Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition cleans tissues; bleeding gums, canker sores in the Peaches (Aru - H) mouth; high in vitamin A and C, (with seeds V=); antiseptic for typhoid fever. With cumin and cane Energetics: Sweet, astringent, or sour/ sugar the juice helps urinary conditions, intestinal hot/sweet or pungent V- PK+ (V+ some- catarrh, and congested liver; Cantaloupe—mild- times. One peach daily K-) er, is better for Váyu. For acne and rashes, and to promote soft skin—rub melon rind on skin before Action: Demulcent, laxative, refrigerant bed. Watermelon binds the stool and flushes the Indications: Fever, cough, seeds—anti-cough/ kidneys, but only eat them 3 hours after meals. laxative, menstruation, colon worms, heal dam- aged tissues; leaves—allay nausea, vomiting; Contraindications: Eat alone. Watermelon—do high in vitamin A, potassium, fiber; cancer, heart not eat at night or when cloudy (this causes edema disease, Nectarines are safer for Pitta. or abdominal pain). Eating them in excess causes Contraindications: Skin aggravates in excess or respiratory problems. Not eaten with glaucoma acute Pitta conditions (i.e., rash) Oranges (Swadu-naringa) Pears (Arúk) Energetics: Sweet or sour/hot/sweet or pungent Energetics: Sweet or astringent/ V- K+ P+ excess or sour variety. Sweet is the best cold/sweet or pungent PK- V+_(unless variety baked) K+ (sweet) Action: Stimulant, expectorant, appetizer, re- Action: Nutritive, demulcent, laxative, tonic, frigerant, relieves thirst; peel—stimulant, carmi- febrifuge, anti-cough native Indications: Lung tonic, diabetes, diarrhea, con- Indications: Counters cough, diabetes, bronchi- valescence from lung disease (with cardamom, tis, liver, heart disorders, vomiting, harmonizes cloves, ginger, cinnamon); fevers, poor appetite, stomach; high in vitamin C and A. A glass of fresh biliousness, hyperacidity, chronic gall bladder dis- orange juice with a pinch of rock salt restores en- orders, excessive thirst, gout, stomach disorders, ergy after exercising (Pitta doßhas add 10 lemon laxative (eaten on an empty stomach), enlarged drops). A blood purifier, with meals for bile and liver, gonorrhea, hemorrhoids. scurvy; For babies—equal parts with water every 3 hours with mother’s milk for stomach disorders. Precautions: Do not eat with arthritis, diabetes, For children with anemia or nervous debility, mix dry cough or sciatica. grape and orange juice. Pineapple (Ananas-H) Precautions: Avoid with joint pain or bladder disorders Energetics: Sweet or sour/cold or hot/ sweet or pungent V- KP+ (sour or unripe) Papaya (Papita - H) sweet in moderation Energetics: Sweet, sour/hot/sweet V- PK+ P+ in Action: Diuretic, refrigerant, laxative, digestive excess stimulant, anti-scurvy, diaphoretic Action: Digestive aid, toning, demulcent, stimu- Indications: Cleanses the liver, biliousness, lant, laxative acidity, jaundice, counters the effects of alcohol. Juice relieves constipation and gastric irritability Indications: Convalescence, digestive disorders, in fevers. To reduce cigarette smoking and nico- pancreas, regulates sugar metabolism, cough, tine toxicity, chew small pieces of the fruit with worms, asthma, back pain, colon disorders, liver half a teaspoon of raw honey. It digests albumin- and spleen disorders; chronic illness, seeds—em- ous (protein) substances. Contains high amounts menagogue, for abortion; unripe juice—antipara- of easily assimilated manganese (which may pre- sitical, blood thinner, prevents heart attack. Ex- vent osteoporosis). ternally—the inner skin of the fruit is rubbed on one’s skin for eczema and dermatitis. Precautions: Juice will aggravate Pitta. Not giv- en to children under 7 years old. Not eaten on an 133
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia empty stomach in the morning. Not taken within empty stomach 2 to 3 times daily. Fruit is useful two hours of ingesting dairy products. Unripe for obesity, gout, arthritis, diabetes, constipation, pineapples may cause abortion hypertension, kidney stones, and relieving the de- livery pains of childbirth. Blueberries—regulate Plums sugar metabolism and reduce fevers, diarrhea and dysentery; help bladder/urinary tract disorders, Energetics: Sweet, sour, astringent/hot/sweet contain tannic acid (destroys viruses). VP- K+ P+ sour European—sweet, Japan sweet/ sour Chinese black plum (Umeboshi)—sour (an- Precautions: Eating more than two handfuls of tiparasitical, anti-cough, digestion) raspberries at a time may cause vomiting. Taken with dairy products, they can cause hemorrhoids, Action: Refrigerant, relieves thirst, alterative, skin diseases, and ulcers laxative Strawberries Indications: Fever, dry cough. Energetics: Sweet, sour, as- Pomegranate (Dáæima) tringent (cold or hot/sweet or pungent VP- K (+in excess) Energetics: Sweet, astringent, sour/hot, cold / sweet, pungent PK- V+ (sweet); (P+ sour) Action: Astringent, alterative, hemostatic, rind Action: Refrigerant, relieve thirst, alterative, antiparasitical leaf mild astringent, antacid as tea Indications: The sour, astringent, sweet variety Indications: Similar to raspberries; protects is the best. Builds red blood cells (juice), cleanses against viruses, cancer, DNA damage, herpes bile, blood, bilious indigestion, gall stones, hy- peracidity, fever, intermittent or malarial fever; simplex, and skin disorders; high in vitamin C, diarrhea, dysentery, excessive perspiration, gargle fiber, potassium, antioxidant. Ten berries daily for sore throats; leukorrhea, tapeworm. They are may help anemia and pulmonary TB. Useful for good for the heart, mind, anemia, and as a diges- obesity, gout, arthritis, diabetes, constipation, hy- tive aid. Pomegranate binds the bowels, cardiac pertension, and kidney stones. tonic, hoarseness. Contraindications: Their skin may aggravate Raspberries/Blackberries/Blueberries Pitta. Eating too many can cause coughing and vomiting. They are eaten alone Energetics: Sweet, sour, as- tringent (unripe)/cold/pungent Tangerine/Mandarin Orange PK- V+ Energetics: Sweet, sour/cold/sweet (more sour Action: Refrigerant, relieves than oranges) VP- K+ P+ excess thirst, astringent; unripe—astringent, leaf—as- tringent, hemostatic, Blueberries—alterative re- Action: Refrigerant, relieve thirst, expectorant, frigerant, astringent (unrelated botanical family) stimulant Indications: Unripe—excess urination, noc- Indications: Peels—warm, aids appetite, settles turnal emission, improves sexual vitality, liver stomach, vomiting, cough, discharge phlegm— tonic, diarrhea, Blackberries (Jambul or Ra- especially mandarin peel japhala)—build blood, are good for dysentery and diarrhea; goiter, cholera, hemorrhoids, and Contraindications: Aggravates acute Pitta con- insect bites/stings. The bark is used externally ditions on inflammations. The seed powder is useful in diabetes, reducing sugar in the urine and exces- Vegetables sive thirst. Raspberry leaf—miscarriage, morning sickness (nausea). For bleeding gums or excess Energetics: Pleasant/even/sweet menstruation, 10 to 20 raspberries are eaten on an Actions: Generally sattwic (but less so than fruit) Indications: 134
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Root— heavier, nutritive, V- K+P= carrots, PK- V+ (butter or lemon is better for Váyu) potatoes, sweet potatoes, artichokes, cauliflower Actions: Alteratives, hemostatics, diuretics (V+). Indications: Cleanses liver, excess menstrua- Leafy Greens—(including cabbage family) tion; high in calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin lighter PK- V+ blood-cleansing, vitamins, miner- C, and niacin. als, not nutritive. Pungents—onions, chilies VK- P+ rajasic. —Jerusalem Artichoke (Hastipijú) Nightshades—tomatoes, potatoes, VP- may cause allergies, though if cooked they cause Energetics: Astringent, bitter/cold/pungent fewer problems. PKV+ Diuretics—K- Carrots, celery, lettuce, mustard greens, watercress, broccoli, potatoes. Actions: Tonic, rejuvenative Preparation: Indications: Rebuilds reproductive tissue, im- Váyu—cooked or steamed, oils and spices, salt potence, infertility, sexual debility, vigor, vitality, and pickled (rajasic) ojas, emaciation, convalescence. Pitta—raw or lightly steamed, vegetable juices, Asparagus (Marchuba - H) Kapha—cooked or steamed. Fresh, organic, Energetics: Sweet, bitter, astringent/cold/sweet home or locally grown is sattwic VPK= Canned food is tamasic, aggravating all hu- Actions: Diuretic, alterative, mild laxative, de- mors. mulcent, tonic, aphrodisiac, sedative Combining: Combines well with other foods for Indications: High Pitta, bleeding disorders or one’s constitution. Does not combine well with infections of urinary or reproductive systems (in- fruit or sugars cluding venereal disease like herpes and for uri- Season: It is best to eat vegetables according to nary stones), fever, edema (and cardiac edema), season (taking into account one’s constitutional gout, arthritis. Drinking boiled asparagus water requirements) helps rheumatism. Spring, Summer—greens, leafy, raw Fall, Winter—roots, cooked Avocado Antidote—cold and raw—ginger, oil, vinegar (rajasic), garlic and onions (rajasic/tamasic) Energetics: Astringent/cold/sweet Dry and light—(i.e., cabbage family) oil, butter, VP- K+ best taken with spices sour cream, cheese, whole grains, pasta Actions: Tonic, nutritive, demul- Alfalfa Sprouts (Lasunghas - H) cent, emollient Energetics: Astringent, sweet/cold/pungent Indications: Nourishes liver, lungs, skin, builds PKV+ decrease agni muscle and blood, emaciation, convalescence, hypoglycemia reduces the risk of heart attacks; high in protein, contains vitamins A, D, E; high in minerals, especially copper and iron; rich in phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and manganese; more potassium than bananas. Actions: Alterative, astringent, diuretic Beans/Greens Indications: Cleanse blood and lymph, reduce fat and tumors, acne, boils, skin cancer, arthritis, Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet PK- V+ gout, obesity, edema, vitamins, and minerals. excess Actions: Alterative, diuretic, astringent Artichoke (Globe) (Kunjor, Hatichuk- Indications: Cleanses blood and liver, gout, nor- H) malize liver and pancreas; rheumatism, contain vitamins A, B-complex, C, chlorophyll, carbo- Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet hydrates, calcium, phosphorous, copper, cobalt, 135
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia trace source of inositol. Cabbage (Kobi - H) and Chinese Cab- Bean (Mung) Sprouts bage Energetics: Astringent, sweet/cold/sweet PKV+ — astringent/cold/pungent PK- V+—gas form- excess ing, Chinese variety is easier to digest. Actions: Alterative, antacid, febrifuge Heals ulcers, eczema, infections, heartburn, an- Indications: Counter toxins, cleanses liver and tibacterial, antiviral, prevents cancer, scurvy, eye bile; alcoholism, hyperacidity. diseases, gout, rheumatism, pyorrhea, asthma, TB, gangrene; blood purifier, rashes, high in calcium, Beets (Chukander - H) vitamin C and A, sulfur. White cabbage juice re- moves warts. Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet V- PK+ excess Actions: Alterative, demulcent, laxative, tonic Cauliflower (Phulkobí - H) Indications: Build blood, promote menstrua- tion; juice more medicinal (and aggravate PK). —astringent/cold/ pungent PK- Beet greens have same effects as spinach; lymph V+—more sweet and sattwic functioning, gall bladder, and liver; digestive dis- than the others, demulcent, nutritive, combines orders, anemia (build red blood cells). well with dairy; reduces the risk of cancer (es- pecially rectum, colon and stomach). It is better Bell Pepper (Deshomaricha - H) for diabetics than cabbage. Kale—blood cleanser, one of the best cancer fighting vegetables (lung, Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet PKV+ stomach, esophageal, colon, mouth, throat, G.I., Actions: Alterative, refrigerant breast, bowel, bladder, prostate); rich in vitamin Bitter Melon (Karela) A, C, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, magnesium, Energetics: Bitter/cold/pungent PK- V+ iron, sulfur, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and Actions: Antipyretic, alterative, antacid, anti- chlorophyll; calcium is easily assimilated. parasitical Indications: Excellent for diabetes; kidney Carrots (£hikha-mulam) stones, intestinal worms, parasites, cleanses liver, bile, blood, reduces weight, tumors, fever, diar- Energetics: Sweet, as- rhea, anemia, summer use, high in vitamin C. tringent/hot/sweet or pun- gent VK- P+ excess; juice Cabbage Family V+ due to its cold nature, sweet nature makes it hard to digest Energetics: Astringent, sweet/cold/pungent PKV+ rajasic Actions: Digestive, laxative, diuretic, appetite stimulant, alterative, antiseptic; seeds—stimulant, Actions: Alterative, may prevent colon cancer antispasmodic, emmenagogue Broccoli Indications: Increase blood flow, build blood, brighten eyes, rickets, colitis, gout, constipation, —astringent/cold/pungent PKV+ —alterative, worms (eaten raw), arthritis, skin disorders, ede- blood cleanser, lowers the risk of cancer of the ma, jaundice, chronic hepatitis, antioxidant, heal esophagus, larynx, lung, prostate, mouth, colon, skin and tissues; heart disease, reduce the risk of pharynx, cervix, and stomach, tumor. lung cancer; diarrhea, healthy teeth, colon disor- ders, dehydration, complexion. One cup of juice Brussels Sprouts (Kobi - H) with 2 teaspoons of cilantro juice, taken twice dai- ly on an empty stomach, relieves hemorrhoids. —astringent/hot/ pungent PK- V+—inhibits cancer of the G.I. tract, liver, stomach, and colon; For chronic indigestion, a glass of juice is taken liver tumors, promotes pancreatic insulin; rich in with a pinch of ginger powder. One half vitamins A, C, riboflavin, iron, potassium, fiber; depresses thyroid function. cup of juice mixed with one half cup aloe vera juice, and taken twice daily, helps reduce cancer. 136
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Externally—poultice for malodorous, ulcerative hot and sour foods (i.e., salsa, chilies, curries, yo- sores. gurt). Externally—pulp placed on eyelids relieves Contraindications: May cause colic in babies. conjunctivitis; juice—skin diseases Celery (Ajmoda) Corn (sweet) (Yavanala) Energetics: Astrin- Energetics: Sweet, astrin- gent, sweet, salty/ gent/hot/sweet or pungent cold/pungent PK- V+ (needed minerals for all K- VP+ excess three humors) Actions: Balanced, corn silk- diuretic Actions: Astringent, diuretic, nervine; seeds and Indications: Strengthening, corn silk—jaundice, roots—diuretic, seeds are hot, stimulant, carmi- hepatitis, gall and kidney stones; urinary tract in- native, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, (similar to fections, edema, brain and nervous system tonic; ajwan—wild celery seeds) helps gain weight; bone and muscle builder; vita- mins A, B, C, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, Indications: Cleanses mind, emotions, percep- potassium, magnesium, fiber. tion, increases ether to promote meditation Precautions: Avoid with digestive disorders or obesity (Closely related to gotu kola/bráhmí in this ef- fect); dizziness, headache, eliminates carbon di- Cucumber (Sakusa, Kíra) oxide, Pitta and Kapha arthritis; adrenal disorders, weight loss, blood cleanser, urogenital infections, Energetics: Sweet, as- promotes digestion, kidney and liver disorders; tringent/cold/sweet VPK+ regulates the nervous system, water retention, di- abetes, cancer; lowers blood pressure; seeds and Actions: Refrigerant, di- roots—dissolve stones, arthritis, gout. uretic; seeds—better diuretics, febrifuges Chilies—Hot Peppers (Jhal - H) Indications: Eaten as a raw dessert mixed with lemon juice, pepper, and salt, enables the body to Energetics: Pungent/hot/pungent VK- P++ absorb the maximum amount of the cucumber’s Agni++ (rajasic) juice and vitamins. Summer food, thirst reliev- Actions: Stimulant, diaphoretic, di- ing, urinary tract infections—difficult or scanty gestive, decongestant urine, spleen and stomach disorders, acne, blood Indications: Burns áma, appetite, indigestion, purifier; seeds—dispels phlegm and heat from the parasites, lungs (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, lungs. Antidote to heavy, sticky yogurt properties. tracheal and bronchial cell swelling), blood clots, Seeds are cooling, diuretic, and highly nourish- pain. ing. There is a poem in India about Kíra; Kíra shuba me híra Kíra dopaher me jíra Cilantro (Coriander leaf) (Dhyanyaka, Kíra sham me píra Kustumbari) Cucumber in the morning is diamond Cucumber in the afternoon is cumin (digestive) Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet VPK= (balanced) V+ excess Cucumber in the evening is pain Actions: Stimulant, diuretic, diaphoretic, febri- fuge Indications: Skin allergies, hay fever, builds the Eggplant (Vartáka)—listed as a fruit in digestive fire, sore throat, hyperacidity, nausea, fe- Charak ver, colds, thirst, cleanses blood, bile and urinary tract infections; juice—burning urine; antidote to Energetics: Pungent, astringent, bitter/hot/pun- 137
