Top 10 Ayurvedic Herbs and Their Health Benefits

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient form of healing popular throughout Asia and India. Believed to be over 3,000 years old, ayurvedic medicine relies on a thorough understanding of the chakras, or energy centers of the body. The premise of Ayurvedic medicine is that true health occurs only when the mind, body, and spirit are in alignment. Ayurvedic medicine relies on using natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness, balancing diet and exercise with herbs.

The following are commonly used ayurvedic herbs.

‌‌‌‌Ashwagandha, Fatigue, and Stress

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that is reportedly helpful in managing chronic fatigue among other issues. Native to Asia, specifically India and regions of China, ashwagandha has been commonly used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.   

Studied Benefits of Ashwagandha Include:

• Anxiety and Stress:  A 2014 study¹ showed improvement in symptoms of anxiety and stress symptoms when taken. 
• Energy and Endurance:  Animal studies² have also shown that ashwagandha can help improve energy levels and endurance. A 2015 study³ of athletes in Ayu showed that ashwagandha could help improve endurance and improve quality of life.
• Sexual Function:  A 2015 study⁴ concluded that ashwagandha could improve sexual function in healthy women, specifically, increased libido. 

Suggested dose: Ashwagandha - 500 mg once or twice per day.

‌‌‌‌Bitter Melon, Digestion, and Blood Sugar

This tropical plant, also known as bitter gourd, bitter melon, or (Momordica charantia), is commonly found in Asia (where it’s edible fruit is often consumed), Africa, and the Caribbean region. Bitter melon has been used since the days of antiquity for its health-promoting abilities.

Studied Benefits of Bitter Melon Include:

• Digestion - Bitter melon is frequently used in ayurvedic medicine to help soothe an upset stomach.
• Blood Sugar Levels - A 2009 animal study showed bitter melon could help reduce insulin resistance, which regularly occurs in those with diabetes. More recently, a 2015 study⁵ in Nutrition Journal showed the fruit’s ability to lower blood sugar levels when taken at doses of 2,000 and 4,000 mg per day.  
• Cholesterol Levels - Studies⁶ show this fruit can help lower cholesterol levels.

Suggested dose: Bitter melon - As directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) and Inflammation

Boswellia is an Ayurvedic herbal supplement that has been used for thousands of years to alleviate chronic health conditions. 

Studied Benefits of Boswellia Include:

• Inflammation - Known for reducing inflammation in the body, bitter melon was used by ancient healers for bowel inflammation, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and arthritis-related joint pain. 
• Asthma - A 2015 study⁷ showed that Boswellia could reduce inflammation in the lungs of asthmatics by reducing inflammation. This has the potential to help reduce breathing difficulties, which are routinely experienced by some with asthma. 
• Arthritis - A 2019 randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial⁸ showed that Boswellia could reduce inflammation in those with arthritis, improve function, and reduce joint stiffness and pain. Further, researchers in a 2018 study⁹ also found that the combination of turmeric and Boswellia was even more effective in reducing arthritis pain, as it provides a synergistic effect. 

Suggested dose:  Boswellia - As directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌Bacopa and Cognitive Function

Traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine for its memory-enhancing benefits, Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) has become more popular outside India over the last decade, due to studies showing its effectiveness.  

Studied Benefits of Bacopa monnieri include:

• Memory and Cognition -  A 2012 study¹⁰ in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded, “…Bacopa monnieri can improve attention, cognitive processing, and working memory….”. In addition, a 2014 meta-analysis study¹¹ (a study that looked at several studies combined) concluded, “Bacopa monnieri has the potential to improve cognition, particularly speed of attention.”  Similarly, in a 2016 study¹², a “statistically significant improvement was seen in the tests relating to the cognitive functions with use of Bacopa monnieri.”  

Suggested dose: Bacopa monnieri - As directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌Cardamom and Antioxidant Properties

A sweet Indian spice, often compared to mint, cardamom has been used in both the culinary arts and within traditional medicine for centuries. 

Cardamom is believed by ayurvedic practitioners to have the following health properties: 

• Antioxidant 
• Anti-inflammatory 
• Digestion aid
• Anti-microbial 
• May help lower blood sugar
• May help reduce fatty liver¹³
• May help to lower cholesterol and prevent liver damage¹⁴ 

Cardamom - Available as a food spice, essential oil, or hot tea.

‌‌‌‌Gotu Kola and Brain Health

Gotu kola, also known as Centella Asiatica or Asiatic pennywort, is a green, leafy herbal vegetable commonly consumed throughout Asia. Related to carrots, parsley, and celery, this herb is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and B vitamins. It is used in traditional medicine for wounds and to help promote lactation. 

