The wonder drugs in ayurveda !

Hey all…..Oops, i m so sorry to have vanished like that !!!!!!! Holidays, trips, outings and what not ! I must admit that I was carried away by all these and just couldn’t manage to get hold of time ! But, here I am and as I had promised in my earlier post, I shall be dedicating this particular post to the wonder drugs in Ayurveda and their wonderful medicinal uses . So lets get going!

Ashwagandha. As the name suggests, it smells like a horse! And, it is said to impart horse like strength and vigour to you. If u wish to look younger, feel healthier and sleep better, then ashwagandha is just what you need. For ages, it has been used for day to day worries like stress, anxiety, exhaustion, sleeplessness etc. It is a powerful antioxidant, and is classified as a rasayana i.e. rejuvenator and promotes mental and physical health, in turn promoting longevity. It has a dual capacity of energizing and calming at the same time.

Shatavari- Known to have a hundred roots, shatavari has been long used in Ayurveda for its cooling and calming effect. Reputed for its affinity towards the female reproductive system, it is a powerful antioxidant, and helps in restoring vitality. But that said, it is equally helpful in males. It promotes healthy energy levels and strength, healthy peristalsis of the gut and supports the immune system. It is a nourishing, tonic herb.

Amalaki– Also known as the indian gooseberry, it is a supportive and nutritive herb for the digestive tract. Works on the skin and is a wonderful blood purifier. It acts on liver rejuvenation. It is the principal ingredient of chyawanprash . It helps balance the blood sugar, supports a healthy reproductive system, promotes energy levels, supports healthy cholesterol and acts as a cleanser, promotes healthy hair, aids in digestion, tonic for a clear mind and improved vision. Overall, an all-rounder in ayurvedic drugs.

Pippali– Pippali is the term applied to the fruit of piper longum. It is a very unique spice. It is useful in indigestion, asthma, cough etc. But, it is also a very good aphrodisiac and anti-ageing spice. For all spleen related disorders, pippali is the best. It is useful in ascites, diabetes, haemorrhoids. It acts as a bronchodilator, vaso dilator and expectorant. Hence, works as a rejuvenative for the lungs and all mucus conditions associated with lungs.

Brahmi– Many of us know that brahmi is used as a brain tonic. But this is just one of its many wondrous uses. It is used in mental illness, emotional imbalance, stress, anxiety and addiction issues. It is a nervine tonic, hence very useful in Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, ADHD, autism and dementia. It cleanses the blood, kidney and liver, it’s a cardiac tonic, anti spasmodic and anti inflammatory. Beneficial for premature graying and balding. Too much beyond what the name suggests!

Triphala– It is an ayurvedic medicine used for treating stomach ailments and for body detoxification. The name indicates three fruits- it is a combination of fruits of haritaki, bibhitaki and amalaki. It can stimulate appetite, maintain blood sugar levels and improve skin color and tone. It can treat indigestion, constipation and gases and reduces the chances of getting haemorrhoids. It is a gentle, safe cleansing formula for the colon. It is high in antioxidants and Vit C. It is an anti bacterial, anti ageing, it regulates lipid levels and is very useful in maintaining body weight.

Tulsi- Last but not the least. A miracle drug in itself, tulsi, or holy basil, has found its place in almost every indian household. And why not? A few tulsi leaves consumed daily can keep you away from a host of ailments. It strengthens immunity, fights bacterial and viral infections,combats and treats several hair and skin disorders. It is rich in antioxidants, helps to reduce stress and conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. It fights infections and allergies and is very useful in respiratory ailments. It works on skin problems like acne ,both when consumed orally and applied locally. It helps in fever, cough , cold, asthma etc and facilitates proper digestion. It is loaded with phytonutrients, essential oils and vit A and C. Truly, a blessing in disguise to the mankind!

So guys, these are just a few of many, many wondrous drugs mentioned in Ayurveda texts. And however much i write about them, it isn’t going to do them justice! I have tried to summarise them here, hoping that you find this info useful, so that you too benefit from it as i have. Will see you soon with another interesting post, here is Dr Apoorva, signing out for today!

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