Magical Indian herbs and spices in Ayurveda

                                                                    Indian Spices

Bharat, the birthplace of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The place of the world’s first two universities Taxila (now in Pakistan) and Nalanda (oxford of that time). According to scripture,  subjects like politics, economics, astrology, medicine, philosophy, astronomy, and many others were taught there. Best of the best professors from all over the globe were there.

A country with this much of ancient knowledge can’t be forgotten or taken lightly. Even the herbs and spices found on our shelves have great health benefits. Our daadi ma kai nuskhe are now proving correct by the scientific studies. In this, article we will look at some of the magical herbs and species which are present on your kitchen shelf.

                     1. Haldi (Turmeric) – 

      We all are familiar with this ingredient. Our grandmother always used to gives us this magical drink for good health and better recovery. Do you know? The two researchers from The University of Mississippi patented the oral and topical usage of turmeric for wound healing and ulcer in 1995. Even turmeric is a native plant of Indian origin. Thanks to the CSIR’s (INDIA’s COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH) scientists, then file a case against the patent and revoke it in 1995. Now, why the USA’s researchers do so?

 A substance found in turmeric known as curcumin is the main reason behind it. Researches have shown so many benefits the most interesting and fascinating one was published in the Cancer Letter which shows the potential of anti-cancer of turmeric in mice. However, it was done on mice but we can’t ignore it.

 Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology shows the Antifungal Activity of turmeric Oil extracted from Curcuma longa.

 

               2.  Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) – 

      Another ancient herb that has a huge place in Ayurveda, also known as Indian Ginseng. It is known as Rasayana (Rejuvenation) in Ayurveda which means it is expected to promote longevity and improves health.  

A review in Pharmacognosy Reviews stated that studies have indicated antioxidant, memory enhancing, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protection ability of Ashwagandha.

 Another review published in the journal,  Alternative Medicine Review- A Journal of Clinical Therapeutics explains the effects like Anti-stress, Rejuvenating and Anti depressant.

 8 weeks long study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition performed on 57 male athletes resulted that Ashwagandha may have a significant positive effect on muscle mass and strength. However, this study is not so much convincing as many important aspects were excluded such as nutrition, training age, etc.

  

               3. Shilajit (Mumijo/ Mineral pitch)

Shilajit is known as the “conqueror of the mountains and destroyer of the weakness”. One of the phenomenal supplement which can be taken by anyone. Shilajit is mainly found in the downhill areas of Himalayas. It is a black brownish substance with a tar-like structure. Its pieces of evidence can be found in texts like Charak Samhita.

In Ayurveda, it is used for various medicines and helps to reduce fatigue and has many other benefits. The controlled research evidence is less but the results, in general, are huge. It contains fulvic acid which is its main and powerful component. Fulvic acid helps in dilating cell walls and the absorption of minerals deep into the cells. It is also the best testosterone booster you can ever have.

              4. Triphala-

It is an ayurvedic medicine made up of mixing three small fruits

Amla- Indian Gooseberry

Bhibhitaki- Terminalia bellirica

Haritaki- Terminalia Chebula

Research published in the International Journal of Pharmacognosy found Triphala as a strong anti-oxidant. Another research published in the Biological Pharmaceutical Bulletin, conducted on albino rats, the Triphala has shown the stress-induced suppression and stimulates neutrophil functions.

Research carries on mice, published in the Journal of Surgical Research stated that Ayurveda  medicine Triphala ointment has shown significant anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and wound healing activities.

There are more studies that show its function as a natural laxative, reducing abdominal pain and increasing and ease of bowel movements. It also helps in reducing plaque build-up and a decrease in gum inflammation.

                5. Jeera (Cumin)

Cumin is a spice that is common in Indian dishes found in the Southeast Asian region. It has high iron content.

Studies back up its function of easing digestion and digestive problems. A satisfactory study published in the Middle East Journal of Digestive Diseases performed a pilot study on fifty-seven patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Patients were advised to discontinue any other treatments. The results were that abdominal pain, bloating, and incomplete defecation was reduced during and after the course of study. The frequency of defecation and stool consistency were increased.

The studies have also shown the antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, and estrogenic beneficial properties of Cumin and its various extracts.

                 6. Amla

          Another fruit of Indian origin has many beneficial health properties. Father of Indian Medicine Sushruta, also wrote about the health benefits of Amla. It is also known as Indian Gooseberry.

       A study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research shows the antioxidative efficacy of various amla supplements.

       Another interesting study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated the Effect of Amla(Indian Gooseberry) on the serum cholesterol levels in men aged 35-55 years. The supplement was given for 28 days. Both the normal and hypercholesterolemia patients show a decrease in serum cholesterol levels and an increase in serum cholesterol levels again after the studies to the initial level after withdrawing of the supplements within two weeks.

      Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food stated the positive effect on cardiovascular risk factors of Amla (Indian Gooseberry) supplement on the overweight obese class 1 Adults. It shows a positive effect on reducing cholesterol levels (High-density lip proteins). However, an important factor in diet intake and a small population of 15 subjects are not satisfying. Another important aspect was that partial research funding was provided by Natreon inc.

                                                       

       These are a few from the long lists of herbs and spices present in the Ayurveda. An important thing to keep in mind while using them in general life is that Ayurveda is a medicinal knowledge of thousands of years which have been surely reduced. Before using any of these as a supplement DO TAKE ADVICE FROM A DOCTOR, PHYSICIAN OR A CERTIFIED CLINICAL DIETICIAN.

      Bharat is a land with thousands and thousands of years of practical knowledge. Indian spices and herbs are one of the finest anti-oxidants in the world, an increase in scientific studies are proof of it. We are blessed to born on land with such a variety of magical foods and ingredients.

 For my blogs related to Physical education, you can visit the Physical education world

 

   REFERENCES

https://www.nature.com/articles/37838#:~:text=The%20turmeric%20patent%20was%20granted,heal%20surgical%20wounds%20and%20ulcers.

 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0378874195013202

https://www.phcogrev.com/article/2007/1/1-13?qt-sidebar_tabs=0

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/

https://www.shilajitpro.com/pure-shilajit-meaning-pro-powder-benefits-dosage-side-effects-reviews

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09251619708951274

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/jmf.2014.0178

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/28/8/28_8_1398/_article

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022480407001667

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210012/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20922990/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24829694/

https://europepmc.org/article/med/3250870

About the Author

Brijesh Nailwal is a fitness and health niche content writer. He is pursuing B.sc in sports science and also a certified trainer. He has training experience of more than 3 years now and has participated in many competitive sports at different levels.