According to Ayurveda, every living organism is controlled and governed

by three major life forces known as the tri doshas. The tridoshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and all physical and mental disorders occur when these three doshas lose their unique balance in the body. Vata governs our nervous systems and Pitta is the energy for the body's internal functions. Kapha regulates the heat and biological processes of the body as well as influencing the secretion and formation of body fluids. When one of these doshas become either high or low, disorders begin to occur and the first order of priority is bringing these elements back in balance.

 

 

Let's take a little closer look at the doshas:  Which one are you??? 

 

 

Vata

Although air and space sound like the same thing, they are really very different. Space signifies an emptiness, and air is what fills up the space. Vata governs the nervous system. Without it, nothing would move in your body. Vata is the only dosha that moves. It makes your heart pump, muscles twitch and, your blood flow, and it is responsible for all those interesting and embarrassing bodily noises. Vata primary people are small-boned, prone to dry hair, dry skin and constipation. They are also creative, fast thinkers and talkers, and occasionally a bit spacey.

Pitta

This dosha is fire and water, but water meaning fluids like digestive juices, blood and bile. Pitta people are lean, athletic, competitive types and perfectionists. They are prone to infection, diarrhea, and "heat" disorders like ulcers and heavy bleeding. They are also very smart and quick-minded; they like things done their way and organized to their liking.

Kapha

Kapha folks are curvy and voluptuous, like Marilyn Monroe . Classic beauties are usually  Kaphas. Kapha's put on weight if they do not work out and eat sensibly. Kapha crave sweet and creamy things, which can be their downfall. They tend towards congestive disorders such as excess fluid in the lungs and body, impacted lymph tissue and oily skin. They are the most compassionate and easygoing of the three doshas. They also have the most physical stamina.

Ayurvedic herbs help to balance these types of energy.  I find it interesting how much has permeated into western formulas.  Some basic ayurvedic herbs and applications follows.

Amalaki is used to rebuild and maintain new tissues and increases red blood cell count. It is considered helpful in cleansing the mouth, strengthening teeth, nourishing the bones and is the highest natural source of vitamin C. It reduces pitta without aggravating vata or kapha.It is a one of three herbs used in triphala, the primary Ayurvedic tonic for maintaining health.

Arjuna is a famous cardiac tonic used in Ayurveda for a variety of heart conditions. Used to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Traditionally given to support circulation and oxygenation of all tissues. Often combined with ashwagandha, brahmi and guggul in heart formulas.

Ashoka is used in Ayurveda as a tonic for the uterus and is believed to help maintain proper function of the female reproductive system.

Ashwagandha has been traditionally used for general debility, sexual debility and nerve exhaustion. It also is said to regenerate the hormonal system, promote healing of tissues, and support sound sleep. It is considered the primary adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb for its ability to build reserves for handling stressful conditions.

Bacopa assists in heightening mental acuity and supports the body's ability to relax. It is used in formulas for mental exertion.

Bhringaraj is considered helpful in premature graying of hair, balding , alopecia, loss of teeth, enlargement of liver or spleen, chronic hepatitis, anemia and skin diseases. It is a rejuvenative for pitta. Also available in oil form.

Bibitaki is used as a laxative to cleanse the bowels. It is also used as a gargle for sore throats because of its heating and soothing properties. It is a one of three herbs used in triphala, the primary Ayurvedic tonic for maintaing health. It is considered a powerful tonic for excess kapha.

Bitter Melon has been shown to regulate the body's ability to process sugars by suppressing the neutral response to the stimuli of sweet tastes. For control of blood sugar levels also see shardunika ( gymnema) and chandraprabha. Our DB-7 uses ayurvedic herbs in it's formula to balance blood sugars.

Boswellia has been used extensively in Ayurveda for joint support. Along with its cousin guggul, it offers broad health and immunomodulating benefits for arthritis sufferers. It is used with other ayurvedic herbs in our Arth-9 Formula.

Brahmi has been traditionally used for nervous disorders, epilepsy, senility, premature aging, hair loss, obstinate skin conditions and venereal diseases. It is considered the primary Ayurvedic nerve and cardiac tonic. It pacifies high vata or pitta. Also available in oil form.

Chitrak is a pungent herb used to improve digestion and remove toxins from the GI tract.

Chyavanprash is a famous herbal jam made from amalaki fruit, one of the highest sources of vitamin C. It is fortified with over 20 herbs to rejuvenate and strengthen the immune system.

Garcinia contains biologically active phytochemicals such as hydroxycitric acid and antioxidants. Supports normal appetite levels and metabolism and storage of carbohydrates and fats to maintain normal body weight. A key ingredient in LeanCare

Gokshura* is a rejuvenating herb used in Ayurveda to support proper function of the urinary tract and prostate.

Guduchi is a considered a bitter tonic and powerful immuno-modulator. It is regarded as a blood purifier and liver protector. It is considered helpful in eye disorders and promotes mental clarity. It balances high pitta conditions.

Guggul (aka guggulu) A gum resin, historically used for its antiseptic and deep penetrating actions in the treatment of elevated blood cholesterol and arthritis. Often used as a carrier and combined with other herbs to treat specfic conditions (see Kaishore Guggulu, Yograj Guggulu, Goksuradi Guggulu and Triphala Guggulu).   I use guggu lipid to help clients balance their cholesterol levels.

Gymnema is commonly referred to as "Gurmar, the destroyer of sugar". It is traditionally used in formulas to control blood sugar levels in the body.

Haritaki is used for coughs, asthma, abdominal distention, tumors and itching. It is a one of three herbs used in triphala, the primary Ayurvedic tonic for maintaing health. It is a rejuvenative for vata.

 Kutki a bitter and pungent herb used by Ayurvedic practitioners to support proper function of the liver and spleen.

Holy Basil offers a wide range of health benefits, principally supporting the respiratory system.

Manjista is considered one of the best blood purifying herbs in Ayurveda. It is said to cool and detoxify the blood, dissolve obstructions in blood flow, and clear stagnant blood from the system. It clears high pitta from the system.

Neem is considered one of the best healing and disinfectant agents for skin diseases and anti-inflamatory for joint and muscle pain.It balances high pitta conditions. Also available in oil form.

Shatavari is traditionally used to support the female organs, prevent sexual debility, help menopausal conditions, stomach ulcers, inflamation and chronic fevers. It is also a primary rejuvenative for pitta.

Shilajit is a rejuvenative known to promote strength and immunity in the urinary tract and a primary rejuvenative for the prostate.

 

For more information on ayurveda contact us anytime or visit our ayurvedic aisle of our store,