Hi I’m Fin and I’m a yoga and ayurveda teacher.
If you’re interested in learning how herbs help your health journey, this blog is for you!
Ayurveda uses spices, herbs, and food as medicine. Whether you want to get rid of a sore throat or want to boost your immune system, herbs can help if you know how to use them. Each herb offers its own unique health benefits and can be used in various forms to support different aspects of wellness.
Remember, it’s best to try one or two herbs at a time if you’re new to them. Many herbs and spices are very intense, so always take them as recommended. More is not better in this case.
Please fill out a contact me form if you’d like to know more about how herbs help. I’ll make a part 2 if enough people are interested- there are a lot of herbs to cover!
In this blog:
- Ajwain
- Amalaki
- Arjuna
- Ashwagandha
- Bibhitaki
- Brahmi
- Cardamom
- Ceylon Cinnamon
- Coriander
- Fenugreek
- Garlic
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Ajwain
Known for its strong, bitter flavor, it is most commonly used to support digestive health. Ajwain contains thymol, which gives it its antimicrobial and carminative properties.
Benefits:
– Promotes healthy digestion and reduces bloating and indigestion.
– Acts as an antibacterial agent to fight infections.
– Helps relieve symptoms of bronchitis by acting as an expectorant.
How to Use: Ajwain can be consumed as a spice in cooking, added to teas, or taken in capsule form for digestive support.
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Amalaki
Amalaki is an antioxidant-rich herb known for its rejuvenating properties.
Benefits:
– Rich in vitamin C, Amalaki supports immune function and protects the body from oxidative stress.
– Supports digestive health
– Improves skin health and can help prevent signs of aging.
How to Use: Amalaki can be consumed in powder form, as a juice, or as part of Triphala (a spice capsule) to improve digestion and detoxify the body.
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Arjuna
Arjuna is the herb for the heart. It is known for its ability to strengthen the heart muscles and improve circulation.
Benefits:
– Supports cardiovascular health by strengthening heart function and regulating blood pressure.
– Acts as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress, which can damage the heart.
– Helps in managing cholesterol levels and preventing arterial plaque buildup.
How to Use: Arjuna can be taken in powder or capsule form, or brewed as a tea for heart health support.
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Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the most well-known adaptogenic herbs. It helps the body manage stress and anxiety
Benefits:
– Reduces stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels.
– Supports mental clarity and memory, making it ideal for improving cognitive function.
– Increases energy and stamina, helping combat fatigue.
– Promotes better sleep and enhances overall mood.
How to Use: Ashwagandha is available in powder, capsule, or tincture form. It can also be consumed as a tea.
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Bibhitaki
Known for its detoxifying and cleansing properties, Bibhitaki is highly beneficial for respiratory and digestive health.
Benefits:
– Improves digestion
– Cleanses the respiratory system, making it useful for conditions like bronchitis.
– Helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
How to Use: Bibhitaki is typically consumed as part of Triphala (a spice capsule) or in powdered form for digestive and detox support.
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Brahmi
Brahmi is renowned for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It is often used to improve memory, focus, and overall brain function.
Benefits:
– Enhances cognitive function and memory, making it a great herb for students or those with age-related cognitive decline.
– Reduces stress and promotes mental clarity.
– Supports overall brain health by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation to the brain.
How to Use: Brahmi is available in capsule or powder form. It can also be used in tea or added to smoothies for mental clarity.
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Cardamom
Cardamom, with its sweet and spicy flavor, is not only a common spice but also an herb with numerous health benefits, especially for digestion.
Benefits:
– Improves digestion and alleviates symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
– Acts as an antimicrobial.
– Soothes the respiratory system.
How to Use: Cardamom can be added to teas, curries, or smoothies.
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Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon is considered the “true” cinnamon, and it is prized for its medicinal properties in medicine. It is the best type of cinnamon for your body.
Benefits:
– Reduces inflammation and supports joint health.
– Helps balance blood sugar levels.
– Has powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, supporting overall immune function.
How to Use: Ceylon cinnamon can be added to teas, smoothies, and desserts or taken as a supplement for blood sugar support.
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Coriander
Coriander, often used in cooking, is an herb that offers numerous benefits for digestive and overall health.
Benefits:
– Improves digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.
– Relieves bloating, indigestion, and nausea.
– Has antimicrobial properties and can help support the immune system.
How to Use: Coriander can be used as a spice in food or brewed as a tea. It is also available in supplement form.
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Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a versatile herb with a long history of use in treating digestive and hormonal issues.
Benefits:
– Supports digestive health by soothing the stomach lining and reducing inflammation.
– Improves blood sugar control.
How to Use: Fenugreek seeds can be consumed in teas, as a spice in cooking, or taken as capsules or powders.
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Garlic
Garlic is a powerhouse herb, known for its potent medicinal properties, particularly its ability to support cardiovascular health. Dried garlic is incredibly more intense than fresh garlic.
Benefits:
– Supports heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
– Acts as a powerful antimicrobial, fighting off infections.
– Enhances the immune system and has anti-inflammatory effects.
How to Use: Fresh garlic can be added to food or consumed in capsule form for immune and heart health support.
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Herbs are incredibly versatile and beneficial for overall health and well-being. I hope this list helps you learn more about how herbs help and how to use food as medicine 🙂
Love,
If you want to learn more about ayurveda, click here.
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