Ayurvedic Botanicals Explained: Turmeric, Amla, Andrographis and More
Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian wellness, has given the world some of today's most popular botanicals: turmeric, amla, andrographis and many more. This guide explains seven Ayurvedic and traditional botanicals in plain English, where they come from, and how they are used in modern supplements.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is the golden root behind curry and the most famous Ayurvedic botanical worldwide. Its best-known compounds are the curcuminoids, especially curcumin, which gives turmeric its bright yellow color. Turmeric has been used in Indian cooking and traditional routines for thousands of years.
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)
Amla, also called Indian gooseberry, is a small, sour green fruit. It is one of the most important fruits in Ayurveda and is naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidant polyphenols. Amla is a key ingredient in the traditional Ayurvedic blend chyawanprash.
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
Andrographis is an extremely bitter herb, sometimes called the "king of bitters". It has a long history in Ayurveda and in traditional practices across Southeast Asia and China.
Phyllanthus niruri
A small plant that grows in tropical regions around the world, known in Ayurveda as bhumi amla. It has been used in traditional herbal practice in India, South America and Southeast Asia.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Chicory is a blue-flowered plant common in Europe and North America. Its root is used as a coffee substitute and is a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber.
Grape Extract (Vitis vinifera)
Grape extracts bring polyphenols, natural plant compounds with antioxidant properties found in grape skins and seeds.
Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
The date palm is one of the oldest cultivated trees in the world, grown across the Middle East and North Africa for thousands of years. Dates are a traditional energy food rich in natural sugars, fiber and minerals.
Licorice Root
Licorice root has a naturally sweet taste and a long history in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese practice and European herbalism. It is used in small amounts in many herbal blends.
A Note on Ayurvedic Products
Ayurvedic botanicals are traditional, not magic. Choose products from brands that test for quality and heavy metals and manufacture in GMP-certified facilities, because quality varies widely in this category.
Who Should Be Careful?
Talk to your doctor before use if you are pregnant or nursing, under 18, have a medical condition, or take medication. Turmeric, andrographis and licorice are all known to interact with some medications, including blood thinners and blood pressure medication. People with an allergy to plants of the daisy family should be careful with chicory.
Ayurveda in a Strip
Botanical extracts can also come as an oral strip: a thin film that dissolves on the tongue, no water, no pills. Read Oral Strips Explained.
Our Ayurvedic Strips
SUPPLI-X Ayurvedic Botanical Strips combine date palm, turmeric, andrographis, chicory, grape, Phyllanthus niruri and amla extracts with licorice. Mango-orange flavor, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO and halal. 30 strips, made in a GMP-certified, NSF-registered facility. One strip a day.
Interested in more Ayurvedic herbs? Read our Gotu Kola & Bacopa guide and KSM-66 Ashwagandha guide.
See Ayurvedic Botanical Strips →
FAQ
What is amla?
Indian gooseberry, a sour fruit central to Ayurveda and naturally rich in vitamin C.
What is andrographis?
A very bitter herb, called the "king of bitters", used in Ayurveda and traditional Asian practice.
What is the main compound in turmeric?
Curcumin, part of the curcuminoids that give turmeric its yellow color.
Are the Ayurvedic Strips vegan?
Yes, they are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and halal.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before use.
