These Ayurvedic natural herbal extracts for kids will boost your child’s health, immunity, growth, and development and prevent modern ailments naturally.
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. Ayurvedic medicine takes a holistic approach to treatment and includes exercises, diet, and herbs as part of the treatment process.
When you give your child natural herbals in the form of top herbal health care supplements, you’re giving your kids the benefit of safe and natural ways of preventing illness, boosting their immunity, growth and development.
5 Ayurvedic, Natural Herbal Extracts To Boost Your Kid’s Health
Ayurvedic herbal extracts have been proven to treat many ailments, and Indians often use herbal remedies for kids’ ailments in their daily life. These 5 Ayurvedic herbal extracts have many health benefits, both for kids as well as adults.
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Withania somnifera, also called Indian ginseng, winter cherry, or Ashwagandha is a proven Rasayana from ancient Ayurveda – a herb that helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically.
The Sanskrit word ashwa means horse, and gandha means aroma. It represents a fragrant root that, when consumed, can provide the strength and power of horses. This Indian Ayurvedic herbal extract has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
- Reduces stress & anxiety
Ashwagandha is one of the best adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are herbal supplements that work to counteract the effects of stress in the body.
Amongst the many benefits of herbal Ashwagandha extracts, the most important one is that it is a natural herbal stress relief remedy to help our kids’ bodies handle stress better.
Studies have shown that Ashwagandha is one of the best herbal remedies for stress and it can relieve anxiety, making it extremely helpful for children and teenagers.
- Promotes better sleep & relaxation
Studies have also shown that Ashwagandha has the required potential to treat insomnia. It contains sleep-inducing compounds that promote better sleep and improve overall well-being.
- Improves brain power
Ashwagandha also has a cognition promoting effect and was shown to be useful in children with memory deficits. Impaired cognitive function including the inability to learn is associated with decreased levels of acetylcholine.
Studies have proven the cholinergic properties of Ashwagandha leaf extract in maintaining the levels of acetylcholine, the most important neurotransmitter associated with boosting brainpower.
Ashwagandha has shown extensive potential as a neuroprotective in various brain disorders. Research on children with ADHD has shown that Ashwagandha raises acetylcholine by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme that breaks down this neurotransmitter.
Clinical ѕtudіеѕ suggest that Ashwagandha mау promote аttеntіоn аnd behavioural соntrоl in сhіldrеn with ADHD by augmenting nоrmаl brain dеvеlорmеnt.
- Boosts immunity
The antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of Ashwagandha are well known, and it is one of the most popular immunity booster herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Improving our children’s immune system is something all parents want to achieve especially during a pandemic.
- Increases muscle mass & strength
Studies have shown that Ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass and strength.
As one of the safest and best herbal supplements for muscle growth in kids, it provides a natural way to support their physical development and help them recover faster from injuries.
- Fights illness
Ashwagandha has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal as well as antibacterial properties and is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs for immune system health. It can be a useful back-to-school supplement to help kids recover from illness quickly.
2. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Vedic scholars of ancient India were known to consume Medhya Rasayana (nootropic drugs) as memory enhancers to help them memorize lengthy scriptures 3,000 years ago.
In Ayurveda, Bramhi is known as a Medhya Rasayana and is derived from the extract of Bacopa monnieri or Waterhyssop, a perennial herb used as a traditional medicine all around the world.
Herbal extracts of Brahmi have been shown to improve memory performance and cognitive function, and it is one of the best natural nootropics used primarily as a mental tonic to improve memory, focus, concentration, and mental alertness, all of which are very important for growing children.
Health Benefits of Brahmi
- Brain tonic
Brahmi is a Superfood for the brain and is believed to protect brain cells and increase chemicals associated with learning and memory.
Studies have shown that the herbal extracts of Brahmi have very positive effects in maintaining brain health and it is one of the best natural focus enhancers.
In ancient times, kids were often given Brahmi powder with ghee or honey to increase their focus and attention, while keeping them calm and relaxed.
