Best Ayurveda Product 2021: Shopping Guide &#038; Review

£28.99

Ashwagandha, bacopa monnieri, holy basil, rhodiola rosea, schisandra, cordyceps, gotu kola, Siberian ginseng, panax ginseng, astragalus and black pepper. Can you believe that all these highly beneficial extracts fit in one capsule? Well they do. In this power supplement that will boost your energy levels. With a natural blend of some of the most powerful adaptogens on the market and enhanced with black pepper for increased intestinal absorption.

Many are the benefits of all the above-mentioned extracts, and to get them all together in one supplement is just WOW. Take advantage and why buy ten different supplements when you have them all in one with this product.

Organic Ashwagandha KSM-66® with 5% Withanolides – Vegan Friendly with The Highest Concentration Most Bioavailable Full-Spectrum Root Powder – Made in The UK by Nutravita

Best Ashwagandha Supplement

Organic Ashwagandha KSM-66® with 5% Withanolides - Vegan Friendly with The Highest Concentration Most Bioavailable Full-Spectrum Root Powder - Made in The UK by Nutravita

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£17.99

This best-selling supplement contains 500mg of ashwanganda full spectrum root extract per serving. It comes with a 2 month supply as you only need to take 1 capsule daily to get the natural and premium ashwagandha. The ashwagandha powder used in the making of this supplement is sourced from organic farmlands in India. This product has undergone a series of rigorous tests for this product to acquire Organic Certification by Soil Association.

In subsequence, this made in the UK brand supplement, contains no artificial colours or flavours, and is GMO free. It is also free from allergens such as gluten, wheat, lactose or nuts. Moreover, this product has been designed to be suitable for all adult men and women alike.

Pukka Herbs Wholistic Shatavari, Organic Herbal Supplement

Best Shatavari Supplement

Pukka Herbs Wholistic Shatavari, Organic Herbal Supplement

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£13.75

Shatavari has been used for thousands of years in India as a powerful female food supplement due to its superior qualities in supporting the female body. Shatavari thrives in dry arid soils where it has evolved an amazing ability to retain moisture. It is this quality that affirms a reputation for its uniquely soothing, moistening and nourishing properties.

Shatavari is also a known adaptogen, which enables it to maintain the perfect internal balance, helping you to stay radiant and brimming with vitality. Pukka’s Wholistic Shatavari uses a unique extraction process to retain all active compounds to ensure a powerful extract that is concentrated 10:1. Just two capsules is equivalent to 25,600mg of shatavari.

Best Triphala Supplement

Pukka Triphala Plus Organic Herbal Supplement | Ayurvedic fruits, psyllium husk and linseed | Effective for daily movements | Non-GM | Suitable for Vegetarians & Vegans | 60 capsules

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£12.75

This tririphala supplement helps to support the body by increasing regularity. Tryphosa plus is a concentrated blend of some of the world’s finest fruits and herbs gathered from fertile organic soils. With an enhanced organic blend of triphala with psylium husk and linseed. Containing a renowned Ayurvedic formula combining 3 fruits: haritaki, amla and bibhitaki.

Therefore, these supplements are effective for your daily movements, helping you find your natural balance. They are 100 percent vegetarian and vegan friendly, Non-GMO, free of fillers binders or preservatives.

YOGI TEAS – AYURVEDIC Organic Fairtrade Choco Tea Bags 17bags (PACK OF 1)

Best Ayurvedic Tea

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£5.09

Tea is another fundamental part of the Ayurvedic diet, and this specific blend has been used in India for centuries. This one is for you if you are a chocolate lover. Yes, it is choc flavoured! Flavoured with pure South American cocoa shells, which give this tea a tastily distinctive taste and aroma. The wonderful flavours of ginger and cinnamon delicately mingle with the unmistakable essence of cocoa.

So if you are a tea and chocolate fan, this is a fantastic option for you. And at a good price. This tea will help you find your interior peace and help you relax when feeling stressed.

Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Ayurveda

Ayurveda is much more than a simple plant-based diet. This way of life addresses the human being holistically, without separating the physical dimension from the spiritual and mental one. In the section below, we will delve into the basic principles of Ayurveda, the specificities of its diet, and answer the most common questions regarding this medicinal system.

Grupo de personas en yoga — Ayurveda sees the human being as a unified whole, a perfect union between body, mind, and soul.
(Source: Dolgachov: 80282633/ 123rf.com)

What is Ayurveda exactly?

Originating in India over 3,000 years ago, Ayurveda is the traditional medicinal system of this Asian country. Today, Western society is increasingly interested in the practice of Ayurveda to improve the quality of life, promote longevity, and prevent diseases affecting the various systems of the body (, ).

Ayurvedic medicine uses different techniques and natural products to maintain or restore the balance in the body-mind-spirit union of the human being. Imbalance leads to disease, which is why Ayurveda focuses on restoring this balance rather than dealing with symptoms (1, 2).

What are the doshas?

