Ayurveda is an age-old tradition and system of medicine that originated in the Indian Subcontinent. Back in the Vedic era, ancient schools of science came up with medical treatises which make up most of the teachings in Ayurveda today.
The Western notion of ayurveda makes it all about herbs and ascetics doing yoga in the middle of forests. And this is a HUGE misconception.
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Ayurveda is essentially a way of life that is governed by what you can eat, how to live, where to live and the state of our mind. This is exactly why in Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “science of life”.
There is so much more to this ancient science that can benefit our life and improve overall health. In this article, we cover the following 7 health benefits of Ayurveda:
1. Aid to Sleep
2. Weight Loss
3. Fertility
4. Building Immunity
5. Liver health
6. Sperm motility
7. Diabetes
1. Ayurveda for Sleep
Restful sleep is very important in Ayurveda because that’s when our body repairs inner damage, strengthening our immune system along the way.
Lifestyle changes can often cause issues in sleep, causing problems like sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Ayurveda prescribes the following for a good night’s sleep:
- Oil Massage: A soothing head massage in circular motion using oils like Bhringaraj or Mustard Oil. This helps you overcome sleeplessness by boosting overall blood circulation.
- Grapes: Did you know grapes are a major source of the sleep hormone Melatonin? Along with antioxidants and various other nutrients in this commonly available fruit, it helps you sleep easier.
- Herbs: Ayurveda prescribes herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shankhapushpi and Sarpagandha for developing healthy sleep cycles. Taking them before bed time is advised for their neuroprotective properties.
2. Helps You Lose Weight
Weight gain is difficult to cope with our present lifestyle involving office jobs. When our jobs don’t let us move around much, ayurveda herbs for weight loss are always the best.
- Green Coffee Beans: Raw unroasted coffee beans are not the same for our body as brewed beans that we drink as a beverage. They block fat buildup and lowers blood sugar levels, helping with weight loss.
- Garcinia cambogia: Popularly called Vrikshamla, this is a wonderful tropical fruit that naturally lowers cholesterol levels and unhealthy triglycerides.
- Triphala: This is a combination of 3 dried fruits – Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. It works by simply rejuvenating your digestive system which is important for weight loss.
3. Improves Fertility
Infertility is a commonly discussed issue and Ayurveda medicine has not shunned from it either. Herbal medication focuses on improving blood flow and balancing the endocrine system.
–> SEE ALSO: Don’t Ignore Erectile Dysfunction; Deal With It
Infertility is caused by a number of underlying causes and one herb alone cannot get to the root of it. So ayurveda herbs are a combination of herbs involving:
- Ashwagandha: also called Withania somnifera, it reduces stress and controls anxiety. This is why this wonder herb is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Shatavari: It literally means “woman with 100 husbands”. While energizing the female reproductory system, it also helps with ovulation disorder and premature ovarian failure. What’s more? It’s also an immunity booster and keeps your energy levels through the roof!
- Gokshura: Studies have found that the fruit of this plant can boost libido in men, enhance stamina and act as an aphrodisiac as well.
4. Helps you Build Immunity
Nothing speaks immunity in Ayurveda more than Ocimum sanctum, the famous Tulsi plant. It’s not just Ayurveda, even scientific research point to the endless health benefits of Tulsi leaves in physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress.
In combination with other herbs, it’s great for building long-term immunity:
- Guduchi: This marvel of nature is a rich source of antioxidants like ascorbic acid, lycopene and carotene. it is used in the treatment of various infections including urinary tract disorders and jaundice. It’s also great for your digestive tract, which is how it helps in improving overall well-being.
- Licorice: The roots of this plant has multiple benefits for skin conditions, digestion, sore throat and even stomach ulcers.
- Kalmegha: One of the usual symptoms of a weak immune system is frequent common colds. This herb has a profound impact by easing cough and sore throat.
5. Improves Liver Health
When talking about health, the liver is almost always taken for granted. This organ does so much – detoxifying blood, breaking down drugs, producing cholesterol and proteins, clearing the yellow pigment bilirubin and so on.
Ayurveda focuses on maintaining this normal function of the liver using certain beneficial herbs:
- Bhumyamalaki: Also called Bhumi Amla, this herb prevents liver inflammation and damage, thanks to its inti-viral and antioxidant properties.
- Kalmegha: The benefits of this herb never run out. Its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties keep your liver in perfect condition.
- Pippali: Counteracting chemical damage is necessary to protect the liver and that is exactly what the pippali pepper does. If you have an attraction for oily foods, incorporating pippali in your diet will help keep your liver healthy in the long run.
6. Ayurveda to Increase Sperm Count
Stress, poor nutrition, obesity and excessive use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs can cause so much harm to your fertility.
Low sperm count is a major cause of infertility in men and Ayurveda has specific medicinal preparations to help tackle this problem.
Herbal supplements are the safest when it comes to treating problems with sperm count:
- Safed musli: This rare Indian herb is much more than its looks. It boosts vitality, improves sexual performance and can be beneficial for body building. It also helps with erectile dysfunction, oligospermia or sperm disorders.
- Amla: the Indian gooseberry taken in whatever format has infinite health benefits including reproductive health. This small fruit is a treasure trove of Vitamin C, iron, B complex vitamins, carotenes and zinc, but also a natural aphrodisiac. It improves sexual vigour and virility, and enhances sperm quality.
- Shatavari: This is an excellent spermatogenic medicine, increasing quality of semen and useful for increasing sperm count.
7. Diabetes
The burden of diabetes plagues the entire world, more so in India. WHO estimates that 8.7% of people in the age group of 20 to 70 years have diabetes.
We love our sweet meats, but before they cause harm, it’s up to us control the amount of damage that high blood sugar can cause. The following herbs in Ayurveda helps do exactly this, keeping us healthy:
- Kalmegha: This bitter herb can taste ugly in the mouth but reduces blood glucose levels like a miracle. Your overall risk in developing diabetes at a later stage is also reduced by consuming this herb.
- Pippali: By boosting insulin levels and reducing glucose levels, this long pepper can aid in diabetes regulation.
- Gokshura: There is plenty of scientific evidence for the use of gokshura in managing blood sugar levels. It blocks enzymes break down carbohydrates, not allowing blood sugar levels to rise in the blood.
Ayurveda VS Allopathy
The experience with ayurveda points to its superior effects and quality, compared to other medications. “Unlike allopathic medicine, Ayurvedic philosophy addresses the root cause to understand what you need to find alignment” says certified Ayurvedic practitioner Tracy Adkins.
Ayurveda approaches health preventively. This is how its different from conventional allopathy where medicines are taken when you’re hit by disease.
Most of us have seemingly chronic health issues, often mysterious to even doctors. This is where ayurvedic medicine is beneficial for you.
There is no particular time or order to start Ayurvedic medicine. You can switch to the ayurveda lifestyle any time, which is why Sava Herbals(TM) has its wide range of Ayurveda products that aid in your health and well-being.