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