10 Ancient Miracle Herbs for Life

by Wolfgang Bodhi | Feb 19, 2022 | Boundless Mind & Body

Since ancient times, Ayurvedic herbs have been used as a primary form of medicine. These herbal supplements are effective at treating a wide variety of ailments, and recent studies prove that these natural medicines are in fact beneficial to human health. The following is a brief overview of some areas where traditional Indian herbs have been proven beneficial. Included are links to the scientific studies that support these statements.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

“Phytochemical analysis of turmeric has revealed a large number of compounds, including curcumin, volatile oil, and curcuminoids, which have been found to have potent pharmacological properties.” (NCBI, 2011)

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Turmeric is an herb in the ginger family and is the most commonly known of the Ayurvedic herbs. It has been used for thousands of years as a spice in Indian cuisine. The plant contains curcuminoids, substances which are known to have antioxidant properties. Studies indicate turmeric may also prevent cancerous cells from growing. Data also suggests benefits to fight depression, diabetes, viral infections, PMS, high cholesterol, IBS, Acne & Alzheimer’s Disease.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

“Use of ginger appears to be safe and its effects are mighty and amazing in its many applications.” (NCBI , 2011)

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Ginger is a flowering plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. Ginger shows promising results as an antiemetic treatment during chemotherapy, as well as for many other common ailments such as nausea, muscle spasms, stomach cramps etc.

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) or Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Tulsi, holy basil, miracle herbs, ancient remedy

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“Studies indicate the daily addition of tulsi to the diet and/or as adjunct to drug therapy can potentially assist in prevention or reduction of various health conditions.” (NCBI , 2017)

Holy basil or Tulsi is very common in India. It can be found growing in many people’s homes. Studies show that it has powerful antioxidant qualities that are very beneficial for preventing cancer. Holy basil may also be helpful in treating osteoarthritis , fungal infections, blood sugar disorders , PMS, headaches, colds & flu.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel Seeds, miracle herb, ancient remedy

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“The available scientific research on Foeniculum vulgare has shown that it is an important medicinal plant used in a wide range of ethnomedical treatments, especially for abdominal pains, antiemetic, aperitif, arthritis, cancer, colic in children, conjunctivitis, constipation, depurative, diarrhea, dieresis, emmenagogue, fever, flatulence, gastralgia, gastritis, insomnia, irritable colon, kidney ailments, as a laxative, leucorrhoea, liver pain, mouth ulcer, and stomachache.” (NCBI,2014)

Fennel is a flowering plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. Fennel has been proven effective in treatment for things such as coughs, colds, constipation, and heartburn. It is also highly nutritious with powerful plant compounds that may have cancer fighting properties.

Licorice Root

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“Our data demonstrate that licorice root provided improvement of multiple metabolic parameters under conditions of menopausal low estrogen and high-fat diets without stimulating reproductive tissues.” (NCBI, 2016)

Licorice Root is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is currently known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also shows positive results in detoxification and protection of the liver. Additionally, studies have documented a hormonal effect similar to the ovarian hormone.

Ashwagandha

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“The available scientific data support the conclusion that Ashwagandha is a real potent regenerative tonic.” (NCBI, 2011)

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is currently being studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, infertility in women, and it may also help prevent the effects of aging. Ashwagandha is showing promise for its unique ability to regulate neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin which stabilize moods and reduce anxiety.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardmomun seeds)

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“These findings indicate the potential of cardamom as a chemopreventive agent against two-stage skin cancer.” (NCBI, 2012)

Cardamom is a flowering plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties.One study shows that E-3-(E)-beta-ocimene (a compound found in cardamom) exhibits “potent cytotoxic effects” on leukemia cells. Cardamom extract was also shown effective at killing breast cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. Another interesting property of this ancient herb is its ability to kill Helicobacter pylori—the bacteria responsible for most peptic ulcers.

Chamomile Flowers

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“Chamomile can help in improving cardiovascular conditions, stimulate immune system and provide some protection against cancer.” (NCBI, 2011)

Chamomile is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is most commonly known for its soothing properties.For centuries, chamomile has been known to treat skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis. It is also effective at helping wounds heal quickly and it kills germs, which makes it ideal for treating scrapes and cuts. Chamomile can be made into a tea or an ointment, and this herb is frequently recommended by medical herbalists to treat various gastro-intestinal conditions. A cup of strong chamomile tea before bed will not only help you fall asleep faster, but also provide relief from heartburn, stomach cramps caused by indigestion, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis (UC), hyperacidity and Crohn’s disease.

