Herbal Ayurveda and Health

[Be Well]

A few people asked me about Ayurvedic herbs for strengthening the health in general and immune system in particular. So I decided to start a thread about this topic, since it is my specialty, have studied on my own since the mid 1980s and before that, other natural health systems, as well as attending two massage schools in the early 80s. I have a small clientele who I work with helping not just with herbs but a variety of other methods. I will start with an article I wrote some years introducing Ayurveda. I will be checking in to add a lot of self help methods and much information for anyone who's interested, and will answer questions to the best of my ability. If I don't know something, I'll say it! And just to make it clear, I'm not into arguing or trying to say nothing else works; I just want to share my niche of knowledge in case it can help anyone.

Ayurveda​

Ayurveda is the most ancient health system on earth. It predates European or western medicine, Greek civilization, and even Chinese medicine. The principles and teachings of Ayurveda are are the source from which many other systems originated, such as Chinese traditional medicine, and the Greek and Unani medicine. In fact, Chinese medicine was brought to China by the Buddhist monk Nagarjuna around 150 AD. Followers of the Vedas accept what the Ayurvedic shastras and Puranas state - that it was revealed by an incarnation of the Supreme at the dawn of time. The philosophical basis of Ayurveda ("the science of life") is very deep, its principles founded on the teachings of 25 elements in the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas. Not only are the methods of healing and curing using herbs, diet, hygiene methods such as massage, use of oils and special baths, and exercise sophisticated and highly individual, but there is no other medical system with such a wide array of self-help practices to not only improve health but preserve it. The actual goal of Ayurveda is not "perfect" health, which is an impossible goal. Its purpose is to promote physical and mental balance; a peaceful, clear mind and a flexible, energetic body, so that the individual can then use the body and mind for the real mission of human life.


Ayurveda does not see physical health and mental health as unrelated. Not only do the body and mind affect each other, but they are understood to be the two coverings of the eternal soul. In essence, Ayurveda teaches that the real identity of each person is the eternal spiritual particle or soul [atma], using the body as a vehicle. In order to make the journey of human life successful, it is much easier if the body and mind are in good working order, and that is the purpose of Ayurveda. A strong body is not very useful if the mind is clouded, afraid, depressed, consumed by cravings, or angry. Clarity and peace of mind are just as important in Ayurveda as a strong and healthy body, if not more so.


Ayurveda places great emphasis on proper diet; it is said that without the right diet, even herbs will have little effect, and that with the right diet, herbs aren't that much needed. One of the unique aspects of Ayurveda is the understanding that each individual is unique and has different specific dietary needs than another. There are three main constitutional types, which, when mixed, make up about 7 different types, with each individual manifesting a unique mix of the doshas or constitutional elements. When a person understands what foods are uniquely good and health promoting, or conversely, harmful, for him, it is much easier to make the right choices about not only food, but drinks, habits, types of exercise, and so on. Ayurveda also teaches the utility of seasonal eating and habits for promoting health. Foods and activities that are beneficial in winter may be harmful in the summer, and vice versa. Ayurveda takes into account each individual's age, level of activity, environment and other situations when determining the most health promoting choices.


Modern health books, foods, supplements, and exercise regimens are often popular for a while, then discarded for something new. Such inventions are often a business investment or multi-level marketing, which may be good for some people, useless for others, and even harmful for some. Since they don't always work, they are then rejected for the next fad that comes along. Sometimes people are taken for a ride, or even damage their health with extreme diets, imbalancing vitamin or mineral intake, or even wind up with heart attacks while "running for health". People are left confused, after reading dozens of books which all contradict each other. Others just give up,, figuring that health is just a hit or miss accident.


The system of Ayurveda, while quite sophisticated, is not difficult to understand in terms of one's own constitution. To learn about the needs of your own particular body, with its own strengths and weaknesses and what foods will be easily digestible and promote your well being, and which are hard to digest and therefore toxin creating; and which herbs, spices, and daily habits will greatly improve your feeling of well being now and in the future, as well as bring balance to your emotions and clarity of mind, is to have the knowledge to take responsibility for your own health.


Ayurveda is all about choices. We make choices every day - about food, purchases, clothing, habits, exercise, recreation. When we understand the basics of our constitutional and what brings it into balance, and what causes imbalances, we can choose wisely. Not only is our immediate health and well being improved, but our mind and consciousness are brought into proper focus so that our spiritual goals are seen more clearly. Ayurveda teaches that every one of us is a spiritual being, and that our body is a vehicle that should be in good working order, so that we can travel on our spiritual journey more easily.

 

[rockcreek]

I am looking forward to this. Thank you for doing this. I have questions that I have a hard time finding answers to. I want to feel good and be healthy. Can't wait to read more.

 

[Be Well]

There are many self help methods that cost little to nothing.

I like that...

 

[Be Well]

I didn't have time to add anything today but will tomorrow. I'll start with some easy and simple (and cheap) detoxification methods; any program to strengthen the health needs to start with some simple purifying or detoxifying. Each person's situation is different, I will present some options and ways to gauge how much a person needs to detoxify.

The principle is like dying cloth - first it needs to be washed clean of stains and dirt, before it will take a new color.

There is no long long fasting in Ayurveda, and fasting on water is considered very extreme and not for many people, only for the very strong, and not for a long time.

