14. Guduchi
When you’re looking to create a simple, daily habit that will help you feel a lot healthier, having guduchi or indian tinospora may be a good bet. The mature stem is the most beneficial part of the plant, though the leaves and roots contribute as well.
This medicinal herb is loaded with compounds that power up your immune system, keeps respiratory allergies away, stabilizes blood sugar levels and boosts mental health.
15. Haritaki
The 25-meter tall chebulic myrobalan tree, also known as haritaki, has a tall list of compounds that are quick to smooth digestion and kindle the brain. These benefits are tucked away in the unassuming green drupe-like fruits of the tree – most useful when dry and ripe.
You may be familiar with haritaki’s more established role in the tri-ingredient ayurvedic tonic triphala. However, on its own too, it has loads to offer – earning itself the title “the King of Medicines.”
16. Jatamansi
Dainty and delicate looking it may be, but the jatamansi hides some serious muscle power behinds its humble appearance. Also called spikenard, muskroot, or Nardostachys jatamansi, the rhizomes or underground stem of the plant is used extensively in ayurveda for its potent medicinal qualities.
Jatamansi has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that you can count on to fight various health problems. It promotes hair growth, aids sleep, protects your liver, and lowers high blood pressure. Jatamansi improves learning and memory and eases depression and stress.
17. Kapikacchu
Best known for its use as a nerve tonic and immunity booster, velvet bean, also known as kapikacchu, owes its accolades to a compound called L-dopa or levodopa. The body, too, naturally synthesizes this compound, which it converts to dopamine – a game changer for mental well-being. With an extra supply of L-dopa from this legume, you could feel a lot healthier.
The seeds are where the magic lies, including rich reserves of protein. No wonder they help increase muscle mass!
Kapikacchu helps improve your mental well-being, boosts immunity, limits inflammation in the body, and stabilizes your blood sugar levels.
18. Musta
Though scorned upon as a stubborn weed, the grass-like cyperus plant, also known as musta, has many health tricks up its sleeves – in this case, its underground stem (rhizome and tubers).
Aromatic compounds called sesquiterpenes get all the praise and recognition, but it’s likely a team effort of different groups of compounds giving your health a boost.
Musta plays a critical role in maintaining optimum digestive health, limits excessive inflammation in the body, stabilizes blood sugar and blood lipid levels, improves mental function, and helps curb hunger.
19. Punarnava
Boerhavia, also known as punarnava, very tactfully focuses on three important facets of your health – your immunity, your blood glucose, and your liver function. All of its goodness is hidden away in its unassuming leaves and roots.
Punarnava helps modulate the immune system, boosting and suppressing it based on the need. It triggers insulin-producing cells to stabilize your blood sugar levels, and helps protect the liver.
20. Shatavari
First off, shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is also called asparagus, but it is not the same as the vegetable (Asparagus officinalis) you’re likely familiar with – same genus, different species.
Shatavari is considered an important herb in Ayurveda due to its versatile reach in the body, owing most of its benefits to steroidal saponins and flavonoids. The roots of the plant store most of these chemicals and are, hence, the most health-promoting part of the plant.
It helps boost your digestive health, immune response system, and heart and liver health. It also balances female hormones that cause mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles and reduced energy levels.
21. Vidanga
Vidanga is a woody, almost creeper-like herb whose fruits can be easily mistaken for black pepper. They bring a unique set of health benefits to the table, including anti-parasitic action and appetite control. The roots offer benefits as well.
Vidanga helps your body maintain leptin balance, that’s responsible for your natural response to excess food. Thus, it helps in maintaining optimium weight, and supports healthy heart and brain function.
22. Vidari
Looking out for your overall well-being, Indian kudzu (also known as vidari) brings balance to both your body and your mind. Its rock-like root tubers have chemicals to help do just that. They mostly include pigment compounds called flavonoids and their derivatives.
This herb assists your body in protecting the brain, supports mental well-being, and balances the entire immune system.
23. Shankhpushpi
Four herbs are referred to as dwarf morning glory, also known as shankhpushpi – Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, Clitoria ternatea, and Canscora decussate. Convolvulus pluricaulis is considered the “true” dwarf morning glory.
Best known as a brain tonic, dwarf morning glory has its entire aerial part chipping in beneficial compounds. It boosts memory function, helps fight anxiety and stress related symptoms, and improves thyroid health.