Ayurveda is one of the oldest practised healing systems in the world having originated in India more than 3,000 year ago and has been embraced in Australia. It treats the man as a whole being through physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual with the goal of achieving perfect health. Ayurveda focuses on herbs which are said to have certain medicinal values and are useful in management of health. Currently a number of Ayurvedic herbs are available in Australia due to increased use of herbs and other natural and complementary therapies in the country. This article will provide you with information on some of the most used Ayurvedic herbs that are within the Australian region, the uses of these herbs and how one may utilise them in his or her everyday life.
Understanding Ayurveda and Its Herbs
To understand what herbs are used in Ayurveda and for which remedial purpose, it is necessary to provide a brief explanation of what Ayurveda is. This health care system is as old as mankind and it is founded on the premise that the physiological, mental, and spiritual well being of a person entails harmony. There are three constitutional types of Ayurveda, which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The doshas are actually energies and there are three types of these doshas, and the person has all three but in different quantities, thus making a very special imprint of the Prakriti.
Common Ayurvedic Herbs in Australia
Australia has an abundance of heath stores, online shops, and stores selling specialty products to enable you get the necessary Ayurvedic herbs.
The following are among the most widespread herbs:
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Benefits:
Stress Reduction: Ashwagandha has been categorised as an adaptogen and can assist the body to effectively cope with stress.
Energy Generator: It can enhance energy and lessen the level of weakness of the body; thus, this is often favoured by athletes and individuals who have several activities to do.
Helps General Health: It might help immune-compromised people respond faster.
How to Use:
Ashwagandha comes mostly as a powder, capsules and as a tea. It can be incorporated in a smoothie, in baked goods, or as with many similar foods. It can be also consumed directly with hot water.
Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory: Its active component-curcumin has great anti-inflammatory properties due to its ability to reduce the levels of certain enzymes that trigger inflammation.
About Antioxidant Properties: These are considerable as it assists in reducing oxidative stress in other parts of the body.
Digestive Aid: Indeed, turmeric can be of great help in relieving the symptoms of bloating as well as that of gas.
How to Use:
Turmeric is incorporated into foods or can be consumed as a supplement or in the drink often called the golden milk a warm spiced drink.
Benefits:
Cognitive Enhancement: The other benefit associated with using Brahmi is that it was found to enhance memory and cognitive ability.
Health Benefits: Some of the benefits include alleviation of anxiety and depression. It is beneficial when it comes to maintaining good health of the nervous system.
How to Use:
Brahmi is available in form of powder, capsules and also tablets. The herb can be eaten with food or consumed even as recommended in the packaging of the product.
Benefits:
Purification: Neem has the ability to purify the human body.
Skin Health: It is useful in treating acne, eczema, dermatitis and so on.
Digestive Health: Some of the signs of digestive health that can be benefited by Neem are indigestion, stomach ache, diarrhea, ulcers, vomiting, nausea, bloating, constipation, and more.
How to Use:
Different neem products include the oils, powders, and capsules amongst others. It could also be administered orally or externally in addressing skin problems.
Benefits:
Weight Management: Guggulu has been therefore used as an aid in losing weight.
Joint Health: This dental gum can assist in enhancing the joint health, as well as helps in the reduction of joint pain.
Metabolic Support: The product contributes positively to the metabolism of the body as well as cholesterol balance.
How to Use:
Guggulu is also available in capsules and should also be taken by consulting a health worker’s advice.
6. Triphala (A combination of three fruits)
Benefits:
Gastrointestinal Health: The herbal combination of triphala is employed to enrich the digestive system by increasing the bowel movement.
Detoxification: It also aids in the purging of toxins in the body.
Antioxidant Support: Due to the ingredients present in it, Triphala is packed with antioxidants.
How to Use:
Triphala can be consumed in three forms which include powder, capsules or as a tea. It may be consumed before going to sleep to help the body in the digestion and cleaning process.
7. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Benefits:
Respiratory Health: Regarding the respiratory system, licorice root pays a lot of benefits when it comes to treat coughs and sore throat.
Anti-inflammatory Capacity: This helps boost the immune system and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Digestive Aid: This type of licorice root contains compounds that have properties that help in soothing the lining of the digestive system and is effective in treating ulcers.
How to Use:
Licorice is usually taken in the form of tea, tincture or as a supplement. You can purchase this product in most health foods store.
Where to Find Ayurvedic Herbs in Australia
You can purchase Ayurvedic herbs in various locations in Australia.
Ayurvedic stores: These are shops that are dedicated solely to stocking and selling Ayurvedic products, or provide a consultation service.
Online Retailers: There are numerous online stores where numerous Ayurvedic herbs are sold and more often than not, the vendors have useful information regarding the product and feedback from customers who have used them.
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Supermarkets and Pharmacies: Due to the growing acceptability of Ayurveda, it has made entry into the supermarket chains and pharmacies in the health and wellness category.
Incorporating Ayurvedic Herbs into Your Lifestyle
Ayurveda herbs can be incorporated fairly easily into the diet and work wonders.
Here are some tips:
Go Slow: If you are going to try Ayurvedic herbs for the first time, take one herb at a time and then add more herbs to your program to check how your body takes it.
Seek Medical Advice: Always seek medical advice before embarking on any use of new supplements especially if you are already on other medications.
Quality: Organic herbs of a good quality should be purchased from a reputable supplier to provide that quality and efficacy.
Labels: Know about ingredients in food and quantity to prevent any interaction or side effects.
Complement with Diet: These herbs are excellent supplements to Ayurvedic medicine and promote healthy living, but they should not be used alone without considering other complementary factors, such as a balanced diet.