Ayurveda, India's ancient holistic, integrated, physiotherapeutic medical system is based upon the universal natural law of balancing the five elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth) that make up the physical body. When one or more of these elements go out of balance because of improper diet and life style, various diseases and mental disturbances can manifest. Ayurveda explains that these five elements are kept intact in the body by three subtle forces called doshas.
The key to maintaining physical and mental health is in keeping these elements and doshas in harmonic balance through proper diet, herbs and life style, otherwise early aging and various diseases can manifest. The three doshas are called Vata (sattva), Pitta (raga) and Kapha (tama). These three doshas can even be traced back to the very beginning of creation as representing the three Gods in Vedic wisdom Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. Vata is the underlying subtle force ruling over ether and air, Pitta rules fire and Kapha is responsible for keeping the water and earth elements in balance. One or more of these doshas or elements will predominate in every individual living entity creating seven possible body types. By knowing which type you are by symptoms the proper diet and herbal treatment can be established for you.
Here, you will get some very useful tips about medicinal use of some common herbs. Names of medicinal herbs / plants are mentioned in Hindi / Samskrit language with their English version / Botanical name in bracket.
Amalaki (Embelica myroblan): It is a good body tonic. Powdered fruit rind 3-6 grams twice a day with milk cures Hyperacidity.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Regular use of powder of root in doses of 3-6 g. with 100-250 ml. of Sweetened milk has an aphrodisiac effect. It also cures general Weakness and giddiness.
Bala (Country mallow / Sida cordifolia): Emaciated child recovers well when 2-4 ml of root juice is administered with milk twice a day.
Bilva (Aegle marmelos): Its unripe fruit pulp in doses of 3-6 g. is effective in management of Diarrhea (with blood)
Brahmi (Centella asiatica): In children, administration of 2-5 ml. of juice of whole plant has shown good response in improvement of various mental abilities.
Dadima (Punica granatum): If one feels indigestion or anorexia, he should hold juice of fruit added with black salt, inside the mouth for some time. Later it should be swallowed.
Powdered fruit-rind (3-6 g. thrice daily) cures diarrhea (With blood).
Isabgole (Plantago oval): Husk of Isabgole is very safe and effective laxative. In case of constipation, it should be taken after mixing it with water or Luke-warm milk at bedtime, in doses of 5-10 g.
Haridra (Curcuma): Its powder is having antiseptic property, therefore, can be applied over cuts and wounds. It also shows anti-allergic property when taken orally.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): In case of decreased appetite prescribe 3 g. of fruit-rind with jaggery or salt twice a day before meal.
Kumari (Aloe): Fresh mucilage applied over burn areas prevent from burning sensation and promotes healing
Nimb (Margosa tree): Local application of its oil improves healing. Hot application of paste of leaves with Til oil ( Sesame oil) provides relief in wound inflammation.
Pippali (Piper longum): In case of anorexia (decreased appetite), 1 g. powder of fruit and 2 g. of rock salt with lemon juice should be given after meal. It should not be prescribed to hypertensive persons due to salt ingredient. In case of cough, 2 g. powder of Pippali fruit with honey should be prescribed twice a day.
Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa): It is very effective diuretic. 14-28 ml of fresh juice of Punarnava roots twice a day shows good effect in Ascitis, mild hypertension and edema (due to accumulation of fluid).
Rasona (Allium): It reduces blood Cholesterol. Paste of its bulb (4 g) taken with butter (12 g.) provides relief in diseases of Nervous system and also in joint pains.
Shatpushpa (Anethum sowa): Powder of seeds (3-6 g.) taken with buttermilk cures diarrhea while provides relief when taken with rock salt and water.
Shatawari (Asparagus racemosus): 3-6 g. powder of Shatawari roots twice a day with milk increase breast milk in lactating mothers.
Tulsi (Basil / Ocimum sanctum): Fresh juice of Tulasi leaf (7-14 ml) taken with honey provides relief in cough.
Yasthimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Intake of powdered root with sugar (3-6 g. each) with 250 g. milk twice daily and chewing several times a day, clear off the throat and improves voice.
Jiraka (Cumin): Powder of fried cumin seeds (3-6 gm.) and rock salt taken with Luke warm water three times a day provides relief in abdominal cramps caused due to indigestion.
Kutaki (Picrorhiza kurroa): In case of viral hepatitis (Jaundice), its daily oral intake makes recovery faster. One g. of powder of its root should be taken with water, thrice daily.
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