12 Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices with Health Benefits
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa. Its root and berries are used to produce a very popular Ayurvedic remedy (3Trusted Source).
Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense or olibanum, is made from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. It’s known for its easily recognizable spicy, woody aroma.
–5. Triphala
Triphala is an Ayurvedic remedy consisting of the following three small medicinal fruits (24Trusted Source.
Brahmi
Brahmi (Bacopa monieri) is a staple herb in Ayurvedic medicine.
Cumin
Cumin is a Mediterranean and Southwest Asian spice. Cuminum cyminum seeds have an earthy, nutty, and spicy flavour.
Turmeric
Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its characteristic yellow color, is another popular Ayurvedic remedy.
Licorice root
Licorice root, which is native to Europe and Asia, comes from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant and holds a central place in Ayurvedic medicine.
Gotu kola
Another prominent Ayurvedic medicine is gotu kola (Centella asiatica), “the herb of longevity.” Tasteless and odourless, it comes from a water-growing plant with fan-shaped green leaves.
Bitter melon
The tropical vine bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is related to zucchini, squash, cucumber and pumpkin. It's a mainstay in Asian cuisine and rich in antioxidants.
Cardamom
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), which is sometimes referred to as the “queen of spices,” has been part of Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times.