What are “Herb Mixtures”?
In the Ayurvedic branch of medicine, herbs are one of the critical components. Whether in its natural form or as a medicinal supplement, herbs can effectively heal the human body. All these herbs consist of qualities that cleanse the body or act as a boosting source of energy along with other pre-prescribed medications, if there is any.
What are the types of traditional herb mixtures in Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, the following are the most traditional forms of herb mixtures. Let learn about them.
Triphala
It is a mixture of three herbal dry fruits – Amla, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. In this herbal mixture, Amla contains Vitamin C, antioxidants and is an immunity booster. Bibhitaki consists of ellagic acids and is known to be lowering blood sugar levels. Haritaki contains Vitamin C and important minerals like copper, iron, magnesium and potassium. Each of these natural components has natural good qualities that are beneficial for the human body. Triphala has been known to help cure digestive problems, lower cholesterol, boost liver functions, keep blood sugar in control, and prevent cancer.
Trikatu
Trikatu consists of three pungent flavored herbs, namely, Kali Mirch (black pepper), Adrakh (ginger) and Pippali (long pepper). These herbs individually can reduce or cut out excess mucus in the whole body and mainly in the lungs. It has the qualities to balance the metabolism, removes excess toxins, get rid of excess cholesterol and helps in controlling type 2 diabetes. Health providers mainly advise consuming this herbal mixture with a spoon of honey; however, it is better to follow this dosage procedure after seeking medical advice.
Chyavanprash
It is a mixture of 12 herbs, such as Amla, Neem, Pippali, Brahmi, Saffron, White Sandalwood, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Cardamom Arjun, Honey and Ghee. Each of these herbs consists of immunity-boosting qualities added to a particular portion to make this herbal mixture effective. This mixture improves the immunity system, protects the body from various diseases, and reduces the chances of developing fever, cold and cough. It also enhances the digestive system, reduces the aging process and improves cardiovascular health.
Sitopladi
Mixture of Bamboo manna, Pippali, Cardamom and Cinnamomum zeylanicum forms Sitopladi that effectively relieves cold and cough or other associated pulmonary issues. This mixture is quite essential supplement used in Ayurvedic medicines. It also helps in balancing the Vata-Pitta-Kapha doshas in the human body.
Lavan Bhaskar
This herbal mixture can reduce gastritis. The word “lavan” means salt. This mixture contains a variety of salts. These are Sea salt, Sochal salt, Black salt, Coriander fruit, Trikatu, Long pepper, Black pepper, Ginger, Black Cumin, Patraka, Nagakeshar, Taleesapatra, Amlavetasa, White Cumin, Pomegranate Seed(dried), Cinnamon and Cardamom. These ingredients in their powdered form are used to prepare Lavan Bhaskar. This supplement treats gas problems, constipation, cough and cold, spleen diseases. It is also known to help in healthy weight gain.
Mahasudarshan
It consists of a mixture of more than 50 herbs, if not less. It is mainly used to treat fever. Besides, it can also improve digestion, remove toxins and boost immunity. This herbal mixture is available in powder form and is an essential Ayurvedic supplement.
Dashmool
The exact meaning of the word “dashmool” means ten roots. It implies that this herbal mixture is made of 10 herb roots in a powdered form. They are, Bilva, Agnimantha, Gambhari, Shyonaka, Patala, Brihati, Shalaparni, Kantakari, Gokshura and Prishnaparni. These roots help cure respiratory problems, arthritis, fever, headache and improve digestion when mixed in a proper measured ratio.
Avipattikar Churna
This herbal mixture contains Amla, Behada, Black pepper, Cardamom, Clove, Ginger, Haritaki, Indian Bay leaf, Long pepper, Nutgrass, Turpeth and Vidanga. This herbal powder can cure constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, ulcer, indigestion and heartburn.
Hingwastak
It consists of Trikatu, Ajwain, Black Salt, Black and White Cumin Seeds, Hing and Ghee. This Ayurvedic supplement is mainly used to cure digestive problems like anorexia, balance the Vata-Pitta-Kapha doshas, and is useful in rheumatoid arthritis.
Yogaraj Guggal
This mixture contains Guggulu, Amla, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Sunthi, Maricha, Pippali, Chavya, Chitrak, Hing, Ajmoda and 13 other herbs. This herbal mixture is quite helpful for the muscular and skeletal systems in the body. It eases joint and muscle movements. Additionally, it also improves bone strength, helps in maintaining the natural menstrual cycle, and improves the overall immune system.
These ten types of herbal mixtures help in maintaining physical as well as mental health. However, it would help if you consumed these mixtures after proper consultation with one’s health provider. They will prescribe the dosage amounts as required by the patients.
