Dr. Mridula Vohra

Some herbs and other natural supplements can really help keep you healthy. 

1. Aloe vera

A plant whose thick fleshy leaves conceal an emollient extract used in preparing cosmetics and skin creams. This ancient plant has been used for medicinal purpose in several cultures: greece egypt, india, japan and china.

What it does:

Aloe vera extract contains 75 potentially active ingredients that include vitamins, minirals, enzymes, sugars, fatty acids and harmones. It has antiseptic and healing properties, says astudt reported in the indian journal of dermatology.

 The study, published by researches at mumbai, s grant medical college and sir jj group of hospitals, also revealed that aloe vera gel has a protective effect against radiation damafe to the skin. People who apply the gel over a period of time also find their skin more elastic ans less wrinkled. These versatile herbs in the healing of wounds. In addition aloe vera gel, when consumed, acts as a laxative. It increases intestinal water contect. Mucus secretion and intestinal peristalsis

 Aloe vera has a concetration of amino acids ehich are the building blocks of protein. Of the 20 amino acids, 18 are presnt in this magic potion.” “it is a great detoxifier and helps eliminate waste and toxins from the body. It also has cosmetic appeazl because of its anti-fungal properties. Deu to its ability to regenaterate cells, aloe vera helps in wrinkle prevention, combats pimple and acne and removes scars amd stretch marks.”

Who should take it? 

Aloe vera can be consumed internally or applied topically, depending on the purpose. While it is safe for most people, when appiled on the face, a patch test is usually recommended especially for those who have extremely sensitive skin.”

2. Fenugreek seeds

What they are:

Fenugreek is a leguminous asin herb with aromatic seeds. Most of its medicinal properties are in the seeds. For centuries, the crushed or powdered seeds have been used externally and internally for several cures. It can be applied as a poultice for hives, boils and ulcers or consumed to increase appetite, counter appetite loss and reduce blood sugar.

What they do: 

A clinicalstudy by gandhi medical colege, hyderabad, published in the indian journal of pharmacogy shows that fenugreek seed have lipid-lowering efect on people with high blood cholesterol. Those with high lipid levels risk cardiovascular disease including deadly strokes and heart attacks. The study found that cholesterol levels were lowered in patients given 25 grams of powdered fenugreel seed twice before meals.

Who should take them?

“while fenugreek is recommended for people with diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol, it is also good for people who don’t suffer from these conditions,” advise Dr. Ashok jhingan, seior consultant diabetotogist and chairman, delhi diabetes research center. He prescribes 10gms of the seeds, soaked overnight, to be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. “many people also eat the seeds mixed with curd.”

3. Garlic

From the onion family, it’s been a medicinal herb for millennia, even as for back as ancient egypt.

What is does:

Studies show that is cultures where people eat lots of garlic, there are fewer cases of gastric cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

 Research from the central food technological research tnstitute (cftri), mysore, report that garlic and onion increased the activity of two key enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism.

 Another study conducted by tagore medical college garlic consumption helped heart patients. In their three year study of 432 heart patients, only half of them were given garlic. Those not eating garlic saw no real cardiovascular changes. But the garlic eaters experienced a significant drop in blood pressure, blood cholesterol and mortality rates.

They also experienced less angina, the chest pain heart patient often feel.

 Deodorized garlic tables seem to work as wellas the raw herb in reducting cholesterol.

Who should take it?

Unless you’re allergic to it (very rare), you almost can’t go wrong by adding garlic to your diet. If you dislike the taste, garlic capsules will provede most of the health benefits without the flavour or odor.

4. Turmeric

The spice is made by grinding the roots of the perennial herb curcuma longa. The boiled dried and powdered underground stem of the plant is used as a flavouring and colouring agent and as a stimulant.

What it does: 

The herb has a mild protective effect against colds and flu; in those who get sick, it appears to limit the duration and severity of symptoms. A study by jamia hamdard university, new delhi, reveals that curcumin, found in turmeric, has antiinflammatory and antispasmodic properties and is useful in the treatment of arthritis.

Who should take it? 

This staple herb works for almost everyone and is effective if taken even as you feel a cold or flu coming on. According to the study, the most interesting feature of curcumin is the lack of gastrointestinal effectsdespite is being an anti-inflammatory agent.

 Try this time-testes recipe from Dr. Vivek nangia, head of respiratory disease, fortis hospital, new delhi: add a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of milk and boil for a few minitues, drink the hot brew twice a day. “the herb’s antioxidant and anti-infective properties help build your immunity against colds.’

5. Tulsi

This sacred plant with the fragrant leaves needs no introduction. No plant is more auspicious as tulsi, or holy basil, at your doorstep.

What it does:

According to a study published in indian journal of pharmaclogy, the consumption of 100mg per kilo body weight of tulsi extract helped reduce acid secretion and protect the mucous membrane of thestomach: it can heal ulcers.

Tulsi contains benificial compounds called phyto-chemicals that possess antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and immunity-enhancing properties that supports the body’s defence against disease and promote wellness.

Who shohld take it?

According to Dr. Issac mathai of soukya, a holistic healing center in bangalore, “tulsi is a good hurb for people suffering from colds and coughs. Many ayurvedic cough syrups contain tulsi, because the herb help mobilize mucus in bronchitis and relieves symptoms of asthma.

 “boil tulsi leaves in water and drink the decoction to ease a sore throat. This water is also good for gargling” adds mathai.

Tulsi capsules are available in the market. Dr. Mathai, who practises ayurveda, says that capsules manufatured by reputed companies may be taken as a substitute for the fresh herb.