A Deep Dive into Popular Ayurvedic Herbs: Health Benefits and How to Add Them to Your Daily Routine
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, has been practiced for over 5,000 years, focusing on holistic health and balancing the body, mind, and spirit. One of its core principles involves using natural herbs to promote wellness and prevent ailments. In this blog, we'll explore some popular Ayurvedic herbs, their benefits, and how to easily incorporate them into your daily routine by adding powders to coffee, tea, water, or milk.
Ashwagandha
Benefits
Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is an adaptogen that helps the body combat stress and anxiety. It has been shown to improve mental clarity and support cognitive health. Furthermore, ashwagandha boosts the immune system, increases energy levels, and improves sleep quality by regulating cortisol levels. Some studies also suggest that it may enhance muscle strength and support healthy testosterone levels.
How to add to drinks
To enjoy the benefits of ashwagandha, mix half a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder into your coffee, tea, water, or milk. Make sure to choose a high-quality, organic ashwagandha powder for optimal results.
Lion's Mane
Benefits
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom known for its ability to support cognitive function, including memory, focus, and learning capabilities. It contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, thus promoting brain cell growth and repair. Additionally, Lion's Mane possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may protect against various health issues.
How to add to drinks
Add half a teaspoon of Lion's Mane powder to your favorite beverage, such as coffee, tea, or a smoothie, and stir well. Opt for a high-quality, organic Lion's Mane powder for the best results.
Reishi
Benefits
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and support the immune system. It contains compounds called triterpenoids, which have been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and support liver function. Reishi also has antioxidant properties that may help protect against cellular damage.
How to add to drinks
To enjoy the benefits of reishi, mix half a teaspoon of reishi powder into your choice of beverage, such as tea, coffee, or a smoothie. Choose a high-quality, organic reishi powder for optimal potency.
Chlorella
Benefits
Chlorella is a nutrient-dense, single-celled green algae known for its detoxification properties. It is rich in chlorophyll, which helps remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. Chlorella also boosts energy levels and promotes a healthy immune system due to its high content of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Additionally, it supports healthy digestion and may help lower cholesterol levels.
How to add to drinks
To experience the benefits of chlorella, stir in one teaspoon of chlorella powder into your beverage, such as water, juice, or a smoothie. Choose an organic, cracked cell wall chlorella powder for optimal absorption.
Astragalus
Benefits
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an herb with immune-boosting properties that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains compounds called polysaccharides, which support the immune system and help prevent infections. Astragalus also supports cardiovascular health, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and may help improve kidney function.
How to add to drinks
To enjoy the benefits of astragalus, add half a teaspoon of astragalus powder to your drink of choice, such as tea, coffee, or a smoothie, and mix well. Choose a high-quality, organic astragalus powder for optimal results.
Cordyceps
Benefits
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) is a medicinal mushroom known for its ability to boost energy, support lung health, and enhance athletic performance. Studies suggest that cordyceps may improve oxygen utilization and increase endurance by boosting ATP production, which provides energy to cells. Cordyceps also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help support overall health and protect against cellular damage.
How to add to drinks
To enjoy the benefits of cordyceps, mix half a teaspoon of organic cordyceps powder into your preferred beverage, such as coffee, tea, water, or a smoothie. Make sure to choose a high-quality, organic cordyceps powder or extract for optimal results. Some cordyceps products are also available in capsule or tincture forms if you prefer an alternative to powders.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Benefits
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Holy Basil, is an adaptogenic herb revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to reduce stress by modulating cortisol levels. It supports respiratory health by acting as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the airways. Additionally, tulsi promotes healthy digestion by reducing bloating and gas, and possesses antimicrobial properties that help fight against harmful bacteria and viruses.
How to add to drinks
To incorporate tulsi into your drinks, add one teaspoon of organic tulsi powder to your tea, coffee, water, or milk, and stir well. You can also use tulsi tea bags for a more convenient option.
Maca
Benefits
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root native to the Andes Mountains, known for its energy-boosting properties. It is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Maca has been shown to enhance libido in both men and women, and support hormonal balance by promoting healthy levels of estrogen and testosterone. Additionally, it may improve mood, reduce symptoms of menopause, and support cognitive function.
How to add to drinks
To enjoy maca's benefits, mix one teaspoon of organic maca powder into your beverage of choice, such as coffee, tea, milk, or a smoothie. Choose a high-quality, gelatinized maca powder for better digestion and absorption.
Moringa
Benefits
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a nutrient-packed plant known as the "miracle tree" due to its remarkable health benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support healthy digestion, promote heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammatory conditions.
How to add to drinks
To incorporate moringa into your drinks, stir in one teaspoon of organic moringa powder into your preferred beverage, such as tea, water, juice, or a smoothie.
Schisandra Berry
Benefits
Schisandra Berry (Schisandra chinensis) is an adaptogen that helps improve mental focus and cognitive function by supporting the production of neurotransmitters. It also supports liver health by promoting detoxification processes and protecting liver cells from damage. Schisandra Berry enhances stress resistance by regulating the stress hormone cortisol and promoting a healthy stress response.
How to add to drinks
To enjoy the benefits of Schisandra Berry, mix half a teaspoon of organic schisandra berry powder into your favorite beverage, such as tea, water, or a smoothie. You can also find schisandra berry in tincture or capsule forms.
Sea Moss
Benefits
Sea Moss, also known as Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus), is a nutrient-dense algae that supports immune health due to its rich content of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, iodine, and potassium. It promotes healthy skin by providing essential nutrients for collagen production and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin conditions. Furthermore, sea moss aids digestion by acting as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
How to add to drinks
To incorporate sea moss into your drinks, add one teaspoon of organic sea moss powder to your beverage and stir well. Alternatively, you can use sea moss gel, which is made by soaking and blending the raw sea moss with water.
Shatavari
Benefits
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an adaptogenic herb that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support women's reproductive health. It is believed to help regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate symptoms of menopause, improve fertility, and balance hormones. Shatavari also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe digestive issues, such as ulcers and heartburn. In addition, it is known to enhance immune function and support overall health due to its high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
How to add to drinks
To incorporate shatavari into your drinks, mix half a teaspoon of organic shatavari powder into your beverage of choice, such as tea, coffee, water, or milk, and stir well. Make sure to choose a high-quality, organic shatavari powder for optimal results. Shatavari is also available in capsule and tincture forms for those who prefer an alternative to powders.
Triphala
Benefits
Triphala, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation, consists of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It is known for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties. Triphala has been used for centuries to support digestive health, as it helps in detoxification, alleviates constipation, and promotes regular bowel movements. It also aids in weight management by promoting healthy metabolism and reducing the buildup of fat in the body. Furthermore, Triphala is believed to support eye health, boost the immune system, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
How to add to drinks
To incorporate Triphala into your drinks, mix half a teaspoon of organic Triphala powder into your preferred beverage, such as warm water, tea, or juice, and stir well. It is recommended to consume Triphala before bedtime or on an empty stomach for optimal results. Make sure to choose a high-quality, organic Triphala powder for the best outcome. Triphala is also available in capsule and tablet forms for those who prefer an alternative to powders.
When discussing Ayurvedic herbs, it's essential to remember that while these traditional remedies are an integral part of Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healing system from India, the information provided is for educational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and our insights should not be taken as medical advice. For any health-related concerns or before starting any new treatment, including Ayurvedic remedies, always consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
