How many times you have been advised by your acquaintances to go HERBAL? Ring a bell? At least once in everybody’s lifetime, there comes a moment where you get such advice. But now the question arises as to why this craze has taken over the world?
Well! According to the estimation of WHO or the World Health Organization, there are around 21,000 species of plants with medicinal potential (1). Furthermore, the organization also estimates that about 80% of people around the world rely on herbal medicines at least for primary health care.
To add fuel to the fire, people from the prehistoric period used plants for medicinal purposes. Ancient Ayurveda, Unani, Egyptians, and Chinese writings are evidence where people used herbs for more than 4000 years.
So, without further delay, let's understand the benefits of some herbal ingredients or plants with miraculous medicinal properties.
The famous spice, turmeric can be found in almost every kitchen around the globe. Thanks to the spice, you get that nice yellow color in your mouth-watering curries. As a matter of fact, turmeric is used for thousands of years in India as a spice as well as a medicinal herb.
Recently, science has also begun to back up the long-time secret of Indians. The researches reveal the herb poses a compound known by the name curcuminoids and the most important of them is curcumin (2).
Alternatively, you can take organic turmeric powder or supplements with significant curcumin in order to experience its full effects. There are so many benefits that you can avail of from this magical spice:
Fenugreek plant grows in many parts of Asia and Europe whose leaves are also edible and seeds are world-famous for their medicinal use. The first recorded usage of fenugreek dates to around 1500 BC in Egypt. Likewise, across South Asia and the middle east, fenugreek seeds are used as medicine and spice.
However, you can buy organic fenugreek seed powder as a spice, tea, skin cream, or even as supplements in liquid or concentrated form to get the most advantages. So, here are the benefits of fenugreek:
Can you guess what is the latest craze for weight loss these days? It is none other than Garcinia cambogia, an exotic fruit. It is grown in various parts of India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Africa.
The other names of this fruit are Malabar tamarind, brindal berry, pot tamarind, etc. It has a close resemblance to a multilobed pumpkin.
People often pickle it, use it as a condiment, or take garcinia extract powder supplements. And due to its low-fat content, it is also used as ghee substitute. It has lots of benefits such as:
One of the healthiest and delicious spices, ginger is loaded with bioactive compounds and nutrients with powerful health benefits.
Some benefits are even backed by scientific studies too. It belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae and is related closely to turmeric.
Bacopa Monnieri or Brahmi is one of the staple plants in Ayurvedic medicines. The plant grows in wet and tropical environments and can thrive underwater.
Ayurveda uses this herb for thousands of years for different purposes such as improving memory, alleviating anxiety, etc.
One of the bioactive constituents present in bacopa is bacosides which is believed to possess powerful medicinal properties. Hence, it makes bacopa extract powder beneficial for health. The benefits of Bacopa Monnieri are:
The “King of forest vegetables”, as considered in Japan, Bamboo shoots are the tallest member in the family of grass, Bambusoideae. They are amongst the fastest growing plants on this planet that are highly nutritious and edible.
Many Asian countries like India, Japan, China, Nepal, Indonesia, Taiwan, etc. consume bamboo shoots and bamboo extract powder in a variety of dishes. The possible health benefits of bamboo are:
Also goes by the name Indian Frankincense, Boswellia is an herbal extract from the tree Boswellia serrata. Boswellia extract resins have been in use for centuries in the folk medicines of Asia and Africa.
You can find the herb as Boswellia serrata extract powder, resin, cream, or pill. Many believe the herb could possibly help in inflammatory illnesses. There are so many researches going on to test the efficacy of Boswellia in a variety of health conditions.
One of the healthiest beverages on this planet is green tea, without a doubt. The herb is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that can have a powerful effect on your body.
You can see a lot of advertisements on green tea leaf extract powder for weight loss. Because right from your skin to body, green tea can cover it all. Let’s understand why green tea is so much popular among people of all ages.
What is your favorite DIY when you get sunburns? Is it Aloe Vera? Well, it must be because the herb has amazing properties that can help you in many ways other than sunburn relief and home décor.
The plant has been in use since ancient times in Egypt, Africa, and many tropical countries. The universal plant has so many health benefits:
Gymnema sylvestre is native to the forest in the tropical climates of India, Australia, and Africa. It is a climbing shrub whose leaves are used in Ayurveda, the Indian medicinal practice since ancient times.
Ayurveda uses it to treat a variety of conditions like diabetes, snakebites, and malaria. The impressive benefits of gymnema are:
Summing Up
In this techno-savvy generation, we are drifting away from nature. As we are a part of nature, we cannot escape it, right? It is high time we must get over the blind dependence on synthetics.
As there are so many researches going on to prove the efficiency of many herbal plants, we all must promote them globally for good.
However, before using any herbal ingredients as medicines, you must talk to your doctor to know about the dosage and safety. SAVE YOURSELF, SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT!
Disclaimer: The above statements are not intended to cure any disease or comply with any health benefits. This is solely for information purposes. Please consult your doctor/health practitioner before consumption of the product. Although we take efforts to keep our website informative, we do not guarantee any medical benefits.
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