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia gent VK- P+ [Only the tender variety] (V antidote strengthening, gonorrhea, intestinal disorders, with spices) inflamed or spastic colon, diverticulitis, stomach ulcers, fever. Actions: Nutritive, demulcent, anticarcinogenic, anticonvulsant Onions (Durgandha, Palandu) Energetics: Cooked—sweet/hot/sweet VK- P+ Indications: Long size increase Váyu and Ka- Raw—pungent/hot/pungent K- VP+ Rajasic ex- pha. Food value, convalescence from febrile dis- cept when thoroughly cooked eases; heart tonic, appetite stimulant, mild laxa- Actions: Stimulant, diaphoretic, aphrodisiac, tive and diuretic; dull vision, diabetes, cholesterol, expectorant arteriosclerosis, immune boosting, convulsions, Indications: Colds, flu, general debility, sexual epilepsy. debility; with oil or ghee strengthening properties of meat, aid for physical exertion. Inhale raw on- Contraindications: Nightshade may aggravate ions (until tearing begins) for fainting and convul- allergies, Pitta, and arthritis sions. Garlic See Chapter 4—Herbal materia medica. Parsley Lettuce (Kahu, Salad - H) Energetics: Pungent, astringent/hot/pungent VPK= P+ excess Energetics: Pleasant, astringent/cold/sweet or pungent PK- V+ Actions: Stimulant, diuretic, alterative, emmen- Actions: Alterative, astringent, diuretic agogue Indications: Calms and cleanses mind, emo- Indications: Edema, oozing skin rashes, difficult tions, blood, lymph, burning. or delayed menstruation; gall stones, vitamins, hypochondriac pain, kidney stones, minerals, Mushrooms blood and lymph cleanser; urinary tract disorders, kidney, bladder or prostate disorders; adrenal and Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/pungent thyroid gland conditions; corrects vitamin de- PKV+ áma+ (tamasic) ficiency, high in vitamins A, B1, B-complex, C, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, and Actions: Diuretic, astringent, hemostatic, Some iron. Chinese and Japanese varieties; and wild mush- rooms are less tamasic and more toning Peas (Green or Snow) (Sahíla, Vartula) Indications: Edema, overweight, antitumor, an- Energetics: Astringent/cold/ ticarcinogenic, reduce cholesterol, longevity. pungent PK - V+ (green better for Váyu) Contraindications: Do not eat with boils, car- buncles, pus infections Actions: Alterative, astringent Indications: Blood cleanser, prevents appendi- Mustard Greens citis and ulcers, antifertility, lowers cholesterol, controls blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, low- Energetics: Pungent, bitter/hot/pungent VK- P+ calorie protein, anti-carcinogen, high fiber. moderately Actions: Stimulant, expectorant Indications: Seeds discharge phlegm better than greens; high amounts of calcium, iron, vitamin A, and niacin. Okra (Tindißha) Potatoes (Alu - H) sedative Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet PKV+ Energetics: Pleasant, astrin- Actions: Demulcent, emollient, diuretic, alter- gent/cold/sweet PKV+ (curried ative, aphrodisiac, tonic, (mallow plant family) is best) [may aggravate VP as a Indications: Difficult, painful, or burning urine; nightshade] V: Use ghee or butter diarrhea, dysentery, spermatorrhea, leukorrhea, Actions: Nutritive, tonic, diuretic, 138
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition (grounds), produces breast milk Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/pungent Indications: Strengthening, diarrhea, absorp- VPK= tion, cancer, blood pressure, balances alkalinity Actions: Demulcent, expectorant, nutritive and acidity. —Winter Precautions: Avoid with diabetes, gout, stones, Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/pungent rash, arthritis. VPK+ Radish (Múlaka) Actions: Demulcent, expectorant Indications: More nutritive than summer vari- Energetics: Pungent, astringent/hot/ ety, dry cough, laryngitis, high in vitamin A. pungent KP+; V- (long white variety). —Zucchini and Yellow Actions: Appetite stimulant, expec- Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/pungent torant, anticough, diuretic, antiparasitical VPK; V+ excess Actions: Alterative, diuretic, refrigerant, expec- Indications: Digests heavy food, colds, flu, respi- torant ratory infections, cleanses gall bladder and liver; Indications: Summer anti-heat food. headaches, laryngitis, sinusitis, gall stones, intesti- nal worms, contains vitamin A, B-complex, and C. Sea Vegetables Sweet Potatoes and Yams (Piòæálu) Seaweed Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet Energetics: Salty, astringent/cold/sweet VPK= VP- K+ P+ excess VP- K+ excess Actions: Nutritive Actions: Alterative Indications: Convalescence, debility, reduces Indications: Minerals, plasma, edema, conges- cancer risk (especially lungs), high amounts of vitamin A/beta carotene, antioxidant properties, tion, thyroid, cysts, benign tumors. Dulse; Rich high in vitamin C, low in calories. in protein, fluoride, iron Irish Moss/Kelp; High in Contraindications: Hard to digest, eat without calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron; excellent other vegetables. Yams are easier to digest for thyroid disorders Kuzu; Gives quick energy Nori; Good for prostate and thyroid disorders, Tomatoes (Bilatí, Baigun - H) high in protein, B1, B2, B6, B12, vitamins C, E Energetics: Yellow—sweet, sour/ Spinach (Palak - H) and Chard heating/pungent VPK+ Red—sour, as- tringent/hot /pungent the stomach and Energetics: Pungent, bitter, sweet, astringent/ heat the intestines/sour VPK+ (when raw), VK- cold/pungent or sweet K- PV+ P+ when steamed); Tridoähic when occasionally eaten along with cumin, turmeric, and mustard Actions: Alterative, refrigerant, demulcent, lax- ative Actions: Refrigerant, relieves thirst Indications: Circulation, blood, heart, choles- Indications: Soothes mucus membranes, fever, terol, hypertension, lowers cancer risk; appendi- cough, dry cough, burning lung sensation, blood citis, digestive disorders. cleanser, rich in minerals, intestinal tract disor- Contraindications: Aggravates toxic blood con- ders, hemorrhoids, anemia, vitamin deficiencies. ditions, acidity, sciatica, kidney and gall stones, and arthritis. Raw seeds can cause abdominal Precautions: Do not eat with liver diseases, gall problems. A member of the nightshade family or kidney stones or arthritis. It is difficult to di- gest Turnips (Raktasarßhapa) and Rutabaga Squash —Acorn, Summer (Heavy) 139
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Energetics: Pungent, astringent/hot/pungent Dried: (granola, etc.) V+ K-, corn chips (fried KVP+ rajasic in oil) PK+ & dryness V+, crackers better all around Actions: Alterative Indications: Blood and lymph cleanser, stops Antidoting: Some spices may be helpful, use as bleeding, Pitta or Kapha arthritis; uric acid, kid- necessary ney stones, overweight, gout; rich in all vitamins (high in vitamin C) and sulfur. Combinations: Do not eat bread with other foods; with steamed vegetables, oil or ghee, Watercress (Chandrasura, Ahalíva) VPK=; all other grain combinations are ok, but make sure the other foods are combinable (i.e., Indications: Anemia, calcium deficiencies, grain and vegetables are ok, and grain and fruits blood purifier, catarrh, liver and pancreas disor- are ok, but fruit and vegetables may not combine ders, stimulates the appetite, thyroid disorders, well.) arthritis, emotional disorders, TB, high in potas- sium, sulfur, vitamin A, calcium, and iron; con- Season—good during any season due to holding tains copper, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and their potency within the seed. Winter is especially iodine. a good time Grain List Grains with pointed ends are best. Sweet/neutral/sweet Sattwic, VPK= Barley (Yáva) aggravates in excess. Whole grain is the best staple for all climates and constitu- Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet PK- tions. V+ in excess Actions: Gives bulk to stool, easy to digest Action: Diuretic, demulcent, antirheumatic Elements: Earth Indications: Lung disease convalescence, cough, Tissues: Builds all fevers, arthritis, edema, water retention, kidneys, Indications: absorption, diarrhea, cleanses urinary tract, in- Diuretics; nutritive, K+, discharge phlegm, bar- creases and bulks stool; reduces body fat and mu- ley, pearled barley, corn, rye, buckwheat. cus; helps difficult breathing, stiff thighs, throat Nutritives; V-, convalescence, wheat, oats, bas- and skin disorders. It is strengthening, stabilizing, mati and brown rice, (some say barley V-; others heals infections, and removes toxins. Prevents say barley V+) cholesterol absorption in the intestines and aids Preparation: Steamed whole grains are bal- the suppression of cholesterol in the liver. Stimu- anced and easiest to digest lates the liver and lymphatic system. It contains Breads: Hard to digest, yeast V+, toasted is eas- calcium, iron, protein, and potassium. ier to digest and makes them better for V and K Pastries: More difficult to digest than bread, es- Buckwheat (Kaspat - H) pecially if made with refined sugars and flour. Unleavened breads: Chapatis, tortillas, matzoh, Energetics: Astringent/hot/sweet K- VP+ etc., are better than yeast breads Indications: It is not as nutritious as wheat, but Pastas/noodles: Good (especially whole wheat) is still considered helpful as a food. It is too heat- Cut/ground: Good—lose their properties quick- ing and drying for Pitta and Váyu doßhas. er Oil Fried: (deep fried) harder to digest, PK Corn (sweet) (Yavanala) áma+ Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet K- VP+ in excess Action: Diuretic Indications: Edema, kidney and gallstones, jaundice (corn silk especially), nutritive, liver, kidneys, spleen absorption, solar energy increases 140
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition perception (especially with ghee). Contraindications: Bleached, refined white- Contraindications: Corn chips, VP+ (blue corn K+, áma +, brown short grain (warming), maybe P+, V- if it can be digested is colder and better for P); corn bread, tortillas, posole V+ Rye Energetics: Astringent/hot/pungent PK- V+ Millet (Soma; Rajika) Action: Diuretic Indications: One of the best Kapha grains. Few Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet K- VP+ mildly allergenic reactions, very high amounts of lysine, Action: Demulcent, diuretic helps the glands, good for weight loss. Indications: Nutritive, convalescence, debility, wholesome but difficult to digest. Millet is high Wheat (Godhúma) in iron, lecithin and choline, thus preventing some forms of gallstones. It is full of protein and nutri- Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet VPK+ tion. It is good for colitis, ulcers, and urinary dis- Action: Nutritive, aphrodisiac orders. Due to its alkaline nature it is good for the Indications: Strengthening, children’s growth, spleen, pancreas, and stomach. builds muscle tissue, energy, earth, heart, palpita- tions, calms mind, insomnia, ulcers, colitis, hem- Oats orrhoids, heals fractures; with milk and sugar for bleeding disorders (rakta Pitta). Taken as chapatis Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VP- K+ (unleavened bread pancake); wheat bran is a bulk Action: Demulcent, emollient, laxative (espe- laxative; used as coffee substitute. It is nourishing cially cut or rolled) and strengthening. External poultice—astringent Indications: Calms and strengthens mind, nerves for burns, sores, skin rashes. (especially oat straw), builds all tissues (including Whole wheat restores health and alleviates reproductive). It normalizes blood glucose in dia- Váyu. It is the best grain for Váyu doßhas. Pasta betes, helps slow thyroid conditions, neutralizes (carbohydrate) eaten without protein produces se- excess cholesterol, high amounts of iron, vitamin rotonin in the brain that is linked to calmness and E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and B complex. cheerfulness. Pasta also contains iron, phospho- Protein is easily assimilated. rous, and magnesium. Precautions: A little heavy and hard to digest, Contraindications: Gluten may cause allergies, especially with sugar and milk. May produce skin aggravate arthritis, gout or other áma conditions. eruptions or aggravate toxic blood conditions White flour is an artificial and overly refined food (tamasic), K+ áma+, clogging channels and dull- Rice (Vrihi, Dhanya) ing mind. Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold or neutral/ Legumes sweet VPK=, K+ in excess (especially basmati) starch is easy to digest. Highly sattwic Energetics: Sweet, astringent/neutral/sweet PKV+ (except mung, soy) All beans are raja- Action: Tonic, nutritive, demulcent, laxative sic—causing gas and irritating body, mind, senses Indications: Vomiting, anorexia, poor digestion, and emotions—and therefore not recommended harmonizes the stomach, builds all tissues through for yoga since they vitiate sattwa by aggravating plasma, soothes the nervous system and the brain. the mind. Mung beans and tofu are the only two Helps rid the body of toxins; high in B-complex. exceptions. The mung bean is the only sattwic Rice pointed at both ends is best. It relieves thirst bean. and is good for all three doßhas. White basmati rice is best, as it is nutritious and easily digested. Indications: Energy for strenuous work Brown rice may have more nutrition, but since it is harder to digest, one may not obtain any nutri- tion from it without an excellent digestive fire. 141
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Element: Earth (protein) mostly, and air; heavy tis, paralysis, liver disorders, cystitis, rheumatism. and dry, thus hard to digest Increases semen and breast milk. Externally — plaster for arthritis/joint pain. Combination: As a protein they combine well with grains for a staple food, containing all the Chick Pea/Garbanzo (Chanaka) eight essential amino acids; especially split mung bean with long grain or Basmati rice kicharí (see Energetics: Sweet/cold/pungent PK- V+ rice section on previous page). Combine well Action: Nutritive, aphrodisiac, diuretic, astrin- with vegetables. Legumes do not combine well gent with other beans, sugars, fruit or diary Indications: Strengthening, increases reproduc- tive tissue, debility, brain, as humus it is easier to Preparation: Well-cooked and properly spiced. digest. Roasted—relieves gas, urine retention or Some need to be soaked in water overnight, es- excess; contains calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin pecially whole beans. When prepared in lard or A. [Indian name: Channa dal - many varieties] heavy oils, are hard to digest, PK+ Fava/Broad (Bakla - H) Season: Hold their properties, so can be eaten year-round (because fruits and vegetables lose Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet their energies quickly, seasonal eating is suggest- PKV++ ed for them) though better in winter Indications: Not used as food because some get Antidotes: Parboiling and removing water once toxic reactions. Contains calcium, protein, iron, B or twice removes some irritant properties (e.g., vitamins. for soy or kidney beans); Spices—onions, cumin, asafoetida (hi´g), cayenne, and salt help, but will Flat Bean/Goya (Simbi) aggravate Pitta Energetics: PK- V+ Nutrition: Proteins, iron, B vitamins, trace min- Indications: Good for phlegm disorders erals; as a crop they nourish the soil instead of Precautions: Not good for the eyes, depleting robbing it and absorb more than 100 pounds of properties nitrogen from the atmosphere yearly Green Peas Energetics: PK- V+ Bean List Pinto: bitter, astringent/cooling (vipaka) Indications: Cook well; eliminates gas and stool Aduki from colon Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/pungent Kidney/Navy/Pinto (Makußhtaka - S; PKV+ slightly rajasic Bakla - H) Action: Alterative, diuretic, heart tonic Energetics: PK- V+ Indications: Heart, blood, circulation, children, Kidney: Astringent/hot/pungent convalescence, edema from malnutrition, painful Navy: Sweet, astringent/hot/pungent or burning urine; delayed or difficult menstrua- Pinto: Astringent/cold/pungent tion; as paste with sugar for confections. Action: Nutritive, digestive, aphrodisiac, car- diac Black Gram (Maßha) Indications: Bleeding disorders, bile, fevers, and other Pitta excesses. It is strengthening. Red Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet P- V+ kidney beans are rich in all nutrients, protein, and K+ mildly fibers. Contraindications: Hard to digest Action: Nutritive, demulcent, aphrodisiac, nerv- ine tonic, lactogogue Indications: The most strengthening bean, diar- rhea, dysentery, indigestion, hemorrhoids, arthri- 142
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Lentils (Masura) cooked (not roasted), add honey or cane sugar Contraindications: Dry roasted V++, peanut Energetics: PK- V+ (in excess) Red: Astringent/hot/pungent butter hard to digest K+ Sweet: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet Indications: Nutritive, strengthening. High in Soy/Tofu (Bhatwan - H) calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, sulfur, vi- tamin A, proteins. They reduce fat and blood, and Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/pungent absorb water. Cleanses liver, helps flu and diar- PVK+ Rajasic rhea. Contraindications: Some lentils are hard to di- Tofu: Sweet, astringent/cold/pungent VP- K-+ gest; though easier if sprouted. (There are differ- Soy cheese: Sour, astringent/hot/pungent ing beliefs on the use of various lentils.) They can VPK+ cause constipation. High in uric acid - can aggra- Action: Easier to digest as tofu (sattwic) vate gout. Indications: Tofu after febrile disease, as milk for Kapha or áma, lung infections, lymph with fe- Lima (Cimra - Bengali) ver; taken with kicharí VPK=. Tofu is rich in pro- tein, calcium and potassium. It promotes female Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet PKV+ hormone balance. Indications: Easier to digest, especially if fresh. Good for simple diarrhea (but not for Váyu, Pitta, Split Peas or mucus diarrhea), constipation. External poul- tice—cleanses foul ulcers. Rich in potassium, Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cool/sweet PKV+ minerals, vitamins, fiber. Action: Binding stool Indications: Diarrhea. Mung (Green Gram) (Mada, Mudga) Contraindications: Hard to digest, better as soup Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet VPK= K+ in excess Sattwic Nuts & Seeds Action: Refrigerant, antipyretic, alterative, he- Energetics: Sweet/warm/sweet V- PK+ mostatic. Very nutritious and wholesome Actions: Tonic, nutritive, strengthening, rejuve- native Indications: Pitta disorders, summer food, con- Indications: The best source of protein and fat valescence from febrile or infectious disease (as from vegetable sources; increase fat, marrow, kicharí—see Basmati rice), relieves thirst during nerve tissue, reproductive tissue, ojas, build blood fevers, febrile disease, liver, drugs, smoking, or and muscles, strengthen memory and creativity; alcohol detoxification, cancer, enlarged liver or sattwic—helps yoga and meditation. Seeds—sim- spleen, bleeding; Tea—high fevers or heat stroke. ilar yet lighter, less nourishing, easier to digest, External paste—burns, sores, swelling, inflamed V+ excess. joints, draws out toxins, swollen breasts, mastitis, Preparation: Chewed well, not taken in excess breast cancer. It is sometimes called múng dal”. drinks—nut milk is best, fermented nut drinks (amasake) easier to digest- use with fresh ginger Múng dal comes with green skin on or peeled salt—better for Váyu; raw sugar—(sucanat, jag- and split in half. The latter is easier to digest. It is gery, dates, raisins) tonic, demulcent for convales- found in Indian grocery stores. cence and debility. roasting—heavy, oily, hard to digest, roast in takes out oil light roasting—better Peanuts (Buchanaka) for Váyu. Not roasted—better for PK but check that they are not rancid Nut butters are oily and Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet K- VP+ Action: Oily and often classified as a nut Indications: Strengthening, protein, use raw and 143
