Ayurvedic herbs may sound like a nutrition fad, but their benefits are worthy of the buzz. These health-enhancement herbs have been used for more than 5,000 years in India, providing an herbal system that is still relevant today.
Every Ayurvedic herb has multiple benefits. In addition to ingesting them, some can be used topically or as aromatherapy.
These are some of the best Ayurvedic herbs to start with, whether you’re striving to support vitality, healthy inflammatory response or weight loss:
Ashwagandha: Supports vitality and youthfulness
Ashwagandha is known as one of the best anti-aging Ayurvedic herbs. Traditionally, it has been used to help promote vitality, and it’s believed to support muscle, tissue, and nerve rejuvenation. This herb also supports stress relief in conjunction with meditation and other practices.
Ashwagandha is sourced from the plant’s root and leaves, and has a bitter taste. The powder is a light brown color. When making ashwagandha tea, we recommend adding a small amount of honey to offset the bitterness.
One of our favorite ways to use ashwagandha is in a tea make with milk instead of water. Add half a teaspoon of ashwagandha to a cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of honey. If you avoid dairy, coconut milk has the healthy fats necessary to maximize absorption.
Ashwagandha is found in many on-the-go options, such as REBBL tea or Gaia Herbs Golden Milk powder, making it easy to drink wherever your day may take you.
Ajwain: Helps support weight loss efforts
Ajwain is also known as bishop’s weed or carom. As a digestive and nerve stimulant, it can support weight loss by helping the body’s natural toxin removal process It’s also said to help boost metabolism, which facilitates weight loss.
Ajwain contains thymol, giving the herb its distinct sharp taste. Thymol is also found in thyme; these two herbs have a similar aroma. Ajwain “seeds” are actually the fruit of the bishop’s weed plant.
You can take ajwain as either a powder or by chewing the seeds whole. We recommend making a tea by boiling 1 teaspoon of ajwain seeds in 16 ounces of water.
Turmeric: Helps improve complexion and support healthy inflammatory response
In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric can help support a healthy complexion by boosting circulation and nutrition to the skin. It can also help support a healthy inflammatory response and promote clear skin. Consistent use can help provide support for healthy joints.
Turmeric root looks similar to ginger root, but has a bright yellow color when cut open. It has an earthy taste, and is used in many Indian dishes.
Cooking with turmeric can be a great way to consume this herb, but capsules provide a convenient way that minimizes staining your kitchen and clothes. It’s also an ingredient in Gaia Herbs Golden Milk powder, giving the tea its rich yellow color.
Licorice: Enhances rejuvenation
Licorice supports rejuvenation throughout your body. Those practicing Ayurveda believe that licorice nurtures the spirit and calms the mind. It also can help reduce acidity.
Licorice root, different from the kind in the candy aisle, has a strong, sweet taste and looks like a small stick. It can be used as a sweetener in hot tea or cooked with milk. This Ginger Licorice Tea is easy to make, and offers more benefits than pre-made teas.
These four herbs have been a long-standing treatment in some cultures and can be used in conjunction with Western medicine. Although you should always check with your doctor before beginning a new supplement, Ayurvedic herbs have been used for centuries to support the body’s natural processes.
