Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies
Health Benefits

3 Common Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies Trusted for Centuries

| Modified on Nov 07, 2020

Also known as Ayurveda, Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest holistic treatment methods. A system developed thousands of years ago in India, the system is based on the belief that health and wellness are dictated by the delicate balance of the mind, body and spirit. The focus of Ayurvedic medicine is to stimulate good health rather than simply fight disease; however, specific treatments are often suggested for health problems.

What Is Ayurvedic Medicine?

Considered a form of alternative medicine, Ayurveda is based on the theory that everything in the universe is connected and that good health is achieved as the mind, body and spirit are maintained in harmony with the universe. Accompanying this concept is the belief that poor health and sickness are the result of a disruption in this harmony. As such, a number of factors can contribute to this disruption including genetic defects, injuries, climate and seasonal changes, age and emotions.

In any case, the practice generally relies on basic health practices to maintain balance and promote good health. Herbal treatments are among these practices and are typically taken to maintain good health and to correct basic health problems. Ayurvedic herbs are used for a variety of reasons including to support mental focus and clarity, to reduce anxiety, to improve digestion, to detox the body and to support mental clarity.

Common Herbs Used in Ayurveda

A common concept of Ayurvedic medicine is that what heals also prevents. As such, herbs that have been identified to restore health are often taken to prevent disease as well. As a traditional practice, Ayurvedic medicine relies on “classical” herbs that have proven effective over time. Three of the most common Ayurvedic herbs include turmeric, holy basil and bitter melon. These herbs are effective for treating and preventing a wide range of conditions including cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation and fatigue.

Turmeric

The main components of turmeric include curcuminoids and curcumin – compounds that have proven to possess diverse health benefits. This warm spice is effective at maintaining brain function, regulating inflammation and preventing cancer. Turmeric is also an active antioxidant.

Holy Basil

The key compounds of holy basil are eugenol and caryophyllene. As such, this herb is an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anesthetic. It is also effective for relieving infection and removing pathogens from the body.

Bitter Melon

An edible gourd, bitter melon is considered a “go-to” treatment. The gourd’s main function is to regulate sugar glucose in individuals. The treatment also reduces cardiovascular risk and improves metabolic function.

A time-tested practice, Ayurvedic medicine relies on historically-used herbs and natural treatments to promote good health and prevent as well as treat disease.




Atherosclerosis

Posted by Irfan (Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India) on 11/18/2012

hi, my mother has two blocks in arteries one 95% and another 25% doctors has suggested bypass bt she is also suffering from hypertension thats y we decided to go for ayurvedic treatment.

she daily takes 9 different types of ayurvedic medicines and yesterday I got to know abt remedy you suggested and we made it, pls let me knw dat can she take it along with other ayurvedic medicines or she has to discontinue them.

one more thing pls let me know duration upto which this mixture has to be taken for positive results.

waiting for your reply, thank you

Replied by Baldev
(Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)
11/23/2012
185 posts

Hi Irfan, You have not mentioned as to which remedy you have made after seeing on this site. Your mother will get relief from hypertension if she takes Apple Cider Vinegar with baking soda or sodium bi carbonate. In my opinion you can take it with Ayurvedic medicines but it will be better if you ask your Aurvedic doctor about this, he will be a better person to guide you on this. Baldev(09322887066)


Multiple Cures

1 User Review
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Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 11/06/2009
★★★★★

Hi everyone. I have lived in the Philippines now for 5 yrs, and since moving here from the UK to retire, I have been growing a plethora of tropical herbs which are useful for various ailments. The most successful that I have used is a combination of fresh herbs -- Tinospora cordifolia(known locally Makabuhay), Tumeric root and Phyllanthus niruri(known as the "Stonebreaker"). I grow all these in my small garden and use and prepare them fresh as simple decoctions or tinctures. I know the history and use of all these herbs which are all fairly harmless but potent and are widely used in herbal medicines -- especially within the Ayurvedic and Unani medicines of India. I am over 6o and I periodically take all these herbs in combination to prevent arthritis, high blood, diabetes, cholesterol imbalance etc.

One day I visited a 76 y o German friend of mine, Otto, who looked really miserable. His right knee was very badly swollen with arthritis and he could barely walk -- this from a man who loves to walk miles along the beach every day. We talked and he told me how his arthritis medicine from Germany just wasn't working and he was also suffering side-effects. So I mentioned that one of these herbs -- Makabuhay -- was well known as an anti-inflammatory and arthritis cure. So I went and gave him 3 X 1 ft sticks from my Makabuhay vine, telling him to chop them shorter, bruise them then plop them into a large saucepan, add 2 litres of water, boil gently down to 1 litre, cool, strain, bottle and put it into the fridge. Drink a third of a glasss, mixed with a little orange juice(taste is very bitter) and take this 3 times a day, an hour before or two hours after each meal.

A week or so later suddenly Otto appeared at my gate in the afternoon, grinning from ear to ear. When I inspected his knee, it was normal size again with al pain gone. I was amazed that he had walked the 600 metres to my house when he couldn't walk at all before. I was also amazed that this cure had even worked, since Otto is a heavy drinker - loves his beer, wine and brandy everyday for sure. But work it did.

I have also used this same decoction successfully on someone who was suffering both from diabetes and gout. This sufferer told me that his diabetes medicine was making him feel very moody as well as quite depressed. After a week of using this decoction I received a frantic email from him asking if I had anymore Makabuhay. He was raving about it. I told him they sold the sticks of Makabuhay at the local market.

Turmeric is well known on this site.