Warning: Chamomile can interact with certain prescription medications such as blood thinners. Before taking chamomile extract, you should consult your doctor if you take any of the following medications: anticoagulants/blood-thinning agents, antiplatelet drugs, nitroglycerin for heart conditions, diabetes medication and sedatives

Moringa leaf powder or seed oil

Moringa, Ancient Herb, Natural Remedy, Holistic

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“These findings indicate that an aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera at 750 mg/kg reduces the carrageenin induced oedema to similar extent as the potent anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin.” (NCBI, 2002)

Moringa is a plant that belongs to the Moringaceae family. It has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and is currently known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Moringa has been shown to be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis, cancer and atherosclerosis—a condition where fatty substances build up on the walls of arteries. Studies have also shown that Moringa leaves are effective at treating diabetes. Research shows that the anti-diabetic properties of this herb help to inhibit natural enzymes called glucosidases that interfere with the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels.

Cumin Seeds

Black Cumin, miracle herb, ancient remedy, holistic, plant medicine

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“The pleiotropic pharmacological effects of black cumin, and its main bioactive component thymoquinone (TQ), have been manifested by their ability to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation, and to promote immunity, cell survival, and energy metabolism, which underlie diverse health benefits, including protection against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, respiratory, reproductive, and neurological disorders, cancer, and so on.” (NCBI, 2021)

Cumin is a flowering plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family . It has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and is currently known for its antioxidant properties . Cumin seeds are known as jeera or jeeragam in South India.

Cumin is extremely rich in antioxidants, which help to prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. One study has shown that cumin extracts are effective at fighting breast cancer cells, and another showed that cumin seeds are helpful in treating tinea infections of the skin.

Conclusion

Our ancestors were able to go thousands of years without developing cases of chronic illness like we see today. It’s likely that traditional herbal remedies played a vital role in their overall health. It’s nothing short of miraculous that 3000 years ago ancient healing systems were developed that are just now being proven by science. O ur ingredient index can you help you find products that you want to try containing specific ingredients.

Citations

Badgujar, S. B., Patel, V. V., & Bandivdekar, A. H. (2014). Foeniculum vulgare Mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology. BioMed research international, 2014, 842674. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/842674
Bode AM, Dong Z. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
Hannan MA, Rahman MA, Sohag AAM, Uddin MJ, Dash R, Sikder MH, Rahman MS, Timalsina B, Munni YA, Sarker PP, Alam M, Mohibbullah M, Haque MN, Jahan I, Hossain MT, Afrin T, Rahman MM, Tahjib-Ul-Arif M, Mitra S, Oktaviani DF, Khan MK, Choi HJ, Moon IS, Kim B. Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety. Nutrients. 2021 May 24;13(6):1784. doi: 10.3390/nu13061784. PMID: 34073784; PMCID: PMC8225153.
Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. M. (2017). The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017, 9217567. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/921756
Madak-Erdogan, Zeynep et al. “Dietary licorice root supplementation reduces diet-induced weight gain, lipid deposition, and hepatic steatosis in ovariectomized mice without stimulating reproductive tissues and mammary gland.” Molecular nutrition & food research vol. 60,2 (2016): 369-80. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201500445
Ndiaye M, Dieye AM, Mariko F, Tall A, Sall Diallo A, Faye B. Contribution a l’etude de l’activite anti-inflammatoire de moringa oleifera (moringaceae) [Contribution to the study of the anti-inflammatory activity of Moringa oleifera (moringaceae)]. Dakar Med. 2002;47(2):210-2. French. PMID: 15776678.
Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 13. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
Qiblawi S, Al-Hazimi A, Al-Mogbel M, Hossain A, Bagchi D. Chemopreventive effects of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum L.) on chemically induced skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice. J Med Food. 2012 Jun;15(6):576-80. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2011.0266. Epub 2012 Mar 9. PMID: 22404574.
Singh, N., Bhalla, M., de Jager, P., & Gilca, M. (2011). An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM, 8(5 Suppl), 208–213. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9
Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377

You Need to Balance your Dosha Now!

by Wolfgang Bodhi | Feb 15, 2022 | Boundless Mind & Body

Western medicine ignores the fact that relationships, emotions, food, activity and stress all play a role in health. Conversely, the Ayurvedic concept of Dosha alignment addresses the body as a complex ecosystem. While, this knowledge has been available for over 3000 years, our society views us as commodities. Therefore, our bodies are treated as machines that need to be kept running in order to continue to work, produce, and pay taxes.