Also referred to as biotypes or life forces, the doshas are the combinations of the five natural elements – air, space (or ether), fire, earth, and water. Each person consists of these elements that give them unique physical and mental attributes. The three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, coexist in every individual, although one or two will always predominate (, , ).

All of us were born with a specific balance between these doshas. When factors such as stress, a poor diet, or lack of rest disturb it, your body faces symptoms and illnesses (2). You must consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine your dominant doshas.

National Ayurvedic Medical Association

“The Sanskrit term Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life”, and the principles of this ancient wisdom remind us that the entire web of life is intricately interwoven. With a unique emphasis on total wellness, the art and science of Ayurveda work to harmonize our internal and external worlds.”

What are the characteristics of each dosha?

As we mentioned earlier, each of these life forces is linked to specific physical and personality traits. Vata (ether and air) is associated with breathing, coordination, and movement. Pitta (fire and water) corresponds to metabolic reactions and temperature, while Kapha (water and earth) is related to growth and support (, , ).

The three biotypes are present in everyone. However, the dominant dosha determines the particularities of an individual, as well as the lifestyle they should lead to maintain or regain balance. Here are the main characteristics of these life forces (2, 3):

	Vata	Pitta	Kapha
Physical characteristics	Thinness. Narrow shoulders and hips. Tall or short stature. Changing appetite. They may skip meals or have irregular eating times. Cold hands and feet. Dry, thin skin. Dull eyes. Difficulty gaining weight. Tendency to constipation, irritable colon, cramps, psoriasis, and insomnia.	Average build. Gaining weight and muscle mass is easier than for Vata. Good appetite. Excessive thirst, even at night. Efficient digestion. Hot, pale skin with freckles, moles, or redness. Hair with a tendency to grey. At the digestive level, tendency to acidity, stomach ulcers, and hemorrhoids. Common presence of acne or rashes on the skin.	Oily, soft, pale skin. May have pimples. Large eyes, with bags under them. Corpulent, gain weight easily with a tendency to obesity. Slow digestion. Resistance to disease. Predisposition to suffer from joint pain, angina pectoris, and sinusitis.
Personality traits	Tendency to anxiety and depression. Changing energy levels. In a hurry when walking and performing other activities. Changing mood. Great imagination and creativity.	Irritability. Intellectuality. Punctual, dislike wasting time. Good ability to concentrate. Maintain order.	Patient, carefree, do not get angry easily. Energy levels remain stable. Affectionate. Good memory.

How do I maintain or restore the balance between the doshas?

When faced with a symptom or a disease, Ayurvedic medicine seeks to restore the balance in the affected individual through different strategies. These include the most appropriate diet according to the doshas, meditation, yoga, adequate rest, massage therapy, phytotherapy, and aromatherapy (, ).

Ayurveda also uses more invasive techniques, such as surgery, with various specialties like geriatrics, gynecology, internal medicine, and otolaryngology (1). If you are not experiencing any illness, the Ayurvedic system implies living a lifestyle that prevents diseases and allows you to live a long and healthy life.

What are the principles of the Ayurvedic diet?

Broadly speaking, every dosha has its own diet; foods that benefit Vata may not be ideal for Pitta or Kapha, for example. However, the following basic guidelines of the Ayurvedic diet apply to all life forces (, , ):

Avoid processed and ultra-processed foods (canned goods, sausages, pre-fried frozen products, junk food) Choose fresh food sources, free from additives and preservatives.
Plant-based, seasonal, and cooked foods are the best option for your meals. However, the Ayurvedic diet doesn’t involve eliminating meat, dairy products, fish, or eggs. You will simply need to reduce their consumption.
Cook and eat in a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. Stress and tension during these times are as harmful as eating poor quality or inadequate food. Keep in mind that Ayurveda always favours a joint approach to the well-being of body, mind, and spirit.
Eat your meals at regular times.
Avoid excess food and have an early dinner.
Keep your kitchen clean and tidy.
Try having a varied diet that is attractive for all your senses – not only for the taste.
Choose organic foods that have been grown without synthetic agrochemicals (fertilizers or pesticides).
Make sure that you have plenty of legumes, whole grains, spices (turmeric, laurel, dill, coriander, black pepper), and vegetables every day.
Include the six flavours in every meal: bitter, sweet, spicy, astringent, sour, and salty.

Leche dorada — Golden milk is a typical hot drink of Ayurvedic medicine.
(Source: Rubisco: 70366812/ 123rf.com)

What are the most commonly used dietary supplements in Ayurveda?

