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