Ayurvedic herbs and tre

 

The holistic system of Ayurveda is the most precious heritage the ancient land of India has received, preserved and spread across since centuries. As mentioned in the ancient epic Vedas, the science of Ayurveda was encoded by the gods and was later decoded by Charaka (sage-physician) and Shushruta (sage-surgeon) over 5000 years ago.

In the word Ayurveda, ‘Ayu’ stands for ‘life’, while ‘Veda’ stands for ‘knowledge’. The theory and practice of Ayurveda has gained immense popularity in the recent days as unlike other conventional medicines which focus on topical treatments of the ailments, Ayurveda delves into the patient’s entire health triangle i.e. mind, body and spirit (soul).

There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:

o   Different people have different body types and compositions. Hence, Ayurvedic treatment recommends different food habits and lifestyle for different people to suit their needs.

o   The treatment is based on observation and inspection, the basis of which is derived from the ancient Vedic texts.

o   The concept of healing is based on the energy forces called Tridoshas which influence both our surrounding nature and human beings.

o   Ayurveda healing process is based on holistic healing linking the mind, body and soul.

o   Ayurveda says that each bodily constitution is prone towards a particular disease and only Ayurvedic treatment has the potential to identify and rectify them.

Base Of Ayurveda

Thriguna (vatha, pitha, kapha), the elements which are important in understanding the human psychology are also the elements which the Ayurvedic treatment is dependent on.

Vatham

The subtle energy linked with movement is called Vatham, an element which is composed of Air and Space. Vatham governs all movements in cell membranes and cytoplasm including the muscle and tissue movements, blinking, breathing and pulsation of the heart. Balanced Vatham elements create quick mind, flexibility and creativity in a person; whereas an imbalance in these promotes anxiety and fear. Essential Vatham attributes are dry, cold, mobile, subtle, light, rough, clear and dispersing. Vatham is extremely vital for health, however any of the above mentioned Vatham attributes in excess can cause unnecessary imbalance inside one’s body.

Pitham

Pitham is formed by fire and is the kind of energy essential for digestion; all the metabolic activities of the body like luster, warmth, intellect, digestion, assimilation, body and the list is inclusive. Pitham energy prevails in the tissue blood and is composed of Earth and Water. In balance, it promotes strength and stability in the body. Pitham is located in the alimentary canal of the body. It runs from the cardiac end of the stomach through the small intestine. Pitham predominates the second one-third of the life.

Kapham

Strength, potency and stability in the body are mainly controlled by Kapham as it becomes active in the last one-third part of the human life. Its basic compositions are Earth and Water. It should be noted that Kapham has all the potential of diminishing the activity of limbs and various other organs of the body. Major areas of the body where Kapham is located are head, throat, chest, bone and joints.

Main Herbs used In Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurvedic herbs are natural that really gives effective results and are really safe:

Amalaki is a divine plant and rasayana with powerful antioxidants and absorbable minerals. Amalaki possesses disease-defying and longevity-enhancing qualities. It purifies bodily toxins and promotes food absorption which increases digestion process. Amalaki is a vitamin C enriched fruit which has astringent, pungent, sour, bitter, and sweet tastes. Its regular intake gives relief from constipation; its absorbable minerals help in nourishing blood, skin and the whole body.

Arjuna

Arjuna herb is in a form of a tree bark. The herb has a natural tonic and cooling effect. It is a cardiac stimulant and immensely helps in arresting bleeding or secretion. Arjuna is also recommended by physicians as a fever reliever, stones or calculi remover. Arjuna is a natural element which promotes flow of bile and heals wounds. Ailments which can be cured with this herb are diarrhea, acne, asthma, dysentery, earache and many more.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng is a herb which is well known as a stress resistor. It is also recommended for enhancing physical endurance power. Ashwagandha is also used in curing various diseases including intestinal infections, nervous disorders and leprosy.

Natural Ayurvedic Herbs

Below mentioned is the list of a number of Ayuvedic herbs which have great medicinal properties and are easy to grow in backyard.

Amla – As the richest source of Vitamin C, Amla works as a greater protector of body cells from radical damage. It protects respiratory tract and throat infections.

Babchi – It is utilized in making perfumed oil, bilious affection etc. Leprosy and various skin treatments like leucoderma and psoriasis can also be cured with this herb. Its aromatic smell is also utilized in making agarbathis.

Bahebta – Sore throat, cough, hair-fall, dyspepsia are easily cured with this herb. Bahebta is a mild laxative and the core ingredient of triphala. It is also utilized effectively in curing liver ailments and cleansing gastro-intestinal tracts.

Brahmi – Brahmi is a well known herb which helps in checking anxiety. The herb also helps improving alertness and bringing calmness in mind.

Chopchini – Its roots are demulcent, aphrodisiac and pseudorific. The herb is used in curing skin diseases, syphilis and rheumatism. The rhizome is grind into paste and used effectively in curing painful swellings.

Neem – Neem is widely used as a blood purifier, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent. It treats various skin disorders and is widely used by various cosmetic brands.

