As well as being used for thousands of years as a natural medicinal practice, Ayurveda is an increasingly popular philosophy in modern society as more people seek out the spiritual and physical benefits of this discipline.
But many have still only scratched the surface of the complex history that surrounds this body of wisdom and what it can do for you.
The first thing you need to understand about Ayurveda is its two main principles:
- The body and the mind are inextricably linked
- Your mind can be used to have a powerful effect on your body and physical health
Ingredients are such as Ginger, Ashwagandha, Turmeric and Cinnamon have long been used as a foundation for self-improvement and freedom from illness – supporting other components of the philosophy such as exercise and mindfulness. To get you started, here’s a look at some of the most important superfoods in Ayurveda.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is perhaps the most famous medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine. With its ability to help you cope with stress, anxiety and mood swings, its importance for spiritual health is clear. As an adaptogenic herb, it has also been used to alleviate insomnia and sleepless nights by helping you balance your energy levels throughout the day.
Interestingly, Ashwagandha has been highlighted as a superfood that can help you achieve greater stamina for physical activity, supporting your overall fitness levels and contributing to a positive lifestyle.
Ginger
With Ginger’s ability to soothe pain and ease stomach problems, it makes a useful addition to your weekly diet. As we all rely on our digestive systems more than we realise – to absorb all the beneficial nutrients we consume each day – an efficient gut will let you make the most of your healthy diet and ease any digestive problems. Ginger can naturally stimulate your appetite and improve your digestion.
Ginger also offers anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to avoid the long-term effects of swelling such as heart disease or diabetes.
Turmeric
Turmeric has found popularity across much of the globe – from China and India to many regions in the Western world; it is commonly used in a whole host of delicious drinks and food recipes.
Containing the naturally occurring ingredient curcumin – Turmeric demonstrates powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help with joint and muscle related conditions such as arthritis.
Ceylon Cinnamon
An ingredient increasingly used during the winter months as a warming spice that can be added to baked treats, drinks or food recipes, Cinnamon comes with many different health benefits. First of these is its high levels of antioxidants that can help protect your body from damage by fighting off unwanted free radicals.
Ceylon Cinnamon is also another great ingredient for naturally reducing swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Those suffering from pain and swelling associated with various injuries or long-term joint and muscle conditions can use Cinnamon to ward of health concerns like heart disease that may arise if swelling is left unmanaged for long periods.
Getting started with Ayurveda
You don’t need to read a manual to get started with Ayurveda. The best place to start is with a greater awareness of your diet and your body – and how these things affect your mind and overall outlook on life.
You might not be able to reap the benefits immediately, but a balanced diet in combination with these powerful Ayurvedic superfoods may give some added physical and spiritual balance over time.