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia used in small doses. Filberts (Askhota)/ Hazelnut (Findak - Season: Properties are stored well. Best taken H) in fall and winter—oiliness, K+ in spring, P+ in Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet V- PK+ summer Actions: Lighter, easier for Kapha to digest Indications: May help restore energy in chronic Combination: Do not combine well with beans fatigue syndrome, hypoglycemia, yeast infec- or starchy vegetables (potatoes); combine well tions. High in potassium, sulfur, calcium. with dairy, most fruit, grain, sugar (though heavi- er and harder to digest) Flax/Linseed (Uma) Antidote: Mild spices like ginger or cardamom Energetics: Warming VK Actions: Antiinflammatory (internal & exter- Almonds (Badama) nal) Indications: Rich in fatty acids, bronchial con- Energetics: Sweet, slightly bitter/hot/sweet gestion, constipation. VPK+ Contraindications: Taken with lots of liquids and digestive herbs Actions: Nutritive, nervine, aphrodisiac, demul- cent, laxative, rejuvenation Lotus Seeds (Kamala - white; Padma; Kokonad - pink; Induvara - blue) Indications: Cough, dry cough, increase mar- row, semen, kidney, reproductive organs, brain, Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet P- VK+ convalescence, debility, builds strong bones and áma ojas (life sap); good for the heart, lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol and raises good (HDL) cho- Actions: Nutritive, tonic, calmative, aphrodi- lesterol; cancer-fighting protease inhibitors. High siac, rejuvenative in potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein, fiber, and the trace mineral boron (that may regu- Indications: With sugar and ghee—good for late calcium metabolism). Váyu, increase deeper tissues including ¤hukra (reproductive) and ojas, nocturnal emission, leu- Brazil Nuts korrhea, infertility, neurasthenia; combines well with a¤hwagandhá and ¤hatávarí. Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet; Oily, heavy V- P+ K++ Contraindications: Very hard to digest Actions: Tonic strength, nutritive Macadamia Indications: Modern research suggests they may improve resistance to cancer and tumors. Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/ sweet V- PK+ Cashews (£hoephahara) Actions: Nutritive Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet- see general notes Indications: May reduce weight. above VPK+ Contraindications: Oily, expensive Actions: Expectorant Pecan Indications: Helps deeper tissues. High in po- tassium, magnesium, vitamin A. Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet V- PK+ Actions: Nutritive, aphrodisiac, laxative, nerv- Coconut (Dírghavrakßha) ine Indications: Nourishing the marrow and nerves, Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VP- K+ reproductive system, laxative for elderly, increas- Actions: Refrigerant, diuretic, demulcent, emol- es appetite, restores energy. High in potassium, lient vitamin A. Indications: High Pitta, lungs, skin, recovery from febrile and infectious disease. 144
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Pinon mukhi) Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet Sattwic Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet VPK= best of all nuts. V- PK+ (but less than other nuts) Indications: Febrile or infectious disease, cleanse lungs and lymph. Actions: Nutritive, tonic, demulcent, rejuvena- tive Walnuts (Akßhota) Indications: Lungs, nerves, reproductive sys- Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet V- PK+ tem, debility, wasting, convalescence, good as Actions: Nutritive, aphrodisiac, laxative, nerv- flour. ine; unripe fruit and husk—antiparasitical Indications: Marrow, calms the nerves, repro- Pistachio (Pista - H) ductive tissues, laxative for elderly, useful for Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet V- PK+ parasites, ringworm (internal and external use), Actions: Tonic, sedative skin conditions. Leaves are used as a wash for Indications: Anemia, neurasthenia, builds malignant sores, and leukorrhea. High in potas- muscles, energy, may help with alcohol recov- sium, magnesium, vitamin A, reduces serum cho- ery. They are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and lesterol. magnesium salts; which when combined, help to control hypertension. Dairy Psyllium Dairy is most beneficial when raw, from ani- mals that are treated kindly (i.e., free roaming), Energetics: Astringent/cold/pungent VPK= and who receive no steroid injections or chemi- Actions: Antiinflammatory for digestive tract, cals in their foods. laxative; may cause gas initially Indications: Constipation, hardens loose stool Energetics: Sweet/cool/sweet VP- K+ Sattwic Contraindications: Taken with lots of liquids Tissues: Builds all seven tissues (sapta dhá- and digestive herbs. tus)—especially increase plasma, fat, reproduc- tive Pumpkin Seeds (Punyalatha, Dadhiphala) Indications: Calms the mind, nerves, and emo- Energetics: Sweet/hot/pungent PK- (light qual- tions. It is good for meditation and yoga; emacia- tion, debility, convalescence, wasting, bleeding, ity) V+ excess sexual debility. Actions: Antiparasitical Contraindications: Heavy, damp, sticky; in- Indications: Parasites including tapeworm and creases mucus and áma. Raw and organic dairy products from healthy, happy cows are best (pas- roundworm; gout. teurized and homogenized dairy products are Contraindications: Reduces ¤hukra more tamasic) Preparations: Warm or room temperature, Sesame Seeds (Tila) boiled milk. Refrigerated (i.e., cold) dairy in- creases áma. Milk is better raw and organic, after Energetics: Sweet, bitter astringent/hot/pungent being boiled for one minute, and then cooled. V- PK+ Combinations: Dairy does not combine well with other foods (or salt). Having milk first thing Actions: Nutritive, tonic, rejuvenative in the morning is better before other foods are Indications: Nourish all tissues, internal organs, eaten. It is incompatible with meat, fish, yeast and skin; growth of teeth, bones, and hair; debil- bread (which ferment the dairy), sour fruit (which ity, convalescence. Black—best for tonic, oil or butter; best used for nourishing effects; white seeds go rancid quickly. Build immunity and life sap (ojas); sesame seed milk relieves colitis, gas- tritis, heartburn, and indigestion. Sunflower Seeds (Arkakantha, Suria- 145
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia makes the dairy curdle), fruit, nuts, pickles, pick- (and digestive spices), and drunk with meals. For led vegetables, and green leafy vegetables. Yogurt Kapha doßhas —1/4 cup yogurt and 3/4 water. does not combine well with fruit, nuts, meat, or This makes lassi. Shake the lassi in a covered jar fish. Dairy does combine well with whole grains for 1 minute to produce buttermilk. In this form, and raw sugars. takra is easier to digest than lassi, and is even good for srota blockage where lassi is not. Some Season: Sour dairy (yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, believe takra may be taken after sunset (lassi is etc.) are not to be taken as much in the summer not advised). due to their heating nature (except when taken as lassi). Cheese in abundance, and during the winter Cheese (Panír - H) and spring is not suggested (which are Kapha in- creasing times). Cheese is also not recommended Energetics: Sweet, sour/hot/sour Hard: V- PK+ during the Kapha times of the day. (but still hard to digest for Váyu) Soft: VP- K+ Antidotes: Actions: Nutritive, astringent Milk—ginger, cardamom, cinnamon; yogurt Indications: Diarrhea, bleeding. and cheese—mustard, cayenne, cumin Contraindications: Constipation, congestion, mucus, clogs the channels, salted increases Pitta Dairy Foods Cottage Cheese Butter (Navanita) Energetics: Sour/hot/pungent VPK= Energetics: Sweet/cold/pungent VP- K+ Indications: Not too difficult to digest. Indications: Used with Pitta-reduction herbs, nourishing, strengthening, stabilizing, used for Cream debility and convalescence. It improves digestion, complexion, and is an aphrodisiac. For consump- Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet tion, hemorrhoids, facial paralysis, bronchitis. Actions: Rejuvenative, nutritive, aphrodisiac, Suggested for the young and old. It heals Váyu calmative, laxative and Pitta concerns, blood, pulmonary TB, eye Indications: Plasma, skin, nourishes all tissues problems, and cough. (especially ¤hukra dhátu), lungs, stomach. It re- Contraindications: Heavy, fattening, clogging, duces bleeding, dry cough, dry throat, fever, thirst. increases cholesterol, may be artificially colored, Very similar to milk in its effects. can cause constipation. With salt, it increases Contraindications: Heavier and richer, thus, heaviness and clogging. Externally—burns more mucus-forming and harder to digest. Use in small quantities, and avoid combining with rich foods. Buttermilk (Lassi, Takra) Ghee (Clarified Butter) (Ghrita) Energetics: Sweet sour/cold/sweet V-PK+ Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VP- K+ mildly (Homemade without salt. Store-bought has salt - Actions: Tonic, emollient, rejuvenative, antacid, better to avoid) nutritive Indications: Fattening, increases marrow, se- Actions: Astringent, digestive stimulant, diuret- men, and ojas. Improves intelligence, vision, ic voice, liver, kidneys, and brain. The best form of fat for the body. The best oil for Pitta. It balances Indications: Appetite, indigestion, malabsorp- all agnis (digestive fires). Good for memory and tion, debility, emaciation, convalescence, one digestion. It is used in conditions of insanity and of the easiest foods to digest. It reduces edema, consumption. Ghee promotes longevity and re- hemorrhoids, anorexia, phantom tumors, anemia, productive fluid, good for children and the elder- and nourishes the spleen. Yogurt is most easily di- ly, supple body, lungs, herpes, injury, Váyu and gested when taken with an equal amount of water 146
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Pitta disorders, fevers, TB, and is highly auspi- and thirst. It is a mild laxative with ghee. For Pitta cious. Taken with herbs, it transports their nutri- conditions. It is excellent for the children and the ents and energies to all seven tissue layers. Ghee elderly, debilitation, convalescence, nourishing also reduces the desire for eating animal products. the brain, nerves, mind, and memory. Boiled milk When special herbs like a¤hwagandhá are made builds ojas, promotes sleep (with warm nervine into medicated ghee, they remove harmful cho- herbs). Boiled, it reduces Váyu and Kapha. It pro- lesterol from the body. Other herbs are made into duces semen. medicated ghees to enhance their healing effects. Cows: Promotes longevity and rejuvenation. It Ice Cream (Kulfi - H) helps strengthen emaciation after injury, increases intelligence, strength, and breast milk. It is a natu- Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet P- VK+ áma+ ral laxative, relieves exhaustion, dizziness, toxins, Contraindications: Not used with TB, Kapha difficult breathing, cough, severe thirst and hun- diseases, áma, fever, constipation, alcoholism, ger; chronic fevers, urinary, and bleeding disor- cholera. It creates áma, weakens the digestive fire, ders. It promotes auspiciousness. Cows’ milk is clogs the channels, damages the spleen, pancreas, said to be the best of the milks. and deranges the sugar and water metabolism. It causes hypoglycemia, diabetes, tumors. Avoid in Goats: Easily digested and heals pulmonary TB, the autumn and winter (better in the summer and fevers, difficult breathing, bleeding disorders and spring) Ice Bean is a little better, producing less diarrhea. congestion, but still not very healthful Frozen Yo- gurt is also not much better. The less sugar con- Contraindications: It is damp and can weaken tent, the better. Cold dairy and sugar together are agni. It generally contains residues of inorganic not very healthy for the body and mind. [Indian fertilizers, antibiotics, steroids; and is homoge- kulfi is made with whole milk, without whipping nized and pasteurized; and comes from mistreated air into it.] cows. Thus, inorganic milk may cause side effects. Dairy allergies may be due to these inorganic sub- Kefir stances. However, allergies may also be caused by its heavy nature. Do not take milk at night, unless Energetics: sour/hot/sour V- PK+ it being used as a laxative or calmative. Then boil Actions: Lighter than yogurt, heavier than but- and use the appropriate herbs and oils. May cause termilk colds or rheumatism. Goats Milk has a warm en- Indications: Improves digestion and absorption, ergy K- VP+. low appetite, relieves anorexia. Fruit-sweetened is not as good. Antidotes: To remove the heavy nature of milk, digestive herbs such as ginger and cinnamon are Milk (Dugdha, Kßhíra) suggested. This may alleviate allergies. Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet AM—aphrodisiac VP- K+ Highly sattwic. It is in- Noon—KP-; digestive stimulant vigorating, increasing the dhátus. PM—for children, calmative, laxative Surface milk is good for all three doßhas The Actions: May be taken in larger foam is good for all three doßhas quantities than other dairy. It is a tonic, rejuvenative, nutritive, aph- Sour Cream rodisiac, calmative, laxative Energetics: Sour/hot/pungent V- PK+ Indications: Nourishes plasma, skin, all tissues Actions: Stimulant, nutritive (especially ¤hukra dhátu). It is a tonic for the Contraindications: In excess it may cause acid- lungs and stomach (reduces bleeding from these ity sites). Milk calms dry cough and dry throat, fever, 147
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Yogurt (Dadhi) love and compassion Long term effects: Creates bad karma (the high- Energetics: Sweet, sour/cold/sweet Sweet yo- gurt VP- K+. Sour yogurt V- PK áma + Very sour er evolved the animal, the worse the karma) Red yogurt causes bleeding disorders. Sweet and sour meat of a cow is the most negative karma. Poultry yogurt has mixed effects yields less bad karma, fish even less, shellfish the least, eggs only very slightly. Actions: Nutritive, digestive stimulant, astrin- gent The Vedic texts (¤hastras) state that it is accept- able to take the life of an animal in two instances: Indications: Nourishes all tissues. In small if it is your job, i.e., fisherman; and if one is weak amounts, it aids digestion of all other foods. It and it is needed to preserve or save a human life. replenishes positive flora, decreases vaginal yeast infections and cancer; malignant tumors, boosts Further, meat acts like a drug, inducing energy the immune system, promotes strength relieves to get well, but it does not nourish and rebuild the the flu, colds, anorexia, emaciation, and diarrhea subtler tissues (take with appropriate spices); uric acid, diges- tive-tract infections, cholesterol, cholera. Yogurt, Non-organic animal products are full of hor- like milk, is considered sacred (sattwic). [See mones, antibiotics, chemicals. The animals are of- buttermilk]. Yogurt adds weight and fat; and im- ten diseased and treated badly. Thus, when these proves digestion when taken during meals. The products are eaten, the chemicals are ingested and whey reduces anorexia, weakness, emaciation, affect one’s health Organs (i.e., liver) are very malabsorption. Whey cleanses the náæís, increas- nourishing to their respective organs, but produce es appetite, and reduces mental fatigue. Yogurt low tissue quality and dull the mind Bones and made by hand, mixed with pepper and cane sugar bone soup nourish marrow but are heavy, causing strengthens the body. toxic blood Contraindications: Heavy, in excess it causes Preparation: Cooked properly with digestive constipation, clogs srotas, aggravates toxic blood spices, raw or not completely cooked áma+ and (i.e., acne, skin rashes). Do not take after sunset. aggravates blood Salt softens and tenderizes, Yogurt or lassi is not to be taken with diseases MSG has many adverse effects involving blocked channels (srotas) Antidote: Take with ghee, ámalakí and water Soups and stews are easier to tolerate Deep fried are more aggravating Take care of the Earth, Canned very tamasic it was not left to us by our parents, Combinations: Do not combine well with other it was loaned to us by our children. foods, especially milk, bread, or potatoes. Milk is Kenyan proverb very toxic (mixing milk to nourish a young ani- mal with flesh of one slaughtered) Animal Products Season: Avoid in summer due to its warm en- ergy, morning and evening (Kapha times), better Meat & Fish for those in high altitudes or northern latitudes Antidotes: Raw vegetables, leafy greens, vege- Energetics: Sweet/warm/sweet V- PK+ tamasic table juices, bitter herbs (i.e., aloe gel) may some- Indications: Meat is the most nourishing food, what antidote meat excellent for debility, convalescence, lowering high Váyu Beef Contraindications: Most potentially deranging food, breeds toxins or áma, feeds infections, fe- Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet V- PK+ vers, tumors, dulls the mind and senses, reduces Indications: Nutritious, builds blood and mus- cles, strength, endurance 148
