Herbs & Spices
Punarnava – The Renewing Ayurvedic Herb
Punarnava – The Renewing Ayurvedic Herb Punarnava is one of the best known diuretic herbs in Ayurveda. The name Punarnava means ‘one that renews the old body’ indicating its potent rejuvenative properties particularly in heart and kidney issues. It is a strong digestive herb that is beneficial in sluggish and slow digestion. However, as it functions by absorbing fluids from the digestive system, it can be very constipating in excess and therefore caution must be exercised whilst using Punarnava. Since it works efficiently in reducing adipose tissue and balancing the urinary system, it is also an effective herb in cases of diabetes. It has a strong action on the kidneys by reducing excess fluids, swelling and edema hence making it an excellent herb in bladder infections and nephritis....
Gurmar – The Sugar Destroyer
Gurmar – The Sugar Destroyer Gurmar is one of the most prevalent ayurvedic herbs for diabetes. Also known as Shardunika the name Gurmar translates to ‘destroyer of sugar’ and thereby suggestive of its properties as being an effective herb for balancing blood sugar levels. It can increase the light, air and space qualities in the body and so its use must be carefully monitored, particularly in cases of hypoglycemia and heart conditions, as it can also stimulate the heart. Despite having strong diuretic, antidiabetic and hypocholesterolemic properties it is a rejuvenative herb which is effective in reducing the hot, sharp, liquid and heavy qualities in the body. Properties: Gurmar is a light, dry herb and has a bitter and astringent taste with a cooling effect in the body. Its post dig...
Neem – A Powerful Purifying and Detoxifying Herb
“That Which Purifies The Earth.” Neem – A Powerful Purifying and Detoxifying Herb Neem is a tree that grows in the tropical regions of India. It is widely used and an extremely popular ayurvedic skin herb. The name ‘Neem’ is derived from the Sanskrit name ‘Nimba’ and is its common name. In India, all parts of the neem tree are used and can be fashioned into decorative objects as well as for medicinal purposes. Neem is one of the most powerful blood purifying and detoxifying herbs. It is an effective anti-inflammatory and also has antibacterial, antifungal, antihelmintic and antiseptic properties. It works as an active antacid as well as encompassing alterative, hypoglycaemic and antipyretic effects. Some of the many ayurvedic actions that Neem possess include; preventing...
Kutki – A Popular Liver Tonic
Kutki – A Popular Liver Tonic Kutki (katuka) is a popular liver tonic herb. Although its name means ‘pungent’ it also has a strong bitter taste. It grows at high altitudes in the Himalayas and is also known as ‘Dhanvantarigrasta’ because it was said to be consumed by Dhanvantari (father of Ayurveda). It pacifies excess heat in the body due to its antinflammatory properties. It is a light and dry herb and therefore can increase these qualities in the body; hence its use must be carefully monitored. Kutki works especially well with diseases related to the liver and has antibacterial and expectorant properties. As it also works on the immune system by stimulating it, it is sometimes said to be contraindicated in certain autoimmune diseases. Actions: Kutki has several ayurvedic actions ...
The Benefits Of Turmeric
The Benefits Of Turmeric Turmeric is a common spice found in almost every kitchen in many Asian countries like India. Amongst its countless roles, turmeric is commonly used for cosmetic and coloring purposes. Turmeric is widely utilized in Ayurvedic Medicine in treating allergies, immune conditions, liver diseases and neurologic disorders. It is considered a holy, auspicious and natural healer. Some of the many health benefits of Turmeric are: COMMON ALLERGIES: A pinch of turmeric in hot water can be used as an effective steaming method to assist in coughs and colds. Add a pinch of turmeric and salt to warm water and use this for gargling twice a day for alleviating sore throats. ASTHMA & BRONCHITIS: As Turmeric has an affinity with the lungs, it can be used with a holy basil decoction...
Trikatu – The Digestive Herbal Formula
Trikatu – The Digestive Herbal Formula Trikatu is a formula combination of equal parts ginger, black pepper and pippali. The name trikatu means three peppers or the three pungents. It is a wonderful herb with strong digestive properties. It is particularly beneficial in kapha type disorders, such as, obesity, diabetes, asthma, coughing and congestion. It is a rejuvenative herb, especially regarding the lungs and also has carminative and diaphoretic properties. However, in cases with excess heat it is better avoided. It is also contraindicated in hyperacidity and pregnancy. When taken before food it will kindle appetite and after food it aids the digestive process. Trikatu Translating as “three pungents”, Trikatu contains the herbs pippali, ginger, and black pepper which i...
