10 Ayurvedic medicines that you should have in your medicine cabinet

Most of us have a first aid box at home that holds all the ingredients necessary to deal with the sudden scrapes and ills our family faces in everyday life. Some of us also stock a few over-the-counter medicines to deal with minor ailments such as a headache, body pain,indigestion or constipation. Several effective herbal medicines are also available for these health problems and considering that these are free of side effects, it makes better sense to stock up on these natural products. Here are 10 Ayurvedic medicines that you should have in your medicine cabinet.The medicines mentioned here are the generic products and different manufacturers sell them under their own unique brand names.

 Chyawanprash

One of the most well-known Ayurvedic medicines, Chyawanprash is a sweet and sour dark brown, viscous paste with a jam-like consistency. It is made up of honey, ghee, sugar and a combination of different herbs that work together to improve immunity. Taking one tablespoon of this medicine twice daily with some warm water or milk helps to improve your resistance and stay healthy. Apart from improving your immunity it has various other health benefits and also keeps your respiratory system healthy.

 Triphalachurna

Triphalachurna is a medicine that is made up of three major herbs – amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki. Together, these herbs act to combat indigestion, relieve gas and ensure appropriate detoxification. As a result of consuming this medicine, not only does your digestive system stay in order, but you also acquire a glowing skin, brighter eyes and a stronger immune system. Apart from having various other health benefits it is also an excellent home remedy for constipation.

 Ashtachurna

Ashthachurna, as the name indicates, is a combination of 8 different herbs of which the major ones are cumin, asafetida, ginger and black pepper. These herbs work in combination to improve digestion of food and hasten the expulsion of the gas generated during the digestive process.

 AvipattikaraChurna

Hyperacidity is one of the common health complaints today because of our unhealthy lifestyle that includes untimely meals, junk food and stress. Avipattikarachurna is an Ayurvedic medicine that is made up of 14 herbs including amla, cardamom, and triphala that help to relieve the distress of hyperacidity. This must be taken in the prescribed doses along with milk or honey as directed by your physician.

 Ajwain Ark

Ajwain is a staple in every Indian household and is used for its various health benefits including getting rid of flatulence. Ajwain ark is an aqueous extract of ajwain which has strong carminative properties. Ajwain contains a volatile oil that helps to expel the gas from the stomach and intestine and therefore, this product is very effective against flatulence. People who suffer from flatulence and bloating often have loss of appetite or dyspepsia; so Ajwain ark can help get rid of these problems, too.

 Lasunadivati/gutika

With garlic as one of the major ingredients, Lasunadivati is one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for indigestion, stomach pain and diarrhea. This preparation also contains other herbs such as cumin, rock salt and asafetida, which makes it effective against gas, too.

 NeemGhrita

Skin irritation or itchy skin is something most of us encounter and the best way to find relief is to use an Ayurvedic cream with soothing and antibacterial properties. Neemghrita is such a cream made up of neem oil, gotu kola, manjishta and turmeric. Applying this cream to the affected area helps reduce skin irritation and also gives relief from itching. You may like to read about other home remedies for itchy skin.

 NarayanaTaila

One of the most popular Ayurvedic oils, Narayanataila works well on musculo-skeletal and neuro-muscular conditions such as pain in the joints, pulling pain in the limbs, osteoarthritis and cervical spondylosis. This oil is made up of herbs such as bilva, ashwagandha, kantakari, bala and atibala which make it effective against joint and muscular pain when massaged on the affected area. You may like to read about other Ayurvedic oils that can also help relieve joint pain. 

Panchatulsi Drops

Tulsi is one of the most effective natural antibacterial, anti-allergic and expectorant herbs. As the name indicates, Panchatulsi drops is a product made from five different species of tulsi. Rich in antioxidants, this product has preventive properties against allergy, flu, asthma,cough and cold. It also helps improve immunity and ensures good health when consumed on a regular basis. The drops must be mixed in the prescribed quantity with water or milk and taken twice a day regularly to see best results.

 BhringarajAsava

Bhringaraj is a strong expectorant and helps to reduce the viscosity of the thick phlegm that is commonly seen in upper respiratory tract infections. Bhringarajasava is a combination of bhringaraj with other herbs such as pepper and cardamom, and provides relief from cough and cold.

Most of these Ayurvedic medicines have been used since ages and have been proven to be safe and effective. However, some of these may interact with other medication and enhance or reduce their efficacy. Especially if you are on prescription medication such as anti-diabetics, anti-hypertensives or blood thinners, it is vital you speak to your physician before using these Ayurvedic medicines.

Originally published on www.thehealthsite.com