Ayurveda, translated for modern life
Ayurveda, translated for modern life
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The Herbs
Four herbs worth the shelf space
There are hundreds of herbs in the Ayurvedic materia medica. These four have both a long traditional record and enough modern study to say something honest about. Where the evidence is thin, we say so.
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Tulsi
तुलसी
Holy basil
Tulsi is a revered Ayurvedic herb traditionally valued for its supportive effects on immunity, respiratory health, digestion, and stress balance. It is often used as a gentle daily herb to support overall wellbeing.
How it is taken
Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha
अश्वगंधा
Indian winter cherry
Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb valued for supporting stress management, calmness, energy, sleep, and overall vitality. It is commonly known as an adaptogenic herb, traditionally used to help the body cope with everyday stress.
How it is taken
Ashwagandha is commonly consumed as powder, capsules, or tablets. Traditionally, the powder may be mixed with warm milk or water and taken in the evening. The appropriate amount can vary depending on the preparation and individual needs.
Curcuma longa
Turmeric
हल्दी
Haldi
Haldi (Turmeric) is a golden-yellow spice traditionally used in Ayurveda for its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports digestion, immunity, and overall wellness, while also being widely valued for healthy skin.
How it is taken
- With warm milk: ½ teaspoon turmeric in a cup of warm milk, traditionally taken in the evening.
- As turmeric water: A small pinch to ½ teaspoon in warm water, often taken in the morning.
- With food: Add it to dals, vegetables, soups, rice, or curries as part of everyday cooking.
- With black pepper: Traditionally paired with a pinch of black pepper, which may help the body absorb curcumin.
Three fruits
Triphala
त्रिफला
Amalaki, bibhitaki, haritaki
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic blend of Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki. It is commonly used to support digestion, regular bowel movements, gut health, and overall cleansing.
How it is taken
Triphala is available as powder, tablets, or capsules. Traditionally, Triphala powder is mixed with warm water and taken in the evening or before bedtime. The appropriate amount depends on the preparation and individual needs.
More Herbs
Nature’s timeless support for everyday wellness
Vitality and immunity
Arjuna
अर्जुन
Terminalia arjuna
Traditionally valued for cardiovascular wellness, Arjuna is used in Ayurveda to support healthy circulation, cardiac strength, and overall vitality.
Amla
आंवला
Phyllanthus emblica · Antioxidant, digestion, hair
Amla is one of Ayurveda’s most cherished rejuvenative fruits. Naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is traditionally used to support digestion, immunity, healthy skin, hair, and overall vitality.
Shatavari
शतावरी
Asparagus racemosus · Women's health, lactation
Shatavari is a renowned Ayurvedic Rasayana traditionally associated with nourishment, strength, and especially women’s wellness. It is valued for supporting reproductive health, digestion, and balanced vitality.
Guduchi
गिलोय
Tinospora cordifolia · Immune, general vitality
Called amrita, nectar, in classical texts. Traditionally revered as a rejuvenating herb, Guduchi is valued in Ayurveda for supporting immunity, digestion, and overall vitality. It is considered a Rasayana that helps the body maintain balance and resilience.
Shunthi
सोंठ / शुण्ठी
Zingiber officinale
Shunthi is dried ginger, traditionally valued for kindling Agni, the digestive fire. It supports healthy digestion, appetite, metabolism, and digestive comfort.
Black Pepper
काली मिर्च / मरिच
Piper nigrum
Black Pepper is a classic Ayurvedic spice traditionally used to support digestion and metabolism. Its warming nature is valued for stimulating Agni and supporting respiratory and digestive wellness.
Mind, digestion and absorption
Brahmi
ब्राह्मी
Bacopa monnieri · Memory, focus, calm
The classical herb of the mind. Brahmi is traditionally celebrated as a herb for the mind. Ayurveda uses it to support memory, concentration, mental clarity, and a calm state of mind, making it a valued herb for everyday mental wellness.
Trikatu
त्रिकटु
Three pungents · Digestion, absorption
Trikatu is a classical Ayurvedic blend of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper. Traditionally used to kindle digestive fire (Agni), it supports digestion and metabolism and is especially valued when digestion feels sluggish
Yashtimadhu
मुलेठी
Glycyrrhiza glabra · Throat, digestion
Yashtimadhu is a naturally soothing Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support the throat, respiratory system, and digestive comfort. It is also valued for its nourishing and calming qualities.
Shankhpushpi
शंखपुष्पी
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Traditionally regarded as a herb for the mind, Shankhpushpi is valued for supporting memory, concentration, mental clarity, and a calm state of mind.
Moringa
सहजन / मुनगा / शिग्रु
Moringa oleifera
Moringa is a nutrient-rich plant traditionally valued for nourishment and vitality. Its leaves provide various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds.
Skin and circulation
Manjistha
मंजिष्ठा
Rubia cordifolia · Skin, circulation
Manjistha is traditionally regarded as a cleansing and purifying Ayurvedic herb. It has long been used to support healthy circulation and skin and is valued in traditional formulations for maintaining internal balance.
Bhringraj
भृंगराज
Eclipta alba · Hair, liver support
Known traditionally as the “King of Herbs” for hair, Bhringraj is widely used in Ayurveda to nourish the scalp and support healthy, strong hair. It is also traditionally valued for supporting overall vitality and calming the mind.
Aloe Vera
घृतकुमारी / कुमारी
Aloe Vera
Known for its cooling and soothing qualities, Aloe Vera is traditionally used to support healthy skin, digestive comfort, and overall balance.
The Wisdom of Herbs
Our Approach
Herbs have been part of traditional Ayurvedic living for thousands of years, valued not only for their individual qualities but for their ability to support the body’s natural balance. From nourishing the skin and supporting digestion to promoting mental clarity, vitality, and resilience, herbs offer a gentle connection between nature and daily wellbeing.
At Ananta Harmony, we believe herbs should not simply be viewed as remedies used when something feels wrong. When thoughtfully chosen and appropriately used, they can become part of a mindful lifestyle—supporting nourishment, balance, prevention, and overall vitality.
Herbs are the last ten per cent.
Sleep, timing and the shape of your plate do more than anything on a shelf. Start with the daily rhythm.