Many natural products are used in Ayurvedic medicine, such as ginger, turmeric, and Garcinia (). Some of them are compatible with all three doshas, while others favour one particular life force. Here is a list of the most popular Ayurvedic supplements:

Curcuma: the rhizome of the Curcuma longa L. plant is a source of curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antibacterial, digestive, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant properties. It is recommended in cases of type II diabetes, gastrointestinal ulcers, flatulence, and inflammatory disorders (arthritis) (8, 9).
Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng: the Withania somnifera plant is helpful in cases of weakness, fatigue, anxiety, intense chronic stress, and insomnia. It strengthens the immune system and has a rejuvenating effect on the organism. It may help prevent neurodegenerative conditions, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (7, 10, 11).
Shatavari: The root of the Asparagus racemosus plant is taken to produce supplements. In Ayurveda, Shatavari is primarily used by women as it stimulates the production of breast milk (galactagogue). It helps to strengthen the immune system, and its potential to improve female fertility is currently under study (7, 12).
Gotu kola: Also known as Indian pennywort, it improves memory, lowering blood pressure, and promotes healing of gastric ulcers. Its venotonic properties contribute to reducing the weakness of blood capillaries while relieving varicose and spider veins (13).
Triphala: This polyherbal supplement consists of the fruits of the Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula, and Emblica officinalis plants. Its laxative effect makes it efficient in treating chronic constipation. In addition, it promotes intestinal health and integrity by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon (7, 14).

How can I make golden milk?

Typical of Ayurvedic medicine, this hot beverage provides all the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of turmeric while comforting those who drink it. It’s quick and easy to prepare, too:

Heat at least 200 millilitres of skimmed cow’s milk or vegetable milk (oats, soy, almond, coconut).
Add 1 level teaspoon of pure turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of ginger powder (optional) and a pinch of black pepper. Mix and continue preparing while stirring.
Add half a teaspoon of coconut oil or ghee (clarified butter).
When the milk is hot (before boiling point), remove the beverage from the heat, serve in a cup, and drink immediately. You may sweeten it with honey.

Did you know that, to determine the predominant dosha, the Ayurveda practitioner has to examine a person’s pulse, personality, tongue, face, eyes, urine, feces, voice, and skin?

Buyer’s Guide

You should purchase authentic, unaltered dietary supplements for them to be effective. Depending on the concentrations of active ingredients in each dosage form, the properties of the product will change and, therefore, so will the effect on your body. To make a successful purchase that will benefit you, pay attention to the following criteria:

Authenticity
Dosage Form
Quality Certifications

Authenticity

Traces of synthetic drugs from conventional medicine have been found in specific ayurvedic supplements formulated to alleviate inflammation and pain in cases of arthritis. This means that the product was contaminated and lacked authenticity (1).

Due to the lack of regulations by the relevant authorities, fake products and steroid (anti-inflammatory) adulterations in Ayurvedic supplements are commonplace. This is why it is essential that you look for products with the quality seals we will discuss later (15).

Hojas para té — Indian pennywort or Gotu kola is one of the most used ingredients in Ayurveda.
(Source: Kachatong: 40562171/ 123rf.com)

Dosage Form

In Ayurveda, dietary supplements come in various forms, from powder and capsules to liquid extracts and tablets. Capsules and tablets generally feature a standard concentration of active ingredients, are easy to ingest, and have an almost neutral taste. Powdered products, on the other hand, need to be dissolved in liquid before consumption.

Product	Dosage form	Recommended dose	Recommended consumption mode
Turmeric	Powder, capsules, and tablets	Powder: half to 1 teaspoon a day. Capsules and tablets: 1 to 2 units per day.	Powder: as a condiment or dissolved in cold or hot beverages. It should always be accompanied by black pepper or some oil to improve the assimilation of curcumin by the body. Capsules and tablets: ingest directly with water. They already contain black pepper (or piperine).
Shatavari	Powder, capsules, and tablets	Powder: 2 teaspoons per day. Capsules and tablets: 1 to 4 units per day.	Powder: dissolve it in water, juice, or smoothie. Capsules and tablets: ingest with water.
Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng)	Capsules and powder	Powder: 1 teaspoon per day. Capsules: 1 to 2 units per day.	Powder: mixed with water, fruit juices, or smoothies. Capsules: consume with water.
Gotu kola (Indian pennywort)	Capsules, powder, and liquid extract	Powder: 1 to 2 teaspoons a day. Capsules: 2 to 3 units a day. Liquid extract: 40 drops, 1 to 3 times a day.	Powder: dissolved in water or shakes. Capsules: ingest with water during a meal. Liquid extract: diluted in water.
Triphala	Capsules, powder, and tablets	Powder: 1 to 2 teaspoons daily. Start with 1 teaspoon per week and increase your intake gradually. Capsules and tablets: 1 to 2 units per day.	Powder: dissolved in water, shakes, or juice. Capsules and tablets: ingest with water during a meal.

Quality Certifications

Earlier, we discussed the importance of purchasing authentic, counterfeit-free supplements. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) quality certifications guarantee that a product is safe for your health and authentic (13, 16).

In addition, these certifications ensure standardization of the manufacturing process, uniformity in concentrations of active ingredients, and hygienic handling from start to finish. There have been numerous reports of contamination of Ayurvedic supplements by heavy metals (17).

Medicina oriental — The three *doshas* or life forces of Ayurveda are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
(Source: Indianfoodimages: 104115128/ 123rf.com)