Category Herbal extract

Shilajit (Asphaltum)

πŸͺ¨ Asphaltum (Shilajit), commonly known as Shilajitβ€”one of the most revered substances in traditional Ayurvedic medicine:

Common Names: Shilajit, Mineral Pitch, Mumijo, Silajatu

Sanskrit Meaning: β€œConqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness”

Botanical/Geological Origin: A sticky resinous exudate from rocks in the Himalayas, Altai, Tibet, and other mountain regions

Color & Texture: Dark brown to blackish resin; tar-like, soft in warm temps, brittle in cold

Source: Organic matter compressed over centuries by geological pressure

πŸ”¬ Key Active Components

  • Fulvic Acid – Enhances nutrient absorption, detoxifies cells
  • Humic Acid – Supports immunity and anti-inflammatory effects
  • Minerals – Over 80 trace minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc
  • Dibenzo-Ξ±-pyrones – Antioxidant compounds
  • Amino Acids, Triterpenes, Sterols – Rejuvenating and restorative agents

πŸ’Š Health Benefits of Shilajit

AreaBenefits
Energy & VitalityIncreases mitochondrial function, reduces fatigue
Reproductive HealthEnhances libido, sperm count, and testosterone in men
Anti-AgingPromotes cellular repair and longevity
Cognitive FunctionSupports memory, focus, and mental clarity
Immune SystemStrengthens overall immunity
Bone & Joint HealthAids calcium absorption and reduces inflammation
DetoxificationRemoves heavy metals and deep-seated toxins
AdaptogenIncreases resilience to stress and anxiety

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

PropertyDescription
Rasa (Taste)Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
Virya (Potency)Ushna (heating)
Vipaka (Post-digestive)Katu (pungent)
Effect on DoshasBalances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha β€” Tridoshic
RasayanaPowerful rejuvenator, used in anti-aging therapies

Used in Ayurvedic classics like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita to treat:

  • Diabetes (Prameha)
  • Sexual debility (Shukra Kshaya)
  • Weakness, fatigue, and premature aging (Jara)

πŸ§ͺ Forms of Use

  • Raw Resin (most potent) – Pea-sized amount dissolved in warm water or milk
  • Capsules/Tablets – Standardized extract form
  • Powder – Less potent but used in blends
  • Formulations – Found in classical Rasayana combinations like Chyawanprash

⚠️ Precautions & Notes

  • Use only purified Shilajit β€” raw or unprocessed forms may contain heavy metals
  • Not recommended in acute fevers or Pitta imbalance
  • Avoid during pregnancy and lactation unless advised
  • Start with small doses (200–500 mg/day) and increase gradually
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

🌿 Withania Somnifera, more commonly known as Ashwagandha, is one of the most revered herbs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Here’s a concise and focused breakdown for you:

Common Name: Ashwagandha
Family: Solanaceae
Part Used: Primarily the root, sometimes the leaves

πŸ”¬ Key Compounds

  • Withanolides – Main active compounds, offer adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties
  • Alkaloids – Somniferine, tropine (relaxant and calming effects)
  • Saponins – Aid immune support
  • Iron, amino acids, and antioxidants

πŸ’Š Therapeutic Uses

FunctionDescription
AdaptogenHelps the body cope with stress (mental, physical, emotional)
NeuroprotectiveSupports brain function, memory, and focus
Anti-inflammatoryUsed in arthritis and joint pain
Sleep AidPromotes restful sleep (the name somnifera = β€œsleep-inducing”)
Endocrine SupportRegulates cortisol, supports thyroid and adrenal function
Male Fertility & TestosteroneImproves sperm count and motility
Strength & VitalityBoosts energy, stamina, and muscle strength

🌼 Ayurvedic Classification

  • Rasa (Taste): Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
  • Virya (Potency): Heating (Ushna)
  • Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect): Sweet (Madhura)
  • Effect on Doshas: Reduces Vata and Kapha

