top of page
Writer's pictureWellanda

Principles of Ayurvedic Herbology

The practice of Ayurveda medicine originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda is a combination of two Sanskrit words: "Ayur" - life and "Veda" - Science or knowledge. So this word means the science of life or knowledge of life.

Herbs are the center of Ayurveda medicine. Ayurveda has long realized the power and potential of plants. Many herbs have been used by humans for centuries to promote mental clarity, radiant skin, shiny hair, weight control, liver function, a robust immune system, and other benefits.

The Ayurvedic herb is a plant-based herb with a history of use in Ayurveda to promote the health and balance of one or more Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Herbs come in many different shapes and sizes. There are Ayurvedic herbs that provide energy, have organic spices to support digestive health through cooking, and many herbal oils to practice Ayurvedic self-massage are incredibly gentle and effective.

There are some principles of Ayurvedic Herbology, you should know.

Ayurveda herb has no standardized dosage

The dosage we take depends on our age, body weight, digestive system, liver function, and so on. Hot and spicy herbs, such as cayenne and gold, are used in lower doses. Sweet and heavy herbs like marshmallow or slippery elm can be used in higher doses. Mild and strong-tasting herbs can be taken in moderate doses. Heavy and bland herbs can be taken at a more potent dose.

The importance of time

In the practice of Ayurveda, the time using herbs is a significant factor in promoting the effects of medicine. In general, herbs that work on the lower parts of the body like the colon, reproductive organs, and kidneys should be used about 1-1.5 hours before eating. Herbs with the action of purifying, diuretic, and depressive will affect organs and body systems. Ayurvedic herbs that help the stomach, small intestine, spleen, liver, and middle part of the body should be taken between meals. People with weak digestive systems should take small amounts of Ayurveda herbs while eating.

Herbs that support the lungs, respiratory function, heart, brain, and upper body parts should be taken after a meal, while the morning works best for rejuvenating herbs. Barbiturates should be considered before bed. Herbs that help to increase metabolism should be taken when you are eating. You can use herbs throughout the day if you are suffering from acute symptoms such as coughing, asthma, or herbal vomiting.

Herbal medium

In Ayurveda, the herbal medium used to enhance the herbal effect is called "Anupana." For example, hot spices can be prepared in the form of a decoction to reduce the side effects of excessive stimulation that can lead to a more severe condition. Anupama may also make Ayurveda herbal remedies more delicious; basic Anupama includes hot water, cold water, honey, palm sugar, fruit juice, and meat soup; water spreads the action of herbs to the blood plasma.

According to Ayurveda, hot water can be used to reduce vata and Kapha; and cold water can reduce pitta. When you have a fever, herbs should be taken with warm water because cold water and food are contraindicated when you have an illness. Honey spreads the action of herbs to the blood and muscles; milk brings herbs to the blood, and alcohol distributes herbal responses to tissues and nervous system.

Use oil in dental care

Ayurveda dental care is not the same as a modern one. Since ancient times, Indians used cloves, chewed neem trees, even used oil to remove toxins and fight inflammation in the oral cavity.

Nowadays, people add to the Ayurveda toothpaste a dark brown oil-based powder, unlike the Western whitening toothpaste that has more effect. If used regularly, the addition of this oil also works to help prevent dry mouth, reduce bad breath, poor digestion and help prevent gingivitis, increase enamel, and remove metals and environmental toxins out of your body.

According to a study published in Pharmacognosy Review 2014, using Ayurveda oil in dental health is quite useful. According to the article, before brushing your teeth or drinking water after waking up in the morning, use a tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil to rinse your mouth and suck for 20 minutes, do not swallow and spit it out, then brush your teeth. It's a perfect way to protect your oral health.

Oil pulling has been widely used as an Ayurveda herbology practice for years to prevent tooth decay, mouth allergies, bleeding gums, dry throat, cracked lips, and strengthening teeth, gums, and jaw. Oils like sunflower or sesame oil can use oil pulling. This therapy is a very effective way against plaque-induced gingivitis in both clinical and microbiological assessments.

Used clay pots to take care of the nose and sinuses

An Asian neti clay pots are used to clean the nasal cavity. It can ease sinusitis, prevent sinus infections and colds, and seasonal flu. Even if you use a regular neti pot, it can also help moisturize the dry sinuses of city dwellers living in dusty areas because the nose is the body's first line of defense against allergens, viruses, and bacteria. Allergens can cause swelling, increased mucus production, and are considered by the immune system to be foreign matter in the nose. Rinse your nasal sinuses with warm water, which will clear allergens.

According to WHO recommendations, it is advisable to use neti clay pots, sterile warm water, or medical saltwater mixes at the pharmacy. Tilt your head or lie horizontally, placing the faucet in your nostril, using your mouth to breathe. Pour until the solution drains out of the nostrils, repeatedly then blow or wipe the noses clean and spit out any solution that can enter the back of the throat. After use, please clean and dry the neti warm for the next use.

Possible Side Effects

Due to the lack of quality studies, Ayurvedic herbs are not recommended for children under three years old, pregnant, or nursing moms. It is not known at what time you may overdose Ayurvedic medicine or how it can affect a chronic medical condition.

There are some drug interactions have been known to occur:

· Triphala: blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix (clopidogrel)

· Guggul: birth control based on estrogen or Premarin (conjugated estrogen)

· Boswellia: Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen)

· Gotu kola: Tylenol (acetaminophen), antifungal drugs such as Diflucan (fluconazole), statin drugs like Pravachol (Pravastatin) and sedatives like Ativan (clonazepam) or Ambien (zolpidem)



Work Cited:

Wong, Cathy. "4 Popular Ayurvedic Herbs Used for Healing." Verywell Health, 17 July 2019, www.verywellhealth.com/popular-ayurvedic-herbs-88822#:~:text=Ayurvedic herbs are a key, body, and spirit in balance.

Halpern, Marc. "An Overview of the Ayurvedic System of Herbology and the Role of Herbs in the Treatment of Cancer." Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Longdom Publishing SL, 30 Nov. -1, www.longdom.org/proceedings/an-overview-of-the-ayurvedic-system-of-herbology-and-the-role-of-herbs-in-the-treatment-of-cancer-29757.html.

"Ayurvedic Herbology with Reference to Specific Pathology." The Ayurvedic Institute, www.ayurveda.com/videostream/?vid=ayurvedic-herbology-with-reference-to-specific-pathology-id-27-part-1&col=turquoise.

Jackie. "Principles of Ayurvedic Herbology." Ayurveda and Naturopathic Practitioner Santa Cruz, CA, 18 Jan. 2016, www.practiceayurveda.com/ayurveda-herbology/.

"Ayurvedic Herbs." Banyan Botanicals, www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/plants/ayurvedic-herbs/.

Torwane, Nilesh Arjun, et al. "Role of Ayurveda in Management of Oral Health." Pharmacognosy Reviews, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931197/.

8 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Kommentare


Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page