Ayurveda uses hundreds of plants, but a handful have earned a special place over the centuries. Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Triphala are three of the most widely used, and all three belong to a group Ayurveda calls rasayana: herbs traditionally taken to nourish the body, support vitality and help maintain strength over time.
Here is a closer look at each one: where it comes from, how it has traditionally been used, and what to keep in mind if you are thinking of adding it to your routine.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is a small shrub whose root has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Its Sanskrit name loosely means “smell of a horse”, a reference both to the earthy scent of the fresh root and to the strength it was traditionally believed to give. It is sometimes called “Indian ginseng”.
Traditional use: Ashwagandha is classed as an adaptogen, a herb traditionally used to help the body cope with physical and mental stress. In Ayurveda it is used to support energy, stamina, restful sleep and overall vitality, and it is considered especially balancing for Vata and Kapha.
Modern interest: Ashwagandha has become one of the most studied Ayurvedic herbs. Several small clinical studies have looked at its effect on stress and sleep with encouraging results, although researchers agree that larger, longer studies are still needed.
Good to know: Ashwagandha is not recommended during pregnancy, and people with thyroid conditions or autoimmune conditions, or those taking sedatives, blood-sugar or blood-pressure medicines, should speak to their doctor first.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari is a climbing plant from the asparagus family, and its roots are the part used in Ayurveda. Its name is often translated as “she who has a hundred roots”, and it has long been regarded as one of Ayurveda’s most important herbs for women.
Traditional use: Shatavari is traditionally used to nourish and support women’s health through different stages of life, from monthly cycles to the years around menopause. It is cooling and moistening in nature, so Ayurveda considers it especially soothing for Pitta and Vata. It is also traditionally used to support digestion and general strength in both women and men.
Good to know: because of its effect on the body’s hormonal balance, anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has a hormone-sensitive condition should take advice from a doctor before using Shatavari.
Triphala: three fruits in one
Triphala is not a single herb but a classic formulation of three dried fruits in equal parts:
- Amalaki (Indian gooseberry, Emblica officinalis), naturally rich in vitamin C, traditionally linked with Pitta.
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), traditionally linked with Kapha.
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), traditionally linked with Vata.
Traditional use: because it combines a fruit for each dosha, Triphala is valued as gently balancing for all three. It is one of Ayurveda’s best-known supports for digestion and regular, comfortable bowel movements, and is often taken at night with warm water as part of a daily routine.
Good to know: Triphala can loosen stools, so it is best to start with a small amount. It is generally not advised during pregnancy, and anyone with a digestive condition or on regular medication should check with their doctor first.
In Ayurveda, herbs work best alongside good food, regular sleep and a steady daily routine, not as a replacement for them.
How to choose the right herb for you
Ayurveda is personal. The same herb can suit one person very well and be less suitable for another, depending on their constitution, age, season and health. A few simple principles help:
- Start with one herb at a time, so you can notice how your body responds.
- Follow the dose on the label, and give any herb a few weeks of regular use before judging it.
- Choose quality products from manufacturers who use pure herbs, clear labelling and good manufacturing practices.
- Ask a professional, ideally a qualified Ayurvedic doctor, if you are unsure, and always tell your doctor about any herbal products you take.
At Bramora Ayurveda, our formulations are made with pure herbs and no added chemicals, so you can bring these time-tested traditions into your everyday life with confidence.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Ayurvedic herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition.