I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at a young age. This led me to rely on western medicine the majority of my life. I found that doctors take little effort to investigate the root cause of anything but are quick to prescribe a drug. Only treating a symptom with a chemical creates imbalances in other parts of the body. Which in turn, creates vicious cycle.

Could this be why we have rampant chronic disease in the United States? In this article we will explore how to achieve an optimal state of mental and physical health using ancient wisdom. Chopra has a wealth of articles on Ayurveda and its various healing strategies.

Take Our Free Quiz to Determine your Dominant Dosha

The Doshas are present in all of us to varying degrees. There is no good or bad. The doshas are made up of the five elements (water, fire, earth, air, ether). They are the building blocks of the universe and everything you see, touch, taste, smell and hear. These elements govern your physical and mental state and how you interact with everything around you. They also govern the way we think, behave and function. The three doshas are Vata (air & ether), pitta (fire & water), Kapha (earth & water). Everything has its own individual dosha or elemental makeup.

However, we do have one or two dominant doshas. It is vital to keep these doshas balanced to avoid systemic mental and physical dysfunction. Everything effects this balance from change in seasons to time of day. Take our online quiz to determine your dominant Dosha type!

Vata Dosha = Air + Ether

Vata changes quickly like the wind. It is characterized by cold, light, irregular, rough, moving. It is also the ability to think outside the box, beyond the status quo. In ancient times, Vata dominance was associated with mystics, artists, and visionaries.

When balanced this is our go getter and creativity. That drive to achieve and accomplish is Vata speaking. However, unbalanced Vata can result in insomnia, weight loss, constipation, hypertensions, digestive disorders, arthritis, restlessness, anxiety.

To bring Vata into balance one must focus on grounding activities such as yoga or walking in nature. It is important to eliminate stimulants like coffee and alcohol from your diet. For this reason, routine is key to balancing Vata; Get to bed early and rise with the sun. Don’t skip meals. Don’t underestimate the benefits of meditation!

Vata Dosha is at its peak during the fall months when things are changing, aligning it with seasonal affective disorder. Similarly, this dosha peaks each day around 2 – 6 when day becomes night and night becomes day.

Physical traits (Vata): lean bodies, cracking joints, dry skin, cold hands and feet, light sleep, & slow digestion

Vata balancing herbs: Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, thyme, basil, fennel

Vata balancing foods: Winter squash, bananas, beans, soup

Pitta Dosha = Fire + Water

Pitta is characteristic of transformation, and the fiery nature that lives in all of us. Qualities are stimulating, hot, intense, penetrating, pungent, acidic. The drive to achieve and compete is Pitta talking. Pitta is responsible for decision making, leadership, and strong communication.

When balanced strong digestion, energetic, and great appetite. Conversely, unbalanced Pitta results in skin issues, ulcers, sweating, indigestion, heartburn, blaming, arguing, temperamental moods.

In order to bring balance to this dosha, one should take walks in nature while listening to calming music. Alternatively, spending time with loved ones who help keep you calm and centered. Self-massage with cooling oil. Laughter is very important!

Pita Dosha peaks during the summer and between the hours of 10 – 2 each day. Since Pita is already high during the summer and around lunch time, you should avoid stimulating foods as this will push you out of balance. Accordingly, food that will increase Pita are spicy, peppers, soups, etc. There are great recipes available at Banyan Botanicals for balancing each dosha.

Physical traits (Pitta): medium build, thin hair, good digestion, strong libido, warm body temperature.