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Contraindications: Aggravates toxic blood, re- tence. They reduce Váyu and increase Pitta and duces compassion, dulls the mind (tamasic). Kapha. Chicken/Turkey Contraindications: May cause diarrhea or nau- sea Energetics: White—Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet PK- V+; Dark—Sweet/hot/sweet V- PK+ Preparation: Fresh is important; canned or salt- ed aggravates humors and causes áma; steamed Actions: Dry, light or baked is best Indications: Easiest meat to digest, improves absorption, anorexia, debility, convalescence (es- Combination: Does not combine well with milk, pecially as soup). Tamasic. sugar, meat Duck Antidote: Mustard, horseradish, ginger, garlic, perilla (shisho), sour sauces P+ aggravate blood, Energetics: Sweet, pungent/hot/sweet V- PK+ may cause diarrhea Actions: More nutritive Contraindications: Harder to digest than turkey Ocean Fish or chicken Lamb/Mutton Energetics: Salty/hot/sweet V- PK+ Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet VPK+ Indications: Aphrodisiac. Freshwater Fish Contraindications: Irritant, promoting sexual activity, with garlic aggravates the blood. Tama- Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet VPK= sic PK+ in excess; less salty, better for Pitta & Ka- pha Pork Actions: Trout easiest fish to digest Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet VPK+ Contraindications: Dullness, heaviness of mind Animal Oil and senses, clogs srotas (channels)—bacon, par- ticularly, is difficult to digest and is heavy because Very hard to digest, P,K, áma cholesterol, toxic of high fat concentration. It increases fat tissue blood more than any other meat. Tamasic ++ Lard Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet K, áma ++ Contraindications: Clogs channels, promotes obesity, skin diseases, gallstones Venison Eggs Energetics: Astringent/cold/pungent V- PK+ Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet White VPK=; Yolk Tamasic V- PK+ less tamasic than meat and fish because Actions: Nutritive, aphrodisiac they are not killed. Better yet are the unfertilized Indications: Kidneys, bones, fertility, growth, eggs. Still, they are considered impure karma or retardation in children. Actions: tonic, nutritive, demulcent, aphrodi- siac Fish Indications: Vigor, fertility, convalescence, sex- Energetics: Sweet, salty/hot/sweet V- PK+ ual debility Actions: Tonic, rejuvenative, laxative, lighter than meat, not as dulling or grounding Oils, Condiments, Spices Indications: Builds plasma; oil nourishes liver, skin, eyes, strengthens heart, reduces cholesterol Sources: Nuts, seeds, beans, oily and arteriosclerosis. Shellfish are generally good vegetables and animal fats like for the kidneys, reproductive tissue, and impo- 149
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia milk, butter, or animal tissue milk and 1/2 teaspoon ginger before sleep is a Energetics: Sweet, bland/warm/sweet V- PK+ strong remedy for clearing srotas and cleansing Actions: Internal—demulcent, laxative áma. Best for constipation (1-2 tsp. in hot water Indications: Maintain fat, nerve, and marrow tis- before bed.), used on children, epilepsy, arthri- tis, nerves, and pain. External—Best for reduc- sues, allowing for easy secretion and discharge. ing swellings. In packs promotes healing sores, Use: Cooking- adjunct and flavoring wounds, sprains, and injuries. It detoxifies, reduc- es abdominal tumors, swellings, and pain, men- Massage—softens skin and muscles, dissolves strual cramps. Castor is the best Váyu-healing oil toxins and congestion, absorbed into skin; thus to ingest and the best purgative oil, and has been lubricating lungs, large intestines, nourish the dubbed, the “king of the oils”. An Áyurvedic anal- deeper dhátus. Needed by almost everyone, debil- ogy clarifies the role of castor oil. The lion is the ity, convalescence, snehana (oleation therapy see king of the jungle. Wherever he goes, all other an- Chapter 4—Pañcha karma) imals run away. Similarly, when castor oil reaches the internal body, all Váyu disorders run away; it Contraindications: Not used with áma, conges- is one of the major remedies for Váyu ailments. tion, toxic blood; massage not done with red or Taken internally, it heals enlarged prostate, her- oozing skin diseases; or with severe pain or palpi- nia, fevers, pain and swellings of the waist, geni- tation —use light oil application to abdomen tals, abdomen, and back. It is a good purgative (two teaspoons with warm water before bed). Almond (Badam) Coconut (Nariyal) Energetics: Sweet, slightly bitter/hot/sweet VPK+ Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VP- K+ Action: Tonic, emollient, refrigerant Action: Demulcent, expectorant, tonic, the same Indications: Specific for Pitta, nourishes and as the nut softens skin, inflammatory skin, psoriasis, ecze- ma, sunburn, burns, chapped lips, dry cough with Indications: Cough, wasting diseases of the fevers, burning in lungs, increases ¤hukra dhátu, lungs and kidneys; soothes skin and muscles; ten- one of the easiest oils to digest. sion, pain, good massage oil—absorbs well, re- duces wrinkles and stretch marks. Builds immu- Corn nity and life sap (ojas). Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/pungent Avocado KVP+ mildly Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VP- K+ Action: Demulcent, diuretic Action: Same as fruit only more nutritive Indications: Difficult urination, nourishes skin. Indications: Strengthens muscles and liver, nourishes skin, good massage oil, good for sal- ads. Canola Flaxseed/Linseed Energetics: VK- P+ Energetics: Sweet/hot/pungent VK- P+ K+ in Indications: Lowers bad cholesterol; may lower excess blood pressure. Best oil to cook without destroy- ing cholesterol-lowering properties. Action: Expectorant, lubricating laxative Indications: Cough, loosens phlegm, draws mu- Castor Oil (Erand) cus from system. Energetics: Sweet, bitter/hot/sweet VP- K+ in Margarine excess Energetics: P- V+ K+ mildly Action: Purgative, antispasmodic, analgesic Action: Depends upon vegetable oil used Indications: One teaspoon with a cup of warm Indications: Depends upon vegetable oil used. 150
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Mustard (Sarson) Sesame aids all dhátus, lungs, kidneys, brain, debility, convalescence, rejuvenation, calms Energetics: Pungent/hot/pungent VK- P+ nerves, relieves muscle tension, spasms, and pain, Action: Stimulant, demulcent relieves anxiety, tremors, insomnia, convulsions, Indications: Excellent for Kapha and Váyu dis- dry cough, chronic constipation, voice and vision, orders. For Kapha external/internal, anticough, growth of hair, nails, teeth, bones, children el- loosens lung mucus, congestion, cold, joint heavi- derly, most deeply penetrating oil, best for Váyu, ness, arthritis, abdominal pain. best for yogic diet, improves immune system and ojas; antioxidant. Olive (Jaitoon) Soy Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VP- K+ Energetics: Astringent/cold/pungent PK- V+ Action: Mild laxative Action: Demulcent, diuretic Indications: Liver, softens gallstones, bile, skin, Indications: Skin, high in vitamin E. hair, lowers bad cholesterol (cooking may increase Sunflower (Súryamukhi) cholesterol. Better to cook with canola.), salads, Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet VPK= massage (particularly general use or day massage Action: Nutritive since it is lighter in property). It may help control Indications: Skin, cough, lung heat, high in vi- blood pressure and diabetes. Causes cellulite tamin E. Peanut (Múngphali) Sweeteners Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet V- PK+ As discussed earlier, we need a certain amount Action: laxative, demulcent, diuretic of sweet taste to maintain tissue development. This Indications: Cooking oil, not as nutritious as is because the basic taste of our body is sweet. sesame. White sugars are refined, which means they have been stripped of their nutrition. Thus, as they are Safflower absorbed into the body, the body expends nutri- tion and energy to digest the sugars but gains no Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/pungent V- nutrition from white sugar. Absorption actually P+ K+ mildly may not take place, turning the refined sweet to áma in the tissues. Raw sweets (e.g., cane sugar, Action: Laxative, emmenagogue, difficult or de- maple syrup, etc.) contain nutrition needed for layed menstruation helping the body. Sugars relieve burning, thirst, vomiting, fainting, and bleeding diseases. Indications: Lighter—better for Kapha, circu- lation, heart, blood, immune boosting, contains Energetics: VP- K+ In excess they derange all vitamin E. humors. Dry sugars (i.e., cookies, dry fruit, dry pastries) derange Váyu Sesame (Til) Action: Tonic, demulcent, diuretic, calmative, Energetics: Sweet, bitter/hot/sweet V- PK+ refrigerant, laxative, antiseptic, preservative highly sattwic Indications: Debility, rejuvenation, external— Action: Tonic, rejuvenative, sedative, laxative, sores, burns, wounds, rashes, inflamed eyes, nirá- nutritive ma Pitta and niráma Váyu; when digestive system is not clogged (if there is significant coating of the Indications: The best oil. When used externally tongue, i.e., sáma, only fresh raw honey should for massage it penetrates into the skin, nourishing be used). Combination: Generally, eaten alone— and detoxifying the deepest tissue layers. Best for Váyu massage. It aggravates Pitta skin and eye conditions as it is hot in potency. It builds thin people and thins heavy persons; is constipating, kills parasites, and when properly processed, it heals all diseases. Frying makes it unhealthy. 151
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia the first taste digested. Eaten after meals in large sores, eyes. It is a vehicle (anupana) to bring quantities, only sugar is digested (no foods), caus- herbs to the deepest tissue layers, and make tea a ing gas and áma from the undigested food. It does tonic, expectorant, or laxative. not combine well with salty tastes at all. With milk, ghee and ginger or cinnamon—nourishing Heals the eyes, breaks up hard masses, relieves Kapha, poison, hiccup, and diabetes (in small Antidote: Spicy sweet spices (i.e., cardamom, doses). It further heals skin conditions, parasites, ginger, cloves, fennel) bitters are ok but do not difficult breathing, cough, diarrhea, cleanses and combine well directly (i.e., gentian, barberry, heals wounds, and aggravates Váyu. It becomes turmeric, kuóki, neem)—it is better to take these toxic if cooked, if used in hot weather by peo- herbs in capsules before or after sweets ple with Pitta diseases, if cooked, if used in hot weather by people with Pitta diseases, or with Brown Sugar hot foods. Warm raw honey is acceptable (i.e., in warm water); it promotes vomiting, and is good Energetics: It is white sugar with syrup added for decoction enemas. Indications: Slightly less deleterious effect. Contraindications: Heating destroys medicinal Cane Sugar properties, aggravates Pitta, creates subtle toxins, so it is better not to cook or bake with it. Excess Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VP- K+ use will derange humors just like white sugar Laxative, hard to digest, unctuous, builds the does. It is also a subtle toxin when taken with body tissues, increases Kapha and urine, an aph- equal proportions of ghee (better to make it 1:2 rodisiac. Sweet initial and post-digestive taste, or 2:1 proportions) which breeds toxins or áma, cooling in energy. Modern cane sugars are found feeds infections, fevers, tumors under the product names, Sucanat and Florida Crystals. Jaggery (Guæa) Fruit Sugar Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet V- PK+ Indian raw, natural sugar containing vitamins and minerals Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VP- K+ They still derange sugar metabolism, weaken Action: Rejuvenative, tonic digestion, and promote áma in excess. Date sugar Indications: Difficult, painful, or burning urine, and grape sugar are two of the better fruit sug- anemia, debility, rejuvenation. Any whole cane ars. It is also believed that many fruit sugars are sugar such as the Sucanat and Florida Crystals made from fruit from ‘third world’ countries that brands of cane sugar are similar to jaggery, but have bought the American-banned pesticides (like are cooler for Pitta doßhas. Well washed and DDT) from the US and spray their fruit with these stored (old) only slightly increases Kapha, helps pesticides. So it is important to know the source elimination of feces and urine. of the fruit sugar as well. Lactose Honey (best sweetener)[used raw] (Madhu) Energetics: Milk sugar Action: Tonic Energetics: Sweet/hot/ sweet VK- P+ Indications: Empowers herbs. Action: Demulcent, emollient, expectorant, lax- ative, nutritive, tonic, rejuvenative; external—de- Maltose/Malt Syrup mulcent, astringent, antibiotic Indications: Has some of its flower properties Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet (i.e., sage honey will be somewhat of a nervine, Action: Tonic, demulcent, analgesic expel phlegm, fat, nourish mind, nerves, senses, Indications: Chronic colds, lungs, stomach, ab- immune system, ojas (royal jelly and propolis are dominal and intestinal spasms, colic, children, even better for ojas), external—burns, wounds, convalescence. 152
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Maple Sugar tea. Contraindications: Usually prepared with white Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VP- K+ Action: One of the best natural sugars; nutritive, sugar so it deranges Kapha demulcent Indications: Cough, fever, burning. Mayonnaise Molasses Energetics: Sweet/hot/sweet V- PK+ Energetics: Sour, sweet/hot/sour V- PK+ Action: Iron, nutritive, tonic Indications: Used on salad as a balance for Indications: Builds blood, muscles, heart, debil- Váyu. ity, gynecological—pregnancy, postpartum. Contraindications: Heavy, hard to digest Rock Candy (Mishri) Salt (Namak/Lavaò) Energetics: Made from sugar—it gives energy Energetics: Salty/hot/sweet V- PK+ Action: Demulcent Indications: A little softens food and makes Indications: Cough, burning in the chest, used in pujas or rituals to the Deities and then eaten as more digestible, aids saliva and gastric juices, prasad (blessed food). Better than molasses, an gargle, soothe and soften mucus membranes and aphrodisiac, for emaciation and reducing Váyu. muscles; draws out toxins, relieves muscle ten- When taken with ginger in water, it relieves Pitta, sion; large amounts are used in emesis to clear a useful summer drink. stomach. White Sugar Contraindications: Aggravates blood, excess deranges all humors, weakens digestion, nausea, Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VPK+ heat, and heaviness; not good with heavy or moist It is artificial, overcooked, toxic, áma+, Tama- foods (i.e., dairy products) Sea Salt is better than sic, aggravates blood, feeds infections, leaches vi- commercial, refined salt. Black Salt is better than tamins and minerals from the body, deranges wa- sea salt; P+ Rock Salt is drier, lighter and a better ter metabolism, upsets sugar and fat metabolism; digestive stimulant—better for Váyu; Tridoähic/ weakens liver and pancreas; hyperactivity, addic- best Vegetable Salts are good, they contain many tive. In moderation it can build tissues, though minerals better to use whole sugars listed. Vinegar (Vikankar) Energetics: Sour/hot/sour V- PK+ (K mild) Action: Digestive, circulatory stimulant Condiments Indications: Aids secretion of hydrochloric acid, promotes and eases menstruation (natural forms Carob like apple cider vinegar, are preferred to refined commercial brands. Extract alkaloids from herbs Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet VPK= (acetic tinctures, i.e., lobelia), other sour condi- Sattwic ments, lemon or lime juice, sour pickles, perform similarly to vinegar. Action: Nutritive, demulcent Indications: Weakness, substitute for choco- late. Chocolate Liquids Energetics: Sweet, sour/hot/sweet VPK+; raja- Liquids are very important to our sic and tamasic nutrition as we are mainly made up of plasma. Action: Stimulant, calmative, aphrodisiac Indications: Depression, hypotension, as herbal Milk Milk is sweet in initial and post-digestive taste; 153
