Aуurvеdа (рrоnоunсеd ааh-уurе-VAY-dhа) is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago and is the time-tested traditional medical system of India.
In the US, Ayurveda is recognized as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In Sаnѕkrіt, Ayurveda mеаnѕ “The Sсіеnсе оf Lіfе.”
Today, Ayurveda encompasses prevention, healing and longevity as a holistic science.
The wоrd Aуurvеdа іѕ соmроѕеd оf the Sаnѕkrіt word “Ayur”, whісh means life, and “Vеdа”, whісh mеаnѕ knowledge (ѕсіеnсе). Ayurveda teaches that food is divine medicine with the power to heal and transform your body and mind.
Although very detailed in its teachings Ayurveda promotes optimal health, wellness, functioning and vitality. It teaches that food is divine medicine with the power to heal and transform your body and mind.
Ayurveda reminds us that we are much deeper than our skin. There is also an essence and an energy in us.
While Ayurveda health benefits positively impact physicality, they also bring together the mind, body, and soul and help keep them in balance.
For dynamic expression of vitality and life, we need healthy, balanced bodies and healthy, balanced minds.
Amalaki
Emblica officinalis
Fruit: Anti-ageing super food
The Indian gooseberry or Amla is one of the main ingredients in almost all Ayurvedic medicines and tonics. This superfood is often promoted as the most powerful antioxidant on earth. Ayurvedic practitioners swear by the fruit to cure many health issues. It is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds which are known to be super anti-oxidant agents. It is widely used for preventative and therapeutic purposes. It appears to be most used for regulating glucose and fat metabolism, liver and digestive health, skin & hair care, cardiac health, and also as neuroprotective. It has also been found to possess immuno-modulatory and anti-aging properties in various scientific researches. (1)
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Root: Super adaptogen, Stress buster
Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits for your body and brain. For example, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation. (2) Researchers have reported that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system.(3) Also, several controlled human studies have shown that it can reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders.(4)
Ashwagandha supplements may have powerful effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health. In one study in 75 infertile men, the group treated with ashwagandha showed increased sperm count and motility. The treatment led to a significant increase in testosterone levels.(5) Research has shown that ashwagandha may improve body composition and increase strength. Those who took ashwagandha had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size. It also more than doubled their reductions in body fat percentage, compared with the placebo group.(6) It is also well reputed as an adaptogen. It helps elevate mood, relieve stress and anxiety, boost energy and reduce food cravings.(7)
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Root: Strong anti-inflammatory
Licorice is derived from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra meaning “sweet root” in Greek. It is used for centuries for its multiple health benefits. Licorice root, which is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies, comes from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Today, many people utilize licorice root to treat ailments like heartburn, acid reflux, hot flashes, coughs, and bacterial and viral infections.(8) It contains hundreds of plant compounds out of which glycyrrhizin is its primary active compound, responsible for the root’s sweet taste, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Licorice root extract is often used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as acid reflux, upset stomach, and heartburn.(9)
Licorice root may have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Early research suggests that, as a result, it may ease upper respiratory infections, treat ulcers, and aid digestion, among other benefits.(10)
Centella
Moringa oleifera
Leaf: Treasure of nutrients
Well known as the “herb of longevity,” Centella is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health. It has been proven to improve overall cognitive functions in various studies. It also helps reduce acute anxiety and stress significantly.(11) (12)Research found that Centella can reduce problems with fluid retention, ankle swelling, and circulation tied to taking flights that last longer than three hours.(13)
Moringa
Moringa oleifera
Leaf: Treasure of nutrients
It is a plant that has been praised as Miracle tree for its health benefits for thousands of years. It is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. It is one of the richest vegan source of protein and many other nutrients such as Vitamin C, A, B complex, minerals like Calcium, iron, magnesium etc. It is also rich in antioxidants like quercetin and Chlorogenic acid. (14) (15)
Functionally it also can help fight inflammation, lower cholesterol and improve sugar metabolism. (16) (17)
Gokshura
Tribulus
Ayurvedic Herb for Boosting Immunity
- Improves strength, nourishes the body
- Improves immunity
- Balances tridosha
- Improves digestion
- Strengthen abdominal muscles
- Useful in cardiac disorders
- Useful in the management of Urinary Disorders
- Beneficial for Eye Health
- Helps strengthen the respiratory System
Turmeric
Curcuma longa
Rhizome: The Golden spice
Recently, science has started to back up what Indians have known for a long time — it really does contain compounds with medicinal properties. (18) These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is Curcumin. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
Our Ayurvedic protein contains the Turmeric Extract with highly bio-available Curcumin which has capacity of 10X more absorption in body than standard Curcumin. The more absorption means more effect. Turmeric known as the golden spice, may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. Many high-quality studies show that it has major benefits for your various body systems such as liver, heart, brain, joints etc.
Curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side effects. (19) Curcumin has definite anti-inflammatory effect by which it prevents liver tissue damage caused by various toxins and helps liver detoxification. It also has powerful antioxidant effects.(20) It neutralizes free radicals on its own but also stimulates your body’s own antioxidant enzymes.(21)
But given that oxidation and inflammation are believed to play a role in aging, curcumin may have effects that go way beyond just preventing disease.
Black Pepper
Piper nigrum
Fruit: Bio-enhancer
Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices worldwide. It has been deemed the “king of spices” and used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds.(22) Black pepper is rich in plant compound called Piperine which has been found strong anti-oxidant and enhancing the absorption of many bioactives including Curcumin from Turmeric. Hence it is widely reputed as bio-enhancer. It has stimulant property that helps activate digestive enzymes and liver functions. Many laboratory studies suggest that piperine — the main active compound in black pepper — may effectively fight inflammation. Treatment with piperine in patient of arthritis resulted in less joint swelling and fewer blood markers of inflammation. (23)
Ginger
Zingiber officinale
Rhizome: King of digestive health
Ginger is one of the most commonly consumed dietary condiments in the world. It has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few.
Ginger contains many bioactive components out of which “Gingerol” is the primary pungent ingredient that is believed to exert a variety of remarkable biological activities. One of the many health claims attributed to ginger is its purported ability to decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.(24) Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting occur due to multiple illnesses but the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness.(25)
Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain. In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises.(26) Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Bark: Super antioxidant
Cinnamon is a highly delicious spice. It has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Modern science has now confirmed what people have known for ages. Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon wound up as the clear winner, even outranking “superfoods” like garlic and oregano. Due to these antioxidants, Cinnamon shows anti-Inflammatory properties and helps body fight infections and repair tissue damages.(27) Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, In people with type 2 diabetes, it has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood markers.
It reduces levels of total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while “good” HDL cholesterol remains stable. 28 It can dramatically reduce insulin resistance, helping this important hormone do its job By increasing insulin sensitivity, cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels.(29)
Two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. In a study in mice with Parkinson’s disease, cinnamon helped protect neurons, normalized neurotransmitter levels and improved motor function.(30) (31)
Nutmeg
Myristica fragrans
Seed: Spice of mood
Nutmeg is a popular spice made from the seeds of Myristica fragrans. Although it’s more commonly used for its flavor than its health benefits, nutmeg contains an impressive array of powerful compounds that may help prevent disease and promote your overall health. Nutmeg contains an abundance of antioxidants, including plant pigments like cyanidins, essential oils, such as phenylpropanoids and terpenes, and phenolic compounds.
