Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing system that focuses on balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurvedic herbs are used for several reasons, including:
- To “cleanse” the body
- To defend against disease
- To balance the mind, body, and spirit
Ayurvedic medicine aims to prevent illness—rather than respond to disease—by maintaining a balance between your body, mind, and environment.
Practitioners rarely use Ayurvedic herbs on their own. Instead, they use them as part of a holistic approach to health that may include:
- Nutrition
- Yoga
- Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Meditation
- Therapeutic oils and spices
This article discusses how a few popular Ayurvedic herbs are used, available preparations, the possible side effects, and dosages are generally recommended.
Ayurvedic treatments include more than 600 herbal formulas and 250 single plant remedies. Ayurveda categorizes therapies according to their health effects, such as pain relief or increased vitality (energy).
Triphala
Triphala is actually not one Ayurvedic herb, but a botanical formula that contains three different ones:
- Amla
- Myrobalan
- Belleric myrobalan
Test tube studies have suggested that triphala may have antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are nutrients that naturally occur in some foods. They detoxify harmful chemicals in the body called free radicals, which can cause long-term harm to cells. As such, triphala could theoretically prevent or delay aging-related diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Bodyweight
- Body fat
- Total cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- “Bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
Despite the promising results, many of the findings were not that different from participants provided a placebo, or sham treatment.
For example, on average, people who took triphala achieved a weight loss of 4.47 kilograms (9.85 pounds) after 12 weeks compared to the placebo group, which gained 1.46 kilograms (3.21 pounds).1
Further research is needed to establish whether triphala offers benefits in treating or preventing obesity, IBS, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (“hardening of the arteries”), or diabetes.
Guggul
Guggul is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to lower cholesterol. It is made from the oily sap of the guggul tree native to India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Historical records show that people have used guggul to treat cardiovascular disease since as far back as the 7th century. However, the research to date is mixed on whether the herb has this benefit.
A 2009 study from Norway reported that 18 people who took a 12-week course of guggul had slight improvements in cholesterol levels. Specifically, the guggul group had improved total cholesterol and “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared to those provided a placebo.
By contrast, there were no improvements in low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol). The same was true of triglycerides, which are stored fats that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke if present in high levels.2
Other studies, meanwhile, have shown increases in LDL concentrations, placing doubt on the use of guggul in treating hyperlipidemia (high triglyceride levels).2
What Makes Cholesterol “Good” or “Bad?”
HDL is considered “good” because it clears fat from the bloodstream. This process helps keep cholesterol from building up on artery walls.
High levels of LDL cholesterol “stick” to artery walls. Narrowed arteries from cholesterol buildup is a risk factor for developing heart disease, which is why LDL is called “bad cholesterol.”
Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, comes from the resin of the boswellia tree. The extract is rich in boswellic acid. Test tube studies have found that this compound may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Practitioners believe that these properties can support treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as:
- Asthma
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Ulcerative colitis (a form of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD)
Scientists believe that a chemical known as acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid can suppress specific inflammatory proteins. Some of these proteins are associated with chronic pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis, or so-called “wear-and-tear arthritis”.3
A 2011 study from India reported that a 30-day course of a purified form of boswellia, called Aflapin, reduced pain in 30 adults with knee arthritis. In addition, relief for many began as early as five days following the start of treatment.3
Compared to the placebo group, there was a significant reduction in all pain categories. Specifically, the Aflapin group had 32% to 41.3% reduction in pain and stiffness compared to the placebo group.3
Further studies are needed to assess the long-term safety of Aflapin and whether researchers can replicate the same results in a larger group of people with arthritis.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, also known as Asiatic pennywort or Centella Asiatica, is a perennial plant in the Apiaceae family. Practitioners usually prescribe it as a tonic for mental and emotional support, including:
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Mental fatigue
Gotu kola acts as a mild stimulant. Though the evidence for it use remains mixed, proponents believe this herb can support the following:
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Stroke
A 2016 study from Indonesia reported that gotu kola improved memory in those who had experienced a stroke. Participants who took 750 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of gotu kola for six weeks had more improved memory than those who took 3 mg of folic acid.4
However, the study found no difference between gotu kola and folic acid when it came to participants’ cognitive function. This includes:
- Attention
- Concentration
- Executive function
- Language
- Conceptual thinking
- Calculations
- Spatial orientation
Despite some promising results, the study conclusions were limited by the small number of participants and the uncertain benefit of folic acid in post-stroke patients.
Few other studies have reached such positive conclusions. For example, according to a 2017 review of studies published in Scientific Reports, there has yet to be any evidence that gotu kola can improve cognitive function compared to a placebo.5
Even so, the researchers acknowledged that gotu kola might improve mood by making the user feel more alert. In addition, the herb’s stimulant effect may also provide a temporary energy boost.5
Recap
Some promising studies of several Ayurvedic herbs show that some herbs may support heart health, inflammatory conditions, and mood. However, most studies were limited or produced conflicting evidence. Therefore, more research is needed to prove the health benefits.
Possible Side Effects and Interactions
Any herb can cause unwanted side effects or interact with conventional medications you take.
Among some of the side effects of the herbs discussed here are:
- Triphala: Diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, especially in high doses
- Guggul: Stomach upset, headaches, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea, belching, and hiccups
- Boswellia: Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and an allergic rash (when applied to the skin)
- Gotu kola: Stomach upset, nausea, sensitivity to light, and an allergic rash (when applied to the skin)
Who Shouldn’t Take Ayurvedic Herbs?
Due to the lack of quality research, some people should avoid these options. They include:
- Children
- Pregnant people
- People who breastfeed
It is not known how Ayurvedic herbs may impact a chronic medical condition.
A complete list of possible drug interactions is not possible, but here are some that are known to have occurred with these same herbs:
- Triphala: Blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix (clopidogrel)
- Guggul: Estrogen-based birth control or hormone treatments
- Boswellia: Blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen)
- Gotu kola: Tylenol (acetaminophen), antifungals like Diflucan (fluconazole), statin drugs like Pravachol (pravastatin), and sedatives like Ativan (clonazepam) or Ambien (zolpidem)
To try to avoid these risks, inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist if you are using or intend to use an Ayurvedic remedy. Even still, remember that there is still much that is not known about herbal remedies.
Recap
Ayurvedic herbs can cause a range of side effects—from stomach upset to allergic rash—depending on what is used. They can also interact with medications you take. If you are interested in using such herbs, inform your healthcare team.
