“Come forth into the light of things.
Let Nature be your teacher.”
William Wordsworth
“You Herbs, born at the birth of time
More ancient than the gods themselves.
O Plants, with this hymn I sing to you
Our mothers and our gods.”
The Rig Veda
The intimate relationship between the plants and animals of our earth began hundreds of millions of years ago, when early life-forms became organized into the predecessors of our vegetable and animal kingdoms. Without the magnificent botanical alchemy that captures the energy of the sun ninety-three million miles away and converts it into carbohydrates and oxygen, no animal could survive.
Mind body medicine recognizes and honors the interconnected relationships of all living beings on earth. No single individual or species is viewed in isolation from the larger ecology in which it exists. Within this context, plants are seen as sources of nourishment and healing. In every culture throughout history, human beings have honored plants and herbs for their medicinal value and have viewed them as gifts of nature. The plant kingdom has always been held in particularly high esteem by the Vedic tradition, and the Upanishads extol the role of plants in our universe:
The essence of all beings is earth.
The essence of earth is water.
The essence of water is plants.
The essence of plants is the human being.
It’s only recently that the term medicine has been applied to synthesized drugs as well as to naturally derived substances. With the development of modern pharmacology and the appearance of “wonder drugs,” botanical sources have been largely replaced as primary healing substances. But this abandonment of natural materials has extracted a toll in the form of drug-induced side effects on patients and increasingly drug-resistant forms of infection.
With our increased reliance on chemically synthesized drugs used in Western medicine, we tend to forget that over 125 medicines in current use are derived from over 40 species of plants.1 Recent surveys have shown that almost 25 percent of all prescriptions dispensed in the United States contain products from botanical sources.2 It is estimated that less than 10 percent of the world’s estimated half a million plant species have been analyzed for medicinal activity, so that it is obvious that we have only scratched the surface of the potential healing power of our plant kingdom.3
I urge you to think of herbal substances as subtle forms of nutrition rather than as medicines. Herbs can be beneficial in early stages of physiological imbalance, and can complement other treatments when more advanced illness arises. I do not support herbal allopathy, in which a botanical formula is taken for every symptom without looking for the cause of the underlying imbalance; I do honor healing plants as a valuable part of a holistic mind body program.
Ayurvedic herbology includes almost twenty thousand plants, many of which have been categorized according to their benefit for more than four thousand years. This chapter provides an overview of some classical Ayurvedic formulas that we have been using, and that have been developed with the close assistance of leading Ayurvedic physicians. Once again, I believe these herbal nutritional formulas should be understood as providers of subtle nutrition to the cells and tissues, rather than as active pharmaceuticals. This is very much in keeping with the Ayurvedic approach that foods and herbs are part of the same continuum.
Throughout The Wisdom of Healing, I make reference to traditional nutritional herbs. The most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs are described in greater detail below. Each of the herbs is characterized according to its rasa, or taste; its virya, or potency for heating or cooling; its vipaka, or postdigestive effect; and its prabhava, or special action.
The Sanskrit name of each herb, its Latin name, and its English name (if available) are listed first. Each herb’s energetics and influence on the three doshas is then presented, followed by the imbalances for which the herb is commonly prescribed.
Most of these herbs and spices are readily available in the West through local health-food stores, Indian and Middle Eastern food stores, and from nutritional herb and spice importers. Sources are listed in the reference section for this chapter. Again, we emphasize—these gifts of nature are not a substitute for medical care or appropriate medications. Before using these herbs and spices as part of a complete mind body program, please discuss them with your health-care provider.
| 1. Ajwan | Apium graveolens | Wild celery seeds |
| rasa—Pungent ↓ K,V ↑ P |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Pungent |
Ajwan belongs to the Umbelliferae botanical family, which also includes anise, coriander, cumin, dill, and fennel. All these herbs are useful to enhance digestion and reduce bloating after a meal. A teaspoon of ajwan with a pinch of salt stimulates agni and reduces ama. In addition to helping with intestinal colic, it is commonly used to decrease respiratory congestion associated with colds, bronchitis, and asthma. An oil derived from the seeds has demonstrable tranquilizing effects.4
| 2. Amalaki | Emblica officinalis | Emblic myrobalan |
| rasa—All tastes but salty ↓ P,V ↑ K |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Sweet |
Amalaki is one of the most potent Ayurvedic rejuvenatives. It is the highest source of vitamin C known, with some laboratories reporting that it contains up to 720 milligrams of ascorbic acid per 100 grams of fresh pulp.5 Its name in Sanskrit means “the sustainer,” and it is traditionally used to provide nourishment to all the tissues. It has antibacterial and antiviral activity and is classically used in a wide range of debilitating conditions. It is commonly recommended to nourish the blood, skin, liver, and bone.
| 3. Andraka (fresh) | Zingiber officinale | Ginger |
| Sunthi (dry) rasa—Pungent, sweet ↓ V,K ↑ P |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Sweet |
Ginger root is used in the culinary and healing arts around the world. Another name for ginger in Sanskrit means “the universal medicine.” Fresh ginger strengthens the agnis without aggravating Pitta. It can be cooked in food or taken as a tea. When chewed with salt or lemon before a meal, it stimulates the appetite. Ginger reduces ama and helps with elimination. It is also an expectorant, is cleansing to the respiratory tract, and has been shown to reduce nausea associated with motion sickness.6
| 4. Arjuna | Terminalia arjuna | Arjuna myrobalan |
| rasa—Astringent ↓ P ↑ K,V |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Pungent |
Arjuna is the classical “heart tonic.”7 The traditional Ayurvedic literature does not discriminate among the many varieties of heart problems known to Western medicine. In fact, arjuna is used for both emotional and physical heart weaknesses. The Sanskrit word means “not twisted” or “open-hearted.” Some studies have suggested that it has mild diuretic action and reduces blood lipids.
| 5. Ashwagandha | Withania somnifera | Winter cherry |
| rasa—Bitter, astringent, sweet ↓ V,K ↑ P |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Sweet |
Ashwagandha has many uses in Ayurveda. Its leaves are said to be calming to the mind while the roots are used as a potent rejuvenative, particularly for men.8 Its name in Sanskrit means “the smell of a horse,” implying that its consumption imparts the power of a stallion. It is used as a nutritive for the neuromuscular system and is traditionally used to relieve aches and rheumatism.
| 6. Bala | Sida cordifolia | Country mallow |
| rasa—Sweet V,P,K = |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Sweet |
Bala is related to the marshmallow plant. It is considered a rejuvenative for the heart and nervous system. Its Sanskrit name means “provider of strength and immunity.” It contains an alkaloid related to ephedrine, which may explain some of its energizing effects, but should also be used cautiously in anyone with high blood pressure.9 It has been classically used in people with rheumatism and urinary-tract irritations.
| 7. Bhringaraj | Eclipta alba | |
| rasa—Pungent, bitter, sweet V,P,K = |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Sweet |
An herbalized oil of bhringaraj is widely used in Asia as a hair tonic. It is also commonly applied to the scalp to relieve headaches and calm an agitated mind. Internally, it is considered purifying to the blood and liver and has demonstrated antiviral activity.10 In Chinese medicine, it is recommended for chronic pulmonary infections and hepatitis. It is found widely throughout India and Pakistan.
| 8. Brahmi | Centella asiatica | Indian pennywort |
| rasa—Bitter V,P,K = |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Sweet |
Brahmi is the classical Ayurvedic herb to nourish the nervous system. Its name in Sanskrit means “that which expands awareness.” It is used as a blood cleanser and in chronic skin conditions. It is cooling to the system and has a particular balancing effect on Sadhaka Pitta, the discriminating aspect of the mind. Studies have shown a calming effect on the central nervous system.11
| 9. Eranda | Ricinus communis | Castor oil |
| rasa—Pungent, bitter, sweet ↓ V ↑ P,K |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Pungent |
Castor oil has multiple important uses in Ayurveda. Derived from the bean of the castor plant, the oil can be applied externally via massage for muscular aches and pains. Internally it is a strong purgative, acting on the small intestines by reducing absorption of salts and fluids and stimulating intestinal action. It is used in Ayurveda to treat gout and arthritis and in very small doses to treat food poisoning and intestinal colic. It should not be used on a long-term basis and is to be completely avoided in pregnancy as it can stimulate uterine contractions.