 

[Be Well]

I am planning to write up some info but time is just NOT cooperating with me. I do have material written but will need to edit and improve, but in the meantime I will post some things on the website of one of my main suppliers, Banyan Botanicals. I will copy parts and add my own .02, and link to the whole thing for people who want more. Will keep doing this as I get time, and find my own writings.... If anyone has questions about Ayurvedic terms or concepts, please ask. Any that don't seem explained in the text I will define but more explanations may be wanted. My .02 in brackets - ETA, also in bold, to make it easier to read, without bolding it was starting to look like a slightly broken up wall of text.

http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/nl/909.html

Boost Immunity With Ayurveda

by Shannon Mooney

According to Ayurveda, immunity and natural resistance to disease in the body goes hand in hand with good health. The concept of health, according to Ayurveda is not only being free of disease but also when there is balance between the three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha, there is proper functioning of the digestive fire or agni, the three waste products (urine, feces, and sweat) are in normal quantity and balanced, the five senses are working normally, and the mind, body and consciousness are functioning in blissful harmony. [Well, that's an ideal which never happens! At least reasonable harmony!] Ayurveda holds that a person in good health will not be affected by even the most contagious disease. [The Ayurveda was originally from many thousands of years ago when conditions on earth were not as deteriorated as they are now. Such standards of perfection are not possible now and not useful to hold as possiblities even.]

The function of the immune system is to protect our bodies against foreign invaders. The invaders can come in the form of actual foreign bodies such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, collectively called pathogens. Unwelcome entities can also be created from within as with auto-immune disorders and cancer. Proper immune function is an intricate balancing act. While a weakened immune system predisposes one to virtually every type of illness, it is also possible that an immune response becomes overactive or misdirected, targeting the body’s own tissues for foreign invaders and attacking them. When functioning properly, our immune systems are able to discriminate effectively, knowing when to fight the bad guys and when to back down.

Immunity is influenced by the power of agni, digestive fire and our ability to digest, assimilate and absorb nutrients in our bodies. Within a healthy body where immune function is strong, any invaders are either neutralized or destroyed then expelled and the body returns to normal. If agni is impaired by an imbalance within the tridosha [means the three doshas, or constitutional elements of the body], metabolism is affected and the immune response and natural resistence are lowered. If the body is unhealthy or has ama, stored toxins from undigested food, then an environment is created in which invaders are encouraged to thrive. Ama can be created from both physical and mental indigestion. It serves as fertile ground upon which parasites feed and settle into weak spots in the body.

According to Ayurveda, ama is the root of all physical disease. [Actually not quite right; there are also inherited diseases, or congenital; everyone has certain inborn disease proneness which often can be minimize by good health habits, and maximized by bad ones. Ayurveda also sees astrological or planetary influeces as causing disease, as also too strong emotionas, and other outside subtle influences.] Indigestion and ama [Ama is a subtle but perceptible sticky substance created from not just poor digestion but also wrong foods, and when not eliminated, can collect and adhere to various places in the body, causing many kinds of illness. There are several ways of preventing formaltion of Ama and eliminating it, which I will write about.] formation prevents nutrients from reaching the tissues and weakens immune function. Ama can result from improper eating habits and unhealthy lifestyle practices. Our relationships, stress and traumas also greatly impact our digestive process and immune function.

Particularly when you engage in an activity or indulge in food that you know is not good for you but you do it anyway, you are committing prajnaparabda, a crime against wisdom. Not only are you promoting ama formation and creating a toxic environment within the body, but you are also weakening your will. The strength of your will and identity are in direct correlation to immune function. Discipline and healthy relationships help to build your sense of self. When your identity with your self [by "self", Ayurveda means the eternal soul or atma within the heart, not the physical body] is strong, then the cells in the body are better able to differentiate ‘self’ from ‘non-self’ and kill off that which is not serving the whole. [Here the author is mixing concepts a little, but the point is that when a person sees both their spiritual self and physical body in clear perspective, every aspect of life works better.]

The body naturally wants to become balanced and healthy. Each and every cell of the body possesses an intelligence encoded with a will to live, be healthy and work together as a whole, communicating with the other cells of the body. Ayurveda is a system of medicine that supports the natural proclivity toward balance and offers guidelines regarding diet, lifestyle, herbs, and the stress relieving techniques of yoga, meditation, and pranayama as a formula for acheiving health and longevity. [Other "internal" types of exercise that help balance subtle energies in the body are also useful, such as Tai Chi and Chi Gong, as well as recreations like sitting near the ocean and focusing on the sound and sight of the waves, or wind in trees and other like peaceful sights and sounds.]

Diet

Strengthen your digestion. Bring awareness to your digestive process, noting how you feel (physically and mentally) after each meal. Proper digestion will result in feelings of lightness, energy, and satisfaction. Watch your portion size and be mindful not to overeat. Choose foods that are in accordance with your constitution. Balancing the doshas through diet can enable you to better support yout health and protect against illness.

There are several immune enhancing medicinal foods and herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda. Foods such as milk, ghee or clarified butter and honey all enhance ojas, the subtle essence that supports immunity. [Other foods for building ojas are mung beans, almonds and sesame seeds. I will re-post my Ojas Builder formula on this thread.]

Other suggestions:

• Include many fresh organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans in your diet. These provide you with nutrients, antioxidants and fiber necessary for immune function.
  
• Sip hot water, or ginger tea throughout the day to boost agni.
  
• Limit sugar intake. SImple sugars impair white blood cells activity leading to a depressed immune system.
  
• Limit alcohol. Alcohol can impair white blood cells mobility.

[I would also add avoiding any and all foods with added chemicals like colors, preservatives, and so on, including "natural flavor" which is usually some form of MSG or excitotoxins. Also any "industrialized foods" like margarine or any hydrogentated oils, and limiting intake of beef and pork, as they are considered to be extremely ama forming. Actually according to Ayurveda, the only kind of flesh food suitable for humans is wild game, and even then, when hunted according to strict humane rules.

A few other helpful tips for good digestion are not overeating, as this taxes the digestion system over time, eating only when hungry and for most people, this means waiting several hours between meals, and sipping hot or warm water or ginger tea WITH meals. She leaves out whole grains for some reason, they are also an integral part of the Ayurvedic diet. Another important principle is to eat ONLY in a peaceful frame of mind. In other words, if a person is feeling angry, afraid, in a fight with a family member, etc - eating should wait until emotions are calm.]

