A Woman's Ayurvedic Herbal A Guide for Natural Health and

Well Being

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 Copyright © 2020
by Caroline Robertson and Antonia Beattie
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system, without permission
in writing from Red Wheel/Weiser, llc. Reviewers may quote
brief passages. Previously published as Ayurvedic Healing in 2002
Lansdowne Publishing Pty Ltd, ISBN 1 86302 722 X

Designer: Stephanie Doyle

Illustrator: Jeff Lang/Tina Wilson
Typeset in Giovanni and Georgia

Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.

Charlottesville, VA 22906 DISCLAIMER
Distributed by Red Wheel/Weiser, llc This book is intended to give general information only and is not a
www.redwheelweiser.com substitute for professional and medical advice. Consult your health-
care provider before adopting any of the treatments contained in
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 Contents

• Introduction: Healing using Cumin 32

Ayurvedic principles 6 Fennel 34
• The three doshas and body types: Frankincense (Indian) 36
Which body type are you? 8
Garlic 38
• The use of herbs in Ayurvedic medicine 12
Ginger 40
Gooseberry (Indian) 42
A–Z of Herbs and Spices
Used in Ayurveda Licorice 44
Aloe Vera 16 Lotus 46
Asafetida (also known as Hing) 18 Marshmallow 48
Basil (Holy) 20 Myrrh (Indian) 50
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) 22 Neem 52
Cardamom 24 Pepper (Long) 54
Cinnamon 26 Pomegranate 56
Cloves 28 Sandalwood 58
Coriander 30 Sarsaparilla (Indian) 60

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 Senna (also known as Cassia) 62 • Vata 82
Shatavari 64 • Pitta 84
Turmeric 66 • Kapha 86
Winter Cherry (Indian ginseng) 68 • Medicinal foods 88
• Lifestyle 90
Healing through Ayurveda • Body therapies 94
• Ayurvedic view of health and disease 72 • Beauty regimes 96
• Preventative health 76
• Purification therapies 78
A–Z of Common Ailments
• Longevity strategies 80 Acne 100
• Food regimes 81 Arthritis 101
Asthma 102
Boils 104
Candida albicans 105
Cholesterol problems 106
Chronic fatigue syndrome 108
Circulation (poor) 110
Cold sores 111
Common cold 112
Constipation 114
Cough/sore throat 115
Cuts, stings, bites 116
Cysts (and fibroids) in the uterus 117
Depression 118

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 Diarrhea 120 • Glossary 156
Dry skin 121
• Botanical index 160
Earache 122
Eczema 123
Eye disorders 124
Fever 126
Flatulence 127
Headache 128
Indigestion 130
Infertility 132
Insomnia 134
Liver disorders 137
Memory (loss and improvement) 138
Menopause 140
Menstrual discomfort 142
Migraines 143
Osteoporosis 144
Overweight 146
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 148
Psoriasis 150
Sinusitis/Hayfever 151
Stress and hypertension 152
Urinary tract infections 154
Worms 155

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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal

Introduction
Healing using Ayurvedic principles

What is Ayurveda? Known as “the mother the healing process. The right food,
of all healing sciences,” it is the sleep patterns, exercise, relationships
oldest holistic health system. and spirituality are all considered
Developed in India an estimated important to the health of a person.
4,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a To determine what is right for an
complete system for healing and individual, Ayurvedic practitioners
rebalancing the body. Ayurveda abide by the principle that there are
focuses on empowering individuals three primary body types—vata, pitta
to heal rapidly and easily with the and kapha (see pages 8–10). Each body
aid of herbs, diet, body therapies type or constitution (prakriti)
and lifestyle tools. Ayurveda is predisposed to particular
uses a range of specific herbs imbalances and is responsive
and spices, some very well to specific healing techniques
known in the West, such as and lifestyle regimes.
cinnamon, cumin, turmeric Ayurvedic wisdom is
and pepper, to detoxify strongly based on the
the body and to calm or fundamental belief that
stimulate the metabolism. the elements that make up
Indian traditional herbs the world—ether, air, fire,
such as brahmi (the brain- water and earth—are also
boosting herb) are becoming present in the makeup of the
very popular in the West as human body. Every body has
scientific research confirms a predominance of a particular
their potency. combination of elements (see page
The term Ayurveda is derived from 8). Ayurveda is an especially effective
two Sanskrit words that, combined, mean the form of healing because it is based
wisdom or science of life. The Ayurvedic system on an understanding of the interrelationship
of healing is holistic in that all aspects of a between human beings and nature, and works
person’s life and emotions are factored into to promote harmony between the two. True

