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Herbs Used in Ayurveda
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- Written by And-El
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Introduction to Herbs Used in Ayurveda
Emerging from the ancient wisdom of India, Ayurveda, known as the "science of life," is a holistic healing tradition that's been around for over 5,000 years.
It seeks to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit using nature's gifts. As natural healthcare gains traction, more people are uncovering the profound health benefits of herbs central to this ancient practice. These herbs, meticulously chronicled in foundational texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, serve not only as remedies but as sacred companions in promoting wellness, longevity, and inner peace.
From Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), revered for its stress-reducing and energy-boosting qualities, to the widely acclaimed Turmeric (Curcuma longa), known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, Ayurvedic herbs connect ancient practices with today's wellness trends. Below, we translate these traditional uses into modern terms to make their benefits understandable to everyone.
Following this introduction, you'll encounter a concise list of herbs integral to Ayurveda, alongside their contemporary applications. Each herb aligns with Ayurveda's core principles, like balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), and collaborates with the body’s natural wisdom. Modern science is now confirming what Ayurvedic scholars knew long ago, marrying tradition with scientific validation. Whether consumed in teas, powders, oils, or complex formulations like chyawanprash, these herbs are sparking a worldwide resurgence in natural healing.
Delve into the enduring legacy of Ayurvedic herbs—where ancient knowledge meets modern healing, and wellness starts with nature's gentle touch.
With the surge in popularity of natural healthcare, an increasing number of individuals are exploring the health benefits of herbs that are vital to the millennia-old healing system known as Ayurveda.
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Latin Name |
Sanskrit Name |
Main Indications in Ayurveda |
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Acorus calamus |
Vacha |
nervine, antispasmatic, sedative, stomachic, expectorant, emetic, laxative, diuretic |
Acacia catechu |
Khadira |
astringent, anti-inflammatory, used for skin diseases, blood purification |
Adhatoda vasica |
Vasaka |
bronchitis, asthma, jaundice, antispasmodic |
Aegle marmelos |
Bel |
digestive, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, diabetes |
Andrographis paniculata |
Kalmegh |
liver disorders, fever, anti-inflammatory, antiviral |
Alstonia scholaris |
Saptaparni |
asthma, bronchitis, skin diseases, digestive issues |
Alpinia galanga |
Rasna |
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, used in arthritis, respiratory conditions |
Apium graveolens |
Ajmoda |
digestive aid, anti-flatulent, diuretic, helps in kidney stones |
Artemisia absinthium |
Indhana |
anthelminthic |
Artemisia vulgaris |
Nagadamni |
anthelminthic, expectorant |
Asparagus racemosus |
Shatavari |
galactogogic, antispasmodic, antidiarrhetic, demulcent |
Ashwagandha root |
Ashwagandha |
adaptogen, stress relief, enhances immunity, improves vitality |
Azadirachta indica |
Neem, Arishta |
skin disease, blood disease, antibacterial |
Bacopa monnieri |
Brahmi |
nervine tonic, diuretic, sedative |
Boerhaavia diffusa |
Punarnava |
diuretic, expectorant, laxative |
Boswellia serrata |
Shallaki |
antiarthritic, analgesic, antiinflammatory |
Buchanania lanzan |
Piyala |
skin disease, laxative |
Butea monosperma |
Palasa |
diarrhea, flatulence, anthelminthic |
Callicarpa macrophylla |
Pringu |
joint pain, skin disease, blood disease |
Calotropis gigantea |
Alarka |
bronchitis, diarrhea, tonic |
Cannabis indica |
Bhanga |
insomnia, cachexia, dysmenorrhea |
Capiscum annum |
Katuvira |
rubefacient, stimulant, tonic |
Carum carvi |
Krishnajira |
flatulence, stomachic |
Carum copticum |
Yamani, Ajowan |
spastic bowel, flatulence, dyspepsia |
Caesalpinia crista |
Kantakari |
analgesic, anti-inflammatory, respiratory issues |
Cassia angustifolia |
Markandika |