Studied Benefits of Gotu Kola Include: 

• Brain Health - According to a 2014 study¹⁵ in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, caffeoylquinic acids, the main ingredient found in gotu kola, can help protect the brain against amyloid deposits, which are believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, a 2017 study¹⁶ in Neuroscience Letter also showed the active ingredient in gotu kola improved the nerves of the brain and helped preserve memory. 

Suggested dose: Gotu kola - As directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌Licorice (DGL), Hormonal, and Digestive Health 

When most think of licorice, candy — not an herb — comes to mind. However, licorice (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is an herb that has played an important role in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In China, licorice is called gancao, which means “sweet grass.”  Licorice’s use goes back to 2100 BC and was first described in Shennong׳s Classic of Materia Medica¹⁷. 

It is frequently used for those with adrenal fatigue, a condition that many women experience. The active ingredients in licorice are glycyrrhizin and genistein among others. Studies have shown the benefit of DGL licorice for decades. 

Licorice may have benefits for the following:

• Digestion - A 1968 study¹⁸ showed this natural medicine's ability to help heal stomach ulcers and intestinal ulcers. A 1978 study¹⁹ in the British Medical Journal reported that it may be of help in the prevention of stomach ulcers, as well. It can also relieve upset stomachs, according to a 2012 study²⁰. 
• Menopause - A 2013 study²¹ showed that licorice could help balance hormones in women who were having symptoms related to menopausal changes.

Suggested dosage: Licorice root - As directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌Neem’s Antibacterial Properties

Neem originates from the seeds, barks, and leaves of the neem tree. It is also known as  Azadirachta indica and Indian lilac. Indigenous to India, this plant also grows in the southern parts of Persia.

Neem is believed to have the following benefits:

• Insect repellant
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory²²
• Anti-bacterial
• Ant-viral²³
• Digestive help
• Oral health improvement²⁴ when used as a mouthwash or toothpaste

Suggested dosage: Neem - As directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌Triphala, Arthritis, and Diabetes

Triphala is an herbal superstar with a 1,000-year-plus history. A polyherbal medicine, it is a favorite among ayurvedic practitioners and consists of the following three herbs:

• Amla (Emblica officinalis) – Also known as Indian gooseberry
• Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

Studied Benefits of Triphala Include the following: 

• Arthritis -  A 2017 study²⁵ showed that haritaki could help reduce symptoms of joint arthritis, a common ailment associated with aging.
• Diabetes-  The amla component of Triphala can help lower blood sugar, according to a 2014 study²⁶.  A more recent 2017 study²⁷ concluded that the active ingredient in amla  “…exerts anti-diabetic activity through the action on β-cells of the pancreas that stimulates insulin secretion and decreases glucose intolerance.”
• Gout – Gouty arthritis is a common ailment caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints, leading to excruciating pain. Triphala may be able to help prevent this. A 2016 study²⁸ showed that both bibhitaki and haritaki could lower uric acid levels in the blood. However, bibhitaki was more effective.

While Triphala is frequently used by some for constipation with success, I was unable to find any studies specifically on constipation. I did, however, find a study that shows the herb had a positive effect on the gut microbiome, which may explain why it has reportedly been helpful in the treatment of this common digestive issue. 

Suggested dose: Triphala - As directed on the label.

‌‌‌‌Turmeric is a Potent Antioxidant

Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa and Indian saffron, is a rooted plant in the ginger family, often consumed for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive health properties. Curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, is believed to provide many of the health benefits. 

While many people have used turmeric as a spice to enhance their food for over the past 4,000 years, turmeric has played an important role in medicine. Today, its use continues to be researched as an alternative treatment approach for many common sicknesses, injuries, and chronic diseases.

Studied Benefits of Turmeric Include the following: 

• Arthritis - Turmeric may be helpful in reducing pain for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis²⁹. Scientists have discovered that turmeric can reduce inflammation similar to multiple widely used prescription drugs. 
• Antioxidant boost - Turmeric is also a potent antioxidant, either when consumed as a spice or when taken as a curcumin supplement. Turmeric can help prevent oxidation, according to a 2016 report in the journal Diseases³⁰.
• Memory - A 2017 study³¹ in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease concluded that turmeric could also play an important role in preventing memory loss. It may be an essential supplement for anyone wanting to optimize memory.
• Asthma - A 2010 study³² has demonstrated improved management of bronchial asthma with the use of turmeric when consumed with Boswellia serrata and licorice root. A 2014 study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research³³ also concluded that turmeric, when taken orally, could help improve lung function in those with asthma. 

Other conditions that turmeric may help with, according to studies, include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Indigestion
• Gallstones³⁴
• Bacterial infections
• Ulcerative colitis (colon inflammation)
• Helps remove toxins like mercury from the body³⁵

Suggested Dose: Many people consume turmeric by drinking it in tea form, using it as a powder for some skin conditions, and also swallowing it in capsule form. Curcumin/turmeric supplements are usually taken at doses of 500 mg daily or 500 mg, up to three times per day.

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