain the cholesterol level. It is also known as “Arjun Tree”.

It also contains medicinal properties that can benefit from the treatment of Coronary artery disease and reducing the risk of heart failure. The bark of Arjuna is used as an astringent, sweet, acrid, cooling, aphrodisiac, urinary astringent, and expectorant. The bark is used to heal wounds. It is also used in heart-disease, contusions, and fractures.

Juice of leaves used in ear-aches. The best herb for heart disease (prevents and helps in the recovery of), angina and heals heart tissue scars after surgery. Also useful for bile, edema, fractures, broken bones, venereal disease, diarrhea, and malabsorption. External treatment for ulcers, acne, skin disorders. It is also useful as an antidote to poisons. It is used as a remedy for scorpion-sting. A heart tonic that helps maintain good heart health. It also strengthened the heart muscles.

Arjuna promotes normal homocysteine levels and proper blood flow. It contains some astringent properties which make it one of the best applicators on wounds. Arjuna contains properties which can help in reverse hardening of the arteries

Alternate Name

Terminalia Arjuna,White Marudah,Koha, Kahu, Arjan, White Murdh, Arjuna Myrobalan, Orjun, Yerra maddi, Sadada, Sada

FAQ

When should I take Arjuna?

You can take Arjuna if you have high cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. It reduces cholesterol, LDL, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol in the blood. Help in maintaining a healthy heart.Is useful to reduce heart problems like chest pain (angina). It is beneficial for conditions like diarrhea. Arjuna antibacterial property helps in fighting intestinal infections. Studies have shown that it can be useful to manage lung infections, cough, asthma, and bronchitis. Ayurvedic practitioner
recommend it for Urinary tract infections

Is Arjuna good for the heart?

Yes, it is good for maintaining a good heart.

Is Arjuna good for the kidney?

Arjuna bark is shown to protect the liver and kidney tissues against oxidative stress probably by increasing antioxidative defense activities.

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Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing and it has been used since ancient times for a wide variety of conditions and is most well-known for its restorative benefits. In Sanskrit Ashwagandha means the smell of a horse, which means that the herb imparts the vigor and strength of a stallion, and has traditionally been prescribed to improve physical energy and athletic ability, increase immunity to colds and infections and increase sexual capacity and fertility. Ashwagandha, also used as an adaptogen to help the body deal with daily stress. Ashwagandha is used for arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, tumors, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, backache, menstrual problems, hiccups, and chronic liver disease. An abundance of antioxidants, iron, and amino acids makes Ashwagandha one of the most useful herbs in Ayurvedic healing. It Improves the ability to learn. It also improves thyroid function. As nutrient and health restorative Ashwagandha is used for pregnant and old people. Ashwagandha Ghrita promotes the nutrition and strength of children, mainly it improves the nutrition of weak children. For skin diseases: Apply Ashwagandha powder well mixed with oil to the skin

Immunity Support

FAQ’s

• What does ashwagandha do for the body?
  Improve physical energy and athletic ability, increase immunity to colds and infections, and increase sexual capacity and fertility. Ashwagandha, also used as an adaptogen to help the body deal with daily stress.
• Is Ashwagandha safe for long term use?

  Ashwagandha is safe for both short term as well as long term use if taken in prescribed quantity or under the guidance of a well-known herbalist.

• How long should I have to take Ashwagandha before I see any benefits?

  Most of the herbs take 6 to 8 weeks at least before we can experience any benefit from them.

• Is safe for diabetic people and does it reduce sugar level?
  Ashwagandha has shown reduce blood sugar levels and it is safe for diabetic people but should be taken after consultation from a health consultant.
• What are the side effects of Ashwagandha?

  Although Ashwagandha is safe if taken in small amounts but still pregnant women and lactating mothers should consult their healthcare providers.

• Can it lower cholesterol and triglycerides?
  Yes, Ashwagandha can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Studies and research have shown that it helps to maintain a healthy heart.
•  Other Benefits of  Ashwagandha?
  Helpful in brain functioning, boost memory, increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and increase testosterone levels, and significantly boosts sperm quality and fertility in men.

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We know the benefits of Holy Basil (Tulsi) well. Let’s now find out what makes Ashwagandha one of the most prized herbs.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb derived from the roots of the Ashwagandha bush (Withania somnifera). This bush has yellow flowers and tiny orange-red fruit. It is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is now also grown in some parts of the Middle East, Africa, and the U.S.

The name ‘Ashwagandha’ is a Sanskrit word, which means ‘the smell of a horse.’ The root of this herb smells like a horse. It is also said that the name is appropriate because this herb can give you the strength and vitality of a horse! It is sometimes also called the Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry.