| 10. Gokshura | Tribulis terrestris | Caltrops |
| rasa—Sweet, bitter V,P,K = |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Sweet |
Gokshura is a plant that is commonly found wild in the United States. It is soothing to the mucous membranes and has been traditionally used as a rejuvenative for the urinary tract. It is lubricating to the throat and used in chronic coughs. Gokshura is also said to be calming to the nervous system. It has been found to contain essential oils and nitrates, which may account for its reputed diuretic action.12
| 11. Guduchi | Tinospora cordifolia | Heart-leaf |
| rasa—Bitter, sweet V,P,K = |
virya—Heating | moonseed vipaka—Sweet |
Another Sanskrit name for guduchi is amrit, which means “immortality.” It has a heating quality, which stimulates the agnis to digest ama, but it does not generally aggravate Pitta. It is sometimes known as “Indian quinine” for its effect on chronic fevers. It is traditionally used in people with skin disorders, rheumatism, and urinary problems.
| 12. Guggulu | Commiphora mukul | Indian gum myrrh |
| rasa—Bitter, pungent, astringent ↓ K,V ↑ P |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Pungent |
Studies on this resin have demonstrated a measurable cholesterol-lowering effect.13 In traditional healing systems it is used for a wide variety of complaints including arthritis, menstrual irregularities, and chronic infections of the lungs and skin. It can be used as a mouthwash and gargle for gingivitis and sore throats.
| 13. Haridra | Curcuma longa | Turmeric |
| rasa—Bitter, astringent ↓ K ↑ P,V |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Pungent |
Turmeric has been used as a culinary spice, cosmetic agent, and medicinal herb. It holds an important place in Ayurveda as a natural anti-inflammatory, useful in rheumatic and skin conditions.14 Its Sanskrit name means “carry away illness.” It is a natural antibiotic and blood cleanser and is nourishing to all the tissues. It is traditionally used topically for skin eruptions.
| 14. Haritaki | Terminalia chebulia | Chebulic |
| rasa—All tastes but saline V,P,K = |
virya—Heating | myrobalan vipaka—Sweet |
Haritaki is held to be one of the most important Ayurvedic herbs. Like turmeric, its Sanskrit name also means “that which carries away disease.” It is a powerful rejuvenative, particularly for Vata imbalances. It is a good astringent for external use. Haritaki is the basis of triphala, a widely used bowel tonic.
| 15. Hing | Ferula asafoetida | Asafetida |
| rasa—Pungent ↓ V,K ↑ P |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Pungent |
Asafetida is a potent root resin that has been traditionally used as a digestive aid. It stimulates elimination while reducing and dispelling intestinal gas. When added to the cooking of beans, it reduces bloating and gaseousness. Among its many Vata-pacifying properties, hing is calming to the nervous system. It has anitmicrobial activity against diarrhea-producing bacteria.15
| 16. Jatamamsi | Nardostachys jatamamsi | Muskroot |
| rasa—Bitter, astringent, sweet V,P,K = |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Pungent |
Jatamamsi is another important nervine, or nervous-system balancer. Its Sanskrit name means “clustered hair,” which describes the roots of the plant. Although calming to the mind, it is said to promote awareness.16 It has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activity. Jatamamsi has been shown to lower blood pressure in animal studies and traditionally has been used as a cardiovascular rejuvenative.
| 17. Jatiphala | Myristica fragrans | Nutmeg |
| rasa—Pungent ↓ V,K ↑ P |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Pungent |
This tall tropical tree does not produce its fruit, of which nutmeg is the seed, until its ninth or tenth year. It has a calming effect on each physiological system it influences. When used for digestion, it relieves abdominal cramping and reduces diarrhea. Added to warm milk before bedtime, nutmeg has a soothing effect, inducing a sound sleep.