πŸ§ͺ Modern Research Highlights

  • Anxiolytic: Reduces cortisol levels and anxiety symptoms
  • Cognitive Support: Improves memory, processing speed, and attention
  • Exercise Recovery: Enhances muscle recovery and endurance
  • Immunomodulation: Strengthens immune response

⚠️ Caution

  • Not recommended during pregnancy
  • Use cautiously in people with hyperthyroidism
  • Mild side effects may include upset stomach or drowsiness in some users
🌿Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Licorice, a time-tested herbal remedy known for its sweet taste and wide range of healing benefits:

Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Common Names: Licorice root, Mulethi (Hindi), Yashtimadhu (Sanskrit)

Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)

Type: Perennial herb native to Southern Europe and Asia

🌱 Plant Description

  • Height: 3–5 feet tall
  • Leaves: Pinnate with 9–17 leaflets
  • Flowers: Pale violet to purplish
  • Roots: Thick, fibrous, and sweet-tasting – the main part used for medicine
  • Habitat: Prefers well-drained soil and sunny conditions

πŸ”¬ Key Active Compounds

  • Glycyrrhizin – Main sweet-tasting compound with anti-inflammatory & antiviral properties
  • Liquiritin – Antioxidant flavonoid
  • Glabridin – Skin-brightening and estrogen-like effects
  • Polysaccharides, coumarins, saponins

πŸ’Š Medicinal Benefits of Licorice

SystemBenefits
DigestiveSoothes gastritis, acidity, ulcers, and heartburn
RespiratoryExpectorant, relieves coughs, sore throats, bronchitis
ImmuneAntiviral and anti-inflammatory properties
HormonalSupports adrenal glands, used in stress and fatigue
SkinLightens pigmentation, soothes eczema and inflammation
ReproductiveSupports fertility and hormonal balance in women

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

PropertyDescription
Rasa (Taste)Sweet
Virya (Potency)Cooling
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)Sweet
Effect on DoshasBalances Vata and Pitta, may increase Kapha in excess

In Ayurveda, Yashtimadhu is a well-known Rasayana (rejuvenator) and is especially beneficial for voice, throat health, and digestion.

πŸ§ͺ Forms of Use

  • Powder (Churna) – Taken with honey or ghee
  • Licorice Tea – For throat, digestion, and stress
  • Capsules/Tablets – For standardized and measured intake
  • Topical Gels/Creams – For pigmentation, inflammation, and eczema
  • Kashayam/Decoction – Used in classical Ayurvedic formulas

⚠️ Precautions

  • Excessive use (especially glycyrrhizin) may lead to:
    • High blood pressure
    • Water retention
    • Low potassium levels
  • Choose deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) for long-term internal use
  • Not recommended for pregnancy, hypertension, or kidney issues without medical advice
Amla (Emblica Officinalis)

🌿 Emblica officinalis, one of the most revered and powerful fruits in Ayurvedic medicine:

Common Names: Indian Gooseberry, Amla

Sanskrit Name: Amalaki

Hindi Name: Amla

Botanical Name: Emblica officinalis (syn. Phyllanthus emblica)

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Type: Deciduous tree bearing small green fruits

🌳 Plant Description

  • Height: 8–18 meters
  • Leaves: Small, feathery, arranged like tamarind leaves
  • Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow
  • Fruit: Round, smooth, green to yellowish; highly sour and astringent in taste
  • Habitat: Native to India and grows in tropical and subtropical climates

πŸ”¬ Key Active Compounds

  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – extremely stable and heat-resistant
  • Emblicanin A & B – unique antioxidants
  • Tannins, gallic acid, ellagic acid, flavonoids, polyphenols

These compounds make Amla a potent rejuvenator, immune booster, and anti-aging agent.

