Health benefits of turmeric, tulsi, ginger and more: Best herbs to keep gut healthy, skin glowing

Health benefits of turmeric: Its antioxidant effects help neutralise free radicals that damage hair follicles and lead to thinning hair (Image: Canva)

Trillions of bacteria live in the gut, affecting everything from immune system function to metabolism. Gut health is therefore crucial for digestive well-being as well as for its effects on skin and hair.

Recent studies have highlighted the "gut-skin axis" and "gut-hair axis"—links between gut health and skin and hair health. A balanced gut promotes lustrous hair and glowing skin by lowering inflammation, improving food absorption, and controlling hormones. Several herbs have used for generations to improve digestive health, lower inflammation, and encourage the vitality of skin and hair. Several of these have roots in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine.

Here are some powerful herbs to consider incorporating into your routine:

Peppermint

Benefits:

• Gut health: Studies, as reported on Healthline.com, indicate that peppermint relaxes your digestive system and may ease pain. Peppermint also aids in digestion, alleviates irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, reduces bloating, and relaxes gastrointestinal muscles.

• Skin health: Evidence suggests that peppermint oil also has antibacterial and antiviral properties, according to an article in Healthline.com, which can soothe skin irritation and reduce inflammation.

• Hair health: Peppermint oil can stimulate hair follicles, promoting growth and scalp health. A 2014 study showed that hair grew faster and thicker, and blood flow to undernourished hair follicles increased, according to MedicalNewsToday.com.

• For gut health, sip on peppermint tea after meals.
• For skin health, use diluted peppermint oil to soothe minor irritations.
• For hair health, massage a few drops of peppermint oil (mixed with a carrier oil) into the scalp.

Benefits:

• Gut health: Aloe vera juice improves digestion, reduces constipation, and has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the gut lining, according to an article in Healthline.com.

• Skin health: Known for its moisturising properties, aloe vera treats sunburn and other skin irritations, including acne. This was corroborated in a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.

• Hair health: Studies have found that aloe vera helps resolve the scalp inflammation that dandruff causes, according to an article in Healthline.com. The article further states that aloe vera cleanses the hair shaft efficiently, stripping off extra sebum (oil) and residue from other hair products. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E, which promote healthy and shiny hair.

• For gut health, drink a small amount of pure aloe vera juice.
• For skin health, apply fresh aloe gel to sun-exposed areas.
• For hair health, apply aloe vera gel to your scalp before washing.

Benefits:

• Gut health: Turmeric’s curcumin provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supporting gut health, according to an article in Healthline.com.

• Skin health: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components in turmeric may provide glow and lustre to the skin and also revive your skin by bringing out its natural glow, says Healthline.com.

• Hair health: According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Controlled Release, anti-inflammatory properties can reduce scalp inflammation, a common factor in hair loss. Its antioxidant effects can also neutralise free radicals that damage hair follicles and lead to thinning hair.

• For gut health, drink a turmeric latte or add it to curries.
• For skin health, use turmeric paste (turmeric and water) as a mask.
• For hair health, mix turmeric with your conditioner for a healthy scalp.

Benefits:

• Gut health: Ginger relieves nausea, improves digestion, and alleviates gas and bloating, according to John Hopkins Medicine.

• Skin health: Ginger is ideal for lightening scars due to its active ingredient—the antioxidant gingerol, which not only fights skin-damaging free radicals, but also promotes a smooth and even skin tone, says an article in Vogue.com.

• Hair health: Ginger, though touted online, isn’t scientifically proven to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. Still, you may benefit from its anti-inflammatory effects if you have certain scalp conditions, according to an article in Healthline.com.

• For gut health, add ginger to teas or meals.
• For skin health, apply ginger-infused oil to the face for a natural glow.
• For hair health, use ginger juice on the scalp before washing.

Benefits:

• Gut health: Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is widely recognized for its digestive benefits, particularly in alleviating gas and bloating and enhancing overall gut health. Studies, such as those published on platforms like Science Direct, have shown Tulsi’s potential to modulate gut flora and its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease digestive discomfort.
• Skin health: Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help combat acne. A 2019 study highlighted tulsi’s ability to support healthy skin aging. Thanks to tulsi’s antioxidant properties, it may also help tackle pigmentation. However, there’s no medical evidence to support this.

• Hair health: Tulsi is considered warming and helps promote hair growth, according to an article in Healthine.com. Fresh tulsi leaves are ideal in a warm rinse, either on their own or mixed with green tea leaves.

• For gut health, drink tulsi tea after meals.
• For skin health, apply tulsi-infused oil to acne-prone areas.
• For hair health, add tulsi leaves to your hair rinse.

Benefits:

• Gut health: Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fibre, aiding digestion and promoting beneficial gut bacteria. Research corroborating these findings can be found on the National Library of Medicine.

• Skin health: Studies have found that the ethanol extract from fenugreek seeds has benefits against ageing. It also helps the skin produce more collagen. Additionally, a compound called rutin found in fenugreek seeds helps protect skin from UV rays and acts as an antioxidant.

• Hair health: Some studies have also shown that fenugreek promotes hair growth and strengthens hair follicles.

• For gut health, consume fenugreek seeds soaked in water.
• For skin health, apply fenugreek paste to inflamed areas.
• For hair health, use fenugreek water as a rinse or in hair masks.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.