Ayurvedic Herbs, Superfoods That Balance and Rebuild!
Ayurvedic herbs have been apart of the Vedic philosophy in India since ancient times. The word Ayurveda translates as "the complete knowledge for long life" and is a system of traditional medicine that continues to thrive today in modern culture.
Ayurveda's approach to human health takes into account the individual body types, called the three "doshas." (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha)
It is believed that when these doshas are in proper equilibrium one can achieve optimal balance of inherent energy levels.
There are many herbs within the Ayurvedic system, but to keep things simple we will just focus on the top tonic herbs that are great for adding to
herbal tea recipes
and
nutritive herbal tea
blends.
Ayurvedic Herbs:
1) Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is typically seen as a deep male reproductive tonic, though it can also be used by women. It is used as a "vitalizer" or energizer for the entire body.
It is an adaptogen, like the
Chinese tonics,
and helps to relieve physical fatigue and nervous exhaustion when used over a period of time. It is known to produce rapid tissue regeneration and help promote
longevity
and a youthful glow.
It is also and aphrodisiac that aids in various treatments of sexual stagnation's and conditions.
Ashwagandha reduces mental turmoil and provides a calm sleep. It is excellent for enhancing athletic performance, regulating hypothyroid conditions and is used to increase muscle mass in body building.
2) Shatavari
Shatavari is the more femine version of ashwagandha, great for female reproductive health and overall nervous system adaptogen tonic.
It helps to regulate the hormones, nourishing and cleansing the blood. Shatavari is known to enhance fertility. Although used by mostly women, it can also be used my men with similar effects.
In Sanskrit, Shatavari means "she who possesses a hundred husbands." It is an asparagus root, like the Chinese asparagus tonic herb, but of a slightly different species, called Asparagus racemosus.
The Chinese version is Asparagus lucidus. They both have similar effects, but Shatavari is usually bought in powdered form.
3) Brahmi
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) also called Bacopa, is a nervine tonic and sedative that improves mental tranquility, reduces anxiety, enhances memory, learning and concentration on all levels.
It is a brain tonic in every sense of the word! Indian research has shown that Brahmi has
antioxidant
and anticancer properties. It tonifies cardiovascular health, purifies the blood and supports liver vitality.
4) Amalaki
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) is a tree fruit and powerful antioxidant that rejuvenates and detoxifies the body.
It works primarily as a
digestive
and bowel tonic, improving "digestive fire", aiding in elimination and ensuring proper
colon health.
It is known to stimulate the production and regeneration of red blood cells and is beneficial to many of the primary organs of the body.
Amalaki fruit is a great source of Vitamin C and perfect for overall immune system health.
5) Mucuna
Mucuna or Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriensis) is a velvety bean that contains many beneficial substances including L-dopa, which increases dopamine concentrations that move beyond the protective blood-brain barriers in the helpful treatment of nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's.
It also helps to replenish natural dopamine levels that are deficient in those recovering from addictive drug and tobacco use.
Mucuna is an aphrodisiac that promotes fertility in both men and women, increasing male sperm count and testosterone levels and regulating ovulation cycles in women.
It deeply nourishes all tissues and fluids of the entire body.
6) Shilajit
Shilajit is an Ayurvedic mineral-herb which translates as the "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness." It is held high in the Ayurvedic world and commonly used in many preparations that work together with other herbs. It is often combined with Ashwaganda as an adaptogen and rejuvenative tonic.
It activates the body's ability to break down and utilize minerals and comes from the carbons of a completely ancient ecosystem with qualities not found in any other superfood.
7) Tulsi
Tulsi, or also known as Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is referred to as the “Incomparable One” and is a popular, sacred herb of Ayurvedic medicine. It is an adaptongenic herb that has been used for thousands of years. Among it's many health enhancing properties, Tulsi is found to improve the body's defense mechanisms against viruses.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is typically seen as a deep male reproductive tonic, though it can also be used by women. It is used as a "vitalizer" or energizer for the entire body.
It is also and aphrodisiac that aids in various treatments of sexual stagnation's and conditions.
The Chinese version is Asparagus lucidus. They both have similar effects, but Shatavari is usually bought in powdered form.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) also called Bacopa, is a nervine tonic and sedative that improves mental tranquility, reduces anxiety, enhances memory, learning and concentration on all levels.
Mucuna or Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriensis) is a velvety bean that contains many beneficial substances including L-dopa, which increases dopamine concentrations that move beyond the protective blood-brain barriers in the helpful treatment of nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's. 
