| Before the advent of modern medicine as we | | | | |
| know it many cultures developed natural | | | | Cinnamon |
| medicines called herbs. These cures usually | | | | |
| came from plants and other natural substances | | | | In addition to being a key ingredient in |
| which today can often be found in the | | | | mom's cinnamon rolls this spice has been used |
| kitchen. | | | | as a stimulant for hundreds of years by the |
| | | | Ayurvedic Herbalist. It is used commonly to |
| Ayurvedic Medicine is a tradition of treating | | | | alleviate tooth ache, rheumatism and as an |
| people holistically that has a history of | | | | astringent. The essential oil seems to have |
| treating disease and preventing illness | | | | marked anti-bacterial and anti-fungal |
| through herbs and even some of your every day | | | | properties also. |
| spices found in the kitchen. | | | | |
| | | | Boswellia |
| A number of Indian plants or herbs and spices | | | | |
| have found their way into the United States. | | | | Also known as Frankincense this gummy residue |
| Ginger, Gotu Kola, Gymnema, Cinnamon, | | | | is used externally for its anti-inflammatory |
| Boswellia or Frankincense and East Indian | | | | properties and as an expectorant and immune |
| Globe Thistle are just a few of the Indian | | | | system booster when taken internally. This |
| herbs that can be found in your local | | | | tree is native to India and the Middle East. |
| herbalist store or even at the grocery store. | | | | |
| | | | East India Globe Thistleconsidered a tonic or |
| Gingerused as a digestive aid this spice has | | | | energizer this herb also seems to have |
| been recommended to cure gas, colic and even | | | | anti-diabetic qualities and may be found in |
| decrease heart burn. It is also known as a | | | | compounds that promote anti-oxidant effects |
| tonic to increase vigor and as an | | | | or that reduce blood sugar. |
| anti-depressant. In India this herb is also | | | | |
| known as Sunthi or Adrak | | | | The list of Ayurvedic herbs is much longer |
| | | | than just these few. It is noteworthy that |
| Gotu Kola | | | | many of these herbs are also spices or foods |
| | | | such as apricot or licorice. The Ayurvedic |
| Listed as a common herb in India this herb | | | | tradition promotes the belief that food plays |
| should not be confused with Kola Nut which is | | | | an important role in curing disease and |
| a different plant. In Ayurvedic herbalism | | | | promoting wellness. The precept that "we are |
| this plant has many uses including wound | | | | what we eat" is not a new one it seems. |
| healing, skin disorders, sedative effects and | | | | |
| even seems promising as a blood pressure | | | | Taking herbs in place of medications is not |
| lowering herb. | | | | without some risk. Many herbs contain potent |
| | | | substances which can create side effects as |
| Gymnema | | | | well as interactions with medications. |
| | | | |
| Gymnema Sylvestre or Gurmar has received a | | | | A common example is ginseng. Ginseng |
| lot of press because it appears to block | | | | interacts with coumadin (a common blood |
| sugars. The first noticeable effect when a | | | | thinner) and causes your blood to become even |
| small amount is placed on the tongue is that | | | | thinner. |
| the person stops being able to taste sweets. | | | | |
| The theory is that it has a similar blocking | | | | Anytime you are considering taking an herb or |
| effect internally. The actual effect may be | | | | supplement you should research the effects |
| that because you don't "taste" the sugar it | | | | and side effects and as always if you are |
| doesn't trigger that "sweet tooth effect". | | | | taking medications you should consult with |
| When used with diabetics a decrease in blood | | | | your doctor before starting any herb or |
| sugar and insulin levels was noted with this | | | | supplement. |
| Indian herb. | | | | |