India has a long history of traditional medicine that dates back over 5,000 years. Many ancient Indian remedies and medicinal plants are still widely used today, both in India and around the world. Some famous and globally recognized Indian drugs and herbs include turmeric, neem, ayurvedic ashwagandha, bhilawa, and more.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It has been used for centuries in India as a culinary spice, herbal remedy and textile dye. The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which gives turmeric its vibrant yellow color. Curcumin has been extensively researched for its potential health benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Antioxidant properties
- Improved brain function
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Potential anticancer effects
Turmeric supplements are popular worldwide today. The spice is also applied topically for skin conditions. Turmeric is one of the most well-known Indian medicinal plants globally.
Neem
Neem is an evergreen tree native to India. All parts of the neem tree have medicinal value and have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4,500 years. Neem is commonly used to treat skin conditions, dental diseases, fever, infections, epilepsy, stomach ulcers, and more. The compounds azadirachtin and nimbidin found in neem leaves and seeds are particularly beneficial.
Neem is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. It is toxic to some insects but generally safe for humans. Neem extracts, bark and leaf powders are used in soaps, cosmetics and pesticides around the world today.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic healing. It has been used for over 3,000 years as a rasayana – an adaptogen and rejuvenator. Ashwagandha is commonly used to relieve stress, increase energy levels, improve concentration, boost the immune system, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and regulate thyroid levels.
The berries and root powder of the ashwagandha plant are believed to reduce inflammation, increase antioxidant activity, enhance brain function, and reduce blood sugar levels in clinical studies. Ashwagandha is popularly used in supplements and powders today.
Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)
Bacopa monnieri, also called Brahmi, is a staple herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Traditional uses include enhancing memory, increasing concentration, reducing anxiety and treating epilepsy. Bacopa improves communication between brain cells and acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Compounds like bacosides and bacopasides in Bacopa improve mental health and brain function. The entire plant is used medicinally. Brahmi supplements are used to boost brain power and treat Alzheimer’s symptoms. The herb is also applied topically for skin issues.
Amla
Amla (Emblica officinalis), also called Indian gooseberry, is a nutritious fruit from the Euphorbiaceae family. It has been used within Ayurveda for thousands of years to extend lifespan, cure diseases and detoxify the body. Amla is an excellent source of vitamin C, amino acids and minerals.
Regular consumption of amla is believed to boost immunity, reduce cholesterol, treat gastrointestinal issues, relieve respiratory problems and prevent oxidative damage that leads to aging. Amla powder and oil are widely used within Ayurvedic medicine and cosmetics.
Guggulu
Guggulu is an aromatic resin produced from the guggul tree (Commiphora wightii). Guggulu resin and extracts have been used within Ayurveda for centuries to treat atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, immobile joints, and skin diseases.
The guggulsterones found within guggulu have cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects that make guggulu gum beneficial for heart health and joint pain. Guggulu supplements, teas, and ointments are commonly used today.
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), looks like a wrinkled green cucumber and tastes quite bitter. All parts of the bitter melon vine are used in Indian cooking and medicine.
Bitter melon is traditionally used to stimulate digestion, treat diabetes, fight viral infections, relieve gout pain and treat stomach issues like colic pain, ulcers, and constipation. Animal and clinical studies have found bitter melon has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and antimalarial activities.
Safed Musli
Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) is an adaptogenic herb used within Ayurveda to increase strength, immunity and vitality. It has been called the “Divine Herb” for its diverse health benefits.
The roots and tubers of safed musli contain saponins, alkaloids and steroids that reduce stress, infertility, depression and symptoms of diabetes in clinical research. Safed musli also boosts the immune system and overall health. It is a popular tonic and aphrodisiac in Ayurveda.
Shatavari
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a species of asparagus native throughout India. The roots of shatavari are used in Ayurveda to balance the female reproductive system. Shatavari means “having one hundred roots” or “one hundred husbands”.
Shatavari root powder and extracts are used to regulate hormones, increase fertility, induce lactation, relieve PMS and menopause symptoms, build vitality and curb depression in women. The antioxidant, anti-diabetic and immune-boosting effects of shatavari also benefit men.
Brahmi
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a creeping perennial plant found in wetlands across southern India. Also known as water hyssop, Brahmi has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times as a “medhya rasayana” – a rejuvenator for the brain and nervous system.
Brahmi improves memory, concentration, intelligence, focus and longevity. The bacosides and triterpenoid saponins found in Brahmi reduce oxidative stress, protect neurons and enhance protein activity in the brain. Brahmi is used to safely treat a wide range of neurological disorders.
Giloy
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), also known as guduchi or heart-leaved moonseed, is an Ayurvedic herb used for its many health benefits. It mainly grows in tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent. Giloy has been used for centuries to treat fevers, diabetes, arthritis, eye disorders, asthma, jaundice, and liver disorders.
The stem, leaves, and root extracts of giloy contain alkaloids, steroids, lignans, and polysaccharides that reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, prevent cancer cell growth, and boost immunity in research studies.
Conclusion
India’s traditional Ayurvedic healing system relies heavily on herbal remedies. Many medicinal plants and herbs used in ancient Ayurveda are still widely utilized today for their health-enhancing properties. Turmeric, neem, ashwagandha, Brahmi, amla, guggulu, bitter melon, safed musli, shatavari and giloy are some of the most famous Indian herbs with global recognition. Their natural compounds have been shown to fight disease, reduce inflammation, enhance brain function, regulate hormones and boost overall wellbeing.