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 I ntroduction
H ealing U sing A yurveda P rinciples

health and balance is experienced when all these symptoms, bringing the body back into balance
elements are in balance. When they are out of by the use of medicinal herbs and spices and by
balance, symptoms of disease can arise. making simple changes to your lifestyle. A case
Ayurvedic medicine is also based on analyzing study will also be given to illustrate practical
a person’s body type (see pages 8–11), then management of each ailment.
treating an ailment according to the requirements You can use this list of ailments to discover
of that type. An Ayurvedic practitioner may how Ayurveda can help you to cope with
also suggest a diet that balances a person’s specific problems that you may be experiencing.
constitution; a detoxification process; lifestyle However, since prevention is always better than
changes; massage and the use of color, aromas, cure, also take time to look at Ayurveda’s advice
oils, crystals, or medicinal herbs and spices. on averting disease by matching a person’s body
The most common herbs and spices now easily type with the most beneficial lifestyle. Read pages
available in the West are described and discussed 72–97 to learn how, by adopting a routine and
on pages 16–69 in terms of their: lifestyle suited to your body type, you can live a
• historical or mythological background; healthy, happy and fulfilling life. The Ayurvedic
• use in Ayurvedic medicine; approach to health is an exciting one that, if
• home remedies; and pursued in a mindful manner, can provide a
• available forms. sense of harmony in not only the body but also
Ayurvedic practitioners consider that one of the mind and spirit, initiating a heightened sense
the most important functions of the human of stability and serenity.
body is digestion. Often, the early symptoms
of disease can be alleviated by balancing the THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA
digestive fire or agni. The lack of digestive juices
1. General Medicine (Kaya Chikitsa)
or “fire” leads to the accumulation of undigested
material, or ama, in the body. This material is 2. Pediatrics (Bala Chikitsa)
toxic waste that circulates through the body 3. Psychology and Psychiatry (Graha Chikitsa)
creating symptoms that reduce the quality of life 4. Ear, Nose and Throat and Ophthalmology
and one’s life span. By balancing the digestive (Shalakya Chikitsa)
fire, these waste products dissolve and are easily
5. Surgery (Shalya Chikitsa)
expelled by the body. Spices are incorporated
into Ayurvedic medicine to maintain a proper 6. Toxicology (Visha Chikitsa)
level of digestive fire that will promote good 7. Rejuvenation/Geriatrics (Rasayana Chikitsa)
health, a sense of vitality, and a long life. Each
8. Infertility (Vajikarana Chikitsa)
ailment listed in this book (pages 100–155) is
Chikitsa is a Sanskrit word meaning
discussed in terms of both its symptoms and
treatment or therapy.
the recommended treatments to alleviate the

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 A Woman ’s A yurvedic H er bal

The three doshas & body types:

Which body type are you?
In Ayurvedic medicine, there are three major The following questions will help you to
principles, namely vata, pitta and kapha, around determine your body type. Understanding your
which the entire science revolves. Vata is the prakriti is the first step toward a happy life and
active principle from ether and air, pitta from effective health care. This wisdom guides us
fire and water, and kapha from water and earth. to understand the most suitable daily routine,
Dosha Functions nutrition, colors, essential oils, herbs and other
Vata enthusiasm, mobility, circulation, therapeutic substances for ourselves. Count all
regulation the checks in each section and grade your answers
Pitta heat, transformation, analysis, as either rarely or mostly. Your predominant
effulgence, courage dosha is the one in which the score is higher than
Kapha integrity, lubrication, stability, patience, the others. If the scores for two doshas are nearly
calmness identical, then you have a combination prakriti.
Everything in this universe is composed of
all the five elements, but in varying proportions. Vital Prana

Each of us has a unique proportion of these doshas, (See Prana in

glossary)
known as prakriti or body types. Understanding
our proportion of these elements or doshas is
vital in designing and deciding what is good and
what is bad for us. Nutrient Prana

To get a specific idea of your prakriti, complete

the questionnaire on pages 9–11. The following
summary provides a broad idea of body type Kapha - Water and earth
characteristics.
• a vata type is naturally slim with narrow hips
Pitta - Fire and water
and shoulders and a fluctuating flow of energy;
• a pitta type is generally medium height, size
and weight with an even flow of energy; and Vata - Air and ether
• a kapha type is usually thickset with wide
shoulders and hips and a tendency to be slow
and steady.

