Ancient Herbs and Remedies Part 3: Ayurveda
Ayurveda, literally translated from the original Sanskrit words, is “Knowledge of Life”, originated in India with records tracing back to the 2nd Century BC. A system of medicine used to naturally heal the individual, incorporating a deep health perspective based on a person’s consciousness and finding any imbalance or stress. The foundation of Ayurveda is understanding Prakriti (the natural form or condition of anything) and Doshas (life forces), recognizing that each human being is unique and should be treated as an individual. The Prakriti of an individual is the consequence of the relationship that an individual has with one of the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These energetic forces of nature each have a role in our physiology and a specific set of functions.
There are five recognized elements of the world in Ayurveda, and the three life forces (Doshas) are represented within them: Ether/Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. While each Dosha contains all five of the elements each has two dominating elements.
Vata: Represented by Air and Ether/Space
Pitta: Represented by Fire and Water
Kapha: Represented by Water and Earth
Think of the natural world and the different climates we have, the assortment of life, wildlife, and vegetation. Not one place on Earth is exactly the same as the next, so although all the elements are there, they form unique combinations and influence on an individual level. Similar to many cultures that incorporate and practice natural medicine, the healing of Ayurveda stems from the understanding of maintaining a balance within the individual by understanding the nature of the balance of the individual with the world around them.
Understanding the Doshas function allows the practitioner and the individual to select from a wide array of treatments that restore balance and health. You may already be incorporating some of these treatments:
Yoga
Meditation
Internal Purification/Detoxification
Massage Therapy
Herbal Remedies (including spices!)
Diet
Separately or together, these treatments encourage individual healing and growth while nourishing and maintaining the balance of life. Ayurvedic herbs and spices are derived from natural plants and support the whole system and are available in the form of teas, capsules, powders, concentrated drops, and salves or ointments. You’ll start to recognize many of these herbs and even spices throughout the series and see how the benefits of a plant, from the root to the leaf, have been acknowledged for thousands of years across the world:
Ashwagandha
Rhodiola Rosea
Cumin
Turmeric
Licorice Root
Bitter Melon
Ginger
Cardamom
Fennel
Mint
Cayenne
Black Pepper
Being able to incorporate these spices and herbs into daily life is made seamless with the bright and flavorful recipes that are enjoyed daily by many worldwide. Each herb/spice serves a purpose and depending on the ailment may be prescribed alone or blended in a formula. The main purpose of utilizing them is to cleanse the Ama (toxins we accumulate in the body) and have been touted with many benefits in the Western world as well.
Herbs such as Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea are known as Adaptogenic herbs, which support the system in individual response to stress. Mint, fennel, ginger, and turmeric are effective in supporting digestion and metabolism while also containing anti-inflammatory properties. Cardamom, a powerful spice, is used to balance all three Doshas and soothe the stomach to improve digestion.
As with other holistic and naturopathic healing methods, utilizing natural resources and acknowledging the exterior world around us promotes an achievable and sustainable path to a healthy life. Following the foundations of Ayurveda and the incorporation of Ayurvedic herbs has been proven effective and continues to be practiced across many societies.
Hopefully, you’ll start to recognize some of these herbs and spices as we continue in the series with a glimpse at Traditional Chinese Medicine!