We continue with the timeless wisdom of the sages of ancient India who developed the world’s first holistic system of medicines – Ayurveda. These revered sages studied plants and herbs in details, unlocking their secret medicinal properties for holistic and healthy life. Natural, organic and simple – some of these plants, herbs and spices were incorporated into daily diet and lifestyle – to boost immunity and build resilience, while others were specifically prescribed for healing and curing a range of diseases and disorders. 

In Part 1, we covered 5 of the top plants and herbs from India that have amazing health and healing properties. These are :

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia)

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia)

Moringa (Moringa Oleifera)

In case you missed it, you can read it here 

In this continuation Part 2, we look at 5 more such amazing plants and herbs from India and their benefits.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Amongst the wide array of plants used in Ayurveda, Tulsi ranks foremost. Even today, traditional Indian homes have a Tulsi plant that is revered and worshipped, and is also part of most religious and spiritual rituals – such is the importance given to Tulsi by the ancient sages of India. 

Also known as Holy Basil, Tulsi is an aromatic shrub that originated in India. This Mother Medicine of Nature of All has bright green leaves that taste pleasantly hot and slightly bitter. Tulsi is rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc and iron. Tulsi is potent adaptogen that reduces stress at all levels : physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological.  Daily consumption of Tulsi improves general health and prevents diseases. 

Benefits :

• Reduces stress and anxiety, calms the body and mind
• Helps in detoxification, revitalises body and mind
• Known to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol
• Aid reduce inflammation and joint pains
• Aids digestion and fights stomach disorders, particularly stomach ulcers
• Extracts can be applied externally to heal injury, infection and wounds
• Anti-cataract – prevents eye diseases
• Helps ease nausea and vomiting
• Known treatment for a variety of skin diseases

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)

Brahmi is also popularly known as Indian Pennywort. Originating from Lord Brahma (the original creator of the Indian divine trinity, Brahmi literally means energy. It has been used since ancient times for its Nootropic benefits – to enhance memory and boost cognitive functions. In fact, the common name of Brahmi is brain tonic.

Brahmi is a small creeping perennial herb that can grow naturally in shallow water as well as muddy wetland. It can also be grown in pots in homes. The entire plant can be used for medicinal purposes. Brahmi has a bitter and sweet taste. In addition to being a Nootropic herb, Brahni is also a powerful antioxidant.

Benefits :

• Boosts memory and brain function
• Can reduce anxiety and stress
• Used for treatment of epilepsy and schizophrenia
• May help in fighting ADHD 
• Can also lower blood pressure

Amalaki (Phyllanthus Emblica)

The humble Amalaki or Amla is commonly known as Indian Gooseberry. In Ayurveda, it has simply been referred to as The Mother – for its holistic benefit to the entire body and the immune system. It is the bright green fruits of the plant that are contain the maximum health, immunity and nutritional properties due to high content of vitamin C. In fact, Amalaki has 8 times more vitamic C than an organge and about 17 times more antioxidants than pomegranate. 

Due to its high vitamin C content, Amalaki has been prescribed as a powerful preventive medicine during winter as it is effective against seasonal cold and coughs. It is also an adaptogen and helps in reducing stress and anxiety. 

Benefits :

• Fights common cold and cough
• Builds immunity
• Can help overcome nausea
• Burns blood fats and lowers cholesterol
• Skin and hair nourisher
• Improves eyesight

Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna)

It is said that the Arjuna tree got its name from the heroic Arjuna of the epic Mahabharata. Arjuna has been used in the Indian medicine system for thousands of years as the main cure for heart related disorders and diseases. Besides its cardio-vascular benefits, Arjuna is also known for numerous beneficial properties.  

The part of Arjuna that is used is its bark. The Arjuna tree molts naturally every year. The red inner bark of mature Arjuna trees is carefully harvested for medicinal use. A decoction is made by boiling the bark in hot water, similar to herbal tea or herbal infusions. Arjuna has a bitter to astringent taste. The bark is also ground into powder and added to Ghee (clarified butter), or with milk. 

Benefits :

• Heart and cardio – rejuvenates heart tissues and aids proper functioning
• Helps in maintaining heart cholesterol 
• Reduces blood pressure
• Known antioxidant
• May also help in gall bladder and liver functions

Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus)

Literally meaning “ having 100 spouses” or “ having 100 roots”, Shatavari is also commonly known as Satawar, Satamuli or Satavari. The dried roots of the Shatavari plant have been used in the traditional Indian medicine system as a rejuvenating tonic for females, particularly for supporting the reproductive system. 

Shatvari is also an adaptogen and has potent antioxidant properties. The dried roots are powdered and mixed with honey or milk. It can also be mixed with Ghee (clarified butter) and added to food. 

Benefits :

• Rejuvenating tonic for females
• Helps support reproductive system in females
• Antioxidants helps in cleaning the body of free radicals
• Known to reduce inflammation
• Can boost immune system
• Aids digestion
• May relieve cough

(Disclaimer : The Indian medicine system is based on the age-old Ayurveda. Research is going around the world to study these plants in more depth and scientifically prove their benefits. This blog only presents the current information as a general guide for the readers, who are advised to check with their physicians or  qualified natural health practitioners before incorporating any of the above in their routine, especially if they are under medication.)