Some herbs and other natural supplements can really help keep you healthy.

Here are several that are promising: Aloe Vera, Fenugreek Seeds, Garlic, Tulsi and Turmeric.

Aloe Vera: This ancient plant has been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures: Greece, Egypt, India, Japan and China. Benefits of Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera extract contains 75 potentially active ingredients that include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, fatty acids and hormones. It has antiseptic and healing properties. People who apply the Aloe Vera gel over a period of time also find their skin more elastic and less wrinkled. This versatile herb is very effective as an antiseptic and helps in the healing of wounds.

It is a great detoxifier and helps eliminate waste and toxins from the body. It also has cosmetic appeal because of its ability to regenerate cells, also vera helps in wrinkle preventions, combats pimples and acne and removes scars and stretch marks.

How to use: Aloe vera can be consumed internally or applied topically, depending upon the purpose. While it is safe for most of the people, when applied on face, a patch test is usually recommended especially for those who have extreme sensitive skin.

Fenugreek Seeds: Fenugreek is a leguminous Asian herb with aromatic seeds. For centuries, the crushed or powdered seeds have been used externally and internally for Several cures like poultice for hives, boils and ulcers or consumed to increase appetite, counter appetite loss and reduce blood sugar. Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds: The study found that cholesterol levels were lowered in patients given 25 grams of powdered fenugreek seeds twice daily before meals. Fenugreek Seeds can also improve glycaemic control and decreases insulin resistance in patients with mild type-2 diabetes.

How to use: 10 grams of the seeds, soaked overnight, to be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

Garlic: From the onion family, it’s been a medicinal herb for millennia, even as far back as ancient Egypt. Benefits of Garlic: Studies shows that in cultures where people eat lot of garlic, there are fewer cases of gastric cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Regular garlic consumption helped heart patients. The garlic eaters experienced a significant drop in blood pressure, blood cholesterol and mortality rates. They also experience less angina, the chest pain heart patients often feel.

How to use: You cannot go wrong by adding garlic to your diet. If you don’t like taste, garlic capsules will provide most of the health benefits without the flavor and odour.

Tulsi: No plant is more auspicious as tulsi, or holy basil, at your doorstep. Benefits of Tulsi: It can heal ulcers. Tulsi is a herb for people suffering from colds and coughs. The tulsi herb helps mobilize mucus in bronchitis and relieves symptoms of asthma. Tulsi contains beneficial compounds called phyto-chemical that possess antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and immunity-enhancing peoperties that support the body’s defence against disease and promote wellness.

How to use: Boil Tulsi leaves in water and drink the decoration to ease a sore throat. This water is good for gargling. Tulsi capsules are available in market, manufactured by reputed companies may be taken as a substitute for the fresh herb.

Turmeric: This spice is made by grinding the roots of the perennial herb Curcuma longa. The boiled, dried and powdered underground stem of the plant is used as a flavouring and coloring agent and as a stimulant. Benefits of Turmeric: The herb has a mild protective effect against colds and flu; in those who get sick, it appears to limit the duration and severity of symptoms. Curcumin, found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties and is useful in the treatment of Arthritis.

How to use: This staple herb works for everyone and is effective if taken even as you feel a cold or flu coming on. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of milk and boil for few minutes. Drink the hot brew twice a day, it antioxidant and anti-infective properties help build your immunity against colds.