It has been shown to improve spatial learning and retaining power in kids and may improve higher-order cognitive processes, such as learning and memory, that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environments.
- Boosts immunity
A class of powerful compounds called bacosides, the active ingredient in Brahmi, are believed to be responsible for the health benefits of this immunity-booster herb.
They can neutralise free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with the free radicals, thereby protecting immune cells. Regular consumption of Brahmi herbal extracts can strengthen your child’s immune system.
- Reduces stress
Brahmi is one of the best ayurvedic herbs to reduce cortisol levels – a stress hormone. It may act as a natural mood enhancer and herbal stress remedy as it lowers the effects of stress and makes one feel relaxed and calm.
- Improves respiratory health
Brahmi herbal extracts are one of the best herbal remedies for inflammation and have been used in many ayurvedic treatments for congestion, bronchitis, sinus, and cold. It can help to clear excess mucus and phlegm and decrease inflammation in the respiratory tracts and throat thereby providing you instant relief.
- Supports digestion
Brahmi improves digestive strength and aids the proper digestion of food. It helps in treating AMA Dosha, which is related to undigested food caused by weak digestion as per Ayurveda.
- Treats epilepsy
The herbal extracts of Bacopa monnieri have been used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for centuries for treating epilepsy. This herbal extract is very helpful in preventing epileptic fits and other forms of mental diseases, such as neuralgia and bipolar disorders.
3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is a commonly found root that is used as a seasoning in many Indian recipes. There are many health benefits of turmeric milk for kids and turmeric in general for kids and adults.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
- Fights infections
Children have a tendency to develop fevers and illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses. The antimicrobial properties of turmeric help keep these diseases at bay and can speed up the recovery process.
- Boosts immunity
Young children have an underdeveloped immune system that may not be strong enough to ward off harmful pathogens. Curcumin in turmeric is one of the best herbs for immune support as it fortifies the immune system’s response to germs and pathogens.
- Improves digestion
Children often complain of stomach aches and upset tummies. Turmeric helps with the process of digestion by increasing bile production and regularising bowel movement. Turmeric milk helps to cleanse the digestive system.
- Supports brain development
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or abrineurin is a protein that plays a key role in keeping nerve cells healthy, as well as regulating communication between nerve cells, which is critical for learning and memory for kids.
The reduction of BDNF affects cognitive function, learning, and memory and also causes behavioural disorders. Studies have demonstrated a positive impact of curcumin supplementation on BDNF levels that indicate its potential use for neurological disorders associated with low BDNF levels.
- Relieves congestion and cold
Warm turmeric milk is a great beverage for kids to treat the common cold and a sore throat. One glass before bedtime can temporarily help clear out the nasal passage and let your child sleep peacefully.
- Acts as an antioxidant
Curcumin is a very strong antioxidant that prevents cell damage and has been found to delay or reverse age-related diseases and lower the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.
4. Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Mulethi is also known as Liquorice or Yashtimadhu in Ayurveda. It is a well-known Ayurvedic herb whose roots are used in treating several health issues, especially in kids.
Health Benefits of Mulethi
- Treats dry cough
The herbal extracts of Mulethi work as an effective herbal remedy for the treatment of cough, sore throat, throat irritation and bronchitis. Due to antibacterial properties, it also reduces infections of the upper respiratory tract.
- Promotes digestion
Mulethi or Glycyrrhiza glabra is an excellent digestive herb. It is one of the most popular herbal remedies for bloating, as it reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, abdominal bloating and discomfort.
It also increases appetite, reduces indigestion, and promotes better absorption of nutrients in the body. The high fibre content also makes it a potent remedy for constipation and other digestive issues.
- Improves brain functions
Mulethi is extremely beneficial for boosting brain development in kids. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in liquorice herbal extracts improve memory capacity, concentration, focus, calmness, and alertness.
In addition, it also improves reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities and has neuro-protective elements that prevent loss of memory and relieve stress and anxiety. It may also help prevent diseases like epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Boosts Immunity
Mulethi is also one of the immunity-booster herbs used to bolster immunity and shield the body from pathogens due to its antimicrobial properties. In a recent finding, glycyrrhizin, an active ingredient in the roots of Mulethi were shown to have therapeutic potential for COVID-19.
