Botanical name: Mentha Piperita

Peppermint– Summary

In Ayurveda, Peppermint is largely described as a calming carminative agent that promotes digestion and culmination by eliminating blockages supporting the smoother flow of energy within the human body. Mint is also recommended for clearing stagnation from the body and mind and uses it as a way to help the body actually absorb nutrients from foods.

According to medical experts, peppermint is known to interact with medicines and thus not recommended for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders.

About Peppermint

• Peppermint is a combination of water mint and spearmint.
• It can be obtained in the forms of leaves, oil, and capsules.
• Peppermint oil is heavily used for calming skin irritation and itchiness, as well as controlling redness.

Peppermint and Doshas

• According to Ayurveda, Peppermint Leaf tends to have a cooling power, which is quite effective in reducing the Pitta and Kapha doshas, while harmonizing the Vata dosha.
• Peppermint Leaf is considered a stimulating herb that endorses perspiration and helps to discharge toxins.

Peppermint- Health Benefits

• Peppermint has extensively been used for centuries to promote digestion, cool inflammation, relieve sore muscles, and even improve emotions.
• Peppermint composures the stomach muscles and enhances the flow of bile.
• Peppermint features a pleasant odor; and also antibacterial qualities that help kill germs that promote dental plaque- which improves the breath.
• Peppermint mixed in a cup of warm tea may help combat blocked sinuses due to infections, common cold and allergies.
• Drinking peppermint tea may decrease the severity and extent of menstrual cramps since peppermint helps prevent muscle contractions.
• Peppermint is an excellent source of manganese, copper and vitamin C.

Scientific Studies About Peppermint 

• Menthol, the major chemical constituent of peppermint, is a powerful decongestant. Decongestants shrink the swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier to breathe. 
• Nausea and vomiting, or emesis, are common side effects for cancer patients during chemotherapy. Some studies have discovered that peppermint helps to ease symptoms. 

Dharmsala Teas with Peppermint

• Mint Peppermint Tea
• Dandelion Detox Tea Blend
• Hibiscus Detox Blend
• Ayurvedic Detox Blend Teabags - Tulsi Ginger Green Tea

Botanical name: Convolvulus Pluricaulis

Shankpushpi– Summary

Primarily used as a brain tonic and memory booster, Shankpushpi is a very popular Ayurvedic medicine for years. The term shankhpushpi was led to the plant considering to its shankh or conch-shaped flowers. This Ayurvedic remedy helps in improving brain concentration, learning capabilities, mental exhaustion, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression,etc.

The general discipline of Ayurveda promotes shankhpushpi in a variety of rasayanas or preparations and sacred scripture by the Sanskrit names Shyamakranta, Visnukranta, Vaishnava, Sankhaholi, Vishnugandhi, Vishnukranti, Shankavall, Vishnukrantha, Krishnaenkranti, Nilashankhapushpi, Ksheerpushpi, Laghuvishnukranta, Erravishnukaraantha.

About Shankpushpi

• It is also known by the name as shankhahuli and shankhavali in India. You may often notice it written as shankhpushpi. It is also called ‘speed wheel’ in English.
• Shankhpushpi is even used as a vegetable in some parts of India.This herb helps to soothe the nervous system. It also provides relief in the symptoms related to vertigo like headache, anxiety, stress, and brain issues.

Shankpushpiand Doshas

• The Ayurvedic possessions of Shankhpushpi are acrimonious, unctuous, damp, cool and sweet. It is a brain stimulant. It appeasesVata, Pitta and Kapha.
• Shankhapushpi is very effective in case when the 3 doshasworsen, particularly when Pitta is surplus. Shankhpushpi is used in various formulations.

