How do ayurvedic herbs work

Alert, restless and very active, vata people walk, talk and think fast, but are easily fatigued. They tend to have less willpower, confidence, boldness and tolerance for fluctuation than other types and often feel unstable and ungrounded.

When unbalanced, vata types may become fearful, nervous and anxious. In the external world, vata types tend to earn money quickly and spend it quickly. They are not good planners and as a consequence may suffer economic hardship. Vata types have variable appetite and digestion. They are often attracted to astringent foods like salad and raw vegetables, but their constitution is balanced by warm, cooked foods and sweet, sour and salty tastes. With a tendency to produce little urine, their feces are often hard, dry and small in size and quantity.

Vata resides in the colon, as well as the brain, ears, bones, joints, skin and thighs. Vata people are more susceptible to diseases involving the air principle, such as emphysema, pneumonia and arthritis. Other common vata disorders include flatulence, tics, twitches, aching joints, dry skin and hair, nerve disorders, constipation, and mental confusion.

Vata in the body tends to increase with age as is exhibited by the drying and wrinkling of the skin. Since the attributes of vata are dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile and clear, any of these qualities in excess can cause imbalance. Frequent travel, especially by plane, loud noises, continual stimulation, drugs, sugar and alcohol all derange vata, as does exposure to cold and cold liquids and foods. Like the wind, vata types have a hard time becoming and staying grounded.

Routine is difficult but essential if vata is to be lowered and controlled. It is best for vata types to go to bed by 10 PM as they need more rest than the other types. In general, people with excessive vata respond most rapidly to warm, moist, slightly oily, heavy foods. Steam baths, humidifiers and moisture in general are helpful. Daily oil massage before bath or shower is also recommended. General food guidelines for decreasing vata include warm, well-cooked, unctuous foods.

One should have small meals three or four times a day and may snack as needed while maintaining a two hour gap between each meal. Regularity in meal times is important for vata. Those with vata-dominant constitutions do well with one- pot meals such as soups, stews and casseroles.

They can use more oil in cooking their foods than the other two doshas and experience better digestion if they limit their intake of raw foods.

Well-cooked oats and rice are good for vata because they are not too drying when cooked with plenty of water and butter or ghee. While cooked vegetables are best for vata, the occasional salad with a good oily or creamy dressing is all right. Nightshades—tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and peppers—as well as spinach should be avoided if the vata person has stiff, aching joints or muscles.

Sweet, ripe and juicy fruits are good for vata. The astringent and drying fruits, such as cranberries, pomegranates and raw apples, should be avoided. Fruit should always be eaten by itself on an empty stomach. Many vata people can satisfy their need for protein by judicious use of dairy products, but can also use eggs, chicken, turkey, fresh fish and venison if they wish. Legumes are difficult to digest and should be consumed in limited quantity by those trying to pacify vata.

The legumes should be the split type and soaked before cooking. Cooking them with a little oil and spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic and hing asafoetida , will help prevent vata from being disturbed. All nuts and seeds are good for vata, but are best used as butters or milks. Ten almonds, soaked in water overnight with skins removed the next morning, are a satisfying early morning food. Sesame oil is warming for vata, but all oils are good.

All dairy products are good for vata with hard cheese being eaten sparingly. All spices are good, but should not be overused. Vatas can have half a glass of wine, diluted with water, during or after a meal. Since vata people tend to be prone to addiction, they should avoid sugar, caffeine and tobacco. Intensity itself can be intoxicating to vata, so one should seek relaxation and meditation to reduce vata. Pitta types have many of the qualities of fire. Fire is hot, penetrating, sharp and agitating.

Similarly, pitta people have warm bodies, penetrating ideas and sharp intelligence. When out of balance, they can become very agitated and short-tempered. The pitta body type is one of medium height and build, with ruddy or coppery skin. They may have many moles and freckles. Their skin is warm and less wrinkled than vata skin. Their hair tends to be silky and they often experience premature graying or hair loss. Their eyes are of medium size and the conjunctiva is moist. The nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Those with pitta-dominant constitutions have a strong metabolism, good digestion and strong appetites. They like plenty of food and liquids and tend to love hot spices and cold drinks. However, their constitution is balanced by sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. If your symptoms are severe, be sure to bring the herbs with you to your healthcare provider or the emergency room.

Arguably the biggest concern related to Ayurvedic herbs is drug safety. Given that these remedies are largely unregulated in the United States and are rarely submitted for voluntary testing by the U. Pharmacopeia or other certifying bodies , they pose a certain risk to consumers. To ensure quality and safety, buy your Ayurvedic herbs from a reputable manufacturer with an established market presence. Always choose herbs that have been certified organic under the regulations of the U.

Finally, don't be swayed by the conceit that "natural" drugs are inherently better, or by health claims that may or may not be true. Use your best judgment, and always keep your healthcare provider in the loop about any complementary therapies you may be taking. Self-treating a medical condition or avoiding or delaying the standard care of treatment can have serious consequences.

Read more about Shilajit. Two Sanskrit words are combined to form Ayurveda— ayur , which means "life" and veda , which means "science" or "knowledge. There are more than 30 schools of Ayurvedic medicine throughout the U. Ayurvedic products are widely available from acupuncture practices, Ayurvedic practitioners, acupuncturists , stores that sell Indian food and other products, websites, and even Amazon.

The International Society for Ayurveda and Health strongly advises purchasing and using Ayurvedic herbs only under the guidance of a trained practitioner. It's wise to consult your regular caregiver as well. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Efficacy of 'Itrifal Saghir', a combination of three medicinal plants in the treatment of obesity; A randomized controlled trial.

Resin from the mukul myrrh tree, guggul, can it be used for treating hypercholesterolemia? A randomized, controlled study. Complement Ther Med. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical study evaluates the early efficacy of aflapin in subjects with osteoarthritis of knee.

Int J Med Sci. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Effects of Centella asiatica L. Sci Rep. A cluster of lead poisoning among consumers of Ayurvedic medicine. Int J Occup Environ Health. Johns Hopkins Medicine. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth. Jan National Ayurvedic Medical Association.

University of Michigan. Is Ayurvedic Medicine Safe? Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

Treatment options are varied and can include yoga, acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy and dietary changes. Always check with your doctor before starting complementary therapies and never stop taking your conventional medicine or alter the dose without the knowledge and approval of your doctor.

More information here. Ayurveda — an introduction, Holistic Online. Ayurveda — topic overview, WebMD. Online Ayurvedic medicine may be unsafe, WebMD. Benchmarks for training in Ayurveda, World Health Organisation.

Key concepts of Ayurveda, Holistic Online. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all complementary and alternative care. Related information. Content disclaimer Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Reviewed on: These medicines can interact, or work against, the effects of Western medicines.

Investigate the training and background of Ayurvedic practitioners whom you intend to use. It's important to discuss any Ayurvedic treatments that you use with your doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing, or people who are thinking of using Ayurvedic therapy to treat a child, should consult their healthcare provider. It is important to make sure that any diagnosis of a disease or condition has been made by a healthcare provider who has substantial conventional medical training and experience with managing that disease or condition.

While Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard, conventional medical care, it should not replace standard, conventional medical care, especially when treating serious conditions.