Mulethi herbal extracts also boost immunity by improving the function of the liver, kidney, and adrenal glands and reducing stress levels.
- Increases stamina & energy levels
This traditional ayurvedic herbal extract also acts as a herbal energy booster to help improve general stamina and energy levels, reduce weakness and fatigue, and improve vitality.
- Treats skin infections
A powerhouse of antioxidants and healthy nutrients, this rejuvenating herb plays an important role in treating various skin issues.
It efficiently scavenges free oxygen radicals from the body and diminishes oxidative damage. Mulethi effectively treats various skin infections like eczema, acne, pimples, rashes, and boils.
- Improves oral health
Studies have shown that Mulethi or liquorice root may help keep teeth healthy by preventing and treating tooth decay and gum disease.
Mulethi has strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria in the oral cavities to combat bad breath, reduce plaque, prevent tooth cavities and keep the gums and teeth healthy and strong.
5. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)
Shallaki or Boswellia serrata mostly grows in the dry hills of India. This traditional Indian herb is packed with multiple nutrients and exerts beneficial medicinal properties.
Gum-resin herbal extracts of Boswellia serrata have been traditionally used in folk medicine for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory diseases.
Health Benefits
- Supports bone health
Shallaki is rich in carbohydrates and calcium that promote bone growth and improve appetite. It helps to strengthen bones and improve joint mobility. It also helps reduce the symptoms of arthritis and reduce osteoarthritis pain.
- Good for digestion
Shallaki has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is one of the best Ayurvedic herbal remedies for inflammation. It helps fight against inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Helps in respiratory problems
Studies have shown that B. Serrata herbal extracts have a potential therapeutic effect on asthma as they can reduce the contraction of bronchial tubes. Additionally, these natural herbals help to reduce cough and congestion in the chest and are very beneficial in combating respiratory problems.
- Supports healing
Shallaki has cooling, healing and rejuvenating properties that may facilitate the natural process of healing. Additionally, it helps to rejuvenate cells and repair external wounds and bruises.
- Promotes healthy skin
Shallaki has blood purifying properties that refresh skin cells and make the skin look radiant. It also helps fight wrinkles and signs of ageing to help you to look younger. The regular use of the Shallaki powder can give you a naturally glowing and radiant skin tone.
All these natural herbal extracts have numerous health benefits and giving these herbs to kids on a daily basis can support the child’s overall health and prevent many diseases in the long run.
Even if you can’t give your kids Ashwagandha herbal supplements or other herbal extracts in the form of ayurvedic herbal capsules and tablets, most kids love eating delicious healthy spreads on their sandwiches.
Iyurved brings you these herbal extracts along with the goodness of nuts and seeds, in the form of healthy spreads for sandwiches. Your child can happily eat these delicious healthy sandwich spreads on a daily basis.
These healthy spreads are available as a healthy spread chocolate supplement or savoury healthy spreads and provide herbs and vitamins for daily nutrition. You can also get healthy sandwich spreads for herbal hormone balance, herbs for better sleep and more.
Iyurved’s healthy sweet spreads and savoury healthy spreads for sandwiches are some of the healthiest sandwiches spreads for kids. There’s no easier and more fun way of ensuring that your kids get the natural herbals and vitamins they need to stay happy, healthy and strong!
Disclaimer: No supplement will cure or prevent disease. Only physical or social distancing, wearing masks, and proper hygiene practices can protect you from COVID-19. The information contained on this website is presented to educate people. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please promptly call or see your physician or another qualified healthcare provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare providers before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.
About the author:
Vandita Tewari Kapoor is the Co-founder of Iyurved, an endeavour to adopt a more scientific & kid-friendly approach to kids’ nutrition, keeping in touch with Ayurvedic traditions. Iyurved aims to solve kids’ health and nutrition challenges for parents by offering tasty, fortified foods that your kids will love eating.
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