Shankpushpi - Health Benefits

• It enhances memory and intelligence.
• Shankhpushpi is arasayana herb, which rejuvenates mind and body, leaves an anti-aging effect, nurture salldhatus (bodily tissues), and advances life expectancy.
• It reinforces the brain and the nervous system.
• As it is found to strengthen the brain, it is sometimes used for a range of ailments like mania, epilepsy, and stupor.
• It is helpful in encouraging sleep.
• It promotes hair growth.
• It is helpful for various skin disorders.
• It improves appetite and helps indigestion.
• It is helpful in releasing unnecessary abdominal gas.
• It is also useful for hemorrhoids or piles.
• It acts as a laxative.
• It is good for the heart and acts as a cardiac tonic.
• It has blood-clotting properties and is helpful in rakta pitta or bleeding disorders. Rakta pitta is a bleeding disorder where bleeding occurs due to an aggravated Pitta dosha.
• It eradicates unwarranted mucus from the body.
• It serves as a diuretic.
• It is an aphrodisiac.
• It is effective in the treatment of STIs like syphilis.
• It fortifies the uterus and is sometimes used for assisting conception.
• It is very effective in treating fever.

Scientific Studies About Shankpushpi           

• A study on shankhapushpyadighanavati (which contains shankhpushpi as an ingredient) showed that shankhpushpi is also useful in managing high blood pressure. 
• Shankhpushpi has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) activity. 

Dharmsala Teas with Shankpushpi

• Ayurvedic Boost Teabags - Kangra Green Tea with Ashwagandha, Shankpushpi and Brahmi
• The Positive Energy Blend

Botanical name: Asparagus Racemosus

Shatavari– Summary

Also known as satavari, satavar, Shatavari is widely used for female fertility and several other health ailments, especially related to the female reproductive system. This herb is no less than a benediction to women at any stage of their lives. 

According to Ayurveda, Shatavari bolsters immunity due to its Rasayana (revitalizing) property and helps in weight gain due to its Balyaquality. Shatavari is also useful for men as it enhances testosterone levels. It might be a wonderful remedy for diabetics as it helps regulate blood sugar levels.

About Shatavari

• Shatavari is an Ayurvedic Rasayana herb which is also widely known as a female-friendly herb.
• Often spelled "shatawari," its name means “having one hundred roots” and also referred to as meaning “having one hundred husbands.

Shatavariand Doshas

• According to Ayurveda, a weakened Vata and Pitta circulation in various channels of the body, lead to the emergence of different types of physical symptoms of PMS. Shatavari helps to reduce the symptoms of PMS.
• Shatavari is known to have cooling, calming properties that can help to ease and balance vata and pitta.

Shatavari- Health Benefits

• It is widely used to treat female health conditions, specifically reproductive disorders.
• Shatavari supplements have also conventionally been used to counter anxiety and depression
• A substance that promotes milk production during breastfeeding is called a galactagogue, and shatavari contains rich amounts of the same.
• It helps decrease bad cholesterol and promotes the buildup of good cholesterol which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Being a diuretic, it can help improve the volume and frequency of urination
• Shatavari is a proven remedy to treat diarrhea.
• Shatavari roots contain Sapogenin which is a great agent for exciting immune cells.
• Fleshy tuberous roots of the Shatavari plant are used in the preparations of various health care products.

Scientific Studies About Shatavari     

• Some preliminary animal studies suggest that shatavari may provide advantages, although more human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
• Various studies on rats disclosed that treatment with shatavari helped protect against abnormal changes in kidney tissue.

Dharmsala Teas with Shatavari

• Shatavari Rasayana Blend for Women's Wellness

Botanical name: Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum Linn)

Tulsi– Summary

In India, the plant of Tulsi, or Holy Basil is considered very sacred and worshiped on various occasions. In fact, people in India celebrate Tulsi Vivah, which refers to the marriage of Lord Vishnu and this ayurvedic herb.

Tulsi, the empress of the Ayurvedic landscape, is loaded with a number of medicinal qualities recognized for more than 5,000 years and now proved by modern science.

Tulsi is considered a living manifestation of the divine within the plant kingdom. The ancient Vedic Bhagavata Purana text hails Tulsi as the plant incarnation of Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu, and the goddess of wealth and kindness.

