Ayurveda remedies to cleanse your body, detoxify and rejuvenate the healthy way

Health benefits of ashwagandha: By lowering stress levels, Ashwagandha helps prevent the accumulation of toxins linked to stress-related imbalances (Image: Canva)

Blame it on the modern times but your body is continually exposed to stress, pollution, and unhealthy choices. These factors can disrupt the balance of the three fundamental elements; vata, pitta, and kapha. As per Ayurveda, these three govern your bodily functions, leading to the accumulation of toxins, or ama. Ayurveda uses herbs and natural healing processes to addresses the imbalances and detoxify the body.

Says Dr Deepankar Rahul, BAMS, M.D. (Ayu.) Manager, New Product Development (NPD) & Research and Development (R&D), AYUVYA, "Ayurveda focuses on balancing the three doshas; vata, pitta, and kapha, in order to maintain wellness. It uses herbs like Amla , tulsi, and ashwagandha to clear toxins and support your health. The important practices include Panchakarma (a series of cleansing treatments), a balanced diet, yoga, and meditation. Personalising these remedies to your specific needs can help restore balance and enhance both physical and mental health.”

Here are some herbs and practices, recommended by Dr Rahul, that help detoxify your body and mind:

Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is well-known for its stress-reducing properties, but it also plays a significant role in detoxification. By lowering stress levels, Ashwagandha helps prevent the accumulation of toxins linked to stress-related imbalances. Its adaptogenic properties enhance the body's ability to cope with various stressors, supporting overall detoxification.

Triphala: Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formula composed of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). This potent detoxifier supports digestive health, enhances liver function, and promotes regular bowel movements. Consuming Triphala powder or tablets can aid in the removal of toxins from the body.

Amla: Amla is an Ayurvedic ingredient renowned for its detoxifying properties, which help cleanse the digestive system. Regular consumption of amla on an empty stomach can flush out toxins, promoting a healthier gut and preventing the accumulation of harmful substances. In addition to detoxifying and rejuvenating the body, studies suggest that amla positively impacts blood sugar levels.

Tulsi: Also called Holy basil, tulsi is a powerful Ayurvedic herb known for its rejuvenating and purifying properties. Regular use of Tulsi boosts your immunity, reduces stress, and helps cleanse the digestive system. Like Amla, Tulsi aids in detoxification by improving intestinal health and removing toxins. It is an important part of any Ayurvedic treatment plan because of its transformative properties that help balance the mind and body.

Panchkarma: Apart from  therapeutic herbs, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to wellness through Panchakarma, a comprehensive method that includes five distinct detoxification processes, each targeting specific doshas and bodily areas. Vamana promotes vomiting to expel excess Kapha dosha; Virechana uses herbal cleansers to remove Pitta-related toxins; Basti involves enemas to balance Vata dosha and facilitate toxin elimination; Nasya targets the nasal passages to support detoxification; and Raktamokshana, or bloodletting, purifies the bloodstream under certain conditions.