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia cool in energy. VP- K+. It is invigorating, increas- kidneys, addiction, not for yoga or meditation; ing the dhátus. beer—long term—causes edema and overweight Cows: Promotes longevity and rejuvenation. It Coffee helps strengthen emaciation after injury, increases intelligence, strength and breast milk. It is a natu- Energetics: Pungent, bitter/warm/pungent KVP+ ral laxative, relieves exhaustion, dizziness, toxins, Rajasic difficult breathing, cough, severe thirst and hun- ger; chronic fevers, urinary and bleeding disor- Action: Nervine, cardiac stimulant ders. It promotes auspiciousness. Cows’ milk is Indications: Occasional use for energy, hypo- said to be the best of the milks. tension, depression. Contraindications: Mild narcotic, addictive Goats: Easily digested and heals pulmonary TB, fevers, difficult breathing, bleeding disorders, Fruit Juices and diarrhea. Energetics: Áma+ Butter (fresh): Is an aphrodisiac, improves com- Action: Laxative plexion, strength, digestion, absorbs water, heals Indications: Sour or astringent are better (cran- Váyu and Pitta concerns, blood, pulmonary TB, hemorrhoids, facial paralysis, eye problems, and berry, lemon, lime, pineapple, pomegranate, Sour cough. V-; astringent PK-). Ghee (clarified butter): Improves intelligence, Contraindications: Weaken digestive fire, not memory, digestion, longevity, reproductive fluid, taken with or directly after meals or first thing in eyesight; good for children and the elderly, supple the morning body, pleasant voice, lungs, herpes, injury, Váyu and Pitta disorders, insanity, fevers, TB, and is Herbal Teas highly auspicious. Energetics: spicy and astringent Yogurt: (made by hand and mixed with pep- Spicy- ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, per and sugar) strengthens the body. [Mixed with orange peel, mint, chamomile, etc.—stimulate water it makes Lassi, which promotes digestion digestion VK Astringent—alfalfa, dandelion, when consumed during the meal. One-half water chicory, strawberry leaf, hibiscus, etc.—antacid, for Váyu and Pitta; 3/4 water for Kapha.] Yogurt alterative PK or lassi is not to be taken with diseases involving blocked channels (srotas). [See the dairy section Milk & Dairy for further details—page 145] Energetics: See Dairy section (p. 145) Alcohol Milk VP- (with sugar or honey) Buttermilk V Energetics: Pungent, sweet, bitter, sour/hot/sour V- PK+ rajasic Mineral Water Action: Beer—diuretic Energetics: Carbonated PK- V+ Indications: Small amounts of wine aid digestion Action: Oxygenates blood and cells and circulation (particularly medicated Áyurvedic Indications: Circulation, some mineral supple- wines, like drakßha), relax nerves, promote men- menting struation; extracting herb properties (especially spicy or bitters). Beer causes kidney stones. Wine Soda is the best form of light consumption. Hard liquor is very disruptive. Sweet liqueurs are deranging Contraindications: Both commercial (Coke, due to the combination of sugar and alcohol. Pepsi etc.) and natural are sweet and usually taken Contraindications: Excess aggravates all hu- cold. They do not combine well with other foods, mors, aggravates blood, deranges liver, pancreas, weakens agni, weaken spleen and pancreas, de- range sugar and water metabolism Indications: Better in hot weather or when very 154
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition thirsty. and dilutes plasma Tea Spring—water is preferred over distilled water. Áyurveda suggests that liquids are best taken in Energetics: Bitter, sweet, astringent/ a form other than plain water as water leeches the cool/pungent PK- V+ some feel it is sattwic body of its minerals and nutrients. For example, herbal teas are preferred over plain water. Contraindications: Refined teas may be artifi- Váyu—drink between Pitta and Kapha, sweet, cial and damaging, excess causes insomnia, dry sour, fruit, vegetable juices, and herb teas mouth and thirst, overly brewed causes constipa- Pitta—more, sweet, bitter, astringent fruit or tion vegetable juices, herb teas Kapha—drink less, bitter, astringent, diuretic, Indications: Taken with milk and spices like pungent herbal teas ginger and cinnamon (Indian Chai) it is less ag- Meals—1/2 to 1 cup with meals is ok (lassi is gravating to Váyu. Best taken after meals, as as- recommended) to wash and clear taste buds more tringent tastes are digested last. Counters hyper- than this dilutes digestive juices acidity, summer drink, counters heat, damp, and Season—General—drink 3 to 5 cups warm (as sun exposure; migraine headaches, overly brewed tea) [summer—more; winter—less] causes constipation (so it is good for treating diar- Water is the great healer described in the Athar- rhea). va Veda. It should be obtained from clean sources: wells, rivers, etc. Áyurveda says that our bodies Vegetable Juice are mostly made up of plasma. Drinking too much plain water will deplete the minerals and nutrients. Energetics: See the vegetable section Autumn and summer are the two seasons that are Sour (i.e., tomato) P+, blood aggravation best for healthy people to drink plain water (and Salty V- (as soup is best) drink less plain water in the other seasons). There- Green (celery, parsley, comfrey leaf) detox, fore, drinking teas, and fruit and vegetable juice PKV+ is advised. Some water is acceptable to drink at Carrot- cleansing, strengthening (too sweet, the beginning, the middle and end of the meal. may weaken digestion) Drinking water at the end of the meal will have no Wheat Grass- highly cleansing, good for áma, adverse effects on the person. PK-, cleans blood, counters infection and tumors, Precautions: Do not drink water with a low di- V+ unless used with sours—lime, lemon, orange gestive fire, abdominal tumors, or enlarged abdo- men; anemia, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, duodenum Water diseases, pulmonary TB, or edema. Do not drink water at the beginning of the meal (causes stout- Energetics: Fresh spring or well is best. ness), or at the end of the meal (causes emacia- Tap water is chlorinated and devitalized; tion) causes disease and áma aggravation. Cold water: Relieves alcoholic intoxication, ex- haustion, fainting, vomiting, debility, giddiness, Váyu—warm or hot, better with milk or thirst, sun heat causing burning sensations, Pitta spiced due to its lightness excesses, blood problems, and poisoning. Hot or warm water: Stimulates hunger, helps Pitta—taken a little cool or at room tempera- digestion and the throat, easily digested, cleanses ture the urinary bladder, relieves hiccup, gas, Váyu and Kapha imbalances. Kapha—warm or hot, not in excess Cold—astringent—stops bleeding, relieve burn- ing sensation Warm—stimulant, laxative, promotes sweating, relieves cold sensation Distilled—devitalized, depletes práòa, V++, drains toxins from system Excess—(especially distilled) leaches nutrients 155
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Boiled water: Does not overly increase the Indications: Spices regulate appetite and body’s inner moisture content. It is good for Pitta strengthen the agni fire, lungs, head, gastrointes- doßha. Do not drink boiled water kept overnight; tinal, cleanse srotas, burn up áma, aid mental ac- it becomes stale and aggravates all three doßhas. tivity. Coconut water: Relieves Váyu and Pitta doßha Antidote: Counters heaviness, dispels gas, eases concerns. digestion Benefits of Drinking Water Commercial spices: Most supermarket spices Boiled Water: Tridoßhic. It is light, a digestive have been irradiated, destroying their práòa and adding the negative effects of radiation to the stimulant; dispels gas, heals pain in the rib area; spices rhinitis, and hiccup. Boiled and reduced to 3/4— relieves Váyu; reduced to 1/2—balances Pitta. It Powders: Once powdered, energies begin to di- is useful in early and late winter, spring, and rainy minish after 6 months, although they have been season. When water is boiled and reduced to 1/4 found useful up to two years later it relieves Kapha (but it is also constipative). It is helpful in the summer and fall. When water Combinations: Adding them to heated ghee or is cooled after boiling it heals all doßhas, and is oils empowers spices, as does a bit of honey or wholesome. Boiled water is not to be kept over- raw sugar night; it becomes stale and impure. Individual Spices Hot Water: VK- Light. It stimulates digestive power, heals pains in the rib area; rhinitis, gas, Anise (Sweet Fennel) (Shatapußhpa) hiccup, and cleanses the urinary tract. Taken be- fore bed, it cleanses Kapha sticking to the inner Pimpinella anisum, Linn. body; eliminates Váyu, and removes indigestion. Energetics: Pungent/hot/pungent VK- P+ Actions: Stimulant, carminative, lactogogue Warm Water: This is not advised for exhaustion, Indications: Similar to fennel but is more pungent mental fatigue, convulsions, hunger, and bleeding and warm, abdominal pain, gas, indigestion, men- in the upper body areas. strual cramping, vomiting, dry cough. Water Digestion: Unboiled water takes three Asafoetida (Hi´g) hours to digest. Water that is boiled and allowed to cool down is digested in 11/2 hours. Water that Energetics: Pungent/hot/pungent VK- P+ tama- is boiled and drunk when warm is digested in 48 sic minutes. Actions: Stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, Less Water Quantity: For certain diseases, it anthelmintic is advised to drink less water: anorexia, coryza, salivation, edema, consumption, poor digestion, Indications: Some consider it the best Váyu obstinate abdominal diseases, fever, eye diseases, spice, best for relieving abdominal distention, ulcers, and diabetes mellitus. pain, cramping and gas, parasites, worms, candi- da, delayed or difficult menstruation, pain, anxi- Spices & Herb Therapy ety, mental disorders—i.e., nervousness, vertigo, anxiety, hysteria, worry, depression, lethargy, Spices cough, asthma, arthritis, headaches, nerve pain, paralysis, circulation; strengthens heart; palpita- Energetics: Pungent/warm/pungent VK- P+ tions, angina, exorcism. Actions: Light, dry, warm, fragrant, subtle, clear, stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, dia- Contraindications: Not for meditation or yoga; phoretic, expectorant (tamasic), aggravates bile or acid conditions Antidote: For beans 156
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Basil/Holy Basil (tulsí) hemostatic, anthelmintic Indications: A heart strengthener, circulation, (see Chapter 4 materia medica) gives energy after shock, heart attack or collapse; Bay Leaves stops acute bleeding; absorption, chill, abdominal distention, worms, colds, flu, sinus congestion, Energetics: Pungent, bitter/hot/pungent VK- P+ cleanses colon, helps digest fats, burns áma. mildly Antidote: For raw food Actions: Stimulant, carminative, analgesic Precautions: Very damaging to mucus mem- Indications: Cleansing, headaches, clear srotas, branes. Not an advised spice. cough and congestion, diarrhea, hemorrhoids. Useful as an insect repellent in the kitchen. Chamomile (Babunike-phul - H) Antidote: Dairy, meat, damp sticky food Energetics: Pungent, bitter/cold/pungent PK- Black Pepper (Maricha) V+ in excess; sattwic Energetics: Pungent/hot/pungent VK-P+ raja- Actions: Stimulant, antispasmodic, emmena- sic gogue, emetic, diaphoretic, carminative analge- sic, nervine, calmative Actions: Stimulant, carminative, decongestant, expectorant Indications: Pain, headaches; abdominal, chil- dren —nerves and digestion; colic, bile, blood, Indications: Burns up áma very well, colds, menstrual, ear, neuralgia, and injury pains; exter- flu, cough, gargle for sore throat, fevers, colon nal use also; calms nervousness, anxiety, hysteria, cleanse, digests fat and obesity; metabolism, mu- insomnia, neurasthenia; poor digestion related to cus, expectorant, sinus congestion, cold extremi- emaciation and nervousness. ties, raises agni, epileptic seizures, with honey, clears Kapha from the system in the morning. Ex- Cinnamon (Thwak) ternal—inflammations, urticaria, erysipelas. [For full details see Materia Medica Chapter 4 - Mari- see Chapter 4: Materia Medica cha] Cloves (Lavangaha) Caraway/Cumin (Jíraka, Jíra) Energetics: Pungent/hot/pungent; rajasic Energetics: Caraway—Sour, pungent/hot/sweet K- P+ V+ in excess K- VP+ Cumin—Pungent/hot/pungent VKP= Actions: Stimulant, expectorant, decongestant, Actions: Stimulant, carminative, lactogogue, di- anthelmintic, analgesic, aphrodisiac Indications: uretic (used like fennel and coriander) Gas, nausea, vomiting, toothache, hiccup, lar- yngitis, pharyngitis, headache, clears head, si- Indications: Digests bread, like fennel and dill nus and lungs, nerves, toothache, colds, cough, relatives; colitis, gas, digestion, abdominal pain, asthma, warms and disinfects the lymphatics, low distention. blood pressure, impotence, indigestion, opens and clears srotas. Antidote: Overeating, heavy foods Precaution: Promotes sexual activity Cardamom (Elá) Antidote: Sugars see Chapter 4 materia medica Coriander (Dhyánaka) Antidote: Ice cream, milk, cold or sweet foods like bananas, coffee see Chapter 4: Materia Medica Antidote: Hot foods and spices (i.e., as cilantro Cayenne (Marichaphalam) - coriander leaf) Energetics: Pungent/hot/pungent VK- P+ hot- Cumin (see caraway) test; most yang; rajasic Actions: Stimulant, expectorant, diaphoretic, 157
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Dill (Misroya) culation, rheumatism. External poultice for facial neuralgia, inflammatory swellings). Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/sweet VPK= leaves cooler, seeds warmer Antidotes: Fish and raw vegetables Actions: Stimulant, antispasmodic, lactogogue Marjoram (Sathra - H) Indications: Colic, cramps, and diarrhea for children; similar to fennel. Energetics: Pungent, astringent/hot/pungent VKP+ Fennel (Methica, Sonph), Actions: Stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant Indications: Colds, flu, weak digestion, promotes Foeniculum vulgare, Gaetrn. menstruation. Energetics: Sweet/cold/sweet VPK= perhaps the most sattwic spice Mustard (Rajika- Brown; Sarßhapah - Black) Actions: Stimulant, diuretic, carminative, sto- machic, antispasmodic, lactogogue Energetics: Bitter (brown) Pungent/hot/pungent VK- P+; best Kapha spice Indications: Abdominal pain (gas or indiges- tion), menstrual cramps, hernia, diarrhea, colic, Actions: Stimulant, analgesic, expectorant vomiting, morning sickness, nausea, anorexia, Indications: Laxative, 1 teaspoon ingested as an cough, dry cough, promotes semen, increases vi- emetic for drunkenness, poisons. Clears head and sion, raises agni, difficult or burning urination, sinuses, chronic colds and coughs. Hot mustard digestion—children and elderly; promotes men- bath—as an emmenagogue. Ten-minute exter- struation, nursing mothers—increases breast milk nal paste—chest troubles, blisters, inflammatory flow. nerve disorders, pain and swelling of the joints, edema, headache, abdominal colic and pain, ob- Fenugreek (Medhika, Methi) stinate vomiting; gout, sciatica, urticaria, arthri- tis. Energetics: Pungent/hot/pungent VK- P+ Actions: Demulcent, diuretic, tonic, rejuvena- Nutmeg (Malathi-phalam; Jati-phalam) tive, aphrodisiac, stimulant, antirheumatic Indica- tions: Longevity, nerves, allergies, arthritis, skin, Energetics: Sweet, pungent, astringent/hot/pun- rejuvenation, diabetes, allergies, bronchitis, flu, gent VKP= best sedative of all spices; tamasic chronic cough, dysentery, dyspepsia, convales- cence, edema, toothache, sciatica, neurasthenia, Actions: Stimulant, carminative, astringent; use counters cold (i.e., extremities, abdominal pain, for abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, insomnia, indigestion, respiratory and reproductive systems, poor absorption (especially in the small intes- hair growth, promotes breast milk flow, liver tine), abdominal distention, incontinence, diar- hypo-function, seminal debility, debility, outdoor rhea, dysentery, impotence, mental disorders (i.e., winter work). Do not use when pregnant. nervousness, anxiety, hysteria—prepared in milk decoction) Garlic see Chapter 4 materia medica Ginger see Chapter 4 Oregano Horseradish (Sobhanjana, Sirgu) Energetics: Sour, astringent/hot/pungent VKP+ Actions: Stimulant, diaphoretic, carminative, Energetics: Pungent, astringent/hot/pungent analgesic, antiseptic VKP+ like mustard Indications: Colds, cough, nausea, morning sickness, dysmenorrhea, gas, indigestion. Excel- Actions: Stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, anti- lent for severe distention. spasmodic, antilithic (dissolves stones) Indications: Cleanses lungs, diabetes, sinuses, colds, flu, sore throat, hoarseness, digestion, cir- 158
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Peppermint (Paparaminta - H) Thyme (Ipar - H) Energetics: Sweet/cold/pungent VPK= Energetics: Pungent/hot/pungent VK- P+ Actions: Stimulant, diaphoretic, carminative, Actions: Stimulant, diaphoretic, anticough, an- analgesic thelmintic, antiseptic Indications: Colds and flu, fevers, and sore Indications: Severe cough, whooping cough, throat; clears head, sinuses, allergic headaches, bad breath, indigestion, gas, menstrual disorders. and hay fever; opens mind and senses; promotes emotional harmony. Turmeric Poppy Seeds (Kasa bijam) see Chapter 4 materia medica Energetics: Sweet, astringent/hot/ pungent Vitamins VKP+ Under normal conditions, Áyurveda suggests Actions: Stimulant, antispasmodic, astringent persons receive their vitamins through herbs and Indications: Diarrhea, malabsorption, cramping foods because they are easier to digest and absorb pain, cough, aids digestion. in these simple or elemental forms. Each doßha requires a few vitamins that may naturally be- Rosemary come depleted more rapidly than the rest. If vita- min pills or liquids are taken, it is suggested co- Energetics: Pungent, bitter/hot/pungent VK- P+ riander or cardamom be taken with them to help mildly digest and absorb the vitamins and minerals. Pitta doßhas have the strongest digestive system, and Actions: Stimulant, diaphoretic, excellent em- can better utilize supplements without weakening menagogue their digestive fire. Kapha doßhas need the least amount of supplements, and more hot spices to Indications: Eases menstruation, headaches, raise their digestive fire. Further, oily vitamins harmonizes and strengthens heart and emotions. (e.g., E, D, A) are not advised due to their ten- dency to dampen digestion. Saffron see Chapter 4 materia medica Sage (Salbia-sefakuss - H) Energetics: Pungent, astringent/hot/pungent VK- P+ in excess Actions: Stimulant, diuretic, nervine, astringent Doäha Vitamins Minerals Indications: Opens the lungs, head, sinuses; sore throat; clears srotas, voice, perception, thought; Váyu A, B3, D, E, C zinc, calcium relieves excessive sexual desire, calms heart, di- Pitta A, B, K calcium, iron gests meat and dairy, reduces excess secretions in Kapha B6, D none needed body (i.e., stops the flow of milk in nursing wom- en, swollen lymph glands, dries excess mucus in Doäha Vitamins Minerals lungs and nose, dries sores, ulcers, and bleeding; and night sweats), is a diuretic for urinary tract Váyu A, B3, D, zinc, cal- problems, calms the brain. E, C cium Pitta A, B, K calcium, Spearmint (Pahadi pudina - H) iron Kapha B6, D none needed Energetics: Sweet/cold/pungent VPK= Actions: Stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, calm- ative Indications: Painful, difficult or burning urine (cold), colic, indigestion, and sleep in children, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness. 159
