Herbs are those plants with leaves, seeds or flowers which are used for various purposes like flavoring in food, medicinal uses or even in perfumes. Mother Earth’s medicine chest is full of healing herbs of incomparable worth”, said Robin Rose Bennet. True to Robin Rose Bennet’s saying, indeed herbs are nature’s natural physicians.
Here are the benefits of the top 10 herbs used for both health and beauty:
- Rosemary:
Another well-known herb, also used often as a spice. It has antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-diabetic properties. It is very helpful in aiding digestion and promoting overall health. The extract of the rosemary leaves have been known to reduce obesity and aid weight loss. It has also a history of treating alopecia and acts as a stimulant to hair growth.
Uses:
- Use rosemary essential oil in Aromatherapy for stress relief.
- Use rosemary water or oil in your hair oil, conditioner or shampoo.
- Make a herbal tea with rosemary.
2. Neem:
Also known as Indian Lilac, neem leaves come from the neem tree. The neem tree is useful all in all, be it its bark, the sap, the leaves or even its twigs. It is used for medicine as well as for beauty. It has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties and can be used to control diabetes, treat asthma and ulcers, increase blood circulation, provides relief from bloating and menstrual cramps maintain oral hygiene prevents skin from premature ageing, clears toxins and impurities from the body and even acts as a natural insect repellent.
Uses:
- Use Neem oil for hair growth, treatment of insect bites etc.
- Immunity booster (neem tea).
- Soaps, detergents, toothpaste, face packs.
3. Aloe vera:
Rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, calcium and potassium, aloe vera has innumerable benefits. It can be useful for detoxification of the body with its antioxidant properties, for overall good health and well-being, can help improve blood sugar levels, is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory by nature and can be used for wounds, blisters and burns, can help reduce constipation and cleanse skin and reduce wrinkles.
Uses:
- Aloe vera juice.
- Gel for healing.
- Moisturizing face pack.
4. Turmeric:
Commonly found in the kitchen of almost every household, this herb is a go-to herb known to all because of its innumerable health and beauty benefits. It has the properties of anti-inflammation (providing relief to pain and is used in the treatment of wounds) and antioxidation (which prevents heart diseases and protects the body from free radicals).
Uses:
- Make a homemade face mask with aloe vera and turmeric to clear acne, wounds, scars and pigmentation.
- In the reduction of dandruff (a pinch of turmeric mixed with castor oil and applied on the scalp).
- Mix Turmeric with honey and use the homemade syrup to rid cold, coughs, sore throat and flu.
- Basil :
Basil is a medicinal plant known worldwide. It can be used to prevent fever and colds, helps soothe respiratory problems, promotes eye health, prevention of kidney stones and also lowers the risk of heart diseases, because of its antioxidant properties.
Uses:
- Pain and stress relief.
- Flavouring agent.
- Anti-lice and dandruff shampoos.
6. Centella Asiatica :
The herb has been around since ages and is known to have many benefits which include treatment of skin blemishes, for improving sleep, for women with period cramps, for healthy brain functioning, promotes the functioning of a healthy nervous system, has high antioxidation value, soothing for the skin (and in treating acne and sunburns), acts as an antibacterial agent and also helps to curb anxiety and reduce stress.
Uses:
- Centella asiatica tea
- The water can be applied as an antiseptic or as an analgesic (having anti-inflammatory properties).
- Chamomile:
The flower chamomile looks very similar to a daisy. It is a gentle herb with soothing anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic properties. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea can help reduce stress and lower your anxiety levels. It can also be a natural remedy for insomnia. It can also keep in control one’s blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of thyroid and breast cancer.
Uses:
- Beauty products.
- For colds, stomach upsets and muscle cramps.
- Essential oil.
7. Curry leaves:
Yes, it does look like grass but it has multiple health benefits. From beauty to overall health benefits, curry leaves has it all. packed with a high amount of flavonoids (antioxidants), it protects the body from the effect of free radicals It has anti-ageing properties and can protect the skin from sun burn and acne. A curry leaves juice is a nutrient-dense drink and it can help aid digestion, lower your appetite, eliminate toxins, lower cholesterol and even boost your metabolism. READ MORE – CURRY LEAVES JUICE for faster and thicker hair growth
Uses:
- Boost hair growth and treat premature grey hair by adding curry leaves to your hair oil or hair mask.
- Add it in your juice or in your cooking.
- Wheatgrass:
Yes, it does look like grass but it has multiple health benefits. From beauty to overall health benefits, wheatgrass has it all. It has anti-ageing properties and can protect the skin from sun burn and acne. A shot of wheatgrass is a nutrient-dense drink and it can help aid digestion, lower your appetite, eliminate toxins, lower cholesterol and even boost your metabolism. It can also help reduce the effect of chemotherapy in cancer patients.
Uses:
- Dental and nail health.
- Immunity booster.
- Wheatgrass powder/juice.
- Mint:
Suffer from insomnia? peppermint tea can help you sleep better. It can also help with weight loss and reduce obesity. It is known to prevent infections, prevent cancer, treat fever, promote skin health, aids better digestion and prevents stomach disorders, promotes overall health and detoxifies the body by helping to flush out harmful toxins.
Uses:
- Peppermint tea.
- Flavouring agent.
- Essential oil.