One animal study showed that consuming nutmeg extract prevented cellular damage in rats treated with isoproterenol, a medication known to induce severe oxidative stress. Nutmeg is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds called monoterpenes, including sabinene, terpineol, and pinene. These may help reduce inflammation in your body and benefit those with inflammatory conditions. (32) (33)
Some animal studies show that nutmeg may elevate the moods and enhance sex drive and performance. In one study, male rats that were given high doses of nutmeg experienced significant increases in sexual activity and sexual performance time compared to a control group. Researchers surmise that these effects are due to its ability to stimulate the nervous system.(34)
Scientific References:
Scoll down to relevant footnote
1. A Review On Medicinal Importance Of Emblica Officinalis… The use of Emblica officinalis as antioxidant, immune modulatory, antipyretic, analgesic, cytoprotective, anti ulser, immune modulatory, anti inflammatory, antitussive and gastroprotective are also studied… Study has been done at Department of Biotechnology, Government Kamala Raja Girls Post Graduate (Autonomous) College, Gwalior (M.P.), India. Published in International Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Research 2017 (https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/a-review-on-medicinal-importance-of-emblica-officinalis/?view=fulltext)
2. Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera, an ancient plant for novel medicine, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran, Molecules 2009 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19633611/)
3. Direct evidence for GABAergic activity of Withania somnifera on mammalian ionotropic GABAA and GABAρ receptors, J Ethnopharmacol 2015 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26068424/)
4. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults Indian, J Psychol Med. 2012 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439798/)
5. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males, Department of Biochemistry, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, and Department of Pharmacology, State Government T. T. Hospital, Lucknow, India. Fertil Steril. 2010 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19501822/)
6. Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial, J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2015 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/)
7. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study, Cureus. 2019 Dec (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/)
8. Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message, Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Aug (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3498851/)
9. An Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3123991/)
10. The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb, Acta Pharm Sin B. 2015 Jul (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629407/)
11. Effectiveness of Gotu Kola Extract 750 mg and 1000 mg Compared with Folic Acid 3 mg in Improving Vascular Cognitive Impairment after Stroke, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4908235/)
12. Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, part 2: a review of clinical studies with supporting preclinical evidence CNS Drugs. 2013 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23653088/)
13. Flight microangiopathy in medium- to long-distance flights: prevention of edema and microcirculation alterations with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica, Angiology 2001 Oct
14. Effect of supplementation of drumstick (Moringa oleifera) and amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) leaves powder on antioxidant profile and oxidative status among postmenopausal women, Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2014 (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13197-012-0859-9)
15. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168416/nutrients
16. The in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant properties, hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic activities of water extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves J Ethnopharmacol 2008 Mar (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18249514/)
17. Effect of some Indian vegetables on the glucose and insulin response in diabetic subjects International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 1993 (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09637489309017439)
18. Role of curcumin in systemic and oral health: An overview, J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2013 Jan-Jun (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633300/)
19. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research, Altern Med Rev 2009 Jun (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19594223/ )
20. Detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin in rats experimentally exposed to mercury, Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2010 July (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jat.1517)
21.Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Effect of Curcumin on Liver Cirrhosis Using a Combination of Biochemical Analysis and Magnetic Resonance-Based Electrical Conductivity Imaging, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea, Mediators of Inflammation, 2018 (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2018/5491797/)
22. Black pepper and health claims: a comprehensive treatise, Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2013 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23768180/)
23. Piperine ameliorates oxidative stress, inflammation and histological outcome in collagen induced arthritis, Cell Immunol Jul-Aug 2013 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23921080/)
24. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. 2011 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/)
25. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, Br J Anaesth 2000 Mar (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10793599/)
26. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces muscle pain caused by eccentric exercise, J Pain 2010 Sep;11 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20418184/ )
27. Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents J Agric Food Chem 2005 Oct (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16190627/)
28. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes, Diabetes Care 2003 Dec (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14633804/)
29. Chromium and polyphenols from cinnamon improve insulin sensitivity, Proc Nutr Soc 2008 Feb (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18234131/)
30. Interaction of cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin with tau: implications of beneficial effects in modulating Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis J Alzheimers Dis. 2013 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23531502/)
31. Cinnamon treatment upregulates neuroprotective proteins Parkin and DJ-1 and protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2014 Sep (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24946862/)
32. Protective effect of nutmeg aqueous extract against experimentally-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2013 Oct-Dec (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3891177/)
33. Nutmeg oil alleviates chronic inflammatory pain through inhibition of COX-2 expression and substance P release in vivo, Journal List Food Nutr Res v.60; 2016 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848392/)
34. An experimental study of sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) BMC Complement Altern Med. 2005 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1187868/)
