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Learn Ayurveda • Herb library

Ayurvedic Herb Library

Clear, balanced guides to the herbs most often used in Ayurveda: how they are traditionally used, what research in people actually shows, and — just as important — who should avoid them and which medicines they interact with.

All herbs

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

The best-known Ayurvedic Rasayana (rejuvenative), used for stress, sleep, strength and vitality.

Research evidence: Moderate

Turmeric (Haridra)

Curcuma longa

A kitchen spice and one of Ayurveda's most widely used herbs, for skin, inflammation, wounds, cough and blood sugar.

Research evidence: Moderate

Triphala

Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula

A classical three-fruit formulation — Ayurveda's most famous gentle bowel regulator and Rasayana.

Research evidence: Limited

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. sanctum)

A sacred household plant used for coughs, colds, fever and stress.

Research evidence: Limited

Guduchi (Giloy)

Tinospora cordifolia

A classical Rasayana for fevers, immunity, gout (Vatarakta) and skin conditions, widely used during COVID-19.

Research evidence: Limited

Brahmi

Bacopa monnieri

A classical Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) for memory, concentration, anxiety and sleep.

Research evidence: Moderate

Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus

The classical women's Rasayana, used across life stages for nourishment, lactation, menopause and acidity.

Research evidence: Limited

Amalaki (Amla)

Phyllanthus emblica (Emblica officinalis)

A sour, cooling fruit rich in vitamin C, the base of Chyawanprash and one third of Triphala.

Research evidence: Limited

Neem

Azadirachta indica

A bitter, cooling tree used for skin, oral care, fevers and as a blood purifier.

Research evidence: Limited

Guggulu

Commiphora wightii (C. mukul)

A resin used in many classical formulations (Yogaraja, Kaishore, Triphala Guggulu) for joints, weight and cholesterol.

Research evidence: Limited

Kapikacchu

Mucuna pruriens

A classical herb for Kampavata (Parkinson's-like tremor) and male vitality. Its seeds naturally contain levodopa.

Research evidence: Limited

Yashtimadhu (Liquorice)

Glycyrrhiza glabra

A sweet, soothing root used for coughs, sore throat, hoarseness, acidity and ulcers.

Research evidence: Limited
Turmeric root and powder, neem and tulsi leaves, and a wooden mortar and pestle
Many Ayurvedic herbs are also everyday foods and spices. Food amounts are generally safe; concentrated medicines and supplements need more care.

How to read these guides

Each herb page separates three kinds of information, because they are often mixed up:

  • Ayurvedic properties and traditional uses — how classical texts and practitioners describe and use the herb.
  • What research shows — rated on a four-step scale from very limited to strong, based on studies in people, not in test tubes or animals. No herb on this list yet reaches “strong”.
  • Safety — who should avoid it, known medicine interactions and side effects.

“Natural” isn't always safe

Herbs are active substances. They can cause side effects, interact with prescription medicines, and vary widely in quality. Some Ayurvedic formulations (rasa aushadhi, bhasma) intentionally contain metals such as mercury, lead or arsenic. Read our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide before starting any herbal product, and always tell your doctor what you take.

Please note: this library is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner.