Top 10 Healthy Ayurvedic Spices and Herbs – Powerful elixirs promoting human wellbeing

Considered a top Ayurvedic herb and one of the best for anti-ageing treatments, Ashwagandha is a tiny, woody plant found in India and North Africa. The plant's roots and fruit are used in various therapies to reduce stress and anxiety levels, promote sleep, reduce sugar levels, increase fertility, and boost memory and the immune system. It is a popular herb you will notice being incorporated in many treatments offered by an Ayurveda hotel in Sri Lanka.

This Ayurvedic herb is used in detoxification treatments. It is helpful in drawing out toxins from the body to aid weight loss. Ajwain seeds are boiled and consumed in tea form to heal joint pain and improve the digestive and nerve systems.

Brahmi, another popular herb in Ayurvedic treatments, is ideal for preserving brain and nerve health. Its anti-inflammatory properties improve attention, learning and memory and decrease signs of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The Brahmi leaves are boiled and served as tea or with milk.

Considered the queen of herbs, Shatavari contains antioxidant properties helpful in combatting a variety of ailments. This herb helps reduce inflammation, boost immunity, improve the digestive and respiratory systems, and improve female reproductive organ activity.

Comprising the 3 tiny medicinal fruits of amla, bibhitaki and haritaki, Triphala is a potent Ayurvedic mix particularly useful for combating heart disease. Amla and haritaki aid in strengthening heart muscles and reducing cholesterol levels. Triphala also reduces arthritis-related inflammations, functions as an effective laxative and prevents or limits certain cancer growths. The best way to experience Triphala's benefits is by staying at a hotel offering dedicated Ayurvedic packages, the likes of Heritance Ayurveda. Hotels such as these offer a truly genuine Ayurvedic experience by providing holistic treatments that are specially curated and designed to suit your needs/tackle your ailments.

The Ayurvedic queen of spices, Cardamom is a refreshing, fragrant spice that helps to prevent stomach ulcers and reduce blood pressure. It is also used as a famous ingredient in aromatherapy with the aim of promoting healthy lungs.

Another fragrant spice, Cumin, is found in South/Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean. It is the ideal remedy for all gastrointestinal ailments, including abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. Cumin also improves insulin and lowers blood sugar levels, thereby protecting against the onset of type 2 diabetes. This earthy spice also aids in increasing and decreasing HDL and LDL counts.

This bright yellow spice is famed as the ingredient giving curry its yellowish hue. Turmeric's main component, curcumin, contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid to protect against heart disease, improve blood flow and preserve brain function.

This Ayurvedic ingredient is highly beneficial for mouth and throat-related ailments, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Its root provides relief from a sore throat, protects against oral cavities, prevents heartburn, stomach ulcers, nausea and bloating. Additionally, its properties help fight viruses and bacteria and reduce inflammations. Liquorice treats symptoms associated with skin rashes by reducing swelling, redness and itchiness.

Manjistha is a powerful Ayurvedic herb, considered an elixir for the purification of the blood. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to detox and cleanse the blood, as well as the liver. It is also helpful in cleansing the skin and clearing acne.