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Herbs Used to Treat Ailments
The following are some of the best and natural ayurvedic herbs used
for treating ailments the most efficient way
BHUIAMLA
The low-growing and bitter tasting shrub bhuiamla grows in central
and southern India and produces yellow flowers.
It has been used for
ayurvedic treatments for more than 2,000 years for a range of ailments
including jaundice, diabetes, menstrual problems, gonorrhea, skin
ulcers, sores, swelling, and itching. It is normally taken at doses
of 900 to 2,700 mg daily and has proven to have no side effects.
GUGGUL
Guggul is the yellowish resin produced by the stem of the mukul myrrh
tree, a small thorny tree native to all of India. Still guggul is
recognized as one of the ayurvedic herbs. Weight loss is traditionally
associated with its use and guggul is also a treatment for rheumatism.
Guggul has the ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Used
in extract form, the normal dosage is 25mg three times a day.
People with liver problems, inflammatory bowel disease, and diarrhea
should use guggul with great caution although it does not have any
known drug interactions. Long-term use of guggul may cause mild stomach
problems.
SHATAVARI
Another of the effective ayurvedic herbs is shatavari. A climbing
plant from low jungles throughout Indian, shatavari means “she
who possesses one hundred husbands.”
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The plant is believed to
rejuvenate the female reproductive system and to prevent miscarriages,
but it has other properties that make it useful to men as well. Shatavari
is an antacid, antispasmodic, and laxative with diuretic properties
and is thought to prevent tumors. It will help stimulate the sex drive
in both men and women. Often formulated as a health drink, the dosage
is two tablespoons twice daily taken with milk. (Women with fibrocystic
breast disease should not use shatavari.)
What about side effects?
Although by and large most are safe, ayurvedic herbs like all natural
products can interact with one another or with prescription medication
and may not be appropriate for all individuals. Since Indian herbs
are not as familiar in the United States as other natural products,
it is highly recommended that any herb you are considering using be
thoroughly researched either online or by consulting reference books.
Two useful volumes are “Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses”
by Deni Brown and Dorling Kindersley and “Yoga of Herbs, Ayurvedic
Guide” by Dr. Vasant Lad and David Frawley.
Should
I talk to my doctor first?
It is always a good idea to consult your medical practitioner before
beginning the use of a natural product that may interact with your
prescription medications. Many of these plants contain drug-like substances,
for instance natural estrogen in herbs recommended for women. It is
highly likely in the instance of ayurvedic herbs that you will know
more than your doctor. Do your homework first and take your documentation
of the herb’s actions and properties with you. If your doctor
is not open to the use of herbal remedies and you feel strongly about
the issue, considering getting a second opinion. And, a final caution:
never mix herbs of any kind unless you thoroughly understand their
possible interaction.
Should I talk to my doctor first?
It is always a good idea to consult your medical practitioner before
beginning the use of a natural product that may interact with your
prescription medications. Many of these plants contain drug-like substances,
for instance natural estrogen in herbs recommended for women. It is
highly likely in the instance of ayurvedic herbs that you will know
more than your doctor. Do your homework first and take your documentation
of the herb’s actions and properties with you. If your doctor
is not open to the use of herbal remedies and you feel strongly about
the issue, considering getting a second opinion. And, a final caution:
never mix herbs of any kind unless you thoroughly understand their
possible interaction.
Are ayurvedic herbs more expensive?
While it is possible to obtain ayurvedic bulk herbs, the cost of pre-processed
ayurvedic herbs in supplemental form is comparable to any other herbs
sold in health food stores. For instance a typical online price for
sixty ashwagandha tablets is $11.48 with sixty arjuna capsules selling
for $9.95. For people just becoming acquainted with the use or ayurvedic
herbs these pre-formulated capsules with correct dosage information
on the label are probably the best route.
Ayurveda is well-respected system of natural medicine in India and
around the world. From the strength enhancing benefit of ashwagandha
herb to the balancing influence of amalaki, there are undoubtedly
effective ayurvedic herbs to be incorporated in your overall health
regimen. The keys to the use of any herb are research and understanding.
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