With the passing of time, man has brought about considerable changes in his lifestyle. We are so lazy to work that we even invented robots and gadgets to make life easier for mankind. Such fast forward and progressing has life become that we tend to forget the importance of natural surroundings. Do we even care to think for atleast a second of the disastrous situations our deeds are paving way to? The answer is an obvious ‘no’. For now let’s leave behind all the damage we are inflicting on the environment because what we are doing to our body is far beyond repairable!
Yes, with modern technologies and discoveries ruling the man’s brain, we have no other alternative but to depend on manmade equipments and devices to fulfill our needs and requirements. While technological developments only aid in our betterment as intelligent and sensitive individuals it can also pose danger to our civilization if not kept under control. And this, I am sure has been troubling many of us for quite a while now. Let me ask you a question. How many of you are satisfied with the treatment you take under an allopathic or homeopathic physician? It’s not that I am against modern medical facilities and improvements, but the damage any long term usage of antibiotics can cause is my concern. I am acquainted with quite a few patients who have resorted to nature’s laps when antibiotics and allopathy failed to cure them off their disease.
This is a recurring and prevalent situation in many parts of the world. We go after modern remedies for an instant cure but tend to forget about the long term adverse effects it can create. This is why ayurveda and ayurvedic treatments are important. To maintain a healthy balance between your body and environment, it’s good to go back to nature once in a while. The peace and tranquility you feel and experience at an ayurvedic centre is restricted to its four walls. And so are the medicines they provide. Made using natural herbs, they are free of chemicals that can harm the body. What more, the effect, though slow to process has the ability to ward off the disease forever from your system. Are these not enough for you to realize the importance of ayurveda and its magical treatments?
Try them if you are convinced because there is no better cure for a disease like those mentioned in Ayurvedic traditions. India has been home to many of these natural and vital herbs for over decades. So here is a list of some of the prominent ayurvedic herbs that can help in leading a healthier and happier life.
1. ASHWAGANDHA: The name means ‘strength of a horse’ in English. The roots of the Ashwagandha shrub are known for its amazing healing properties. According to classical ayurveda, the plant can boost the functioning of the brain, keeps one healthy and can also rejuvenate your energy. The shrub is also well known for its ability to increase the body’s stamina without seeking the help of one’s heart. Also known as winter cherry, this herb is used as an aphrodisiac and in the treatment of infertility. Wide are its uses that it’s time we realized the importance of preserving shrubs like Ashwagandha.
2. GUGGULU: Though the name sounds funny, this well known ayurvedic remedy is famous for its wide ranging benefits. In fact, Guggulu or guggul is a yellowish purified liquid that is extracted from the cracks of the Mukul Myrrh tree, a native to India. Researchers have proven that Guggul is an excellent cure for heart diseases, arthritis and blood cholesterol. It also regulates the body metabolism and controls obesity. The healing properties of the liquid are even mentioned in the sacred Sushrita Samhit, the classical medical text on Ayurveda.
3. BRAHMI: Popular in almost all parts of India, Brahmi is a wonderful herb that helps in increasing memory and intelligence. Mothers who are scared their children may not score well for exams often resort to Brahmi products to instil confidence in their kids. Brahmi is nature’s gift; the most natural means to enrich one’s thinking abilities. Ayurvedic texts also state that this herb can benefit the nervous system. Brahmi is also known to improve immunity and treats poriasis and hair loss. I guess now is the right time for those worrying from terrible hair fall and memory loss to try the green medicine and go green.
4. TULSI: Also known as Holy Basil, Tulsi is a remedial herb that is considered a sacred plant by many traditions in India. Though mostly grown in temple gardens today, Tulsi was grown in almost every household in the past. It is the perfect remedy to curing cold, fever, cough, bronchitis, kidney stones and even heart ailments. It is also an excellent nerve tonic and also helps in relieving stress. Today, the herb has undergone a sad state with only a few households being home to this amazing herb. Tulsi is also grown in West Africa where it’s called ‘The Fever Plant’. The classical Ayurveda mentions the use of Tulsi as an anti-tussive, that is to clear excessive dampness of the lungs.
5. TRIKATU: Trikatu means three peppers. This Ayurvedic herb is a popular blend of long pepper, black pepper and ginger. Being a combination of three extremely helpful remedies to body ailments you can imagine the extraordinary rejuvenating capacities Trikatu is capable of. The herb is primarily a digestive stimulant. It helps in eliminating gas, bloating and constipation. It’s best to take Trikatu in its capsule form and is usually taken with meals. It might take time to for the herb to bring about its therapeutic results but you don’t have to worry. Trikatu can be used on a daily basis and has absolutely zero negative effects.
The list above is only a miniature of the amazing properties of ayurvedic herbs. Needless to say, we are all aware of how good neem, turmeric, garlic and amla are! Shatavari, Jatamansi (Indian Spikenard), Aloe Vera and Guduchi are a few others. These herbs stand at an incomparable height when it comes to how well they cure ailments. It’s high time we realized the importance of Ayurveda and the magic of nature and natural treatments. ‘Go green, go natural’ should be our motto. Together lets work to put forth this idea into action and preserve regions that are rich sources of rare and useful Ayurvedic herbs.