Lifestyle

There are several lifestyle choices that can tip the scales toward illness or health. Here are some lifestyle practices that can help boost a healthy immune system:

• Take meals at regular times each day. Regular meals help to prepare the body for a time of nourishment by inceasing appetite and enhancing digestion.
  
• Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess weight is a burden for the body. Placing undue stress on organs and metabolic functions impairs immune function.
  
• Get regular exercise. Just the right amount of movement helps the body become more resilient to various health problems.
  
• Get sufficient, good-quality sleep. The body restores itself and counters the effects of stress during sleep and relaxation. Immune cells circulate through the body in relation to cycles of sleep and wakefulness. A lack of sleep can interrupt this process. [Not sleeping enough is extremely detrimental to the immune system and vitality in general. Another point in Ayurvedic teachings is "early to bed and early to rise". In fact getting up before the sun is considered one of the single most important habits for good health, but it can only be done by going to bed early enough.]

[I would add not being too skinny, either. I have known a few people over the years who either had paranoid fears of being "fat", or other eating disorders, and maintained unhealthy underweight conditions. What is best for each person varies with body type. Some people are just naturally very slender and it's not unhealthy; others purposely under-eat and/or over-exercise and that harms the immune system.]


There is more to the article and I will post it later along with my .02~

 

[Nancy B]

Looking forward to more posts! Waiting to hear on the cleanses and how to improve myself & immune system. Love learning about Ayurvedic teachings.

 

[Be Well]

I've been under the weather for more than a week so have not had the energy to do lots of things (including wash dishes.....ack!) but will add bit by bit to this thread.

A two week cleanse or detoxification is good for just about everyone, especially at the change of seasons in spring and fall, so in the next month or so is a great time. Ayurvedic cleanses are not hard and right now there are so many fresh vegetables so it's a good time that way too. I feel so crapped out that I decided I would do a cleanse for two weeks starting in a day or two, so I can report how I'm doing!

And anyone who wants to know sources or get anything through me just PM. I did not start this thread as a business venture but if anyone wants any formulas from me that are not available on the market, I will repost the ingredients or send it or whatever works for people.

 

[Be Well]

I apologize for not posting much yet, still working on getting better. I think I was hit with a weird virus that affected heart/lungs.

Someone may wonder, "She thinks she's an ayurvedic know-it-all, why is she sick?"

Answer: I got interested in natural health in my 20s precisely because I had already had some "health issues" and was looking for other ways of dealing with them and drs and drugs.

:-)

Actually a lot of natural medicine people get into the field, looking for better answers for their own health problems.

 

[Be Well]

Everyone needs to keep the innards tidy and working properly. Poor digestion often leads to poor elimination, and excess toxins created due to improper "burning" of the ingested food, and thus by-products of poor digestion, called ama (as described above) circulate within the system and can cause a host of ailments. I'll write about good digestion in depth soon, but it starts with eating in a peaceful frame of mind, eating nutritious food that is balancing to one's own constitution, chewing well, and not eating late at night.

Proper elimination is a topic often discussed in various natural healing schools, the main difference between many of them and Ayurveda is that it is recommended to empty the bowels once a day, early in the morning. Moving them more than twice a day indicates a loss of energy, as the food is traveling too fast through the GI tract to allow the body to absorb all the nutrients it can. And of course less than once a day is also not the best for health.

I hope that anyone who reads any of this thread and has questions, will ask, whether it's terminology, or more explanations of anything, as many of the concepts of Ayurveda may not be familiar.

Ayurvedic Colon Cleanse

The best way to cleanse the intestinal tract is to use Triphala* on a regular basis. The recommended amount is one teaspoon stirred into one cup of water and drink every evening bedtime. The taste is very strong but isn’t hard to get used to if taken regularly. If the taste is hard to tolerate, a mix of half water and half apple juice works well to mask the taste.

Another way to take Triphala but needs remembering is to soak one teaspoon of Triphala in a cup of water in the morning, with a lid. At night, sip off the liquid in the cup, leaving the residue at the bottom. Then add water to the cup, stir, put a lid on, and drink it in the morning. Then mix up another teaspoon of Triphala into a cup of water for the night time dose.

If the bowels are sluggish or there is constipation, the dose can be increased according to need. Unlike some other laxatives, Triphala is neither addictive or harmful; it increases peristalsis, absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, and gently removes any accumulated toxic material from the gastrointestinal tract gradually. The benefits of Triphala are so many it would require a whole page! The three fruits in Triphala are botanically related wild fruits, each of which balances one of the three doshas, so it is truly a balanced formula that benefits every person.

Another helpful habit is to drink a large glass or mug of warm boiled water early in the morning before breakfast, and after cleaning the tongue. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a spoon of raw sugar or honey and a pinch of Trikatu or powdered ginger and black pepper can be added for a balanced cleansing drink. This helps add needed liquid to the digestive system after a night time fast, prepares the stomach for food, and helps detoxify the system. It is also a good mild fasting drink for a one day or more fast. It is most helpful with warm water, or at least room temperature, as cold drinks are not healthful especially for detoxifying.

If you wish to do a three day colon cleanse, then take two teaspoons of Triphala each night, and in the morning drink one or two glasses of the lemon/lime drink, and eat breakfast later in the morning or skip it altogether. The next thing to drink is a large glass of diluted juice and one tablespoon of psyllium husks mixed well. The psyllium husks add needed fiber and not only act like a “broom” to cleanse the intestines, but also absorb toxic gases and by-products. For a special cleanse, this can be taken up to two or three times a day for three days. This can be done once a month, and during the month continue to take one teaspoon of Triphala every night. If elimination ever seems sluggish, a bit more Triphala can be taken, or a glass of juice and water mixed with one tablespoon of psyllium husks.