Pippali – This herb cures from scorpion and worm sting, night blindness, insomnia, snakebite, chronic malaria, pains in joint, piles lumbago, haematinic, inflammation of liver, paralytic bronchial asthma etc.

Safed Musli – This herb is a natural vitalizer which contains aphrodisiac properties. It is used for curing joint pains, arthritis, diabetes, rheumatism etc. It is also a strong uterine stimulant, a nutritive tonic for normal sexual weakness. It is also recommended for natal and post-natal conditions.

Sunth – It is an effective herbal drug which Anti-rheumatic, Antiemetic, Antihistaminic, Ant vertigo. It also treats nausea, dyspepsia and is also used effectively in bronchial-asthma, gastrointestinal-disorder, and anti-inflammatory effect.

Tulasi – St. Joseph’s Wort, Basil, Albahaca, and Sweet Basil are some other names of Tulasi. The plant is considered holy in Hindu religion. The plant growth is best suitable in hot and dry conditions, hence is mostly found in tropical Asia. The plant also acts as a cooking ingredient and has various medicinal properties.

–      Basil reduces the negative physical and psychological effects.

–      It helps combat high blood pressure (stress related), Its mild blood thinning qualities decreases the likelihood of strokes and protects blood vessels. It also lowers hazardous cholesterol levels, checks blood glucose levels.

–      Rich in vitamins C and A, it is also a great source of iron, zinc, mineral, calcium, chlorophyll, phytonutrients etc. It also reduces the allergic histamine, asthmatic and other adverse reactions by strengthening the immune system.

–      It reduces dangerous inflammation that leads to cancer, arthritis and degenerative neurological disorders. It strengthens metabolic breakdown, betters liver function, eradicates dangerous blood chemicals, and combats liver disorders.

–      It helps in treating serious infectious and inflammatory disorders which affects respiratory health disorders linked to lungs and tissues.

–      It checks immunity levels, free radicals, stress and thus retards the psychological aging factors which lead to biological aging.

–      It protects from hazardous cell and tissue damage caused by harmful rays of the sun computers, TV, X-rays, air travel radiation therapy etc.

–      It is believed that Holy Basil is a sacred plant which possesses all the qualities that enhances enlightenment in a person.

–      It enhances physical strength, stamina, and protein synthesis and also increases body’s competence in using oxygen.

–      It reduces the side effects caused by the ongoing intake of conventional allopathic medicines.

–      It also helps preventing skin disorders including eczema, psoriasis etc. It also checks fever, enhances muscle mass and protein synthesis inside the body.

–      It contains antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial properties. It treats high-risk systemic ailments and localized infections.

Neem powder and balms are also available for curing various ailments. As an effective insecticide, moths, lice, bedbugs, fleas etc. Calamus oil is prepared from the rhizome and it has quite a pleasant odor. Diarrhea and worms in the children are also cured with Neem usage.

Pudhina Leaves (Mint)

Silver mint peppermint, lemon mint, banana mint, grapefruit mint, and spearmint are few mouthwatering items with mint as a dominating ingredient. Mint-mix also makes great drinks. Besides great in taste, mint also provides great relief from stomach aches and hence it is used in various food items. Mint is used in the following items and the list is inclusive –

• Season meats (lamb especially),
• Vegetables (especially potatoes and peas),
• salads,
• tea,
• jellies etc.

Gotu Kola

Madagascar, India, and China are the main regions where this creeping plant generally grows. However, kola-nut containing caffeine should not be confused with Gotu Kola which is completely free from caffeine. In the recent past, positive response is derived from the people who have used this herb for combating stress-related disorders including panic attacks and anxiety. Collagen lining of the vein walls is specifically strengthen with this herb. It also treats varicose veins by reducing inflammation; while acting as a blood circulating agent, it improves brain memory as well.

If You Want To Reduce Weight

Ayurveda also provides remedies for weigh reduction and some of the weight-reducing herbs are as follows –

• Mango
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Bitter melons
• Ginger
• Dark, bitter greens

Some side-effects of Ayurvedic Treatments

It is important to reveal completely the complementary or alternative diet history to one’s physician to avert any side effects during the treatment.

Ayurvedic medicine involving Bloodletting could be life-threatening for some. For instance, people with low blood counts – like those suffering from cancer – may get prone to breathlessness, fatigue and other related problems.

Forced vomiting is considered unhealthy as it disturbs both salt and mineral levels inside the body. Serious side effects are found with regular intake of enemas and other medicines for the clearance of bowels. These are

• Constipation
• Inflammation of the bowel
• Death caused by these problems
• Salt and other mineral imbalances in the body.

What To Look While Buying Herbs?

Herb for medicinal purpose comes in various forms. We can grow the herbs in garden or buy in stores. While buying one should notice manufacturers name, date of manufacture, name of the plant. In case of capsules, the amount of each ingredient in the capsule should be listed in every packet.

Cost of Ayurvedic Treatments

Ayurvedic treatments are quite expensive because of their cost of production. Treatment for minor ailments is nevertheless affordable; on the other hand, intensive detoxification treatment is always very expensive. Besides, cost and other hindrances, Ayurvedic treatment is reaching out to millions in a fast-paced manner.