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Vitamins Symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency A dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin; wrinkles, pimples, premature aging, dandruff, split nails, night blindness, burning, itching eyes; thickening cornea B1* poor memory and digestion, fatigue, edema, ear problems, irritability, heart failure B2* itching, burning, bloodshot eyes; light sensitivity, hair loss liver disorders B3* poor memory, circulation and metabolism; fatigue, cholesterol B5* infections, poor digestion, nerve and heart disorders, hay fever, hair loss B6* poor digestion, hormone imbalance, eczema, anemia, water retention, PMS, dan- druff B9* anemia, G.I. disorders, hair loss B12 premature aging, fatigue, insomnia, poor memory/concentration; central nervous system disorders C bleeding gums, heavy metal poisoning, adrenal weakness, cellulite D weak teeth, nails, bones, hair E muscle/nerve weakness, weak adrenals, dry skin F heart disorders, cholesterol, female disorders, skin disorders, yeast infections, hyper- tension, cystic fibrosis, liver disorders, malformed tissues, intestinal disorders K low energy, premature aging, bleeding, celiac, sprue, colitis *B1- Thiamine, B2- Riboflavin, B3- Niacin, B5- Pathothenic Acid, B6- Pyroxidine, B9- Folic Acid Vitamins Food Sources A dark green or yellow vegetables, corn, carrots, soy, lentils, garbanzo beans, whole milk/dairy, yellow fruits B1 B2 rice bran, whole grains, molasses, most vegetables, beans, soy, nuts, milk millet, corn, soy, whole wheat, rye, wheat, germ, beans, milk, avocado, nuts, mo- B3 lasses, leafy greens, cheese, yogurt B5 wheat, buckwheat, barley, wild rice, black beans, sesame seeds, nuts, dark greens, B6 milk, avacados, dates, figs, prunes B9 whole grains, corn, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, green vegetables, nuts B12 brown rice, buckwheat, beans, carrots, soybeans, cantaloupe, cabbage, blackstrap C molasses, oats, walnuts D whole grains, salad, green vegetables, sprouted grains, soy, yogurt E asparagus, alfalfa sprouts, cabbage family, potatoes, mustard greens, peas, okra, green peppers, múng beans, tomatoes, berries, citrus fruits, melons, mangoes, papa- yas, pineapple, dairy, ámalakí, milk, cheese citrus, berries, leafy vegetables, cantaloupe, potatoes, whole grains, milk sunlight, flax oil, whole grains, dark greens, butter, dairy whole grains, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, butter, milk, molasses, soy, vegetable oils 160
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Vitamins Food Sources F vegetable oils, seeds, avacados, nuts K leafy greens, yogurt, alfalfa, kelp, molasses, milk, safflower/soybean oils Vitamins Benefits A acne, hyperthyroidism, age spots, respiratory infections; eyes, immune system, growth, tissues, organs, strong bones, hair, gums, teeth B1 B2 herpes zoster, growth, digestion, mind, nervous system, muscles, heart, B3 migraine pain, growth, skin, nails, hair, mouth/kps/tongue, eyes, metabolism HBP, diarrhea, vertigo/Meniere’s, cancer sores, bad breath, cholesterol, triglycer- B5 B6 ides; metabolism, GI, skin, migraines, circulation, energy heal wounds, build antibodies, prevent fatigue, cholesterol/triglicerides B12 immune, prevent kidney stones, assimilate protein and fat, convert tryptophan to naicin, nervous system, skin, nausea, anti-aging, night muscle spasms/leg cramps, C hand numbness; heart disease (with folic acid) D form/regenerate RBCs, growth, appetite, energy, nervous system, irritability, con- E centration, memory, balance, osteoporosis, heart disease (with folic acid) F wounds, bleeding gums, burns, heal after surgery, antiviral/bacterial, cancer, K blood clots, common cold, longevity, iron absorption, immune, HBP, scurvy bones/teeth (wiith calcium and phosphorus), conjunctivities, assimilate vitamin A anti-aging, bad cholesterol, endurance, lungs, cancers, blood clots, fatigue, cata- racts, burns, HBP, miscarriage, cramps, IHD/stroke, Alzheimers cholesterol, skin, hair, x-rays, heart disease, weight reduction internal bleeding, excess menstrual flow, promote blood clotting brittle bone Vitamins Benefits Foods B13 liver, longevity root vegetables, whey B15 longevity, alcohol craving, heart, whole grains, pumpin & sesame cholesterol, asthma, immune, nerves Biotin prevents gray hair & baldness; seeds muscle pain; skin, nails, depression, soy, milk, butter, unpolished rice Vitamin P energy white skin and segment part of citrus fragile capillaries, bleeding gums, fruits, apricots, buckwheat, blackber- inner ear symptoms, resistance to in- fection, improves vitamin C efficacy ries, cherries, rose hips 161
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Minerals Symptoms of Mineral Deficiency Biotin anemia, depression, poor metabolism, balding, adrenal/testosterone disor- Choline ders, dermatitis, balding Inositol fat, low immunity, weak nerves, premature graying PABA Bioflavonoids eczema, hair loss, cholesterol, constipation Calcium nervousness, fatigue, indigestion, premature graying, vitiligo Chromium varicose veins, bleeding gums, eczema Chloride weak hair, teeth, nails; PMS, insomnia, white nail spots, leg cramps Copper arteriosclerosis, hypoglycemia, memory loss, fatigue, slowed growth, muscle Iodine growth Iron pernicious vomiting loss of hair color, poor skin tone Magnesium thyroid disorders, dry skin, cold Manganese anemia, low vitality, brittle hair, weak nails, frequent infections, itchy skin, Molybdenum Phosphorus short breath Potassium low vitality, tense muscles, psoriasis Selenium diabetes, brain weakness, knee problems decreased growth, food consumption Silica bone loss, muscle weakness, fatigue Sodium depression, arrhythmia, indigestion, dry skin Sulfur premature aging, dandruff, skin elasticity loss Zinc flabbiness, weak nails anorexia, weak muscles, nausea eczema, weak nails, scaly skin white nail spots, night blindness, colds/infections, hair loss, loss of taste and smell Minerals Minerals in Foods Biotin Foods Choline Inositol whole grains, nuts, legumes, cauliflower lecithin (in whole grains, nuts, soybeans) PABA molasses, brown rice, barley, oats, legumes, seeds Bioflavonoids brown rice, wheat germ, molasses Calcium the same herbs as vitamin C Chromium sea or dark greens, seeds, milk, nuts, dried fruit, yogurt, carob, aspara- Chloride gus, broccoli, tofu, oats Copper whole grains, corn oil, potatoes salt kelp, legumes, grains, avocados, raisins, oats, nuts 162
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Minerals Minerals in Foods Iodine Foods Iron kelp, beans, carrots, tomatoes, pineapple Magnesium leafy greens, parsley, dulse, whole grains, potatoes, fruit, raisins, Manganese seeds, nuts, milk whole grains, yellow corn, soy, nuts, lentils, dried fruits, sea and leafy Molybdenum Phosphorus greens, apples, celery, citrus, dairy, oats, cornmeal, rice, apricots whole grains, green and sea vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocados, blueber- Potassium ries Selenium legumes, whole grains, leafy greens Silica whole grains, beans, nuts, dairy, all vegetables, sesame seeds, sunflower/ Sodium Sulfur pumpkin seeds Zinc bananas, watercress, all vegetables, dried fruit, oranges, grains, sunflow- er seeds, dairy, legumes whole grains, beans, tomatoes, broccoli horsetail (herb) salt nuts, cabbage family, apples, cranberries, beans pumpkin/sunflower seeds, grains, soy, vegetables Menus Below are sample menus for various health concerns, as well as daily meals for various doßhas. Váyu Doähas (eat every 3 - 4 hours) Waking Spring/Summer Winter/Fall (1/2 hour before meal) herb tea (cardamom, a¤hwagandhá, hot milk with ghee, fresh ginger, tur- Breakfast triphalá) meric, honey chyavan prá¤h Snack Cream of rice with ghee, cardamom, Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat with ghee, and cane sugar; half cup boiled mild cardamom, and maple syrup Lunch (main meal) with cinnamon and cane sugar almond butter on chapatis with carda- sweet fruit or cane sugar sweet with mom and ghee; herb tea Snack cardamom same; add whole wheat chapatis Dinner white basmati rice, split yellow múng dal, ghee, sweet potato, lassi baked apple with cinnamon and honey; sesame seed butter, fennel, and ghee herb tea on chapati barley/garbanzo soup, ghee, cabbage, artichoke pasta, ghee, squash, carda- lassi, cardamom mom, lassi 163
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Snack Spring/Summer Winter/Fall hot ginger, licorice tea with honey and boiled milk, ghee, fresh ginger, honey ghee Váyu Arthritis Serves: 4-5 people Preparation: 30 minutes V, P-; K + 1/2 cup white basmati rice 1/2 cup split yellow múngdal 3 medium zucchinis 1 tsp. cardamom 1 tsp. balá 1 tsp. tulsí 1 tsp. turmeric 1 tsp. guggul 5 tsp. ghee 2 cups water Wash the rice and dal in water and place in a pot with 2 cups of water; heat until it boils. Reduce the flame to a slow boil and cook for 10 minutes (add more water if needed). Add a little water in another pot and place a steamer inside. Slice the zucchini, putting the slices in the steamer and boil for 2 to 3 minutes. When the food is ready, put the ghee in a frying pan and turn the heat to high. Put a drop of water in the pan. When it sizzles, lower the flame and add the rest of the spices and stir until the aroma of the herbs is released. Add the rice and dal to the mixture in the frying pan and stir. [For a Pitta- or Kapha-reducing meal, replace zucchini with celery. Add 1/4 tsp. neem to the herbal ingredients] Pitta Doähas Waking Spring/Summer Winter/Fall Breakfast herb tea (¤hatávarí, turmeric, fennel) hot milk with ghee, turmeric, chyavan with ghee, cane sugar prá¤h Snack Lunch puffed rice or wheat with ghee, cori- Cream of Wheat or barley with ghee, (main meal) ander, coconut milk coriander, soy milk Snack sweet or bitter fruit apple or pear Dinner white basmati rice, split yellow same; add whole wheat chapatis múng dal, ghee, broccoli, coriander, Snack milk burfi; mint tea lassi, salad sunflower seeds; fennel; lemongrass barley/garbanzo soup, ghee, cabbage, lassi, cardamom tea artichoke pasta, ghee, cauliflower, pumpkin pie, herb tea cilantro, lassi coconut macaroon Wash the rice and lima beans in water and place in a pot with 2 cups of water; heat until it boils. 164
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Liver, Spleen, Gall Bladder Disorders Serves: 4-5 people Preparation: 30 minutes V +, P, K - 1/2 cup basmati rice 1/2 cup lima beans 2 cups fresh corn 2 cups green beans 2 1/2 cups múng bean sprouts 1 tsp. turmeric 1 bunch cilantro 1 tsp. mañjißhóhá 1 tsp. gokßhura 2 cups water 1 tsp. bhúmíámalakí 5 tsp. ghee 1 bunch dandelion root Reduce the flame to a slow boil and cook for 10 minutes (add more water if needed). Put a little water in another pot and place a steamer inside. Place the corn and green beans in the steamer and boil for 2 to 3 minutes. When the food is ready, put the ghee in a frying pan and turn the heat to high. Put a drop of water in the pan. When it sizzles, lower the flame and add the spices, stirring until the aroma of the herbs is released. Add the rice and dal to the mixture in the frying pan and stir for 15 to 30 seconds. Add a múng bean sprout salad to the meal. [Excellent for recovering from alcohol addictions] Pitta Heart Disorders Serves: 4-5 people Preparation: 30 minutes V +, P, K - 1/2 cup whole wheat 1/2 cup aduki beans* 11/2 eggplants 1 bunch cilantro 1/4 tsp. turmeric 1/4 tsp. arjuna 1/4 tsp. guggul 5 tsp. ghee 3 cups water tomato/cucumber/lettuce salad Soak aduki beans and wheat overnight. Wash and peel eggplant and cut into slices. Pour salt on both sides of the eggplant and let it sit on a paper towel for about 1/2 hour. This draws out the alkaloid properties (which may cause allergies). Then cut the eggplant into pieces. Wash the wheat and lima beans in water and place in a pot with 2 cups of water, heat until it boils. Reduce the flame to a slow boil and cook for 10 to 20 minutes (until soft). Add more water to the pot if needed. Add a little water in another pot and place a steamer inside. Place the eggplant slices in the steamer and boil for 2 to 3 minutes. When the food is ready, put the ghee in a frying pan and turn the heat to high. Put a drop of water in the pan. When it sizzles, reduce the flame to low and add the spices, stir- ring until the aroma of the herbs is released. Add the wheat or beans to the mixture in the frying pan and stir for 15 to 30 seconds. Add cilantro on top of the meal, and lettuce, tomato, cucumber salad on the side. [For Váyu heart disease, replace aduki beans with múng beans] 165
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Breakfast Kapha Doähas Winter/Fall (not required) Spring/Summer chyavan prá¤h, coffee with goats Snack ginger/licorice tea milk (not required) cranberries stewed apricots Lunch (main meal) barley, split yellow múngdal, ghee, buckwheat chapatis, lima beans, celery, coriander, lassi brussels sprouts, ghee, pepper, Snack (not advised) raspberries; lemongrass tea mint tea pumpkin seeds, saffron tea with Dinner artichoke pasta, ghee, burdock, car- damom, lassi honey Snack cranberries (not advised) rye soup, garbanzo beans, beets, cardamom, cinnamon tea macintosh apple, chamomile tea Kapha Diabetes Serves: 4 people Preparation: 30 minutes V, K -, P + (moderately) 1/2 cup barley 1/2 cup múngdal 1/2 eggplant 1 bitter gourd (karela) 1 tsp. guggul 1 tsp. turmeric 1 tsp. cardamom 1 tsp. mustard seeds 2 cups water mango chutney 3 tsp. ghee, mustard or canola oil 1 tsp. guæmar (if there is pancreatic damage) Wash and peel eggplant and cut into slices. Pour salt on both sides of the eggplant and let it sit on a paper towel for about 1/2 hour. This draws out the alkaloid properties (which may cause allergies). Wash the bitter gourd and cut the gourd and eggplant into pieces. Wash the barley and dal in water. Place the barley and múngdal in a pot with 2 cups of water and heat until it boils. Reduce the flame to a slow boil and cook for 10 minutes (add more water if needed). Add a little water in another pot, place a steamer in the pot and put the eggplant and kerala in the steamer and boil for 2 to 3 minutes. When the food is ready, add the ghee or oil and three mustard seeds in a frying pan. Turn the heat to high until the seeds pop. Then reduce the flame to low add the rest of the spices, and stir until the aroma of the herbs is released. Add the barley and dal into the frying pan and stir for 15 to 30 seconds. Serve sweet mango chutney with the meal (about 3 teaspoons per person). This is readily available at Indian grocery stores. 166
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 6: Nutrition Kapha Overweight Serves: 4-5 people Preparation: 30 minutes K- V P + 1/2 cup barley 1/2 cup garbanzo beans 2 1/2 cups peas 3 carrots 1 tsp. guggul 1 tsp. turmeric 1 tsp. cardamom 1 tsp. mustard seeds 1 tsp. triphalá 1 tsp. musta 3 cups water 3 tsp. mustard or canola oil Soak the barley and garbanzo beans overnight in water. Wash the peas and carrots. Scrape off the carrot skins and slice into pieces. In separate pots, place the barley and the garbanzo beans. Add 11/2 cups of water to each pot and bring to a boil. Lower the flame to a slow boil and cook for 10 minutes or until soft. Then steam the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes. Place the oil and three mustard seeds in a frying pan and raise the flame to high. When the mustard seeds pop, reduce the flame to low and add the remaining herbs. Stir until the aromas of the herbs are released, and then add the barley. Incompatible Foods Many diseases are caused by combining foods that aggravate create harmful, subtle chemicals in one’s body. Below is a partial list. 1. Honey with ghee (in equal amounts) 2. Honey with radish 3. Yogurt with hot foods, milk, bananas, tea (except with balancing herbs) 4. Milk with oil, salt, vinegar, green squash, radish, bananas, lemons, or- anges, plums candy, sesame, yogurt. 5. Vinegar with sesame seeds 6. Honeydew melon with honey, yogurt, or water 7. Cucumber with water 8. Rice with vinegar 9. Meat with dairy, sesame, vinegar, or honey 10. Hot foods and drinks with cold foods and drinks 11. Cold drinks after cucumber or melons [see chart on next page] 167
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Food Antidotes For Indigestion Food Antidotes For Indigestion Alcohol chew cardamom or cumin seeds Lassi black pepper, cumin, salt soak in water overnight and peel Legumes black pepper; cumin; salt Al- the skin. Take with cane sugar monds Marijuana calamus, milk, ghee Apples cinnamon Meat (red) cayenne; cloves, chili peppers Avocado turmeric, lemon, black pepper Bananas dry ginger; raw honey and carda- Milk cane sugar Butter mom Múng lemon raw honey; cane sugar Beans soak overnight Cabbage cook in sunflower oil, turmeric, Nuts and mustard seeds turmeric; mustard seeds; cumin Caffeine Oats lemon Cauli- nutmeg and cardamom Oil flower ginger well cooked Cheese Onions black pepper; chili pepper; cay- ghee Chick enne Popcorn peas (gar- warm water with ajwan seeds ajwan seeds Potatoes banzo/ salt chanadál) cardamom; cumin Radish ajwan seeds; salt ghee Choco- parsley, cilantro, turmeric, onions Red Pep- late per salt or black pepper Cucum- Rice lemon ber Sugar Eggs bráhmí, vachá root, ajwan seeds Tobacco lime; cumin Fish coconut, lime, and lemon Tomato Garlic olive oil with lemon juice sweets Ghee grated coconut and lemon Vinegar Green ginger Beans ajwan seeds; salt Wheat Green Salad olive oil with lemon juice Honey- dew grated coconut with coriander; lemon; honey Ice cardamom; cloves Yogurt cumin; ginger Cream cumin; rock salt 168 Kidney- Beans