During the cleanse, eat very light foods, especially avoiding cheese and other heavy milk products (a cup of hot milk is fine), refined sugar, heavy desserts or other rich foods like pizza. Nut butters are binding so it is better to avoid them during a colon cleanse. Simple easy to digest foods like basmati rice, millet, steamed vegetables and fruits are best; basically like the Anti-Ama Diet**. Soups, kittrie or mung dahl, salads, and sprouts are good to add as well. Soaked dried fruits are helpful. Make sure you get enough liquids, as the intestines need plenty of liquid to be able to function properly.

Another very helpful habit during a cleanse is to get regular exercise, as this helps the functioning of the digestive organs. Swimming, brisk walking and Hatha yoga are good, and yoga offers many asanas that particularly benefit the abdominal organs.

Added:

Since Vata controls elimination, it is helpful to arise before dawn during the time of Vata to eliminate properly. If a person can squat on the toilet, this is a more natural position in which to move the bowels, or try a squatting position on the floor to help the intestines ‘get ready’ to cleanse themselves. Often people can experience sluggish elimination if they do not have enough fiber in the diet, or natural oils. Adding bran to cereals can help, as well as making sure there are natural oils such as ghee added to foods. Cold foods slow down the entire digestive process, including elimination. Adding digestive spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, ghee and fennel can help warm up the intestinal tract.

Excess enemas and colonics are not recommended in Ayurveda, as they can disregulate the intestines. Generally only smaller amounts of liquid are used in therapeutic enemas, often with special recipes of herbal tea and oils. Colonics are best to avoid as they can remove the natural flora and cause more elimination difficulties.


*Triphala is a classic formula made from three wild (and unpleasant tasting) medicinal fruits. It has so many benefits I will write several paragraphs on it soon. I take it daily, 1 teaspoon at night, and highly recommended it. It gradually helps clean out all toxins from the GI tract, promotes digestion, assimiliation of nutritrents and helps maintain intestinal function. It can be used as a laxative in larger quantities and is not habit forming.

**The Anti-Ama diet is another specific cleansing diet that can be followed for one or two weeks; it is not a long term diet as it does not have enough nutrition for long term use, but it is very helpful for up to two weeks. I will post it tomorrow. I have done it several times and noticed immediate benefit. It's a good diet to follow for a week or two at the change of seasons, and right now there are so many fresh vegetables it's not restrictive as long as someone likes vegetables!

 

[JMG91]

Great posts, Be Well! By the way, I sent you a PM with some questions.

 

[Be Well]

Great posts, Be Well! By the way, I sent you a PM with some questions.

It's not in my inbox... maybe my inbox is full? But you'd get a message saying it is. I will clean it out tomorrow.

I have a lot more in the pipeline.

 

[Be Well]

Okay, here's the Anti-Ama diet, which in itself is a great detoxification program, and of course there are other things one can do, which I will post as well. This cleansing diet is restrictive but if you have enough of the kinds of vegetables you really like (perfect time right now), and eat mung beans in some form every day for protein, you will have enough nutrition so you won't feel weak or starved.

Mung beans are considered in Ayurveda to be practically a miracle food. They are balancing to all constitutions, slightly cooling, the easiest to digest bean when cooked properly or sprouted (HOME sprouting, not the giant tasteless things in stores), and somewhat cleansing as well. I buy them in 25# bags and always have enough on hand. Later today I will post recipes. A lot of Indian or Asian stores have split mung for sale but it is often stale or even colored yellow with artificial food coloring. I buy only organic, grown in USA mung beans and they are still affordable and keep for several years in buckets, in a cool dark place. Mung beans can be made into soup, "vegie" burgers, sprouts which can be eaten raw or sauteed, and kittrie, which is a rice/mung stew and considered one of the very best healing foods.

Detoxifying Anti-Ama Diet​

According to Ayurveda, certain difficult to digest foods are like to cause a buildup of toxins and waste materials called Ama in the system. These are foods which are heavy, greasy, stale or old, or contain artificial ingredients. Example of such foods are cheese, white sugar, pre-prepared and packaged foods, frozen foods, any foods with preservatives or artificial colors or flavors, leftovers, peanut butter, chips, margarine, gooey desserts and pastries, and the like. Unstirred yogurt, especially yogurt eaten in the late afternoon, also clogs the channels. Ama can also get created when eating a good diet but with poor digestive fire so that digestion is not optimal.

The Anti-Ama diet is similar to Western ideas of a non-mucus forming diet, without the emphasis on raw cold foods. This diet is not for everyone. Those who are emaciated, or people suffering from debility or very cold should not follow this diet. It is part of a preliminary cleansing treatment, and is not for long term or permanent usage.


Fruit

Small amount of fruit. Avoid very sweet fruits like bananas, and sweet fruit juices. Some sour juices such as lemon, lime, and fruits such as Grapefruit. Pomegranate, all Berries and Cranberry. Papayas and Oranges may be eaten in moderation. Warm water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, a teaspoon of honey, and about ¼ t. of powdered ginger or Trikatu is a very good detoxification drink and can be drunk daily first thing in the morning as long as there is no acid reaction (heartburn etc), which some people are prone to. If you are prone to this, just the tiniest squeeze of lime juice, raw sugar, and a pinch of ginger or trikatu. Lime is less prone to causing acid reaction than lemon.


Vegetables

Most vegetables are good detoxifiers. Either raw or steamed is good. Sprouts like alfalfa, sunflower, red clover, buckwheat, and bean sprouts like mung are good in small to moderate amounts, containing enzymes which help digest Ama. Some fresh vegetable juices such as celery, parsley, cilantro and spinach are beneficial in dilution, plain carrot is a little too sweet. Vegetable juices are not necessary for the Anti-Ama diet. Heavier root and sweet vegetables like white and sweet potatoes and winter squash should be avoided. Green vegetables such as summer squash, greens, asparagus and string beans are good. Don’t eat too many cole vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli if they cause gas. Don't think that crunchy half raw vegetables are better; cook until tender. Eat as many appropriate vegetables as desired.