Pitta balancing herbs: Cardamom, fennel, tulsi, saffron, coriander

Pitta balancing foods: peppermint, cilantro, cucumbers, green leafy vegetables

Kapha Dosha = Water + Earth

The Kapha dosha acts as the stabilizer and is responsible for the structural integrity of the body. Qualities are heavy, soft, steady, slow, cold. Hence, Kapha dominance is recognized as sturdy, sound sleep, and strong digestion. Consequently, It is responsible for will power and focus.

Physical traits are thick body type, kind eyes, radiant skin, and thick hair. Whereas Unbalanced Kapha results in weight gain, oversleeping, asthma, diabetes, depression. Refusal to accept facts or question the status quo is Kapha talking.

Balancing Kapha involves waking before sunrise, seeking stimulation of new things, exercising regularly, and stimulating aromatherapy. It is very important to clear clutter often, to avoid hoarding and stagnation.

Kapha peaks in late winter through early spring and during the hours of 6 – 10 each day. If you have trouble waking up in the morning, you should try going to bed before Kapha ends at 10 and waking before Kapha begins at 6.

Physical traits (Kapha): thick body type, kind eyes, radiant skin, and thick hair.

Kapha balancing herbs: Ginger, pepper, mustard seed, cayenne

Kapha balancing foods: Pomegranates, cucumbers, leafy greens

Sound Healing for Better Health

by Wolfgang Bodhi | Jan 23, 2022 | Boundless Mind & Body

Taking about 1 hour to immerse yourself in sounds and vibrations can give you a major reset. If you accompany this period with movement and breathwork your body and mind will thank you. These are some playlists I use to stop my anxious thoughts and refocus on the tasks at hand. These are designed to accompany Yoga but can be used independently. Sound Healing Playlists follow the traditional arc of Warm Up, Peak, and Cool down. Enjoy!

Benefits of Sound Therapy

Boosts the Immune System
Increases Brain Activity
Repairs Brain Damage
Strengthens Sense of Self
Evokes memory
Reduces Seizures
Better Communication
Decreases Pain

Warrior Flow

warrior, yoga, health

Overcome fear and get ready to assert yourself in tough situations.

Motivational Flow

happy, freedom, joy, health

Get comfortable in your own skin and know that you are on the right path.

Gentle Release

. Yoga, Relax, Release, Gentle

When you are feeling overwhelmed and just need to calm TF down.

11 Habits You Need to Start Now

by Wolfgang Bodhi | Feb 11, 2021 | Boundless Mind & Body

Ayurveda is a 5000 year old system of medicine that is still practiced today. The goal of Ayurveda is to help people achieve optimal health and wellness using natural methods. There are many principles of Ayurveda that can be incorporated into your life to achieve these goals. Here we discuss some of the most important Ayurvedic habits and how you can use them to improve your health!

Do you know your dominant dosha?

Take our Free Quiz to determine your dominant dosha type, as some habits are more important for various constitutions. When we are able to identify our dominant dosha type and areas of imbalance then we can take appropriate actions necessary for maintaining a balanced state. Ideally all three doshas should be kept in balance but regulating your dominant dosha is a more sustainable approach for most people. This will change as you progress through life so it is important to continually check-in with yourself every few months.

For more information on the Doshas check out our article here.

Morning Habits

A morning routine is a great way to set the tone for your day and can be based on your dosha. Drinking room temperature to warm water with lemon first thing on an empty stomach cleanses the liver and is a huge boost to your vitality. Try to avoid using your phone for the first hour after waking up. Listen to calming music and treat yourself as if you were at a spa. A brief walk outside in the sunlight first thing, can do wonders for your mental health.

Vata individuals should aim to wake up early and do some light stretching or yoga, eat a light breakfast, and begin their day slowly.
Pitta individuals should consume additional water, followed by a healthy breakfast including fruits and vegetables.
Kapha individuals should wake up early, drink plenty of fluids, exercise moderately, and have a light breakfast.

Following these simple tips will help you to live in balance according to your unique constitution.

Eat Seasonally

Another important part of living in balance according to Ayurveda is eating seasonally. The foods that are available during each season are those which nature has intended for us to eat at that time. For example, in the winter we should eat warming and grounding foods like soups, stews, and root vegetables. In the summertime, we should favor cooling and cleansing foods such as fruits and vegetables. This approach to eating will help to keep our bodies in balance with the changing seasons. Processed foods and sugar should be avoided as much as possible.