While almost all parts of this plant have value, the roots are considered most beneficial. Traditionally, these roots were dried, powdered, and consumed with ghee, honey, and milk. But nowadays, it is also taken as tablets, tea, tincture, or extract.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has numerous health benefits. It can also help you maintain your beautiful looks! Ayurveda practitioners use it to cure stress, anxiety, exhaustion, lack of sleep, and many other health issues. It has an abundance of antioxidants, iron, and amino acids, making it one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic medicine.  It is supposed to promote physical and mental health, restore the body, and increase longevity. Ashwagandha can calm you and make you feel more energetic at the same time.

1. This powerful herb has hormone balancing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can boost your immunity. That’s why it is being recommended for reducing the risk of COVID-19. Ashwagandha can also reduce aging effects, joint pain, and insomnia.
2. This wonder herb enables the body to reserve and sustain energy throughout the day, and it also promotes sound sleep at night.
3. Ashwagandha also has excellent wound-healing abilities. Traditionally, this herb’s fresh leaves were applied topically to reduce joint pains, swelling, and heal skin sores.
4. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is also referred to as balya. It gives strength in conditions like general debility. It is said to improve energy and increase stamina and endurance.
5. This wonder herb is used as an aphrodisiac as it supports sexual health.
6. Ayurvedic experts also use it as a general body tonic. It can make you feel stronger and healthier. It is one of the ingredients of Chyawanprash, the famous concoction which boosts immunity and overall health.
7. Ashwagandha also has the potential to be an anti-cancer agent. It may reduce the growth of cancerous tumors.
8. Ashwagandha also improves hormonal balance by acting on the endocrine system.
9. It may reduce symptoms such as mood swings and hot flashes during menopause.

Ashwagandha for Mental Health

1. Just like Holy Basil, Ashwagandha is an “adaptogen.” This means it can help your body cope with daily stress. It helps in managing the levels of cortisol, ‘the stress hormone.’ That is why it is used in tranquilizers and antidepressant drugs. It works excellently in relieving physical and mental stress and can help you overcome depression.
2. Ashwagandha may even improve your thinking ability, memory, attention, and concentration. That is why it is considered helpful with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Ashwagandha can promote the growth of nerve cells. It can also protect the brain cells from the harmful effects of the environment.

Beauty Benefits of Ashwagandha

1. Ashwagandha can help you maintain your youthful looks for longer! It has potent antioxidant properties that may help protect the skin against free radical damage. It also slows the aging process by firming up your skin.
2. Ashwagandha stimulates DHEA. This is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen, and it stimulates the production of natural skin oils. It also increases the production of vital proteins and compounds needed for healthy skin. These include hyaluronan for skin hydration, collagen for skin strength, and elastin to keep the skin supple.
3. You can use Ashwagandha as a toner as well! Just mix it with dried ginger and lemon and enjoy the benefits of this natural toner.
4. Ashwagandha improves scalp circulation and also strengthens the hair.
5. It is also beneficial against dandruff.
6. It appears to stimulate the production of melanin. This is the pigment that is responsible for the color of your hair. So, Ashwagandha may actually reverse the greying of hair.
7. It also helps deal with hair loss.

Conclusion:

Ashwagandha is a powerful herb much revered in Ayurveda. The benefits of Ashwagandha are many. It can strengthen and energize your body. It can relax your mind and improve brain function. And it is also great for taking care of your hair and skin. No wonder Ayurveda experts consider it a gift of nature. Just like Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, too, is a wonder herb.

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Most Hindu people consider Tulsi sacred and use it in religious rituals too. Tulsi plant is grown and worshipped in many Indian homes. And it is commonly used in home remedies, especially for fighting cold and cough. Now, even scientific research is proving Holy Basil’s beneficial effects on physical and mental health.

What do scientific studies say?

Hundreds of scientific studies have examined the medicinal properties of Tulsi through in vitro, animal and human experiments. As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it has been found that Tulsi has a unique combination of actions that include: Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic), anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, anti-cataract, mosquito repellent, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, hepato-protective, radioprotective, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-carcinogenic, anti-pyretic, anti-allergic, analgesic, immunomodulatory, memory enhancement, central nervous system depressant, anti-asthmatic, diaphoretic, anti-tussive, anti-thyroid, anti-fertility, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, anti-arthritic, anti-ulcer, adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-leukodermal and anti-coagulant activities. All these pharmacological actions help the body and mind against a wide range of chemical, physical, infectious, and emotional stresses. And they also help in restoring physiological and psychological functions.

Benefits of Tulsi

Tulsi is considered a potent adaptogen and its unique combination of pharmacological actions help in promoting wellbeing and resilience. (An Adaptogen is a herb that can help with the adaptation to stress and the promotion of homeostasis.) As per some studies, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) can help in relieving physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress. Tulsi also has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This includes activity against a range of human and animal pathogens which suggests it can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash, and even water purifier. Holy Basil can also help in healing wounds.

Daily consumption of Tulsi (Holy Basil) can reduce the risk of infections and promote general health and wellbeing. It may also give luster to the complexion, sweetness to the voice, and enhance beauty, intelligence, stamina, while relieving stress and anxiety. It is said to provide relief in a range of conditions including anxiety, asthma, cough, fever, dysentery, diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, arthritis, eye diseases, otalgia, hiccups, gastric, cardiac and genitourinary disorders, skin diseases, back pain, ringworm, insect, snake and scorpion bites and malaria.

