50 Ayurvedic Herbs You Need To Know

by Dr. Shivani Gupta, BAMS | Jun 8, 2018 | Healthy Living, Herbs + Remedies | Reviewed by Dr. Deepak Bhanot

Ayurvedic herbs have been used for centuries to treat the body naturally. This holistic approach to health originated in India. It’s a complete medical system that is now practiced worldwide.

There are a few “mega-star” Ayurvedic herbs that you’ve probably heard of, like turmeric or ginger. Most people are familiar with these. There are also some “rising stars” slowly gaining popularity amongst herbal supplements. Ashwagandha and ginkgo biloba are among them.

And while some Ayurvedic herbs are becoming widely known and even popular, there are still many more Ayurvedic herbs to discover. So here’s a list of 50 Ayurvedic herbs to know.

READ MORE: Will Turmeric Lower Blood Pressure?, Can You Take Ashwagandha And Triphala Together?, Will Ashwagandha Help You Sleep?

image of turmeric

1. Turmeric (Curcumin)

An anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic herb which supports metabolism and the digestive system, turmeric may help with infections, fevers and high cholesterol.

While you can gain some benefits consuming foods containing raw or powdered turmeric, for the best effect you need the potent isolated form in a higher quantity to get significant health benefits. Turmeric capsules containing 500mg of curcumin are needed to truly reduce inflammation. 

READ MORE: Easy Turmeric Latte Recipe Plus Benefits, Golden Milk For Arthritis (Turmeric Milk For Arthritis), Heal With Haldi: Turmeric Milk Recipe

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon may help reduce headache pain, stomach problems and colitis. It’s an anti-fungal agent supporting the immune and digestive system.

3. Triphala

Triphala cleanses, replenishes and nourishes the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and genitourinary system.

READ MORE: Triphala Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Triphala Dosage, Churna, Guggul, Triphala For Weight Loss

4. Fenugreek

Fenugreek nourishes, soothes and aids the digestive system, promoting a healthier libido and improved skin.

5. Guggulu

Guggulu supports a healthier immune system through its powerful detoxifying and rejuvenating qualities.

6. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha may rid the body of fatigue, fight skin disease and support infertility issues. It supports the immune, endocrine and reproductive systems.

READ MORE: How Ashwagandha Helps PCOS, Ashwaganda Anxiety Relief Remedy That Works, True Or False?

7. Guduchi

Guduchi eliminates unwanted body toxins supporting a healthier immune function and better skin tone.

READ MORE: Guduchi Powder, Benefits, Side Effects, Contraindications + More

8. Amla

Amla encourages a healthier digestive system, balances blood sugar levels and detoxifies the body.

READ MORE: Amla: The Sour Anti-Aging Ayurvedic Super Fruit + Amla Recipes

9. Frankincense (Boswellia Serrata)

Frankincense supports the joints, and heals, soothes and promotes improved connective tissues.

10. Gymnema Sylvestre (Miracle Fruit)

Gymnema may help reduce sweet cravings. It supports healthier blood glucose levels. It supports the functioning of the pancreas.

READ MORE: The Best Food For Diabetics According To Ayurveda

Image of ginger

11. Ginger

Ginger improves overall health and well-being. It promotes better digestion and joint support.

12. Black Pepper

Black pepper is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. It treats colds, flu, aches, and pains alongside digestive and arthritic conditions.

13. Licorice (Yashtimadhu)

An anti-inflammatory and analgesic, licorice supports pain and a variety of diseases. It encourages bodily functions.

14. Vidari

Vidari supports male and female reproductive systems, encouraging healthier menstruation, fertility, and vitality.

READ MORE: Ayurveda On Sex: Health Benefits, Seasonal Sex, Post-Sex Regimen, Ayurvedic Aphrodisiacs

15. Masha

Masha boosts overall body energy and muscle strength. It may help combat sexual impotence and may aid low sperm count.

16. Bala

Bala strengthens and energizes the body with soothing properties, calming the nerves and aiding muscle tension.

17. Pippali

Pippali rejuvenates, strengthens and nourishes the body by supporting healthy circulation and blood, and promoting a healthier liver.

18. Vidanga (Embelia Ribes)

Vidanga supports the body’s natural defenses, strengthening the digestive system and eliminating unnecessary toxins.

19. Vrikshamla (Garcinia Cambogia)

Vrikshamla settles the metabolism supporting a better digestive system, conditioning the body to cope with diet plans.

20. Bacopa

Bacopa rejuvenates the mind and nervous system, cleansing and calming while supporting mental clarity.

21. Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)

Haritaki removes toxins from the body. It rejuvenates and nourishes the colon, liver, spleen and lungs, promoting a better digestive system.

22. Bibhitaki

Bibhitaki eliminates unwanted toxins in organs and tissues producing a healthier body and mind.

image of tulsi plant

23. Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi promotes optimal heart and lung functioning, supporting the digestive, respiratory and immune system through healthy circulation.

READ MORE: The Sacred Benefits Of Growing Tulsi, Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi Benefits, Uses, Research, Contraindications

24. Moringa

Moringa is an instant energy booster. It may help in lowering blood pressure, aiding sleep and easing anxiety.