Phyllanthus niruri is also a revered or "Rasayana" herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It cools fever, used for malaria, dissolves kidney stones(hence the Stonebreaker nickname) and acts in much the same way as Makabuhay. Recently, they have discovered through research that Phyllanthus niruri is a herb that can kill the Hepatitis B virus. There is no comparable modern drug that currently exists for Hepatitis B at this time. Phyllanthus niruri is currently being researched for its effects on the AIDS virus. There are no side affects whatsoever with Phyllanthus niruri. This plant grows as ca weed qall around my house in the Philippines.

Realistically, I know that it is very difficult to obtain at least 2 out of the 3 herbs I've mentioned in the West. But you can buy them easily from Indian Ayurvedic delis in the form of edible and quite tasty mixtures called Triphala and Chaywanprash. Ayurvedic medicines are also very trustworthy, and are only ever prepared in the traditional Ayurvedic way with no chemical processing, preservatives, colourings etc.

Replied by Kurt
(Cavite, Philippines)
04/16/2010

I am extremely interested with the P. niruri herb for its hepatoprotective effect. I am from the Philippines and just recently I harvested a plant that I believe was P. Urinaria or P. niruri, It has the seeds under the leaf but not linear, the leaves are similar to the photos ive seen on the internet, its almost shrub like. I want to make sure I got the real thing. I am afraid if I make a decoction of the root it will react adversely. How do you know its the P. Urinaria?

Replied by Bill
(San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines)
04/16/2010

Hi Kurt...Phyllanthus niruri is the same plant as Phyllanthus amarus. See this link:

The Raintree Database

Phyllanthus urinaria has larger leaves and a reddish stem. All three of these species are hepatoprotective when taken as a decoction.

When you make a decoction of Chanca Piedra -- you should use the whole plant and not just the roots. I just dig up the whole plant -- including roots -- wash it then gently cut up and bruise the plant and then add it to two litres of water. I boil it down to one litre, cool it, strain it then put it in a container and store it in the fridge. I don't keep it longer than about 10 days.

Here is a link to a Filipino site, which defines its use in the Philippines:

Stuart Exchange Database

I've been using this plant, together with makabuhay, tumeric and neem, for over two years now with no ill effects.

Replied by Desigirl
(Bayside, Ny)
01/31/2012

A group since 2001, with about 6000 members, and many Ayurvedic practitioners online.

Please see more on Ayurveda at the Yahoo Group -

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ayurvedaonline/

Replied by Mike
(Boston)
01/29/2014

Ayurvedic medicine is a very powerful medicine with amazing results. And to confirm this, 2 years ago I started a body cleanse treatment. I used a herb called triphala composed of three herbs (amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki). I recommend triphala as an efficient ayurvedic herb, all natural.

Replied by Om
(Hope Bc Canada)
01/29/2014

Mike from Boston---I have used Triphala for many years daily and even a day missed it did its good work. Otherwise I would not be around now due to problems since birth. This triphala is present in most important Ayurvedic medicines for its tremendous value. It is non habit forming and rejuvenates the GI tract. What a boon to mankind. The day will come when this form of medicine will become mainstream; the world is not ready yet, but it is around "the corner". Namaste, Om

Replied by Om
(Hope Bc Canada)
01/29/2014

With regard to Ayurvedic remedies, I must mention NEEM SEED OIL. I have already posted on the pet section for its great value.

As an update on microscopic mites in face and scalp, it is so wonderful for the skin and I have had hardly any action noticeable during its use. The surprise on looking into the mirror! Since the oil is heavy and needs warming, it is deep acting; the colour is golden and on fair skin it looks lovely. Lines disappear and my white hair has a wonderful sheen.

This oil is antifungal, anti bacterial and anti viral. It is very bitter so for once my dog is not licking off his application for skin issues. There is a peculiar smell but it dissipates after a while. I think for skin mites and other skin afflictions it could be invaluable. It is very moisturizing as well.

Neem is also in toothpastes, creams and twigs for brushing teeth with inbuilt medicine . The powder from leaves combined with holy basil is very good for diabetes, reducing the need for other meds. However, it is very bitter and best taken in capsules, It does promote weight loss but slim individuals must take breaks when using neem as medicine. It is also anti parasitic. Mother Nature is very loving and full of wisdom.

Namaste, Om

Replied by Sandy
(Usa)
03/23/2015

Hari Om,

Yes. I totally agree. I wonder where can I find neem trees in USA? Growing in India, I always watched my Dad using neem stick as a tooth brush. He died at 80 with all his teeth intact. He never used any plastic tooth brush and paste in his entire life. Tenter need leaves, are not so bitter. I used to eat them regularly.

Replied by Sully
(Thailand, Bangkok)
10/01/2015

What part of the neem tree does the oil comes from? Do the fruits have health benefits too?

Carl
(Bangkok, Thailand)
10/07/2018

Hi Sully--did you find a source of the Neem tree in Bangkok? Have you tried Moringa tree products? lots available here in Thailand and ASEAN

Replied by Om
(Hope, Bc Canada)
10/01/2015

Sully, (Bangkok, Thailand) ---

The fruits or seeds of the Margosa tree or neem tree contain the oil. The leaves are chewed on empty stomach to purify the system. Neem improves the immune system which is of great importance.

People must study the dosha system in Ayurveda to determine the safety of prolonged usage Or take a week's break in between. The oil is very nurturing and cleansing for the skin and is absorbed readily within two or three days if there are skin problems. You can see online the very many benefits of this sacred tree.

Namaste, Om

Replied by Hope
(Charlotte)
08/19/2017

I wanted to get more information on the neem oil for mites on face and scalp. How much do you use and how to do apply?