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 7: Pañcha Karma laÑŒnaM ba^MH<aM kalae Üxa<aM snaeHnaM taTaa . svaednaM stamBanaM caEva jaanaItae ya; sa vaE iBaSakÿ ..4.. La´ghanaå b^iåhaòaå kále rúk¤haòaå snehanaå tathá. Svedanaå stambhanaå chaiva jáníte yaà sa vai bhißhak. One who knows how to reduce, nourish, dry, oleate, foment, and use the astringent therapies is the real physician. Charak Sú:Ch. 22 verse 4 Chapter 7 Pañcha Karma yurveda offers unique therapeutic measures B^iµhaòa tones because it uses therapies that that heal mild and chronic diseases. Even promote earth and water elements, while la´ghana diseases that are believed to be incurable lightens by using ether, air, and fire elements to reduce. Illness is relieved as doähas become bal- by modern medicine have been healed. Stories anced through these therapies. abound of people being carried into pañcha kar- ma centers, and a few weeks later, walking out The six major therapeutic categories are either on their own two feet, healthy and rejuvenated. toning or reducing in nature. Áyurveda is not based on magic; rather, it is based on understanding medical principles and the six 1. Reducing (la´ghana or lightening) the body, stages of illness. making it light. The most deeply seated toxins that cause dis- 2. Nourishing (b^iµhaòa or expanding) the ease are heavy and sticky, lodging in the deepest body by adding corpulence. tissue layers. Pañcha Karma permanently elimi- nates these toxins from the body, allowing healing 3. Drying (rúkßhaòa) or producing roughness in and restoration of the tissues, channels, digestion, the body. and mental functions. 4. Oleation (snehana) or applying oil to the Six therapies are divided into two categories: 1) body creates softness, fluidity, and moistness. Toning or nourishing (b^iµhaòa or saµtarpaòa), and 2) Reducing or detoxifying (la´ghana 5. Sudation (svedhana) or sweating, removes or apartarpaòa)—those that cause lightness. stiffness, heaviness, and coldness. 6. Astringent (stambhana) balances the flow (slow or fast) of B^iåhaòa La´ghana bodily fluids (e.g., diarrhea, bleeding, etc.), and (earth, water) (ether, air, fire) prevents mobility. The therapeutic measures involved for each cat- egory primarily include herbs, foods, internal and external application of oils; fasting, and exercise. Below are listed the respective therapeutic mea- sures, Snehana Rúkßhaòa Svedhana Stambhana 1. Lightening (la´ghana)—light, hot, sharp, non (oil therapy) (drying) (sweating) (astringent) slimy, rough, subtle, dry, fluid, hard. Anuvásana FIGURE 1 Two forms of lightening exist: strong (¤hod- Basti hana) and mild (¤hamana). £hodhana expels the doßhas out of the body through decoction enema, 169
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia emesis, purgation of the body and head, and by men; hunger, fever, delirium, and belching. Ad- bloodletting. £hamana is a palliative approach ditional disorders include pain in the head, calves, that, rather than expel the doßhas, merely normal- thighs, shoulders, ribs, fatigue, vomiting, consti- izes them through seven approaches. 1) Digestive, pation, and difficult breathing. carminative herbs, 2) Hunger-producing herbs, 3) Avoidance of food, 4) Avoidance of drink, 5) 2. Nourishing (b^iµhaòa/anabolizing)—heavy, Physical exercise, 6) Sunbathing, 7) Exposure to cold, soft, unctuous, thick, bulky, slimy, sluggish, wind. stable, smooth. This is also a ¤hamana (palliative) therapy because it alleviates and/or mitigates both Palliative therapy is used by people with diabe- Váyu and Váyu/Pitta imbalances. This is mostly tes, poor digestion, excess watery conditions (e.g., applied to the very weak or those with Váyu ex- congestion, overweight), toxic buildup (áma), cesses. Included here are the very young, very and fevers. These measures are also used for stiff old, emaciated, people suffering from lung injury, thighs, skin diseases, herpes, abscesses, spleen, those experiencing grief, strain, dryness, exces- head, throat and eye problems; and are provided sive emission of semen or excess travel. Nour- to people during the cold season (£hi¤hira—mid ishing therapies may be given to everyone in the Jan. to mid March). summer, depending upon the condition of their health. Nourishing therapies include bathing, Pitta and Kapha disorders follow ¤hodhana oil massage, oil enema, sleep, nutritive enemas, (strong) therapies of purgation and emesis. Symp- warm milk with whole sugar, almonds, tahini, or- toms include the presence of toxins, obesity, fe- ganic dairy and ghee. ver, vomiting or nausea, diarrhea, heart disease, constipation, heaviness, and excess belching. People with moderate symptoms of weight Excessive use of nourishing therapies causes gain and medium strength are first given diges- obesity, congestion, difficult breathing, heart tive herbs like ginger, cardamom, or cinnamon. problems, diabetes, fever, enlarged abdomen, Persons who need to boost their appetites are also fistula-in-ano, and áma. Other developments in- given hunger-producing herbs like bibhítakí and clude skin disorders, cough, fainting, dysuria, guggul. Once the person is strengthened and di- poor digestion, and scrofula (TB of the neck gestion is improved, then both groups of herbs are lymph nodes). Further, if toxins are in the body, administered, along with the other purificatory they should be eliminated before toning. therapies, for a more thorough detoxification. To counter excessive use of nourishing thera- Those people who are only mildly overweight, pies, antidotes include less sleep and the herbs and of medium strong, and those who have medi- guæúchí, guggul, ¤hilájit, ámalakí, viæa´ga, um strength and have doßha excesses, are advised t^ikatu, and chitrak, with honey. to control their thirst and hunger. For people who are weak and ill, and are not yet able to withstand 3. Drying (rúkßhaòa)—rough light, dry, sharp, the stronger therapies, mild therapies are initially hot, stable, non slimy, hard. Herbs and foods hav- suggested (i.e., sun and wind bathing and mild ex- ing pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes produce ercise). dryness. Usually, this therapy is applied when there are Kapha excesses and obstructions in the Excess use of reduction therapies cause joint srotas (channels). These therapies are also used pain, body aches, cough, dry mouth, thirst, loss of with major diseases involving the heart, urinary appetite, anorexia, weakened hearing and sight. bladder, spastic thighs, gout, urinary disorders. Further disorders include mental instability, ex- cess fasting, a desire to enter dark places, emacia- Excessive use of drying therapies causes the tion, weakened digestion and depleted strength. same symptoms as excessive la´ghana therapies. Other imbalances are giddiness, cough, indiges- tion, insomnia, depletion of life sap (ojas) and se- 170
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 7: Pañcha Karma 4. Oleation (snehana)—these qualities are liquid, cells and tissues follows. To nourish before detox- subtle, fluid, unctuous, slimy, heavy, cold, slug- ifying would be adding to the preexisting toxins. gish, and soft. Medicated oils are used. Therapy In other words, nourishing therapies would only lasts for 3 to 7 days. This is discussed later in the nourish the toxic condition. Only after toxins are chapter (abhyañga section, p. 207). removed can one begin to rebuild their system. 5. Fomentation (svedhana)- these properties are Reduce - then Tone: Most people can use some hot, sharp, fluid, unctuous, rough, subtle, liquid, degree of reducing, whether it is with herbs, fasts, stable, and heavy. Sweating techniques such as sweating, etc., purifying the body, and preparing warm water, poultice, and steam; and medicated it for toning. lotions are used. This is discussed later in the chapter (abhyañga section, p. 207). When Not to Reduce: Some people, who are already weakened by illness—or the very old or 6. Astringent (stambhana)—qualities include very young—become even weaker through re- cold, sluggish, soft, smooth, rough, subtle, liquid, duction. In these cases, a combination of the two stable, light VK+. Although this approach seems methods is employed so the person’s strength is similar to lightening, astringents are used more for not depleted completely. Reducing and toning are Pitta excesses, while lightening may be required used especially for long term therapies. for any doßha. Excess application of nourishing or depleting Indications for using this therapy include excess will cause diseases of the opposite nature. Gener- Pitta, blackish complexion, bradycardia (less than ally, being too thin is better than being too heavy 60 heart beats per minute), alkali, diarrhea, vomit- because gaining weight is easier than losing it. ing, poisoning, and perspiration. Summary Main Use Excessive use of astringents develops stiffness, reduction anxiety, stiff jaw, cardiac arrest, constipation, Doäha cracked skin, dry mouth, thirst, and decreased ap- Kapha toning petite. Other conditions include memory loss, in- Váyu both crease of upward moving Váyu, and malaise. Pitta All therapies fall into one of two categories, Doäha Reduction Doäha Therapy nourishing (santarpana), and depleting Kapha strong/fast, emesis (apartarpaòa). Aßhþáñga H^idayam Sú: Ch 12 verse 1 Pitta/Blood moderate/purgation Generally speaking, Kapha doßhas need reduc- Váyu mild/enema ing or depleting therapy to reduce earth and water excesses (toxic Pittas need a milder form of detox- Kapha is already heavy and needs to become ification). Kaphas also need nourishing therapies for the ether, air, and fire elements of Váyu and lighter. Váyu is already light and needs to devel- Pitta. In fact, each doßha may need some form of detoxification, depending upon its condition. op. It is a unique insight of the Áyurvedic system that healing requires a removal of the toxins through one of the various reduction therapies. Then a nurturing therapy to build healthy new 171
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Doßha Nourishment Reducing/Saå¤hodhana Kapha La´ghana Type of Therapy Pitta mild/light herbs like elcampane, Saå¤hodhana Saå¤hamana (purifying) (pacifying) Váyu pippalí [strong] [mild] moderate/cooling herbs like ¤ha- FIGURE 2A távarí, aloe gel strong/a¤hwagandhá, ginseng, rich diet, oils When Used Saå¤hodhana Reduce strong energy, strong pulse, good muscle tone or muscle tension, prominent tongue coating Nourish chronic low energy, weak pulse, blood emesis purge enema naysa emaciation, lack of muscle tone, letting (dry) head purge flaccid or weak, obesity (nirúha) Results of therapeutic reducing include sharp, FIGURE 2B clear senses, removal of toxins, light body, ap- preciating the taste of foods, normal hunger and Saå¤hamana thirst. Other results include normal or healthy feeling in the heart and throat, little or no belch- ing, reduction of disease severity, more enthusi- asm, and removal of laziness. Excess reducing digestive thirst wind air sun stimulants produces emaciation, weakness, etc. FIGURE 2C Results of therapeutic toning include strength, a nourished mind and body, and healing of diseases Saµ¤hodhana, [bloodletting, emesis (vamana), related to being underweight and to having a weak purgation (virechana), dry enema (nirúha basti), immune system. Symptoms of excess toning in- and head purgation (nasya)] are all elements of the clude profound obesity, diabetes, fever, enlarged unique cleansing called pañcha karma. This will abdomen, cough, toxins, skin diseases, fistula. be discussed later as the main healing approach for chronic disease. It is used for excess Kapha, Note the difference between purification and Pitta, fat, blood, wastes, minor Váyu disorders, palliation. If the aggravated humors are in the GI along with the other doßhas. These therapies are tract, they are ready for purification (pañcha kar- useful with diabetes, áma, poor digestion, fever, ma). If they are still in the dhátus, malas or áma water retention, obesity, and stiff thighs. They are (tissues, waste or undigested foods) they cannot also used for skin disorders, herpes, abscesses, be directly eliminated and palliation or pacifying spleen, throat, head, and eye disorders, and used methods are first needed. by everyone in the cold seasons. For skin diseas- es, diabetes, and high Váyu, reduction is not used between November and February. It is said that Toning/£hamana, B^iµhaòa, and Snehana by undergoing saå¤hodhana treatments, disease For Váyu and Pitta will not recur. 172
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 7: Pañcha Karma Saµ¤hamana, [digestive stimulants (including healthy persons undergoing pañcha karma merely spices, fasting, and exercise), thirst, sun or wind for enhancement or prevention may skip the pal- bathing, and fresh air] are gentler therapies to pac- liation therapies. ify mild disorders. Strong persons may be healed just from exercise, sunbathing, and fresh air. Those Long term palliation 3 months with moderate strength begin with digestive stim- Moderate palliation 1 month ulants including herbs. These therapies are used Short term palliation 1 week for vomiting, diarrhea, heart diseases, cholera, in- testinal disorders, fever, constipation, heaviness, Snehana & Svedhana (Oleation & Sweat- belching, nausea, anorexia, Kapha, and Pitta. ing Methods): After palliation therapies remove toxins, two main preliminary therapies are used, £hodhana reduces excess wastes, while ¤hama- oleation and sweating. Both begin to unseat the na heals excess doßhas. These therapies eliminate toxins that have moved and situated themselves in the wastes and balance the doßhas. places they do not belong. These relocated toxins are the cause of ill health or imbalance. Preliminary Therapies (Purva Karma) Below is an overview of the 10 therapies and what measures are suggested for each doßha. Before pañcha karma is employed, persons first Readers are advised to see their respective chap- reduce the excessed doßhas and cleanse áma (tox- ters for a complete understanding of their proce- ins) from their system. This is achieved by eating dures. lightly spiced meals according to their doßha (see Chapter 6). Ten therapies are useful in Purva karma, also £hamana - Palliation known as palliation or £hamana. 1. Oil Massage [Snehana] 1. Body Oiling 6. Food Váyu—lots of sesame oil with mahánáráyan 2. Sweat Therapy 7. Aromatherapy and castor oil are best. Massage should be warm, gentle and firm. Oils are only used after most of 3. Herbal Tonics 8. Colors/ Meals/Envi- the áma is removed by eating hot spices. ronment Pitta—touch is soothing, light, gentle, slightly 4. Oils and Ghee 9. Lifestyle cool with a moderate amount of oil (cool co- 5. Exercise 10. Sádhaná coanut, ghee, safflower), bráhmí (gotu kola), or mahánáráyan oil is also applied. Herbs were discussed in detail in Chapter 4, and foods, nutrition and ghee were reviewed in the Kapha—strong, dry, or with light and hot oils last chapter. Now, we take a closer look at body (i.e., mustard, canola, olive), deep tissue, perhaps oil and sweat therapies. Later chapters will detail with some slight pain. Also, da¤hmúl oil is helpful the remaining topics. Taking herbs and eating the for Kapha doßhas. proper diet according to one’s doßha are a long- term form of pañcha karma. These 10 applica- 2. Sweat Therapy [Svedhana] tions can be used independently of preliminary Váyu—(mild) brief steam baths or hot tubs palliation to heal and help maintain one’s balance (head is kept out of the heat), or ingesting mild di- aphoretics like nirguòæí, cinnamon, and ginger, or of physical and mental health. tonics like balá, comfrey, or da¤hmúl. They need to drink plenty of liquids to replenish the water Palliation generally lasts for three months, one (during and after sweating) or they will become month, or one week. When an illness is chronic or strong, palliation may be shorter since the hu- mors may be ready to be eliminated. Conversely, 173