25. Coriander

Coriander may be supportive for IBS, bloating, allergies and respiratory problems while supporting the
digestive system and blood purification.

READ MORE: 5 Bloating Remedies From Ancient Ayurvedic Wellness

26. Saffron

Saffron may help relieve cramps, erectile problems and urination problems, while boosting the immune, digestive, reproductive and central nervous system.

27. Manjistha

Manjistha is known as a cleanser. It supports a healthy flow of blood and urine by removing unnecessary toxins and excessive heat from the body.

READ MORE: Manjistha For Skin, Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, Manjistha Tea Benefits, How To Take Manjistha, Manjistha Side Effects

28. Neem

An effective Ayurvedic herb for detoxification, neem may help cleanse the liver, purify the blood and support the body’s immune system.

READ MORE: Neem, Ayurveda’s Favorite Remedy For Inflammation

29. Brahmi

Brahmi promotes a healthy brain and nervous system, supporting memory, concentration, and intelligence.

30. Ajwain

Ajwain is a strong cleanser. It stimulates the appetite while enhancing the digestive system, preventing gas and stomach discomfort.

31. Cardamom

Cardamom encourages a healthier appetite while promoting fresher breath and cleaner lungs.

32. Shatavari

Shatavari may support fertility and a better immune and digestion system.

33. Cumin

Cumin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It supports the digestive system and is an effective spice for detoxification.

34. Garlic

Garlic is used as an aphrodisiac. It also acts as a stimulant to the heart and liver and is an eye and hair tonic.

35. Sandalwood

Sandalwood is renowned for treating various skin complaints and infections, such as sores and ulcers.

36. Garden Mint (Putiha)

Mint may help relieve joint pain and indigestion as well as coughs, fevers and bouts of diarrhea.

READ MORE: Ayurvedic Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow (Garden Herbs List)

37. Celery Seed (Ajmoda)

Known to improve the digestive system, celery seed works on relieving abdominal pain and bloating.

38. Cloves (Lavanga)

Cloves are known to be beneficial for eliminating the discomfort of tooth pain. They also may help relieve coughs, colds, bad breath and sore throats.

READ MORE: Will Oil Pulling Help A Toothache?

39. Rauwolfia

Rauwolfia is effective at reducing fever and lowering blood pressure. It is also an excellent treatment for eliminating insomnia.

READ MORE: Will Ashwagandha Help You Sleep?, 5 Bedtime Routines For Adults (Inspiration For A Good Night’s Sleep), 21 Sleep Inducing Healthy Foods And Beverages For Insomnia

aloe vera plant

40. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial most commonly used to heal wounds and relieve swelling and itching.

41. Curry Leaf

Curry leaf is excellent at targeting spasms and seizures. It reduces fever, clears the blood and is beneficial for those at high risk of heart attacks.

42. Myrrh

Myrrh is beneficial for the nervous system, circulatory system and rheumatic problems, eliminating
stomach and kidney pain.

43. Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba has many uses. It may improve memory, circulation, varicose veins, mood swings and even tinnitus.

READ MORE: How To Protect Your Memory After 50

44. Sea Buckthorn

A rejuvenating and revitalizing Ayurvedic herb, sea buckthorn treats the body inside and out, improving overall health.

45. Thumbai (Leakas Aspera)

Thumbai is effective at relieving bites and stings. It also reduces fever, and supports sinus problems and headaches.

READ MORE: Sinus Infection (Sinnusitis), Symptoms, Causes + Natural Remedies, Neti Pots For Colds, Sinus Infections + Tinnitis

46. Black Catechu

Black Catechu is used externally for various skin conditions. Internally, it is used to help improve the health of the liver. It may support lung conditions and diarrhea.

47. Nut Grass (Cyperus Rotundus)

Nut grass is a lower abdomen regulator which works to support comfort, eliminating abdominal pain.

48. Wood Apple (Bael, Aegle Marmelos)

Wood apple is a stimulant. It supports healthy stool formation and bowel functions, stimulating the digestive system.

49. Veldt Grape (Devil’s Backbone, Cissus Quadrangular)

Veldt grape promotes healthy bones while decreasing pain and injuries. It also encourages healthy weight loss.

READ MORE: Easy 4 Step Ayurvedic Weight Loss Plan + Home Remedies For Over Weight

50. Cassia Fistula

Cassia fistula supports common health ailments like colds, fevers, and skin disorders as well as constipation and internal disorders.

Please note that these are just general properties of Ayurvedic herbs. When using them for prevention or to support the healing processes, it’s extremely important to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. An expert can guide you on the recommended quantities and combinations. Stay healthy!

About the Author

Author Image (Shivani Gupta)

Dr. Shivani Gupta was born and raised in Houston, Texas to a loving traditional Indian family. Throughout her entire life, her father taught her about healthy eating, organic foods, effective supplements, and fortifying the body to have the best health. Shivani took this knowledge to the next level, backing inherited wisdom from her family with modern science. She interned in the biochemistry lab at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and later proceeded to continue her own study, obtaining a Ph.D. in Ayurvedic studies focusing on herbology and anti-inflammatory herbs.

How we reviewed this article:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version
Jun 08, 2018

Written By
Dr. Shivani Gupta

Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Deepak Bhanot

Ayurvedic Text and Manuscripts

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