My Favorite Herbs

SHATAVARI

Shatavari is one of most important medicinal root in Ayurveda. The word “Shatavari” means 100 roots. According to Ayurveda, it is a rasayan(health tonic) and vajikaran(potency enhancer) herb. As a rasayana, it helps to rejuvenate all the systems of the body. It nourishes the body, removes toxins and enhances the rate of metabolism. As a vajikaran herb, it helps to cleanse the reproduction system of both male and female and boost the potency. However, its effects on the female reproduction system are more pronounced than the male reproduction system. It is “The Herb” for almost all kinds of female problems. It is effectively used for problems related to menoarche, pregnancy as well as menopause.
Some of the important health benefits of Shatavari are as follows:

Benefits
It is a scientifically proven Adaptogen, which means that it normalizes all the physiological functions of the body.
It helps to improve the hormonal balance.
It is an excellent uterine tonic according to Ayurveda.
It helps to boost overall body immunity.
It helps to lower cholesterol, lipids and blood sugar.
It helps to normalize the menstrual cycle
It is an excellent energizer for the pregnant and lactating mothers.
It helps to improve the quality and production of milk in the lactating mothers.

Methods For Use
General Health Tonic
Shatavari powder can be used as a daily health supplement by people of all age groups.
The best time to use the Shatavari powder as a health supplement is early morning. 1 tsp of Shatavari powder should be taken early morning empty stomach. Intake of food should be avoided for next 30 minutes for best results.

Female Health Tonic
100 gm of Shatavari powder should be mixed with 10 gm each of powdered cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and fennel. Mix this powder with thick sugar syrup to make small balls or tablets of 10 gm each.
These other ingredients help to improve the digestion and absorption of Shatavari.
These balls or tablets can be consumed with milk twice daily to improve the overall female health.

Pregnant Ladies and Lactating Mothers
Shatavari powder 1 tsp, with sugar according to taste, should be boiled with 250 ml of milk and 50 ml of water for 15-20 min. This milk can be consumed twice daily by the pregnant women.
According to Ayurveda, this Shatavari fortified milk helps to regulate hormones, prevent abortions, helps to nourish the fetus and prepares mother’s body for ample milk production.

TULSI
Tulsi is the “holy plant” of the Hindus. According to Ayurveda, apart from the medicinal benefits, it wards away the evil vibrations. Having Tulsi at home brings peace and prosperity for the inmates. Tulsi is an excellent remedy for all kinds of respiratory disorders, whether it is a simple cough or sinusitis. It is also a great blood purifier and works wonders for liver and skin disorders. It is a natural anti-pyretic with zero side effects on liver or kidney.
There are two varieties of Tulsi – Light Holy Basil or Rama Tulsi, Dark Holy Basil or Krishna Tulsi. Krishna Tulsi is little more bitter in taste than Rama Tulsi. It is considered to have more powerful medicinal effects than the Rama Tulsi, esp for fever.
The best thing about Tulsi, is that it is a docile little herb which can be grown in a small space. It does not require lots of care or extra growth agents. Therefore, you can grow Tulsi in your back yard or your balcony and reap its excellent benefits!

Benefits
Tulsi provides immense physiological benefits, some of which are –
Tulsi is an excellent herb for multiple types of skin problems. It helps to fight against acne, pimples, wrinkles, and rashes.
It helps to purify the blood and enhance the blood circulation
It also has a very good Liver protective action.
It is an excellent digestive. It is an Indian tradition to consume tulsi leaves after a meal, to ensure proper digestion.
It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties. It is an anti-pyretic action.
It helps to prevent diabetes and helps to maintain healthy blood sugar level.
Tulsi exhibits anti-carcinogenic properties.
It is very good results in respiratory problems. It helps to remove excess mucus, prevents a cough and cold, breathing difficulties etc.
It prevents mouth ulcers, bad breath, and tooth decay.
It is an excellent source of vitamin K
It helps to normalize the hormones and reduce stress.

Methods Of Use
Health Tea
Boil Tulsi powder 1 tsp with 300 ml of water for 15-20 min. Add sugar or jaggery according to taste and consume twice daily.
This preparation is a healthier option for other hot beverages like tea or coffee.
Also, this is a tastier and a better option than the green tea.
This tea has properties equivalent to tulsi extract and will bring all the benefits of tulsi to you.

For Skin Disorders
People facing acne, wrinkles, rashes or skin inflammation should mix 5 gm of cardamom powder with the 1 tsp of tulsi powder and consume early morning with normal /warm water.
This method will prevent all the above mentioned skin problems. Apart from that, this method of use will also help to enhance the complexion and balance the skin tone.

For Menstrual Problems
Boil 1 tsp of Tulsi powder with equal amount of Arjun powder in 500 ml water and boil for 15-20 min. Divide the liquid into two parts and consume equal amount empty stomach morning and evening.

For Fever
Boil 2 tsp of Tulsi powder with 1 tsp each of fennel, cardamom and turmeric powder in 500 ml of water for 15-20 min. Consume 10 ml of this liquid every hour till the fever subsides.

For Cough

Mix 1 tsp of Tulsi powder with equal amount of honey and consume 2-3 times a day till the cough subsides. This method is also helpful in troubled breathing , wheezing and congestion.

Dr. Kanika Verma
BAMS - Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery

PGDHHM - Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital and Healthcare Management