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The Amazing of
Ayurvedic Herbs
By: Ben Tiew
Before the advent of modern medicine as we know it many cultures developed
natural medicines called herbs. These cures usually came from plants and
other natural substances which today can often be found in the kitchen.
Ayurvedic Medicine is a tradition of treating people holistically that has
a history of treating disease and preventing illness through herbs and
even some of your every day spices found in the kitchen.
A number of Indian plants or herbs and spices have found their way into
the United States. Ginger, Gotu Kola, Gymnema, Cinnamon, Boswellia or
Frankincense and East Indian Globe Thistle are just a few of the Indian
herbs that can be found in your local herbalist store or even at the
grocery store.
Ginger
used as a digestive aid this spice has been recommended to cure gas, colic
and even decrease heart burn. It is also known as a tonic to increase
vigor and as an anti-depressant. In India this herb is also known as
Sunthi or Adrak
Gotu Kola
Listed as a common herb in India this herb should not be confused with
Kola Nut which is a different plant. In Ayurvedic herbalism this plant has
many uses including wound healing, skin disorders, sedative effects and
even seems promising as a blood pressure lowering herb.
Gymnema
Gymnema Sylvestre or Gurmar has received a lot of press because it appears
to block sugars. The first noticeable effect when a small amount is placed
on the tongue is that the person stops being able to taste sweets. The
theory is that it has a similar blocking effect internally. The actual
effect may be that because you don't "taste" the sugar it doesn't trigger
that "sweet tooth effect". When used with diabetics a decrease in blood
sugar and insulin levels was noted with this Indian herb.
Cinnamon
In addition to being a key ingredient in mom's cinnamon rolls this spice
has been used as a stimulant for hundreds of years by the Ayurvedic
Herbalist. It is used commonly to alleviate tooth ache, rheumatism and as
an astringent. The essential oil seems to have marked anti-bacterial and
anti-fungal properties also.
Boswellia
Also known as Frankincense this gummy residue is used externally for its
anti-inflammatory properties and as an expectorant and immune system
booster when taken internally. This tree is native to India and the Middle
East.
East India Globe Thistle
considered a tonic or energizer this herb also seems to have anti-diabetic
qualities and may be found in compounds that promote anti-oxidant effects
or that reduce blood sugar.
The list of Ayurvedic herbs is much longer than just these few. It is
noteworthy that many of these herbs are also spices or foods such as
apricot or licorice. The Ayurvedic tradition promotes the belief that food
plays an important role in curing disease and promoting wellness. The
precept that "we are what we eat" is not a new one it seems.
Taking herbs in place of medications is not without some risk. Many herbs
contain potent substances which can create side effects as well as
interactions with medications.
A common example is ginseng. Ginseng interacts with coumadin (a common
blood thinner) and causes your blood to become even thinner.
Anytime you are considering taking an herb or supplement you should
research the effects and side effects and as always if you are taking
medications you should consult with your doctor before starting any herb
or supplement.
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botanical products. Check out http://www.Amazon-Herbs4Life.com to discover
yourself the amazing of various rainforest herbs.
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