| 18. Kapikacchu | Mucuna pruriens | Cow-itch plant |
| rasa—Sweet ↓ V ↑ P,K |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Sweet |
Kapikacchu is another useful nutritive herb that is classically used as a nervous-system and kidney tonic. It has been shown in some studies to have a mild positive effect in Parkinson’s disease.17 It is often recommended by Ayurvedic doctors for weaknesses in the reproductive system. Some reports have suggested that it can help to lower blood lipids.
| 19. Katuka | Picrorhiza kurroa | |
| rasa—Bitter, pungent ↓ P,K ↑ V |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Pungent |
Katuka, also known as kutki, is a powerful liver and gall-bladder detoxifier. It is a mild laxative in low doses and has a fever-lowering effect. It has been studied in people with infectious hepatitis and jaundice and found to accelerate their recovery.18 It has also been beneficial in patients with asthma and can reduce serum cholesterol.
| 20. Kumari | Aloe vera | Aloe |
| rasa—Bitter, astringent, sweet VPK = |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Sweet |
This popular succulent has been used externally in many cultures to hasten wound and burn healing. According to Ayurveda it is also useful taken internally as a juice and is considered to be an alterative, or “blood cleanser.” Its Sanskrit name means “providing the energy of youth.” Aloe is a tonic for all the agnis and is traditionally used as a rejuvenative for the liver and female reproductive tract. It has been shown to accelerate healing after burn and frostbite injuries.19
| 21. Neem | Azadiracta indica | Persian lilac |
| rasa—Bitter ↓ P,K ↑ V |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Pungent |
Neem is highly prized for the bitter and aromatic flavor it imparts to food. It is considered one of the most effective food alteratives (blood purifiers) in Ayurveda. Extracts of neem have been shown to have potent antibiotic properties.20 Neem has classically been used to reduce the heat of chronic fevers. It is one of the traditional herbs used in chronic skin disorders.
| 22. Shankhapushpi | Canscora decussata | Dankuni plant |
| rasa—Astringent ↓ V,P ↑ K |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Pungent |
Shankhapushpi is one of the most effective Ayurvedic nervines. It has traditionally been used for neuralgias and in rheumatic conditions. It is nourishing to all the tissues and combines well with brahmi to quiet a restless mind.
| 23. Shatavari | Asparagus racemosus | Indian asparagus |
| rasa—Sweet, bitter ↓ P,V ↑ K |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Sweet |
Shatavari is the major Ayurvedic rejuvenative for women. Its name in Sanskrit means “able to have one hundred husbands,” and it is said to be nourishing to the female reproductive system. Shatavari is soothing to mucous membranes and used to calm stomach upset. It is not recommended in fibrocystic breast condition or uterine fibroids. Extracts of Shatavari have been shown to slow the growth of certain cancer cells in tissue cultures.
| 24. Tulsi | Ocinum sanctum | Holy basil |
| rasa—Pungent ↓ V,K ↑ P |
virya—Heating | vipaka—Pungent |
Tulsi, which is a form of basil, has long been used for its purifying influence. In India, many families keep a plant in their homes, where it is held to create an atmosphere of peace and prosperity. As a tea, it has traditionally been used for children with stomach aches, and taken with honey, it quiets coughs and reduces congestion. A paste of the leaves applied externally is useful to reduce the irritation of insect bites. Essential oils derived from the leaves of tulsi have antibacterial and antifungal activity.21
| 25. Yasti madhu | Glycyrrhiza glabra | Licorice |
| rasa—Sweet, bitter ↓ V,P ↑ K |
virya—Cooling | vipaka—Sweet |
Licorice is soothing to all the tissues, particularly the mucous membranes. It has been used in both Ayurveda and Western herbal systems to help liquefy and mobilize respiratory mucus. Its name in Sanskrit means “honey stick.” It provides relief for ulcer pain. Licorice has a deoxycorticosterone steroid effect, which may explain its traditional use in inflammatory conditions, but if it is overused it can cause fluid retention and electrolye imbalances.22
Below are several simple herbal formulas that can be helpful in a variety of minor health concerns. These nutritional aids have been readily available in India, and most are now more easily accessible in the West.
