Herbalism and Ayurveda go hand in hand.  And the study of herbalism, like Ayurveda or any deep science, is an ongoing learning experience as should be.  Don’t let that stop you from beginning a journey on learning about healing herbs which, many times, have ‘side benefits’ instead of ‘side effects.’   There are numerous categories of herbs, dozens of ways that herbs are cultivated and prepared, and hundreds of places in the world where herbs are grown.   So without getting into the seeming complexity of it, I wanted to give a brief introduction on ways that herbs may be looked towards for health.*

One of the things that I love about Ayurveda is that it recognizes that not everyone responds the same way to one thing, whether situation or food.   So it’s a given that one person, according to his or her constitution and time of life, may not respond the same way to an herb or herbal combination as another.  Herbs are known for their cooling or heating effects as well as their particular actions.  Examples of some herbal actions are analgesics, aphrodisiacs, circulatory stimulants, demulcents, digestive stimulants, expectorants, laxatives, nerve tonics, nutritive tonics, muscle tonics, reproductive tonics, etc.  And the list goes on.

Ayurveda recognizes that herbs have cooling or heating properties, which becomes an important factor in knowing what herb will work best, depending on the individual, time of life, and time of year.

Let’s say, for example, that your primary constitution is a fiery pitta.  Pittas often express frustration through anger, they have a good digestive fire going on and are the most hot in the prime time of their lives.  If you’re a pitta type living in a hot climate then you may want to steer clear of herbs whose action would be hot.  However, if you’re a vata type– high strung, a bit on the nervous side, thin with variable digestion living in the cold then you may want to avoid herbs whose action would be cool.  And kapha types, who tend to be more earthy, fleshy and prone to congestion, generally benefit from warmer herbs which break up the heavy and static qualities that are inherent in their constitutions.

There’s a whole dance to what it takes to combine herbs and I am not addressing that here, though it really is not difficult and can be quite enjoyable with a little patience.  Most of us are able to purchase herbal teas found in the grocery or buy tinctures and concoctions found in health food or on-line outlets.  So you will recognize some of the herbs mentioned below.

Here is a rundown of some actions and a few herbs along with their temperature properties.   Try and see how many herbs and actions you’re already familiar with.

Alteratives are herbs that cleanse or purify the blood by helping to remove toxins

Cooling : dandelion root, echinacia, burdock,  goldenseal

Warming:  turmeric, cayenne, garlic.

 

Analgesics are herbs that help reduce pain

Cooling:  willow bark, wild yam

Warming: camphor, guggul, valerian, turmeric, dong quai

 

Anthelmintics help rid or destroy worms and parasites from the body (including yeast and fungus)

Cooling: neem,  pau d’arco

Warming: wormwood, musta, asafetida

 

Carminatives help to get rid of intestinal gas and enhance digestion and absorption

Cooling: coriander, peppermint, chamomile, fennel

Warming: basil, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg

Diuretics stimulate the kidneys to release more fluid

Cooling: burdock, dandelion leaf, coriander

Warming: juniper berries, parsley

 

Digestive stimulants  increase digestive fire and strengthen the metabolism

Warming: ginger, clove, pepper

Somewhat cooling: coriander, fennel

 

Expectorants are especially helpful during cold and flu season

Moist/warm:  licorice, comfrey, flaxseed, slippery elm

Dry/warm: sage, ginger, clove

 

Laxatives support elimination

Moist/warm :  licorice, flaxseed, psyllium, prunes (and bulk laxatives which include bran)

 

Cool purgatives are not as gentle as laxatives and may be habit forming

Cascara sagrada, senna, rhubarb root and dried aloe

 

Lekhanas  help to reduce fatty tissue and support weight loss

Black pepper, guggul, shallijit,

(and even hot water! )

 

Lithotropes  are for dissolving kidney stones

Cooling: corn silk, dandelion root and leaf

Warming: parsley, ajwan

 

Nervine sedatives calm the nervous system

Cooling: gotu kola, skullcap, passion flower

Warming: valerian root, nutmeg

Both: Brahmi

 

Nutritive tonics strengthen bodies/builds tissues

Cooling:  Shatavari, bala, wild yam

Warming:  ashwagandha, ginseng, sesame seed

 

A great company for ordering herbs, teas, and supplies to inspire you on further herbal explorations:  Mountain Rose Herbs  www.  Mountainrose herbs. com.

Remember that there are many more herbs, properties, as well as numerous writings to help you live well.

Have fun!

 

*The Information presented here is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any disease.   For educational purposes only.