πŸ’Š Medicinal Uses of Amla

SystemBenefits
Immune SystemStrengthens immunity, natural vitamin C source
Digestive SystemRelieves acidity, improves absorption and elimination
Liver & DetoxSupports liver function, flushes toxins
Skin & HairPromotes glow, delays aging, strengthens hair
Heart HealthReduces cholesterol and supports healthy blood pressure
DiabetesRegulates blood sugar levels
EyesightImproves vision and reduces eye strain

🌼 Ayurvedic Profile

PropertyDescription
Rasa (Taste)All 5 tastes except salty (especially sour and astringent)
Virya (Potency)Cooling
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)Sweet
Effect on DoshasTridoshic – Balances Vata, Pitta & Kapha

Amla is considered one of the best Rasayanas (rejuvenators) in Ayurveda and is a key ingredient in classical formulations like:

  • Chyawanprash
  • Triphala
  • Amalaki Rasayana
  • Narasimha Rasayana

πŸ§ͺ How It’s Used

  • Fresh fruit or juice – Taken daily for immunity
  • Powder (Churna) – Mixed with warm water, honey, or ghee
  • Capsules/Tablets – Standardized extract for easy use
  • Amla oil – For hair nourishment and scalp health
  • Pickles & preserves – In culinary and health applications

⚠️ Precautions

  • Generally very safe and gentle, even for long-term use
  • May cause slight constipation in some individuals when taken alone in excess
  • Choose organic, naturally dried Amla for best results

Curcumin (Curcuma Longa)

Curcumin, one of the most powerful and celebrated herbs in both Ayurveda and modern herbal medicine.

🌿 Curcuma longa

Type: Perennial herb with underground rhizomes

Common Name: Turmeric

Hindi Name: Haldi

Sanskrit Name: Haridra, Gauri, Kanchani (meaning golden/yellow)

Botanical Name: Curcuma longa

Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)

🌱 Plant Description

  • Height: 3–4 feet
  • Leaves: Long, lance-shaped, bright green
  • Rhizomes: Underground stems (like ginger) – bright yellow-orange inside
  • Flowers: Yellow-white, cone-shaped inflorescence
  • Cultivation: Widely grown in India, SE Asia – thrives in warm, moist climates

πŸ”¬ Key Active Compounds

  • Curcumin – The main bioactive compound (anti-inflammatory & antioxidant)
  • Turmerone – Essential oil with anti-microbial properties
  • Vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene
  • Polysaccharides, Flavonoids

πŸ’Š Medicinal Uses of Turmeric

AreaBenefits
InflammationStrong anti-inflammatory (helpful in arthritis, injuries)
ImmunityEnhances immune function, protects against infections
LiverDetoxifies liver, supports bile flow
DigestionAids digestion, relieves bloating and gas
SkinHeals wounds, acne, eczema, brightens complexion
BrainNeuroprotective; may improve memory and mood
HeartImproves circulation, reduces cholesterol and BP
CancerCurcumin studied for anti-cancer effects (early-stage research)

🌼 Ayurvedic Properties

PropertyDescription
Rasa (Taste)Bitter, Astringent, Pungent
Virya (Potency)Heating
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)Pungent
Effect on DoshasBalances Kapha and Vata; may increase Pitta in excess

Turmeric is used in many Ayurvedic formulations like Haridra Khand, Nimbadi Churna, and in Panchakarma therapies.

πŸ§ͺ Forms of Use

  • Powder (Haldi) – Common in cooking & medicine
  • Fresh rhizome – Used in traditional remedies
  • Capsules/Tablets – Standardized curcumin extracts (often with piperine/black pepper for absorption)
  • Turmeric milk (Golden milk) – Traditional immune tonic
  • Topical pastes – For skin glow, acne, wounds, etc.
  • Kashaya (Decoction) – For respiratory or digestive issues

⚠️ Precautions

  • May irritate if taken in excess, especially in Pitta-dominant individuals
  • Avoid high doses if you have gallstones or bleeding disorders
  • May interact with blood thinners, diabetes meds, and antacids
  • Best absorbed with black pepper (piperine)