Grains

Most whole grains are all right for mild or long term purification approaches, but for short term more intensive detoxification, primarily basmati or brown rice, (if suitable for constitution) have the strongest effect. Light grains like millet or other grains are all right now and then; the best grain for detoxification is basmati rice, especially when cooked with mung beans into Kittrie. Avoid baked goods since the whole grains are better for detoxification than even whole grain flours. Although whole wheat is excellent for strength and growth, it is best to minimize or avoid for the Anti-Ama diet.


Beans

For detoxification beans should be avoided, as they often tax the digestion, and if not properly digested, the metabolic by-products add to the stored Ama. The exception is mung beans, which are an excellent detoxifying food, especially eaten as soup or with basmati rice in kittrie and should be part of the Anti-Ama diet.


Nuts and Seeds

Most nuts, especially when roasted and salted, are heavy and mucus forming. They should generally be avoided in the anti-Ama detoxification diet. Sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds are the best choice, but should be taken in small amounts if at all, and soaked would be the best way to eat them.


Milk Products

Milk has a tendency to cause mucus, especially when homogenized and pasteurized (although boiling before drinking renders it much more digestible), Cheese, butter and yogurt are even more so. For a de-toxifying Anti-Ama diet, it is better to avoid milk and milk products unless one is emaciated, in which case a different diet would be better. Yogurt can be taken in small amounts as lassi, mixed with equal parts water and spices like ginger and cinnamon.


Oils

Oils should be avoided except for small amounts of ghee, which helps strengthen the digestive fire. In fact, it is important to use a small amount of ghee during the Anti-Ama diet to promote digestion. A few teaspoons a day is okay.


Sweeteners

Avoid sweeteners, except for a little raw honey. Do not ever cook with honey, only add it to foods when they are eating temperature. (A small amount of raw sugar is okay for excess or high Pitta types.)


Spices

All spices are generally good for an Ama/toxic condition, including hot spices. However, salt can increase Ama and should be used sparingly, and do not use sea salt, only mineral or rock salt, which is lighter and easier to digest (for example Himalayan rock salt, "Real Salt", or what is called pink salt or black salt). Sour foods like vinegar and pickles should be avoided, as the sour taste increases fermentation and Ama, and can over-heat the blood.


Beverages

Avoid cold drinks, absolutely no ice or refrigerator cold, best is warmed, room temperature or pretty hot. Spring water is good, distilled is okay for short term use but not long term use, and drink water warm. Boiled is very good and sipping boiled warm water during meals promotes digestion and helps eliminate Ama.. Drink herb teas, especially spicey ones like ginger, cinnamon and cardamom, Yogi tea type mixes, or other appropriate herb teas. A good method of detoxification is to sip hot boiled water, with a pinch or two of ginger or cinnamon added throughout the day, taking a little every half hour or so.



Dietetics

The Anti-Ama diet is very restrictive, and thus it should not be followed for a very long time. Best to follow it for a week or two, or a little more, depending on how much toxins are being held by the body and the strength of the individual. Once the tongue appears clear and pink, and the appetite is good, and the body feels lighter and refreshed, you can start your constitutional diet.

For the Anti-Ama diet, combinations should be kept simple with only a few different foods per meal. Do not drink too much with meals, although sips of warm water do help digestion. After the meal it is fine to drink some spicey teas. A little raw food is all right, unless you are feeling a lot of cold in your body or digestion seems quite poor; in which case stick with all cooked vegetables. Leave several hours between meals, and the Ayurvedic maxim “Eat only when hungry, and drink when thirsty” should be your standard. Two to three meals a day should suffice. Do not eat before 10 AM if possible unless you are very hungry, or after sunset. The main meal, if possible, should be in the middle of the day. All over eating should be avoided. And remember to chew well, and eat in a peaceful atmosphere.

 

[Be Well]

Useful Ayurvedic Herbs and Other Treatment Methods for Brain/Mind Imbalances​

First I will give an abbreviated summary of the Ayurvedic view of personal identity, as this helps to understand the foundation underlying treatment methods and goals. Even just theoretically grasping some of the “hows” and “whys” of treatment methods is beneficial, as it is always good to know why one is doing something.

The individual’s identity in Ayurveda is considered to be the atma, or eternal spiritual self or soul. The soul in the world is “wearing” a physical body like a person riding in a vehicle; in our case our vehicle is made of flesh and blood. We also have a more subtle body of mind and intelligence (discrimination or will) which is intimately connected with the physical body. So healing or bringing balance to the emotions and mind involves helping balance the physical brain as well as bringing harmony to the more subtle mind and intelligence.

Naturally, when one is riding in a vehicle, not only is the condition of the vehicle important, but the destination. The larger Vedic literatures, of which the Ayurvedic shastras are a small part, all agree that spiritual enlightenment is the ultimate desirable destination of all sentient beings, and to that end proper maintenance and care of one’s “vehicle” is a necessity, as well as for having a happy life here and now. Therefore, intrinsic to Ayurveda are not only beneficial daily routines, proper diet and herbs and other cleansing and strengthening measures, but also ethical and moral behavior. A life is only considered successful if one develops not only a healthy body and mind (as much as is possible within our limitations), but also develops spiritually in relationship to the Supreme, all other living beings and all creation. So right behavior is considered as important to health as exercise, good diet, and proper therapeutic herbs and practices.


