Ayurveda ď‚´ Ayurvedic medicine -- also known as Ayurveda -- is one of the world's oldest holistic (whole-body) healing systems. It was developed thousands of years ago in India. ď‚´ It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The primary focus of Ayurvedic medicine is to promote good health, rather than fight disease. But treatments may be recommended for specific health problems. ď‚´ Here are some of the herbs from which some great ayurvedic medicines have been formed.
1. Pudina Botanical Name: Mentha piperita  Pudina also known as Mint is one of the most common herbs and extremely popular in alternative medical treatments, Mint has several medicinal uses in treating skin problems. It is especially useful in treating acne, itching, inflammation, and burns. Internally, it is considered excellent for indigestion and gastrointestinal problems.
2. Turmeric Botanical Name: Curcuma longa Taken internally or used externally Turmeric is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, and anthelmintic - Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, useful for bronchial asthma, chronic cough. Curcumin has been shown to have AntiCancer Properties. Ayurveda especially recommends Turmeric for cancers of the female reproductive system, namely breast and uterine cancer, and to treat benign tumors as well. Turmeric is also useful in cancers of bowel and colon. Curcuma can prevent prostate cancer.
3. Lemon Grass Ayurvedic Name: Ginger Grass The health benefits of lemongrass include relief from stomach disorders, insomnia, respiratory disorders, fever, aches, infections, rheumatism and edema. The defensive antioxidant activity of the lemongrass herb protects against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and helps in maintaining optimum cholesterol levels, cellular health, nervous system, healthy skin and immune system. Lemongrass is also effective in treating type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity, while also aiding in detoxification. It is extensively used in aromatherapy and helps to combat fatigue, anxiety and body odor.
4. Camphor Ayurvedic Name: Karpura ď‚´ Ayurveda mentions the myriad medicinal properties associated with camphor. Camphor uses in Ayurveda include treatment of respiratory and digestive problems along with purification of blood for doing away with a variety of skin ailments. The importance of this herb can be gauged from the fact that every auspicious Hindu ritual includes the burning of camphor. It is the product of Cinnamomum camphora, which is a large evergreen tree that grows up to a height of thirty meters.
5. Cinnamon Ayurvedic Name: Dalchini Local : It is blood alterative, stimulant and analgesic. Mouth refresher and gives strength to gums. Hence, a piece of its bark should be chewed to stop vomiting and nausea. A swab made in its oil be held between teeth for dental caries. A thin paste should be applied to the skin in skin diseases. Application of oil cleanses and heals a tubercular ulcer Half teaspoon of cinnamon per day is said to lower cholesterol. - Cinnamon has shown an ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections. - It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
6. Basil Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum In traditional Indian medicine system called Ayurveda, Tulsi (Holy Basil) is considered as a tonic to retain youth and avoid aging. Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Phytonutrients and the essential oils in Tulsi, are excellent anti oxidants and protects the body from nearly all the damages caused by the free radicals. * Tulsi reduces blood glucose levels. Thus it is useful for diabetics. Tulsi contains vitamin C and other anti oxidants (such as Eugenol), which protect the heart from harmful effects of free radicals. Tulsi reduces total cholesterol levels. Thus it is useful for heart disease patients. Tulsi also reduces blood pressure.
7. Ginger Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale Ayurveda gives ginger the status of a virtual medicine chest. That’s because this wonder spice has time-tested, digestion-friendly properties, in addition to its numerous other health benefits. In India, ginger is liberally used in daily life. Ginger-infused chai is a household favorite, and it’s grandma’s antidote of choice for battling cold and flu. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. Feeling airsick or nauseous? Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion.
8. Black Pepper
Ayurvedic Name: Black Mire Black pepper is a hot, pungent spice with a host of health benefits. In fact, it is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. It has an active component called piperine that gives black pepper its characteristic taste. Plus, it contains iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, chromium, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients. Increases nutrition absorption & improves digestion Stimulate appetite & facilitate weight loss.
9. Brahmi
Botanical Name: Bacopa monnieri
Brahmi is a plant that has been used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda). Brahmi is used for Alzheimer's disease, improving memory, anxiety, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), allergic conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a general tonic to fight stress.
10. Sandalwood
Ayurvedic Name: Chandana Indian Sandalwood is one of the most sacred herbs of Ayurveda. Cooling Sandalwood powder is mixed with water into paste, and applied medicinally to relieve Pitta heat conditions: sunburn, acne, rashes, fevers, herpes, and even infectious sores and ulcers. Fragrant Sandalwood oil soap has natural antimicrobial and hydrating properties, making it an ideal cleanser for gentle, sensitive, and aging skin.