constipation, liver disease, joint pain |
Cassia fistula |
Arghbada |
ringworm, constipation, fever, antibacterial |
Cedrus deodara |
Devadaru |
fever, diarrhea, urinary disorders |
Centella asiatica |
Mandukaparni |
tonic, sedative, alterative, anxiolytic |
Cichorium intybus |
Kasni |
emmenogogue, digestive |
Cinnamomum camphora |
Karpoor |
diarrhea, nervousness, muscular pain, fever |
Crocus sativus |
Kumkuma |
nervine sedative, emmenogogue, aphrodisiac |
Cinnamomum zeylanicum |
Twak |
dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, menorrhagia |
Cissampelos pareira |
Laghu Patha |
spastic bowel, uterine prolapse, alterative |
Clerodendrum indicum |
Bharangi |
respiratory conditions, skin disorders, fever |
Clitoria ternatea |
Aparajita |
constipation, edema, anthelminthic, demulcent |
Cocos nucifera |
Narikela |
fever, pharyngitis, skin disorders, alterative |
Coleus aromaticus |
Pashanbheda |
kidney stones, conjunctivitis, spastic colon |
Commiphora mukul |
Guggulu |
anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, thyroid conditions |
Cordia myxa (obliqua) |
Shleshmataka |
expectorant, colic, dyspepsia, ulcers, cough |
Coriandrum sativum |
Dhanyaka |
flatulence, colic, joint pain, antiseptic |
Crinum deflexum (asiaticum) |
Sudarshan |
emetic, inflammatory conditions |
Cuminum cyminum |
Jeeraka |
diarrhea, dyspepsia, antiseptic, hookworm |
Curculigo orchiodes |
Talamulika |
hemorrhoids, asthma, kidney stones, skin |
Curcuma longa |
Haridra |
arthritic pain, antiinflammatory, skin disease |
Curcuma zedoaria |
Shati |
cough, asthma, leukorrhea, tonsillitis |
Cynodon dactylon |
Doorwa |
diuretic, styptic, hematuria, hemorrhoids |
Cyperus rotundus |
Mustaka |
antiinflammatory, flatulence, fever, estrogenic |
Datura metel |
Dattura |
antispasmodic, joint pain, asthma, dysmenorrhea |
Daucus carota |
Garijara |
blood purifier, nervine tonic, jaundice |
Dolichos biflorus |
Kulitha |
edema, kidney stone, asthma, dysmenorrhea, tumors |
Eclipta alba |
Bhringaraj |
hepatic deobstruent and tonic, alterative, emetic, purgative, antiseptic, antiviral |
Elettaria cardamomum |
Ela Chhoti |
bronchitis, flatulence, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids |
Emblica officinalis |
Amalaki |
cooling, laxative, stomachic, tonic, diuretic |
Enicostemma littorale |
Vayu-vidanga |
diabetes, fever, skin disorders |
Evolvulus alsinoides |
Shankapushpi |
anxiety, diarrhea, bronchitis, memory loss, fever |
Ferula foetida |
Hingu |
flatulence, cough, constipation, palpitations, aphrodisiac |
Ficus religiosa |
Aswatha |
ulcers, skin disease, diabetes, constipation |
Ficus racemosa |
Udumbara |
diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bleeding disorders, antiseptic |
Foeniculum vulgare |
Satupuspa |
cough, flatulence, dysmenorrhea, hookworm, edema |
Fumaria parviflora |
Parpata |
liver disorders, skin diseases, fever |
Glycyrrhiza glabra |
Yashtimadhu |
expectorant, anti-inflammatory, digestive issues, adrenal support |
Gmelina arborea |
Gambhari |
general tonic, to increase strength, antiviral, indigestion |
Grewia hirsuta |
Nagbala |
diarrhea, wounds, heart disease, fever |
Gymnema sylvestre |
Meshasringa |
diuretic, astringent, hypoglycemic, refrigerant, stomachic |
Hedychium spicatum |
Kapur Kachri |
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, used in respiratory conditions, skin diseases |
Hemidesmus indicus |
Sariva |
excellent alterative, to increase appetite, cough, skin |
Holarrhena antidysenterica |
Kutaja |
diarrhea, dysentery, amebiasis, anthelminthic |
Hyoscyamus niger |
Yavani |
chronic dementia, hysteria, palpitations, asthma, sedative |
Hyssopus officinalis |
Zupha |
cough, asthma, bronchitis, amenorrhea |
Inula racemosa |
Pushkarmool |
heart conditions, respiratory issues, anti-inflammatory |
Ipomoea digitata |
Vidari |
cough, hoarseness, respiratory stimulant, tonic |
Justicia adhatoda |
Vasaka |
bronchitis, asthma, jaundice, antispasmodic |
Linum usitatissimum |
Uma |
cystitis, bronchitis, boils, expectorant, demulcent |
Luffa acutangula |
Koshataki |
splenomegaly, emetic, excellent for skin disease, expectorant |
Madhuca longifolia |
Madhuca |
tonsillitis, cough, rheumatic joints, diabetes, appetizer |
Michelia champaka |
Champaka |
gastritis, chronic arthritis, emmenagogue, diuretic, colic |
Mimosa pudica |
Lajjalu |