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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal T he T hree D oshas and B ody T ypes

Introduction
CHECKLIST FOR AYURVEDIC BODY TYPES

VATA TYPE Healing using Ayurvedic principles

I often feel insecure, fearful
or anxious n n
AIR AND ETHER DOMINANT
I sometimes develop painful
Rarely Mostly or nervous conditions n n
I am hyperactive or do My teeth have spaces between
things rapidly n n them or are irregular n n
I learn and forget easily n n TOTAL
I am enthusiastic and vivacious n n
I have a thin physique n n
I walk quickly and lightly n n
I can be indecisive n n
I have a tendency to constipation n n
I often have cold feet and hands n n
I am frequently anxious
and nervous n n
I am talkative and speak quickly n n
I am sensitive to the cold n n
My mood often changes quickly n n
My sleep is light and short n n
My skin is dry, especially
in the winter n n
I have an active, restless and
imaginative mind n n
My energy tends to come in bursts n n
I use up my energy quickly n n
My eating and sleeping habits
tend to be irregular n n
I don’t gain weight easily, but
do lose it easily n n
My appetite is variable n n
In my dreams I fly, jump or
travel, and I’m often fearful n n
My faith is changeable or wavering n n

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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal

PITTA TYPE I enjoy challenges. When I want

something, I am very determined
FIRE AND WATER DOMINANT and strive to attain it n n
I tend to be quite critical of
Rarely Mostly myself and others n n
I am usually efficient n n My dreams are usually colorful
I tend to be extremely precise and passionate n n
and orderly n n I have a determined faith n n
I am strong-minded and have a I tend to be aggressive n n
forceful manner n n My illnesses are often related to
I feel uncomfortable or easily infection or inflammation n n
tired in hot weather n n I have soft bleeding gums and
I perspire easily n n teeth that are moderate in size n n
Even though I might not always TOTAL
show it, I become irritable
quite easily n n
If I skip a meal or a meal is
delayed, I become uncomfortable n n
One or more of the following
characteristics describe my hair
—early graying, balding or reddish n n
I have a strong appetite n n
I have regular bowel habits—
it would be more common for me
to have diarrhea than constipation n n
I like to set goals for myself and
then try to achieve them n n
I become impatient very easily n n
I tend to be a perfectionist
about details n n
I get angry quite easily, but then
quickly forget about it n n
I am very fond of cold foods
and drinks n n
I am more likely to feel that a
room is too hot than too cold n n
I don’t tolerate foods that are very
hot and spicy n n
I am not as tolerant of
disagreement as I should be
n n
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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal T he T hree D oshas and B ody T ypes

KAPHA TYPE
Introduction
I usually do things slowly
EARTH AND WATER DOMINANT
and methodically n n
My dreams are watery, emotional,
romantic or I’m swimming n n
Healing using Ayurvedic principles
I do things in a slow and relaxed
Rarely Mostly My faith is steady and loyal
I am attached, self-centered and
n n
but steady fashion n n occasionally greedy n n
I gain weight easily and lose I am usually prone to diseases
it slowly n n such as fluid retention or
I am quiet by nature and usually mucus buildup n n
only talk when necessary n n My teeth are strong, white,
I can skip meals easily without well-formed and full n n
much discomfort n n TOTAL
I have a tendency toward excess
mucus, phlegm, congestion,
asthma or sinus problems n n
I must get at least eight hours
of sleep in order to feel
comfortable the next day n n
I sleep very deeply n n
I am not easily angered—
I am generally calm by nature n n
I don’t learn as quickly as some
people, but I have better retention
and a good long-term memory n n
I eat slowly n n
Cool or damp weather sometimes
bothers me n n
My hair is thick and strong n n
I have smooth, soft skin or a
pale complexion n n
I have a large, solid body build n n
I often feel unmotivated n n
I have slow digestion n n
I have very good stamina and
physical endurance n n
I generally walk with a slow,
measured gait n n
I am slow to get going in
the morning n n
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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal

The use of herbs in

Ayurvedic medicine
In Ayurveda, herbs are classified according and salty-tasting herbs have a heating
to their effect on the human body. An energy. Heating the body is very useful,
herb’s impact is seen in a number of particularly for aiding the digestive
different ways, including its taste, whether it system. Ayurvedic medicine teaches that all
has a heating or cooling effect, and its impact on a disease arises from poor digestion or insufficient
person’s digestion. In Ayurvedic medicine, herbs, “fire.” This fire is called agni. Agni is evident in
as well as food and drink, are used in regard to all living things and is the driving force behind
their tastes. Ayurveda identifies six major tastes— life processes. Agni corresponds with the state of
sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. our metabolism, which is in turn governed by
Sweet-tasting herbs, such as fennel, licorice and the state of our digestion.
marshmallow, may be used for the connective If digestion is poor, toxins can be broken
tissue, as well as for healing broken bones and down and ama is reduced once the digestive fire is
helping loosen phlegm during a cold by acting as stabilized. Ama is the toxin created by undigested
an expectorant. Salty and sour tastes are excellent food. An excess of ama in the body leads to
for aiding digestion, while astringent tastes, lethargy, digestive disorders, and cloudy thinking.
such as tumeric and pomegranate, are good for In Ayurvedsic medicine, balance is the key to
wound healing and blood clearing. Pungent- health. It is important to raise only as much agni
tasting herbs include a large number of spices as is needed to burn off the ama. Too much agni
used for culinary purposes, such as asafetida, will result in acidic conditions, such as heartburn.
black and long peppers, cardamom, cinnamon, As heating herbs have the ability to increase
cloves, coriander, cumin, garlic and ginger. These agni, cooling herbs can help increase soma. Soma
are used to stimulate circulation and promote corresponds with the element of water and governs
digestion. Bitter herbs, such as aloe vera, help the nerves and mind. Cooling herbs are usually
relieve nausea, stimulate the digestive juices, and sweet, astringent, or bitter. However, some herbs
aid in the elimination of toxins, including worms. can be both, such as Indian Gooseberry, which
Herbs are also classified according to whether is predominantly sour with a cooling energy,
they have a heating or cooling effect. This indicating that they can be useful for certain
classification relates to their taste. Pungent, sour, inflammatory disorders. s

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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal T he U se of H erbs in A yurvedic M edicine

either a decoction (kashaya) or a hot infusion

AID YOUR DIGESTION BY CHOOSING HERBS
(phanta) and is prepared by heating the herbs and
ACCORDING TO YOUR BODY TYPE
the water together. This technique can be used to
Type Herbs to increase agni make pills (gulika) and tablets (vati). A hot infusion
Kapha Aloe vera, black pepper, cardamom, (phanta) is one in which hot water is poured over
cinnamon, cumin, fennel, garlic, ginger the herbs and the herbs are left to steep for a short
Pitta Aloe vera, coriander, cumin, fennel time. Leaving the herbs to stand in cold water is
called a cold infusion (sheeta kashaya).
Vata Asafetida, black pepper, cardamom, Ayurvedic herbal powders (churnas) are often
cinnamon, cumin, fennel, garlic, ginger combinations of 5 to 20 or more herbs ground
into a fine powder that can be mixed with
Your body type is relevant to what heating or substances to aid their assimilation, such as ghee
cooling herbs to take for any health problems, or honey. Ghee is clarified butter, and can increase
because these three body types suffer from agni for all body types. It is used for both
different imbalances. For this reason, heating cooking and for medicinal purposes. Medicated
herbs are excellent for kapha and vata types, ghee (gritha) is prepared with herbs appropriate
but may aggravate pitta body types. When out for both pitta and vata body types. Kapha types
of balance, a kapha type tends toward mucus are advised to limit their use of ghee as it can
accumulation, lethargy, weight gain and diabetes. promote weight gain. Other herbal combinations
Weight loss, gas and loss of strength are some of include medicated jellies (avaleha) and medicated
the indications that vata imbalance exists. As the wines (asavas and arishtas). Thousands of ancient,
kapha metabolism has a “cold and heavy energy” traditional combinations of herbs are still
and vata has a “cold and light energy,” improving prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners, such as
agni will help these two body types rebalance trikatu (a compound of ginger, black and long
themselves. Health imbalances experienced by pepper), which is excellent for purifying the body
pitta body types may include inflammation and and to ignite agni.
infection. Pitta body types benefit the most from The form of the herb most effective for a
cooling herbs, as this body type has a “fiery” condition depends largely on the adjunct it is
energy. Also, a number of herbs are tridoshic, which given with. These adjuncts are called anupanas and
means that they are suitable for all body types or enhance the absorption and efficacy of the herbs.
doshas. Such herbs include aloe vera, coriander,
cumin, fennel, rose flowers, saffron and gotu kola. TIPS ON PREPARING HERBS
Herbs are prepared in a great variety of ways Imbalance in: Substance taken with the herb:
in Ayurvedic medicine. Herbs such as aloe vera Vata Oil
are particularly potent when taken as a fresh juice Pitta Ghee
(svarasa). Preparing herbs with hot water is called Kapha Honey

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