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Plants to Know - A Brief Spotlight of Ayurvedic Herbs



Photo of flowering of valerian.


In Ayurveda, the delight of herbal medicine arises in its understanding of individuality. It is often said that, in Ayurveda, the the care is focused on the person, not the disease.


One way Ayurveda does this is through its system of Doshas, or biological humors. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Read more about them in our What is Ayurveda? article.


Consider the unique qualities of the following plants, and take our What's My Dosha? quiz to understand more about how they may interact with your unique constitution.


Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a well-known herb, often used to support a healthy sleep cycle, but also to improve energy levels.


Burdock

Qualities: bitter, pungent, and astringent

Affect on the Doshas: Reduces Pitta and Kapha, increases Vata in excess.


  • detoxifies!

  • by supporting lymphatic system, burdock cleanses the blood

  • clears congestion and reduces swelling

  • a useful herb for pacifying pitta


In excess: unlikely to aggravate Vata, but may.



Ginger

Qualities: pungent, sweet, heating

Affect on the Doshas: Reduces Pitta and Vata, increases Pitta.


  • considered the most sattvic spice - meaning it's holy and purifying.

  • take with honey to relieve Kapha, or take dried.

  • excellent for awakening Agnni, or digestive fire.

  • good for pain and headaches.


Sarsparilla

Qualities: bitter, cooling, sweet

Affect on the Doshas: Reduces Pitta and Vata, neutral affect on Kapha


  • supports healthy urinary tract and genitals

  • purifies blood and calms inflamation

  • supports nervous system and provides clear mind

  • works well in combination with burdock


Valerian

Qualities: bitter, pungent, sweet, heating

Affect on the Doshas: reduces Vata and Kapha. In excess, increases Pitta.


  • clears nerve channels

  • grounding, helps to calm vertigo

  • calming to reproductive system in women


In excess: tamasic, or "dulling," and can create sleepy or heavy sensations.



Sources:

Lad, Vasant and David Frawley. The Yoga of Herbs, An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. 1986. Lotus Press. Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Photos sourced from various artists on Unsplash.com


10/28/24

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