menorrhagia, hemorrhoids, skin wounds, diarrhea |
Mimusops elengi |
Bakula |
tonic, cardiotonic, urogenital disease, snakebite, skin sores |
Momordica charantia |
Karela |
diabetes, digestive issues, skin conditions, fever |
Morinda citrifolia |
Ach |
acne, eczema, hyperlipidemia, bronchitis, diarrhea |
Moringa oleifera |
Sigru |
source of vitamin C, colds, boils, fever, joint pain, gout |
Myrica nagi |
Katphal |
digestive, antibacterial, useful in respiratory conditions |
Mucuna pruriens |
Kapikachchha |
nervine tonic, aphrodisiac, parkinsonism, hypercholesterolemia |
Nardostachys jatamansi |
Jatamansi |
nervousness, anxiety, dysmenorrhea, insomnia, hair tonic |
Nelumbo nucifera |
Parijata |
refrigerant, sedative, demulcent |
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis |
Parijata |
liver diseases, constipation, anthelminthic, antihistaminic |
Ocimum sanctum |
Tulasi |
demulcent, expectorant, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic, anthelminthic |
Paederia foetida |
Prasarini |
rheumatic joint pain, edema, bladder stones, inflammation |
Papaver somniferum |
Ahiphenam |
anxiety, diarrhea, aphrodisiac, sedative |
Peucedanum graveolens |
Satapushpi |
flatulence, colic, abscesses, digestive |
Phyllanthus fraternus |
Bhumiamalaki |
jaundice, liver disease, fever, genitourinary disease, edema |
Phyllanthus emblica |
Amalaki |
cooling, laxative, stomachic, tonic, diuretic |
Picrorhiza kurroa |
Katuki |
hepatitis, asthma, anorexia |
Piper nigrum |
Maricha |
dyspepsia, cough, pharyngitis, headache, diarrhea |
Pimpinella anisum |
Shatapushpa |
digestive, carminative, expectorant, used in colic |
Pistacia integerrima |
Karkatshringi |
respiratory conditions, cough, asthma, expectorant |
Plantago ovata |
Isaphgol |
constipation, colitis, irritable bowel, cystitis |
Plumbago zeylanica |
Chitraka |
abortifacient, warts, rheumatic joint pain |
Premna integrifolia |
Agnimantha |
flatulence, fever, arthritis, liver deobstruent |
Prunus amygdalus |
Badama |
mental energy, general tonic esp. nerve & kidney, semen |
Pterocarpus marsupium |
Bijasal |
diabetes, wounds, skin diseases, anti-inflammatory |
Pterocarpus santalinus |
Rakta Chandana |
skin tonic, liver disorders, fever |
Punica granatum |
Dadima |
anthelminthic (esp. tapeworm), diarrhea, dyspepsia |
Randia dumetorum |
Madana |
fruit and rind are emetic, diaphoretic, and antispasmodic; bark is sedative and nervine calmative |
Rauwolfia serpentina |
Sarpagandha |
hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, colic |
Rubia cordifolia |
Manjishtha |
blood purification, skin disorders, anti-inflammatory |
Sida cordifolia |
Bala |
strength, nervous disorders, rheumatism, respiratory issues |
Smilax china |
Madhusnuhi |
skin diseases, gonorrhea, syphilis, diuretic |
Swertia chirata |
Kiratatikta |
fever, malaria, diabetes, skin diseases |
Syzygium cumini |
Jamun |
diabetes, digestive issues, antibacterial, tonic |
Terminalia belerica |
Bibhitaki |
respiratory issues, constipation, eye disorders, astringent |
Terminalia chebula |
Haritaki |
digestive, anti-aging, detoxifying, used in multiple conditions |
Tinospora cordifolia |
Guduchi |
immunity booster, fever, diabetes, skin diseases |
Trachyspermum ammi |
Ajwain |
digestive, carminative, respiratory issues, anti-inflammatory |
Tribulus terrestris |
Gokshura |
urinary tract infections, kidney stones, aphrodisiac, diuretic |
Trigonella foenum-graecum |
Methi |
diabetes, digestive aid, galactagogue, cholesterol management |
Vitex negundo |
Nirgundi |
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, used in rheumatism, skin diseases |
Withania somnifera |
Ashwagandha |
adaptogen, stress relief, enhances immunity, improves vitality |
Zingiber officinale |
Shunthi |
digestive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-emetic |
Conclusion: Embracing Ayurvedic Herbal Wisdom
The herbs listed here embody Ayurveda's timeless approach to health, offering solutions from stress relief to immunity boost. As science validates these ancient practices, we're reminded of healing's holistic nature. However, tread carefully—consult professionals and consider sustainability. This list is your gateway to exploring a legacy that promotes harmony between us and nature. Here's to thriving with nature's gifts.
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