Massage

One of the best ways to keep your body in balance is by getting regular massages. A massage therapist can help to release tension and congestion in the body, promoting optimal health and wellness. If you cannot afford regular massages, consider investing in a self-massage tool like a foam roller or ball. This will help you to release tension and knots in the muscles on your own time.

Yoga & Martial Arts Habits

Now I don’t mean the culturally appropriated yoga or cardio kickboxing you get at big box gyms. Rather, the legitimate ancient practices that will transform your life. Whether its Yoga or Qi Gong the focus is on connecting to your life force, prana, qi though movement and breathing. Studies have shown that these activities greatly reduce a person’s baseline stress level, allowing a much greater sense of well-being and mental clarity. Not to mention the physical benefits of moving parts of your body that have been stagnating while seated at a desk for years. Check out your local small studio and give it a try, it could change your life!

Natural Sleep & Wake Habits

In addition to following a routine based on your dosha, it is also important to follow the Ayurvedic sleep and wake cycles. This means going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time each day. It is also important to avoid screens before bedtime as they can disrupt our natural sleep rhythms. The body cannot replenish itself if you are getting insufficient sleep, which leads to accelerated aging and disease. Sleep is the gatekeeper to your physical and emotional well-being.

Refine Oral Care Habits

oral health, habits, tongue scraping, ayurveda

Ayurvedic Oral Care is based on the knowledge of Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine. The practice focuses on preventing oral diseases by maintaining oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping. It also uses herbs for treating dental problems like cavities and gingivitis. Good digestion begins with optimal oral care.

Garshana

Garshana is a dry brushing technique to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of our bodies. The scraping motion also releases toxins like ama which can build up in our tissues over time (especially if we eat processed foods or sugar). This practice could be done daily before taking a shower. Additional health benefits include:

Increasing blood circulation
Stimulating lymphatic system
Reducing cellulite
Eliminating toxins
Removing excess water weight
Exfoliating dull and dry skin
Toning muscles
Stimulating nervous system
Reducing stress.

Neti

Neti is a process of irrigating the nasal passages with warm saline solution. It helps to cleanse and purify your nose by removing dust particles, germs, viruses from this area which can cause sinus infections or other ailments if left unchecked for too long. The practice should be done daily but it takes some time before you get used to it so start slowly until eventually working up towards doing it regularly each day as part of your morning routine! It can also improve your aesthetics by reducing puffiness and giving a well-rested appearance.

Ahbyanga

Ahbyanga is an ancient ayurvedic practice that involves self-massage with warm oil. This helps to nourish the skin and remove impurities from your body while promoting relaxation. The practice should be done daily before bathing or showering so as not to dilute its effects because oils are very effective at penetrating into deep layers of tissue where they don’t normally go (this includes toxins!).

Ahbyanga benefits include: Reducing inflammation Improving circulation Stimulating lymphatic system Toning muscles Softening dry skin Deeply cleaning pores Relieving stress Releasing toxins Hydrating tissues Protecting against dehydration Removing excess water weight Balancing out oil production Nourishing hair follicles Stimulating nervous system Increasing metabolism.

Spend Time in Nature

The Tall Writer explains that it only takes, 3 Days in Nature to hit the reset button. To wash away civilization and modern day stresses and connect with your true essence. Being in nature and even simply viewing scenes of nature reduces many negative emotions. It’s more than just the emotional aspect, but it lowers your heart rate, cortisol levels, and muscle tension. The more skilled you are at pulling yourself out of the modern day high stress and environment, the better your health will be in the long term. Even a small living plant in your space can do wonders for your overall wellbeing.

Ahara Rasa

Ahara Rasa which translates to “food essence.” This approach uses dietary modifications to help us better deal with stressful situations. Some foods that are recommended include ginger (stimulates digestion), lavender (calming), chamomile (relaxing), and lemon balm (anxiety-reducing). It is also important to avoid foods that are known to aggravate stress such as caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and sugar.

Find Your Power

The bottom line is that Ayurveda can help you achieve freedom from the US disease care system. Rather than addressing the root causes of illness with natural therapies, we rely on medications that cause other symptoms and perpetuate the cycle of disease. We have a great selection of potent ancient herbal teas that can help balance your Dosha, take your power back and start working towards true health and vitality.