12 Feb 5 Most Effective Herbs to Try

Most of us are familiar with the basic herbs and spices found in household kitchen cabinets, used for culinary creations. Not only do they enhance flavours of your favourite meals, but they also add health benefits and preserve them for longer periods of time. Herbs are loaded with antibacterial and antiviral properties as well as disease-fighting antioxidants. Below is the list of some of the most effective herbal extracts: 

Adhatoda Vasica 

Also known as Malabar Nut, this herb has been used in the preparation of several herbal medicines for the past 2000 years. Grown throughout India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, it reaches 1300 meters in height. Malabar Nut eases asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis and other disorders. This medicinal herb contains antispasmodic, anthelmintic, antiseptic, bronchodilator and expectorant properties. It helps expand the airways allowing patients to breathe comfortably. Additionally, it helps ease out phlegm, cures cough, bronchitis, joint pain and arthritis swelling. This Ayurvedic herb is good for purifying of blood since it increases blood count and lowers blood pressure. This cardiac tonic boosts good heart health, is effective for bleeding disorders, fever, leprosy, sugar and vomiting. Furthermore, Malabar Nut relieves abdominal pain and cures dyspnea by boosting lung functionality.  

Tribulus terrestris 

Also known as puncture vine, this herb grows across the globe including Africa, Asia, Australia, Middle East, North and South America. This spiny Mediterranean plant comes in a pill or powdered form containing tons of benefits including reduction of cholesterol levels. It also has anti-hypertensive effects on both systolic and diastolic pressures which helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate. It also protects against heart disorders and heart cells from cell death. Tribulus terrestris helps reduce blood glucose levels while improving insulin levels. One of the many compounds of Tribulus is a phytochemical known as ‘protodioscin’ which enhances Nitric Oxide. This in turn helps smoothen muscles of the male organ, thereby increasing blood to flow to this region. This herbal extract also boosts sperm count in men, it further improves male organ disorders and stimulates libido.  

Hedera helix 

More popularly known as English Ivy, this evergreen plant grows as groundcover where no vertical surfaces occur and climb up by means of aerial rootlets. Native to Asia and Europe it makes for a wonderful houseplant since it helps reduce indoor air pollutants. Particles of fecal matter and mold can be eliminated with Ivy. This medicinal herb increases the amount of oxygen in the lungs, relives cough and helps ease chronic bronchitis owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, arthritis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and inflammation. This medicinal herb is loaded with antiarthritic, antioxidant, antiviral, antispasmodic, antitumor and antimicrobial properties. English Ivy is a rich source of Triterpenoid saponins which boosts gut absorption and battles bacteria. While flavonoids in this herb help reduce allergies, remove toxins from the body, strengthen blood vessels and stimulate enzymes in your body.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Once of the most widely used herbs, Licorice is native to Asia and South Europe widely used to flavour candies, sweeteners and tobacco-based products. This herb contains numerous health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties which protect against autoimmune diseases. Ethanol extract of this plant reduces alcohol-induced liver injury by reducing liver inflammation markers. It further helps reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Glabridin, a flavonoid in Licorice, helps protect the brain from stroke-related injuries and prevents oxidative brain damage. Additionally, this herb is toxic to human cancer cells, heals gut inflammation and ulcers. Furthermore, in women Licorice can help reduce Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and menopausal symptoms.  

Viola odorata 

Commonly known as Violet, this plant has over 200 species which grow in tropical regions of the world. It is a rich source of antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agents. Violets ease various ailments such as acne, asthma, anger, bronchitis, colds, fever, eczema, fibrocystic breast disease, headache, heartbreak, grief, mastitis, mumps, lymphatic congestion, psoriasis, sore throat, scurvy, ulcers, varicose veins, whooping cough and urinary tract infection.  Furthermore, this aromatic herb can be used as a breath freshener or to treat headaches. The buds and heart shaped leaves of Violet are eaten raw in salads as a potherb and the herb itself is eaten as sweet delicacies, puddings, sherbet and even used in teas.