About Tulsi

• There are over a hundred different varieties of the plant, but among them, two stand out above the rest – Ram Tulsi and Vana Tulsi.
• Ayurveda also recognizes the sacred landscape of tulsi. Its Sanskrit name refers to “the incomparable one.”

Tulsi and Doshas

For Vata-related cases, it is recommended to mix Tulsi with fresh ginger and prepare tea; for Pitta types, mix with Brahmi or rose petals; and for Kapha type, try dry ginger.

Tulsi- Health Benefits

• Tulsi helps the body deal with different types of stress in daily life.
• Relieves cough, cold and congestion
• Soothes the nervous system
• Enhances immunity
• Balances emotions
• Increases Prana, the important life force
• Controls increased blood sugar levels
• Improves heart health
• Anti-allergenic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Improves digestion
• Heals and reinforces the Adrenals
• Anti-viral
• Anti-oxidant

Scientific Studies About Tulsi

• A scientific study on male albino rats has discloseda decrease in sperm count. Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Leutinizing hormones, with an increase in testosterone levels. 
• Another study reinforces traditional uses and suggests that tulsi is a powerful treatment for lifestyle-related chronic diseases including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and psychological stress. 

Dharmsala Teas with Tulsi

• Moringa Tulsi Green Tea
• Ayurvedic Detox Blend Teabags - Tulsi Ginger Green Tea
• Valley of Herbs Tisane Teabags
• The Yogi Morning Blend
• The Positive Energy Blend
• Himalayan Keshyam Blend
• Dandelion Detox Tea Blend

Botanical name: Curcuma Longa Linn

Turmeric– Summary

Considered one of the popular Ayurvedic herbs, Turmeric has been used as a major ingredient in various foods.In Ayurveda, turmeric is a well-known remedy for several respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchial hyperactivity, and allergy), as well as for liver ailments, anorexia, rheumatism, diabetic injuries, runny nose, cough, and sinusitis.

Various studies exhibit that consuming curcumin, a chemical present in turmeric, reduces depression symptoms in individuals already using an antidepressant.

About Turmeric

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, widely used for cooking purposes.
• In Ayurveda, turmeric is believed to have several medicinal properties including solidifying the overall body energy, relieving gas, dispersing worms, refining digestion, controlling menstruation, softening gallstones, and releasing arthritis.

Turmeric and Doshas

Turmeric is employed in Ayurveda for balancing Vata, pitta, and Kapha, though, in surplus, it can exacerbate pitta and Vata. It has several useful effects for rasa and rakta dhatus (the blood and plasma of the circulatory system). It also lights Agni (digestive fire), helping control Kapha and ama (toxins).

Turmeric- Health Benefits

• Turmeric is very useful for the treatment of problems related to the liver, skin, heart, and lungs.
• It is used for epilepsy and bleeding disorders, skin diseases, to purify the body-mind, and to help the lungs out Kapha.
• It reduces fevers, diarrhea, urinary disorders, insanity, poisoning, cough, and lactation problems in general.
• It treats external ulcers that respond to nothing else. Turmeric reduces Kapha and is used to eliminate mucus in the throat, watery discharges like leukorrhea, and any pus in the eyes, ears, or in wounds, etc.
• Turmeric helps to normalize the female reproductive system and purifies the uterus and breast milk, and in men, it purifies and builds semen, which is counter intuitive for a strong bitter.
• Turmeric is used as a heating spice, leading to bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes.
• Turmeric is a wonderful carminative, soothes an upset digestive system by eliminating gas and distention. Carminatives also tend to improve absorption and nurture the intestinal flora.

Scientific Studies About Turmeric      

• In a Scientific Study Turmeric improvises the quality and quantity of blood. The liver regularizes the fat metabolism and detoxifies the nutrients passing through it. 
• Turmeric helps in immune modulation by correcting metabolism, enabling free circulation of nutrients and oxygen to every cell and due to its anti-oxidation property. 

Dharmsala Teas with Turmeric

• Seasonal Immunity Blend
• The Rakta Shodhana Blend
• The Himalayan Beauty Blend