Some Considerations for Bringing Equanimity to the Mind

In our modern, hectic life there are many influences which, according to Ayurvedic principles, can cause various kinds of mental instabilities and and disturbances, which vary according to one’s constitution and other factors. Such things as constant travel, air and water pollution, even “ethereal” pollution such as radio, TV and micro-waves in the air (which do affect the brain), the quality of media and entertainment, and depleted or chemical-saturated foods all affect peoples’ total well being, especially mental balance. Add to this the stress of struggling for existence in a very uncertain world, with so many fractured families and isolated people, it is no wonder that the best selling pharmaceuticals are psychoactive drugs, and alcohol abuse and street drugs are so widespread.

A peaceful routine, with moderate exercise, a diet composed of natural foods suited to the seasons and one’s constitution, an ethical or at least non-harmful employment, and ideally some regular daily religious or spiritual practice or prayer, are the foundation of a physically and mentally healthful life. Additionally, Ayurveda uses many herbs which are usually taken in formulas combining several herbs which support and balance each other. It is a sophisticated system of herbalism because of the depth of understanding of the energies and potencies of the herbs, but very simple to use, even when starting with just a few herbs. It is a user friendly herbalism.

Diet Affects the Mind

Ayurveda places as much emphasis on proper diet as on herbs; as food affects not just the physical body but the mind as well. Here are a few simple principles:

Over use of extremely hot, spicy or acidy foods like hot peppers, chilis, lots of tomato sauce, vinegar or overly salted foods can aggravate mental irritation, anger and dissatisfaction and aggression.

Very heavy sticky greasy foods, lots of refined flour products as well as a lot of cold foods like ice cream, can aggravate dullness, depression, and lethargy. A diet heavy in meat products – especially beef and pork – can also aggravate dullness as well as aggression.

Large amounts of raw food with insufficient heavier, solid foods can aggravate spaciness, fear or anxiety and a feeling of not being in the real world.

Large amounts of ultra refined sugar causes all kinds of mental unrest, as most mothers can testify!

Also, chemicals such as preservatives, artificial colors and flavors and industrialized “foods” like corn syrup and foods with 20 or 30 ingredients you can’t spell or pronounce (of course, now made in China to boot!), aggravate many kinds of mental imbalance and should be avoided at all costs. Microwaving food destroys the “Prana” – in short, the subtle life essence in food, and too much processing does the same thing. Best if food is eaten freshly cooked and as close to its natural state as possible, with as little refining, bleaching, preserving, freezing as practical. The more the body has to struggle digesting, assimilating and eventually eliminating artificial foods, the less in balance the entire organism will be.

Subtle Nutrition or Sensory Impressions

We can easily understand how sound effects the mind and emotions – the sound of fingernails on a blackboard, loud jackhammers, or the gentle sound of leaves in the breeze or ocean waves – all evoke different reactions in the body and mind. Ayurveda takes this understanding deeper and teaches that wholesome and unwholesome sounds, sights, smells and touches can also affect not just physical health but deeply effect emotional and mental health as well. What kind of music or sounds we hear and listen to, the colors we use in our surroundings, whether we use chemical fragrances and cleaners or ones with natural scents, wearing natural fibers or polyester made from oil – all these deeply affect out well being. Jarring, ultra loud or angry sounds (rap “music” for example) create strong disharmony in the mind that can have long term affects. Decorating our house with photos or artistic representations of war, suffering, and loneliness, or using dark, ugly, or harsh colors or shapes (such as is often found in "modern" art) strongly disturbs the mind. Wearing clothes and using bedding made from artificial fibers disturbs the flow of energy in the body as understood both in Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine.

Therefore, the music we choose to listen to, the sights we place in front of our eyes, the clothing and bedding we touch to our skin, the smells we offer to our sense of smell – all these have deep effects on the mind and body. Out of all of them the sense of hearing is the most deeply affecting. Even plants will die when assaulted by overly loud screeching rock and roll, and thrive and grow luxuriantly towards classical European and Indian music. Photographs or pictures of the peace and beauty of the natural world have an uplifting and harmonizing effect on the mind, as do the use of harmonious and pleasing colors. So there are many subtle (remember – splitting the atom is more subtle than throwing rocks, but much more powerful!) – methods that we can choose that will enhance long term well being of the body and the mind.

Considering the fact that everything we “take in” to the mind is stored in the unconscious as well as conscious memory, the more we use good discrimination and judgment about what we absorb, the more we can promote mental and emotional well being. Avoiding impressions of a violent, lustful, terrifying (ie pornography, violent or horror movies, etc), greed inducing nature, and choosing uplifting, peaceful, or useful information will have noteworthy short as well as long term effects.

Spiritual Nutrition

Since the Ayurvedic understanding of the real self is that of an eternal spirit or soul, it is accepted that this part of us - in truth, our real self - needs nutrition as well. Daily bread isn’t just the food we eat but connecting with the Divine through prayer or meditation. It is said that real meditation is prayerful, and real prayer is meditation, and adding this as a daily practice has a cumulative effect on the mind and deeper levels of consciousness as well. In fact, in traditional Ayurvedic books, many specific ailments have recommendations to start and end the day with some kind of spoken prayers, chanting, or devotional singing, or the reading of sacred books. Anyone of any faith can find some method that may work, or if a person has no spiritual or religious path, at the very least, the quiet appreciation of Nature is also uplifting and healing. Contemplating the beauty and grandeur of the natural world is a balm that everyone can benefit from – even simple walking in a garden, viewing the sunrise or sunset, walks by a river or ocean – are all calming to the mind. And when one considers that all the beauty of the natural world has a Divine Source, this adds an added depth of peace and comfort to the heart.

Taking the time once a week (or whenever one can) to visit to a nature reserve or park away from city streets can be a wonderful habit. Just to view the unfettered sky, feel clean breezes, hear nothing but birds and wind, can help free the mind from the darkness of depression and the agitation of fear or aggression.