Ashwagandha Milk & Ghee – Strength Giving And Stamina Of A Horse
Ashwagandha Milk & Ghee – Strength Giving And Stamina Of A Horse Ashwagandha is a renowned ayurvedic herb that can act as both a tonic and a sedative. The name Ashwagandha translates to “smell of the horse” which refers to the fact that fresh Ashwagandha root smells of horse urine! However, this meaning also relates to the strength, vitality and vigor of the animal, all qualities which Ashwagandha itself imbibes. As a popular rejuvenate herb – Ashwagandha is also an aphrodisiac, a nervine and has galactagogue properties. It helps strengthen the reproductive system, and when used with shatavari can help relieve sexual debility. In excess it can increase heat in the body and so its use must be carefully monitored. Properties: Ashwagandha is a light and oily herb and has a bi...
Triphala – One Of The Most Famous Ayurvedic Formulas
Triphala – One Of The Most Famous Ayurvedic Formulas Triphala is one of the most famous of ayurvedic formulas. The name triphala literally means “Three Fruits” as it consists of equal parts amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki. Triphala is an excellent herbal compound for the digestive tract, lungs, skin, and eyes and can also help as part of a weight balancing program. It is also a rejuvenative herb and its therapeutic action is believed to come from its possessing five of the six tastes. Tripahala has a mild laxative effect, however, it does not cause dependacy and thoroughly cleanses and detoxifies the digestive tract. Organic Triphala Plus Supports digestive system and elimination; assists body in absorbing nutrients; high-quality antioxidant; wide range of benefits. Good health depen...
Shatavari – An Excellent Female Tonic
Shatavari – An Excellent Female Tonic Shatavari is a very popular pitta pacifying herb. It is referred to as “the woman who has a hundred husbands” and thereby suggestive of its properties of being an effective female reproductive system herb. However it can elevate kapha but pacifies vata, so its use must be carefully monitored. It is a tonic and a nutritive and it is also has wonderful anti-inflammatory effects. As a rejuvenative herb, it is especially helpful in cases of female reproductive debility, stomach ulcers and dehydration. Contraindications include high ama, excess mucous and also breast cancer/ fibroid tumors. GREAT VIDEO ON SHATAVARI GHEE FOR WOMEN’S SUPPORT: By Dr Monica B Groover of San Diego College of Ayurveda Properties: Shatavari is a heavy and oily herb an...
Turmeric “Golden” Milk ~ An Ayurvedic Elixir
Turmeric “Golden” Milk ~ An Ayurvedic Elixir It’s to no surprise to that turmeric has fast become a popular remedy for just about everything that ails you. Traditionally, turmeric milk has been used for conditions such as colds, congestion, headaches, and sore throats due to tumeric’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. What is more interesting is that Ayurveda [and other ancient systems of medicine] have used turmeric for health and wellness since for as long as historical records have existed. Turmeric “Golden” Milk Is Extremely Simple To Make! – 1 cup of whole organic milk, preferably non-homogenized – 1/2 tsp of dried turmeric Turmeric – Helps Purify The Blood & Acts As An Antioxidant!! Turmeric is one of the oldest, most important spices k...
Herbs & Spices ~ An Ayurvedic Perspective
Herbs & Spices ~ An Ayurvedic Perspective Plants, whether the whole plant, the bark, the root, the flower or leaf, or even an extract of a plant – are a type of medicine that is used to promote health, as well as prevent and treat illness. Part of the beauty and magic of plants is that they are easily accessible and have been used by people from around the world as an important healing modality. Much of the world’s population still relies today on the use of plants as medicine. To answer the question “What is Herbal Medicine?” you should know that it is, in and of itself, a way to stimulate and restore the body’s natural healing capacity through the use of plants. Acute symptoms can be resolved effectively using herbs and spices. The typical goal is not to alleviate a specific sy...
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