Continuing the theme from last week, let us look at some more rejuvenating herbs everyone can use regularly.

Lord Charaka says herbs from the country in which you are born will be in greater in harmony with your body and may work better for you although, now the world is a smaller place, we can take advantage of useful herbs from all over the world as long as we get authentic information on their source, safety and efficacy.

The combined herbo-mineral formulations that have flooded the Western market have borrowed the concept of mixing multiple ingredients from Ayurvedic medicine.

However, they may lack the scientific foundations that underpin the selection and dosage of herbs and minerals according to Ayurveda and proper processing may be lacking.

It is always important to consult a properly-qualified herbalist who can guide you best.

Some selected rejuvenating herbs and their formulations are given below. Do try them.

Amlaki (Indian gooseberry, also called Dhatri - The Nurse): The most important rejuvenating herbal formulations in Ayurveda are made from amlaki, one of the myrobaln fruits which has been around for more than 10,000 years.

The ancient sages Atreya and Brughu attributed their healthy long lives to taking an amla preparation daily, in addition to living a pure lifestyle and practising yoga and meditation.

I have written before about chyavanprash and dhatri rasayan which are the best overall rejuvenators for all.

You can also make a pickle from amla fruit, organic turmeric root and organic carrots in mustard seeds and salt water. This is the best antioxidant and liver and blood purifier. (Fresh Amla fruit is usually avalable from November to January).

Marshmallow root: In their book The Yoga of Herbs, Dr Vasant Lad and Dr David Frawley have described this as the best nutritive tonic in Western herbalism.

(I recommend this book which is full of authentic information on Indian, Western and Chinese herbs.) Another good book is Micheal Tierra's Planetary Herbology.

Marshmallow root can be taken internally as a tonic or used externally as an excellent emmolient for skin.

It is said to balance all the three doshas - air, fire and water - as it contains a large amount of high-quality mucilage among other rejuvenating ingredients.

Boil 250mg to one gram with a small amount of ginger. The Indian counterpart of marshmallow is bala (meaning the strength-giver) sida cordifolia root.

Turmeric (curcumin): One of the most powerful antioxidants on earth. It purifies and opens up the chakras and channels (nadi shodhan) to keep one free from illness.

It is a must for those practising hatha yoga and those suffering from skin diseases, allergies, blood and liver disorders, chronic diseases or cancer.

Dr Milind Jani works as a conventional and holistic GP and Dr Asmita Jani as Ayurvedic Consultant from 3 Eaton Gardens, Hove. Call them on: 01273 777448 or e-mail: milind.jani@ntlworld.com