Yoga, Tai Chi and Massage

The practice of Hatha Yoga or Tai Chi can have very noticeable affects on the mind and emotions, as well as being energizing for the body. Hatha Yoga is good for not only the muscles, bones and joints, but also improves functioning of the organs and organ systems as well, and promotes the free flow of energy throughout the body. If someone wants to learn some simple yoga positions, there are many CDs and classes available. Simple breathing exercises are also extremely powerful methods to calm, pacify and clarify the mind, especially one practice called Alternate Nostril Breathing. It is easily learned and even a few minutes a day has immediate and long lasting improvement. It’s nothing short of amazing.

Receiving regular massage is also extremely good for not only releasing muscle tension and soreness, but helps release mental tension as well. If affordable, once or twice a month massage (or even more) is very helpful for improving and maintaining mental equanimity.

Some Useful Herbs

Here are a few of the most useful and commonly used herbs that help promote proper brain function and mental equanimity (and many have other benefits as well).


1. Ashwagandha – Withania Somnifera – One of the most universally useful herbs, excellent for those suffering from overwork, mental stress, recuperation from illness, and general weakness or nervous exhaustion. Helps to pacify and clarify the mind. Often used for children and in many formulas as its actions are mild.

2. Brahmi also called Gotu Kola – Centella asiatica - The premier herb for revitalizing the nerves and brain, strengthening memory and sharpening awareness and concentration.

3. Bacopa – Bacopa monniera- - Another rejuvenative for the nerves and brain. Also promotes mental clarity and memory. Also used to treat epilepsy and severe mental illness. Often used with Brahmi.

4. Vacha –Acorus calamus – another rejuvenative for the nervous system, traditionally used for such disturbances as epilepsy, and for helping those with ailments such as bedwetting and sleepwalking. Promotes cerebral circulation, sharpens memory and is used to treat serious mental illness.

5. Shankpushpi – Evolvulus alsinoides – Rejuvenative for the body and mind, helps with nervous debility, memory and promotes balance in the mind.

6. Jatamansi – Nardostachys jatamansi – Promotes clear awareness, strengthens the mind, and is considered calming but not dulling, used for epilepsy and other convulsive nervous disorders and even some heart problems. Tagar, a form of Valerian, is also used, often in conjunction with Jatamansi, for calming.

7. Spicy herbs like Cinnamon, Cardamom, Calamus, Ginger, and Nutmeg are often added not only to formulas for mental balance, but food as well. They each have their own properties – Cinnamon, Cloves and Ginger can cheer up darker moods, Cardamom and Calamus help clear subtle blockages which can cause mental or emotional stagnation, and Nutmeg is noted for calming nervous agitation, even nerve pain.

8. Kapi Kacchu -Mucuna pruriens - Is balancing and supportive for the nervous system, calming to the mind, and is a natural source of levodopa, known to help calm the mind. Has other health benefits, mostly for strengthening reproductive system, but is not agitating.

9. Gokshura - Tribulus terrestris - Calms the nerves, is balancing for all constitutions, and helps uplift depression, also useful for the genito-urinary system and other uses.

10. Guduchi - Tinospora cordifolia - Another multi purpose herb that helps calm the mind and balance the nervous system. Also noted for supporting the immune system, helps digestion and removal of toxins from the body.

In order to make best use of herbs, it's a good idea to start with Ashwagandha, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon twice a day in some warm water or milk, with some honey to taste, and try for a few weeks. Then if a person wants to try others, add a small amount of one other to the Ashwagandha, and try for a few weeks, one at a time. Brahmi (Gotu Kola) and Bacopa are often used together.*

Another important aspect of healing the mind is avoiding the use of any mind altering drugs, whether legal or illegal. Over use of caffeine also has a jarring effect on the mind, and can add fuel to the fire of agitation - irritation or nervousness, in many people. Anyone taking psychiatric drugs by prescription should always seek the advice of a medical practitioner before making any changes. Difficulties with the mind are more and more common in today's uncertain world, and no one should be ashamed, but try to seek a solution honestly, as there are very few people who have not suffered from unwanted anger, anxiety, fear or depression. Ultimately, the best treatment for the mind is spiritual wisdom and enlightenment, for the mind can be our best friend or our worst enemy, and the path of yoga wisdom is the most certain path for taming the mind and making it a supporting friend instead of antagonist. All the above recommendations can easily be used in conjunction with the yoga path.

I hope that Christians will not be afraid of the terms I have used; the highest enlightenment is in truth love for the Supreme Lord, and developing a relationship of loving service to Him, and love for all His children, is the goal of real religion. The word "Yoga" actually means "union" or "relationship", and the authentic goal of the yoga system is loving service to God. Modern westernized yoga more often than not has little in common with authentic and traditional yoga teachings. In fact, the goal of yoga has nothing to do with exercises at all, as helpful as they are with maintaining and improving health. But this is a long topic.

*I will be happy to post specific formulas for stress relief, helping with sleeping difficulties and other mental balance needs such as memory and focus.

 

[Be Well]

Massaging one's body with oil, specifically sesame oil (refined and not the Chinese toasted kind either!) is an extremely health promoting habit. Other oils such as coconut or almond, even sunflower, can be used. Coconut should not be used by people who feel cold a lot.

The benefits are not only numerous, but you feel better immediately - joints are freer moving, pain anywhere is lessened, the body feels lighter, easier to "wear", mind feels a bit more clear and uplifted. If helps strengthen the entire system, if done regularly. Since the hands and feet have reflex points that help the entire body, it's helpful to pay extra attention to them. If a person cannot do it daily, at least try to do it a few times a week. The goal is to rub the oil in well, not ignoring any area.

[Just in case anyone is wondering, it is NOT a sexual massage!!!!]

Ayurvedic Oil Massage - Abhyanga​

A daily full-body warm oil massage acts as a powerful recharger and rejuvenator of mind and body.


