Ayurvedic Aromatherapy – For Traveling by Air

Travel by Air Vata people typically experience constipation from disruption of their routines.  External application of*Trifolia with vegetable oil can be great help for all types who experience constipation.  Dry skin is expecially prevalent with exposure to high altitude, pressure changes, wind and sun.  Eating a rich diet, full of foods with high oil content, is helpful, and frequent oiling…

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Arjuna – Terminalia arjuna; Combretaceae

Arjuna is commonly used as a cardiac tonic and vasodilator.  It is balancing to all three doshas when used in moderation, although in excess it may provoke Vata.  It has the ability to either stimulate or calm down cardiac activity, depending on the body’s needs.  It is strengthening to the heart muscle, promote circulation, and is effective for treating a…

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Bhringaraj – Eclipta alba; Compositae

Bhringaraj is pacifying to all doshas but is perhaps best known for its use in Pitta related conditions.  It helps to purge excess heat, bile, and toxins from the liver, gallbladder, and blood.  It is used for hepatitis, cirrhosis, enlargement of the liver and spleen, skin diseases, bleeding disorders and inflamed mucous membranes.  Its action is quite similar to that…

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Manjistha – Indian Madder

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia-radix: Rubiaceae) is a rich red colored root with a special affinity to the blood, as well as many other Pitta specific regions of the body.  It cleanses and improves liver and spleen functions and is unsurpassed for dealing with obstinate skin disorders caused by toxic blood, including eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, herpes, acne, boils, rosacea, hives, athlete’s foot,…

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Goto Kola

Centella/Hydrocotyle Asiatica; Umbellifera Mandukaparni/Brahmi Effect on Doshas: VPK= Rasa: Bitter, Sweet, Astringent Virya: Cooling Vipaka: Sweet Preparations: Infusion, Milk decoction, Medicated Ghee, Paste, Medicated oil, Nasya. Dosage: 3- 30gram per day. Parts used: Aerial portions Tissues: Plasma, Blood, Muscle, Bone Marrow and Nerve. Systems: Nervous, Circulatory, Digestive Properties: Nervine, Alterative, Rejuvenative, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Antispasmodic Indications: Nervous disorders, Mental disorders, Epilepsy,…

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Bala, Indian Country Mallow

Bala, what gives strength, owing to its strong tonic properties Part used: Mainly root Energetics: Sweet/Cooling/Sweet  VPK = K and Ama+(in excess) Tissues: works on the all tissue elements, especially marrow or nerve tissue Systems: circulatory, nervous, urinary, reproductive Actions: tonic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic, stimulant, nervine, analgesic, vulnerary Indications: heart disease, facial paralysis, sciatica, insanity, neuralgia, rheumatism, asthma, emaciation,…

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Musta – Cyperus Rotundus

Musta (Nutgrasss) is a common perennial weed with medicinal underground tubers.  It is used widely in the globe ranging from southern Europe, across the Arabian peninsula, to China.  Musta grows all over India these days. The tubers are primarily anti-inflammatory and diuretic.  With an astringent quality, musta is called for in ulers adn sores.  Dioscorides notes it as a diuretic…

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Seeds for Better Digestion

Seeds for Better Digestion – after a meal 1/2 cup of Fennel Seeds 1/4 cup of toasted Coriander Seeds 1/4 Cup of Sesame Seeds 1 Tablespoon of Cumin Seeds 1 Tablespoon of Ajwan (indian celery seeds) Seeds 2 Pinches of Salt (Preferably Black or Sea salt) 1 Tablespoon of Hot Water Pick over the Fennel seeds for any twigs or…

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Black Pepper

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum; Piperaceae) -Energetic: Pungent/Heating Ayurvedic energy: Kapha and Vata – decreasing / Pitta – increasing Actions: Stimulant, Expectorant, Carminative, Febrifuge, Anthelmintic. Indications: Chronic indigestion, Toxins in colon, Degenerated metabolism, Obesity, Sinus congestion, Fever, Intermittent fever, Cold extremities (circulation) Black pepper is one of the most powerful digestive stimulants.  It burns up Ama (toxins) and cleanses the alimentary canal,…

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