1. Tulsi is Anti-Inflammatory:

The anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi can help in a variety of diseases and disorders. It has several enzyme-inhibiting oils, including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol. Tulsi helps in reducing inflammation, the risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions. Chewing of Tulsi leaves may give relief in fever, headache, cold, cough, sore throat, and flu.

2. Rich in Disease-Fighting Antioxidants:

Tulsi essential oil can help fight free radical damage and protect DNA structure and cells. It has two water-soluble flavonoid antioxidants – orientin and viceninare. These help in strengthening the immune system, protecting the cellular structure, DNA. And they may also delay the effect of skin aging.

3. Skin Care:

Tulsi essential oil or Holy Basil essential oil is an excellent skin cleanser. Its ability to clean the skin from within makes it a good choice for people with oily skin. It helps in removing dirt and impurities that may block skin pores. Tulsi has strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can prevent the formation of acne. Some people also use Tulsi leaves for treating ringworm and several skin disorders. Regular use of Tulsi essential oil, paste of Tulsi leaves, or ointments can prevent premature aging and keep the skin healthy.

4. Heals wound and protects against infection:

Tulsi has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (a painkiller) actions. Extracts made from Tulsi leaves may help in healing wounds sooner. It may also help in preventing the wound from getting infected. Experimental evidence shows that Tulsi can increase wound-breaking strength and speed up wound healing. Tulsi also has anti-ulcer and ulcer-healing activity. Some people even use Tulsi after surgery to accelerate healing and protect their wounds from infections.

5. Home Remedy for Cough:

Indians commonly use Tulsi to get relief in cough and cold. You can add Tulsi leaves while brewing tea. Indian households use different recipes of Tulsi leaves or flowers decoctions with ginger, cloves, black pepper, black cardamoms, etc. to soothe cold and cough and fight respiratory infections. Some people take Tulsi leaves’ juice (a few drops) and honey for relief in cough, cold, and sore throat.

6. Benefits of Tulsi include Detoxification:

Many of the physiological benefits of Tulsi result from its ability to help with the body’s internal housekeeping and protection of the body from toxin-induced damage. This may be because Tulsi, especially Krishna Tulsi (black/purple varieties), has a high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. Laboratory studies suggest that Tulsi can protect against toxic chemical-induced injury by increasing the levels of anti-oxidant molecules and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

7. Stress Buster:

Benefits of Tulsi include its excellent ability to fight stress. Tulsi can help in reducing the body’s toxicant stress, physical stress, metabolic stress, and mental stress. Tulsi essential oil may reduce depression and anxiety too. By stimulating neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones, Tulsi may help you feel more relaxed, happier, and energetic. You can use Tulsi essential oil, drink Tulsi tea, or just chew 10-12 Tulsi leaves to reduce your stress.

8. Immunity Booster:

Tulsi has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal qualities that can protect against many infection-causing pathogens. It may also boost immunity and help protect against infections. Many experts recommend Tulsi pills, Tulsi tea, water boiled with Tulsi leaves for boosting immunity. And Tulsi may be effective against malaria and dengue fever as well.

9. Tulsi can lower cholesterol and prevent heart diseases:

Holy Basil leaves can lower the cholesterol level in the body and help prevent cardiac diseases. By reducing metabolic stress, it can also help with weight loss, and managing cholesterol levels. Animal studies have shown fresh Tulsi can lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). One animal study has also shown that the oil in Holy Basil (eugenol) can lower stress-induced cholesterol levels. Tulsi leaves can act as a tonic for the heart.

10. Lower your blood sugar:

Tulsi is also beneficial for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. All parts of the Holy Basil plant can help reduce blood sugar. Tulsi can help in reducing diabetes-related problems like weight gain, hyperinsulinemia, or excess insulin in the blood, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and hypertension.

How to use Holy Basil for better health?

As you can see, there are many benefits of Tulsi or Holy Basil. The list above is only a small glimpse of them. So, include Tulsi in your healthcare regime. If you can grow a Tulsi plant in your garden, you can take advantage of the fresh Tulsi leaves.

You can make Tulsi tea easily. Or you can make Tulsi concoction with ginger, cloves, black pepper, black cardamoms. It is called Tulsi Kadha in Hindi. If you google, you’ll find many recipes of Tulsi Kadha. You can also make a paste of Tulsi leaves for skincare. Mix it with aloe vera to get a soothing face mask. You can also use Tulsi essential oil to relieve stress, headache, etc. Tulsi supplements are easily available too in the form of pills or capsules.

However, before consuming fresh Tulsi or Tulsi supplements, consult your doctor. If you take Tulsi supplements, read the directions on the label carefully and don’t take more than the recommended dosage.

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