1. Trikatu “The Three Pungents” Dry Ginger, Black Pepper, Long Pepper
Trikatu consists of the three hot spices. These are classically used to stimulate the appetite and increase the digestive fire in people with weak agnis. It burns away ama but must be used with caution as its strong heating quality may aggravate Pitta. If long pepper (pippali, Piper longum) is not available, cayenne pepper may be substituted.
2. Triphala “The Three Fruits” Chebulic, Emblic, and Beleric Myrobalan
Triphala is the classical Ayurvedic bowel tonic. It can be taken on a daily basis before bedtime to ensure a regular morning evacuation. Triphala is an excellent and balanced rejuvenative and helps to remove stagnated ama.
3. “The Three Cooling Spices” Fennel, Cumin, and Coriander
Roasting the seeds of these three herbs and taking a pinch before and after meals helps to stimulate the digestive fire without aggravating Pitta. If there is weak digestion but a sensitivity to hot spices, the three cooling spices can help improve the appetite and digestion without causing hyperacidity.
4. “The Three Aromatics” Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Bay
These three spices help to improve digestion, absorption, and elimination. They are particularly helpful in reducing discomfort due to gaseous stagnation. A tea can be made to relieve abdominal bloating in individuals with delicate digestions.
A fundamental principle in Western medicine is to use a single pharmaceutical agent whenever possible so the drug responsible for the therapeutic effect can be identified. If the patient has an adverse reaction, the physician can more readily identify the offending agent. In herbal medicine, combinations are the rule rather than the exception. The combining of herbs into balanced recipes is consistent with the view that herbs are subtle nutritional supplements. In the same way that a nutritious meal has a blend of different tastes and textures, an effective herbal formula is composed of a blend of balancing botanical substances.
Ayurvedic formulas are traditionally used to nourish the mind body physiology in a variety of situations. They should not be thought of as pharmaceuticals and should not be taken as substitutes for any medication prescribed by a physician. I look upon them as herbal nutritional supplements for improving the quality of the tissues and for balancing the doshas.
A general herbal tonic known as Chavan prash has been used for thousands of years in the East. Named after the Ayurvedic physician who developed it, this complex fruit-and-herb mixture has been shown to have potent antioxidant properties. The principal ingredient is amalaki, which is the highest known natural source of vitamin C. It is usually combined with sweetener, ghee, long pepper, and over thirty other herbs. Widely available under a variety of labels, a teaspoon twice daily is recommended for general well being. It should be avoided by diabetics due to its high sugar content.
Formulas combining herbs specifically for men or women are commonly recommended. Ashwagandha, kapikacchu, and gokshura are important constituents of a male tonic, which may be recommended to increase general vitality or sexual potency. Shatavari, amalaki, rose, and aloe are often suggested for women with menstrual discomforts.
Digestive aids may include trikatu (ginger, black pepper, long pepper) to increase digestive power, and shatavari, amalaki, and yasti madhu to reduce excess stomach acid. A variety of herbal agents may be taken in combination to enhance bowel regularity, including haritaki, ajwan, hing, and psyllium.
Expectorant herbs combined with those that soothe mucous membranes can be helpful when a person is troubled by cough and congestion. The combination of basil, licorice, cloves, and ginger can provide relief for the symptoms of a viral upper-respiratory infection.
The above examples illustrate the possibilities of using the gifts of the plant kingdom to relieve human suffering. If you have the time and inclination, try creating and mixing your own formulas. Suggestions for other blends are described in the herbal reference books for this chapter.
I have previously discussed the importance of using the best and most appropriate intervention for each problem, and this is particularly important when it comes to herbal supplements. In early stages of imbalance, herbs can be invaluable to provide the necessary nudge back toward homeostasis. Whether it is a mild agent to reestablish normal elimination or a calming herb to help with occasional insomnia, I deeply honor these gentle plants for the gifts they bring. It is equally important, however, not to expect more from these subtle agents of nature than they can provide. I fully support the usage of a medication when it is clearly indicated, be it an antibiotic for a bacterial infection or a chemotherapy drug for metastatic cancer. The science that led to the discovery of the important pharmaceuticals of our time is also a product of nature’s intelligence and is worthy of respect. By expanding our repertoire of healing options, we can choose the approach that offers the greatest potential benefit for the least possible risk.