Benefits

It is nourishing, pacifies Vata [ether and air elements] and Kapha [water and earth elements] , as well as helping Pitta [fire and water elements] relieves fatigue, provides stamina, enhances sound sleep, the complexion and the luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the body. When the views expressed in the different Ayurvedic texts are put together, here are some benefits that can be expected from regular performance of this pleasant daily ritual:

• Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
• Imparts tone and vigor to the tissue
• Calming for the nerves; stimulates internal organs and circulation
• Lubrication of the joints
• Increased mental alertness
• Improved elimination of impurities and toxins from the body
• Softer, smoother skin
• Increased levels of stamina through the day
• Better, deeper sleep at night
• Strengthens immune system and resistence to stress
• Improves sensory perception
• Slow the aging of the body; improves longevity
• Pacifies and harmonizes vata, pitta and kapha

The Ayurvedic massage is traditionally performed in the morning, before your bath or shower. But whenever you have time is fine. You can use sesame oil, an herbalized massage oil, or an aroma massage oil. Herbalized massage oils contain a blend of carefully chosen herbs known for their ability to strengthen the physiology and balance the mind. [I will post a link later today for such oils.]

Aroma massage oils also deliver double the benefit – the healing aromas in the massage oil blend, if properly chosen, are particularly effective in balancing the emotions and doshas or constitutional elements, while the act of the massage works on both body and mind. Ayurveda recommends different base oils and aroma blends depending on what you are attempting to balance. Anyone can add essential oils they like or feel are beneficial for them. Even plain oil is extremely beneficial.

Massage Method

Use comfortably warm massage oil. (Store your massage oil in a plastic flip-top and warm it by holding the container under running hot water for a few minutes - although no need in a warm climate, or just pour it into your hands and rub together before applying to your skin.) Dip your fingertips into the warm oil and apply it well all over the body. Massage the entire body, applying even pressure with the whole hand – palm and fingers. Apply light pressure on sensitive areas such as the abdomen or the heart. Use more oil and spend more time where nerve endings are concentrated, such as the soles of feet, palms of hands and along the base of the fingernails.

Use long strokes over the long bones and circular motions over rounded areas such as your head or joints. Massage the abdomen in the direction of the intestines, and massage the chest/breasts in circular motions, making sure to also massage the armpits and chest wall to reach the lymph glands and promote circulation there. Oil all the orifices of the body including the navel (be gentle with navel) as well as nose, ears, and genital area. After you’re done, relax for 10-15 minutes, letting the oil absorb (if possible). One way it could be done is have sweats or tee shirt just for this, and after "oiling up" sit in a warm place or relax before taking your bath or shower. Follow with a warm bath or shower. You can always follow the warm shower with a cold rinse off if you like for wakeup purposes.

Since the oil is hard to wash out of towels, I usually save a couple of smaller towels just for drying off after doing the oil massage, since some oil remains on the skin even after the shower, and it's best to wash them in hot water with good detergent and maybe some white vinegar. Also it is best to minimize the use of soap during the shower, and to use soap that is mild and natural, like Pears or Kirks Castile, or Dr. Bronners, and while showering, scrub with a washcloth, rather than use tons of soap.

Dry Friction Massage

Instead of oil, you can use alternatively a loofah or fiber wash cloth or mitt. Follow the same pattern of massage as described above, using vigorous energizing strokes but don’t be too rough or scratch the skin. You can alternate a dry friction massage one day, and an oil massage the next. The dry friction massage is particularly good for reducing Kapha, symptoms would be excess weight or congestion in the body.

If your schedule doesn’t allow for a daily massage, try and squeeze it in at least 3 or 4 times a week.

 

[Be Well]

Bumping to put it up for anyone plus I'm going to be adding a bunch more info hopefully very soon.

 

[Lei]

I have a Neem tree in my backyard . I am wondering about drinking Neem tea
if Ebola comes to visit.

 

[Be Well]

I have a Neem tree in my backyard . I am wondering about drinking Neem tea
if Ebola comes to visit.

Oooh, a neem tree in your yard!!!! You are so fortunate. Now I remember you mentioning something about that before, you live in HI.

Neem tea is ULTRA ULTRA horrible tasting, think "bitter" multiplied a thousand times hints at the taste. Because it has a very "cold" energy, it should be balanced with a hot spice or herb like ginger, black pepper, pippali (long pepper which you could grow there), cayenne is not favored in Ayurveda which is mainly what I know. Neem is especially used in skin diseases either externally or used in formulas internally; can help with other herbs for weight loss or infectious disease conditions. It is not generally used solo but in conjuction with other herbs, as it is so strong in effect it is better to be balanced with other herbs. If I were to drink neem tea I would make it VERY strong and simmer the leaves at a low temperature along with ginger and black pepper with the lid on. I might simmer the ginger and black pepper first, then add the neem leaves and simmer more, then cool and strain, add honey to keep it, and store in fridge for maybe a week or two and take it a tablespoon or two at a time. It really is the most horrible tasting of any herb just about. But the hot herbs and the honey might make it so you could gag it down. I use it in formulas and even in small amounts you sure know it's there. :-)

 

[Lei]

Thank you . I have tried making tea with the Neem and it is very bitter ! We do grow ginger here also so
I can easily try the ginger and black pepper recipe.
I seem to recall Ghandi saying he drank Neem tea.
Years ago we planted a coffee farm and planted Neem among the coffee to protect it from insects and nematodes.
We eventually became to old to continue farming and sold the farm. However I loved the Neem trees so
much that I planted several at our house. One made a nice tree and the other is trimmed up as a bush.
I like to make a tea and spray or pour on other plants.

 

[Be Well]

Bumping this up because there is information about supporting immunity and someone asked a question about that a couple of days ago.