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia too dry. Too much sweating may lead to dizzi- 5. Exercise ness, convulsions, fainting, or vertigo. Váyu—mild exercise, calming yoga postures Pitta—cool or mild sweating using cool and dis- (sitting or lying down) and gentle breathing exer- persing herbs (i.e., kuóki, yellow dock, burdock) cises also strengthen (see the haóha yoga chapter). followed by a cool shower. During excess sweat- Mild sunbathing (avoiding wind and cold) and ing one may feel thirsty, develop burning sensa- daily sádhaná (meditation) automatically heal the tions, feel dizzy, or develop a fever. mind and body. Kapha—strong, dry heat, hot diaphoretics and Pitta—moderate amount, in cool air or wind, expectorants (i.e., ginger, sage, pippalí, cinna- walks taken during the full moon and other mod- mon). One sweats until one begins to feel uncom- erate activities like flower gardening. Cooling fortable, but not exhausted. Yoga postures, like shoulder stands or sitting and lying down, and práòáyám are suggested. People 3. Herbal Tonics with heart problems are advised not to do shoul- der stands. The best práòáyám for Pitta is ¤hítalí Váyu—¤hatávarí, a¤hwagandhá, balá, triphalá and lunar practices (see Chapter 9). Both are best with digestive spices like ginger or cinnamon, taught by a qualified yoga or práòáyám instruc- and herbal wines like drákßhá are useful. Exces- tor, rather than by clients trying on their own. Ex- sive use of these herbs aggravates Váyu, coats ercise that creates excess heat and sweating (i.e., the tongue, distends the abdomen, and may cause aerobics, heavy exertion, exercising under a hot constipation. sun) are contraindicated. Pitta—cool, bitter, astringent alteratives, aloe Kapha—strong aerobics (e.g., jogging in the gel, barberry, dandelion, burdock, red clover, pau wind and sun), long hikes, camping, and strong d’arco, bráhmí, mañjißhþhá, comfrey, and corian- physical labor. One must first be healthy and der. These are all blood and bile cleansers, and strong enough to exercise at this level. If persons drain the excess heat from the body. sweat or exercise too much they feel tired after- wards. Kapha—hot, dry, pungents (i.e., ginger, pippalí, myrrh, t^ikatu), bitters (i.e., aloe, turmeric, bar- 6. Food berry) reduce fat. Herbs are most effective when taken with a little raw honey (which helps loosen Váyu—adequate, nutritious, Váyu reducing phlegm). (i.e., dairy, nuts, grains of basmati rice, oats, and wheat, root vegetables, sweet fruits, boiled milk 4. Oils & Ghee with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel). One should eat nutritiously; overeating should be Váyu—(daily use of sesame or ghee—1 to 2 avoided. Fasts for 1 to 3 days, with ginger and cin- tbs.—taken internally). This moistens the dry namon tea, are all right for those who are strong Váyu membranes and tissues, and softens and enough. (Meat is used when one is recovering loosens dry and hardened toxins in the body tis- from a debilitating illness). sues. Pitta—moderate and cool Pitta reduction, sweet Pitta—ghee, internal (1 to 2 tbs. daily) and ex- fruits, raw or lightly steamed vegetables, green ternal (especially in eyes). Triphalá or bráhmí vegetable juice, cool grains like rice, oats, and ghee are the suggested medicated ghees. wheat, and yellow split múngdal (or whole múng beans). Spices include coriander, cumin, fennel— Kapha—1 to 2 tsp. daily of mustard, canola, cool spices. Hot spices should be avoided, as are and flax seed oils are taken internally. These oils salt and vinegar. Moderate fasts with cool herbs loosen phlegm. (i.e., dandelion or burdock), green vegetable juic- 174
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 7: Pañcha Karma es or fruit juices (i.e., pineapple or pomegranate) bathing reduce excess heat. Cool-colored clothing are also suggested. Weak Pittas may take more (i.e., white and pale shades of green, pink, and dairy (preferably organic— no drugs or steroids blue) are also balancing. fed to the animals, and from contented animals— not factory-herded ones). Kapha—sunbathing, fresh air, long fasts, warm color therapy—red, orange, yellow in clothes, fur- Kapha—light, anti-Kapha, steamed diuretic niture, and decor—in both home and office—bal- vegetables, diuretic grains, beans, hot spices, re- ances excess Kapha. duce water and juice consumption. Fasting on spices and honey from 3 to 7 days is suggested. 9. Lifestyle Overall, sugar, sweet foods, dairy, heavy oils. and Váyu—resting the body and mind. Excess trav- meats should be avoided. eling, noise, distractions are avoided, sleeping 7. Aromas during the day, if tired, and having a secure and While aromatherapy is not technically a consid- stable lifestyle—with happiness, contentment and joy—is suggested. Mild exercise (stop when per- eration of saå¤hamana, it is incorporated here for spiration begins) is useful. additional therapeutic value. Aromas work more on the mind than the body, so they help balance Pitta—cool, pleasing environments, cool breez- psychological causes of illness. es, moonlight, avoiding sun, heat, and fire. Relax- ation is advised, doing various or diverse things, Váyu—sandalwood, frankincense, cedar, and allowing time for amusement and play, practicing myrrh, are calming and grounding. sweet, affectionate, loving, friendly behavior; be- ing near water and gardens. Conflict, arguments, Pitta (cool)—oils, incense, soaps, sachets of aggression, ambition, strain, and overwork, and sandalwood, rose, geranium, and other flower effort are avoided. Moderate exercise is useful scents open the heart and reduce fire. (stop when perspiration begins). Kapha—oils, incense, soap, sachets etc. of Kapha—dry, rough clothes and environment myrrh, frankincense, cedar, eucalyptus, sage. (i.e., austere life—sleeping on the floor, physi- cal labor, staying up late at night, not napping or 8. Colors/Environment/Meals sleeping late), avoiding cold and damp; and being Fresh air, wind, and sun help stimulate diges- in hot, dry, sunny, fiery, and warm breezy places. This is a time one when breaks attachments and tion in mild cases of illness. While color therapy habits—giving up the past (mentally) and posses- is not technically a consideration of saå¤hamana, sions. Strong exercise is useful (exercise a little it is incorporated here for additional therapeutic past the point of fatigue). value. Colors work more on the mind than the body, so they help balance psychological causes 10. Sádhaná of illness. Váyu—for calm and peace—allows one to be Váyu—balancing therapies include short fasts less talkative, or even silent, emptying the mind (1 to 3 days), being warm and comfortable inside of thoughts, worry etc.; surrendering fears, and and outside the home, moist air (for one living in anxieties is also practiced. a dry climate), and mild sunbathing. Wear warm colors of red, orange, and gold. White (a moist Pitta—one focuses on positive energies of love, color) also balances mild Váyu excesses. The bed peace, forgiveness, visualization, and artistic cre- should be soft and comfortable. The environment ativity. should be pleasing. One must adopt measures for self-care. Kapha—practices active meditation, (e.g., study, thinking, inquiring, reading scriptures, chanting Pitta—mild fasts (about one week), air and wind 175
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia aloud, dancing, and singing) stimulates and acti- na) is also recommended. Sesame oil or ghee is vates the mind until one feels strained. used for Váyu, sunflower or ghee for Pitta, and mustard, canola, or flax seed oils for Kapha. Purification Therapy (£hodhana) Oil Uses: Oils help loosen and liquefy toxins and humors in the skin and blood (called the outer Unique to Áyurveda is a process of completely disease pathway), dislodging and removing the expelling toxins from the body. First, through pal- heavy, sticky toxins from the smallest channels. liation and purification, one loosens toxins lodged Thus, toxins begin to drain from the central dis- in the body. This allows the toxins to return ease pathway (deeper tissues) and start to flow through the bloodstream to their origin sites in the into the GI tract. Secretions are also activated, gastrointestinal tract. Once there, the toxins can be enabling easier doäha transport of toxins (áma) completely expelled from the body through five and wastes (malas) as they return to the GI tract methods known as pañcha karma. Pañcha karma for elimination. Oil lubricates and protects tissues (five actions) actually includes three stages (see from damage, as áma returns to the GI tract. Fi- table below). nally, since Váyu is responsible for movement, oil lubrication restores proper Váyu functioning, al- Therapy Description lowing for proper flowing of wastes and toxins to their removal sites. 1. Preliminary (palliative) employing oil and sweating methods (snehana and svedhana). [of- Special herbs blended with the oils enable the ten used throughout the year as a general mainte- tissues to expel the oil from tissues. Therefore, nance and preventive program] oil does not accumulate in the body. Herbs like guæúchí, kaóuka, harítakí, yaähóí madhu (licorice), 2. Primary purificatory practices( pañcha kar- and chitrak have bitter properties that cause oils ma) uses emesis, purgation, enemas, nasal to be expelled. Specific oil massage (abhyañga) therapy. therapies are discussed later in this chapter. 3. Post PK therapies rejuvenation and tonifica- tion. Oil Therapy (Snehana) Oils and purificatory therapies are useful for ar- thritis, insomnia, paralysis, tremors, convulsions, Using oils, both internally and externally, nervous exhaustion, dry cough, constipation, and is a very important Áyurvedic therapy other Váyu derangements. Oil is also useful for alcohol addiction, the elderly, children, eye prob- Warm, medicinal oils are applied in large lems, tumors, sinus conditions, worms, ulcers, amounts all over the body. Some practitioners use memory, dryness, poisons, Váyu, Pitta, and Ka- sesame oil for all three constitutions. Others use pha diseases. Such therapies promote alertness, medicated oils like mahánáráyan oil. Still others slimming, toning, and studying the body; improv- use medicated oils in specific body sites, such as ing strength, voice, complexion, and they cleanse on the chakras and marma points, or at specific the female genital passage. Oil builds plasma, re- trouble spots. Essential oils may also be employed productive fluid and ojas (life-sap). Kapha doßhas according to the doßhas. It is the use of the oil use oil for worms and gas. that is important, and not the massage technique or training. (Actually, a professional massage pro- Sesame is the best oil. Overall, oil reduces Váyu, duces the same effects as snehana and svedhana). is neutral for Kapha, and increases Pitta. Oils are Specific Áyurvedic massage-like techniques (ab- used during the rainy season. hyañga) will be discussed later. Along with the application of oil, intake of oil or ghee (snehapá- Contraindications: There are some people for whom oleation is not recommended. They in- 176
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 7: Pañcha Karma clude people who have very weak or very strong they may stimulate the regurgitating re-flex. Af- digestion, who are very obese, who have stiff terwards, cool baths, head plasters, or towels are thighs, or who suffer from diarrhea and toxins used. Those with strong digestion can take more (i.e., they must be expelled first). Oleation is also oleation. Those with moderate diges-tion can not used to treat throat diseases, enlarged abdo- use moderate amounts of oil or ghee, and those men, fainting, vomiting, anorexia, abnormal child with weaker digestion use less unction. Results of delivery, Kapha excesses, or inebriation. Instead, snehana include proper flow of Váyu, improved clients are given nasal, enema, and pur-gative digestion, proper feces, moistness, and initial fa- therapies. Charak notes that while oil reduces tigue. Váyu, it does not aggravate Kapha (as long as oils are warmed). As the snehana begins to get digested, one may experience thirst, vertigo, lassitude, mental dis- Ghee Uses: Ghee is best used for improving in- turbance, and burning sensations. After olea-tion, tellect, memory, and intelligence; plasma, re-pro- one needs to rest, get to sleep early, avoid expo- ductive fluid, and ojas (life-sap). It helps soften sure to wind and hot sun. One should ob-serve the body, and promotes clear voice and complex- celibacy, and eat light, simple foods, ac-cording ion. to one’s doßha, and not suppress bodily urges. If this is not followed, serious diseases may develop. Váyu: Medicated ghee, or ghee and black salt. After snehana is digested, one takes a hot shower, Its moistness balances Váyu. then eats a small portion of plain rice or barley (at room temperature). Pitta: Plain ghee. Its cool and sweet nature bal- ances Pitta. Snehana therapy lasts an average of 3 to 7 days, or until the symptoms disappear. The elderly, the Kapha: Ghee with barley and t^ikatu (empow- weak, the very young, and those with thirst should ers the herbs). take such therapy with lunch. Persons currently drinking wine are not eligible for sne-hana. Váyu Ghee is used in the autumn. For Váyu/Pitta doßha follows snehana for 7 days, Pitta for 5 days imbalances in the summer, evening oleation is and Kapha for 3 days. advised. For aggravated Kapha, and throughout the winter, unction on sunny days is advised. In Doßha Days for Therapy emergencies, and for those with extreme Váyu Váyu 7 disorders, oleation may be used anytime. Ingest- Pitta 5 ing ghee (snehapána) follows the same schedule. Precautions: Do not use snehana for ascites, fe- Kapha 3 ver, delirium, drinking or with alcoholism, loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, on cloudy days, rainy Dose: There are 3 doses of drinking snehana, season, after basti, purgative emetics or nasya, af- according to the strength of the doßha . ter premature birth, for too strong or weak diges- tion, stiff thighs, diarrhea, áma, throat diseases, Mild Strength: Váyu—oil stays in the system for artificial poisoning, enlarged abdomen, fainting. 9 hours. This dose is for slight aggravation. Its ap- Do not use oil for coma, thirst, anal secretions, plication develops the appetite. Use for 3 days. pregnancy, and excess salivation. Use drying herbs for 10 days following child-birth. Medium Strength: Pitta—oil stays in the system for 6 hours. It is for moderate aggravation, and builds and tones the system. Use for 4 to 6 days. After taking ghee, one drinks hot water. After High Strength: Kapha—oil stays in the system oil, one drinks boiled rice water. This should cause for 3 hours. It acts as an emollient for extreme ag- belching and a desire to eat. If one feels thirsty, gravation. Use for 7 days. 177
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia Doßha Hours Moderate: Four to 6 days. Avoid sticky, oily, and Váyu 9 incompatible foods. Pitta 6 High: Seven days/with hard bowels or until Kapha 3 healthy symptoms appear. The high dose always causes intolerance, but persons are made to drink #yaHe— flaeiSmak; snaI÷ataÿ paócara#ae— paEitak; by holding their nose and closing their eyes while vaitak; sapta ra#ae— saatmyataaó parma~ drinking. Tryaheòa ¤hleßhmikaà sníhyát pa´charátreòa Some authorities suggest always using 7 days paitikaà of oleation in order to reach all 7 tissue layers. Others follow the mild, medium, and high doses, Vatikaà sapta rátreòa sátmyatáò param depending on which dhátus are unbalanced. Signs of effective oleation include soft, shiny skin, [Reference Bhog] softer skin and hair, healthy elimination of stool that looks yellowish, shiny, oily, and softer; urine Drinking Snehapána may look brighter, and urine and stool smell like ghee. Eye, ear, and nose secretions shine slightly. Day Dose Doßha Mental clarity, enthusiasm, energy, and strength Test Dose 1 oz. Kapha increase. 2 oz. Pitta 1 3 oz. If diarrhea results from snehana, then persons 2 4 oz. Váyu have only moderate or mild symptoms; for the 3rd 3 5 oz. and 4th days of snehana, lemon juice is added to 4 6 oz. the snehana formula (ghee with hot water may be 5 7 oz. used. Oil with vegetable soup or hot water is an 6 8 oz. alternative). 7 £hodhana (purification): Drink alone, soon after Various authors offer other suggestions. digestion, drink the large or maximum dose. Doses: Depending upon the strength of the person £hamana (removal of mild doßha/disease symp- and the severity of the disease, mild, moderate or toms): Use a medium dose with fasting. high doses are used. Snehana is ingested either first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon B^iµhaòa (toning): Take the minimum dose (a (ideally 3:00 to 6:00 a.m. or p.m.) on an empty small quantity) with food. stomach. Only when the appetite returns does one eat. Precautions: Snehapána is not used for indiges- tion, abdominal enlargement, acute fever, weak- Mild: One to 4 days. The diet during snehana in- ness, anorexia, obesity, fits, intoxication, imme- volves 3 days of avoiding very fatty foods, eat- diately after basti (enema), vamana (vomiting), ing simply, no food combining and eating warm, virechana (purgation), with thirst, fatigue, after regular quantities (according to one’s constitution premature delivery, or on rainy days. or doßha). Before and after snehana, take warm baths and drink warm water; be celibate. Avoid Depending on when snehana is taken, different becoming stressed, angry, or grief stricken. Avoid parts of the body will be affected. exposure to cold, sun, travel, talking, naps, and pollution. Do not suppress natural urges. Take the Meal Body Part Affected dose just after sunrise. Before Lower During Middle After Upper 178
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 7: Pañcha Karma Unctuous Substances: Those who cannot com- Sample Recipes fortably ingest plain oil or ghee may begin by eating unctuous items. These substances include 1. Pippalí, rock salt, yogurt, sesame oil, or ghee. porridge (odana), gruel (vilepí—grain with 4 to 8 This sneha produces quick results. 2. Barley with times as much water), gruel (yavágu—grain with milk, and a small amount of rice and ghee. 6 times as much water), legumes, curry, vegetable soup, kámbalika (curd, rock salt, sesame oil, and 3. Milk, ghee, cane sugar. This is an instant ghee), sesame oil or sesame butter, sugar, organic emulsive preparation. milk, ghee, lassi, pippalí, and ¤hatávarí. 4. Barley fried in sesame oil, 1/2 boiled molas- Váyu doßhas do well with a little rock salt. Pitta ses, rice, green dal, milk, ghee, lassi, jaggery, doßhas do well with ghee. Kapha doßhas do well and salt. This preparation causes tissues to exude, with t^ikatu. For worms, a large dose of sesame entering minute pores, not drying, and spreading throughout the body warming and transforming) oil is used. [i.e., for immediate oleation effects]. Seasonal Use of Oil and Ghee Precautions: Do not use this formula for skin dis- eases, edema, diabetes. Instead use, 4a. Triphalá, Fall cow ghee pippalí, guggul, ¤hilájit, gokßhura, ghee. Rainy oil Summer Oil snehana is very good for tumors, sinus Váyu and Pitta excesses, joint ulcers, worms, excess Kapha, fat, and Váyu. It Winter pain—oil used in evenings improves digestion, clears the digestive tract, Cold strengthens the tissues, senses, slows the aging Winter Kapha/Váyu and Kapha/Pitta ex- process, and improves complexion. cesses or joint pain—oil used in the Other snehana therapies include oil massage, afternoon enema, douche, gargle, nose, ear, and eye drops, 15 to 30 minutes after sunrise and (See pages 197 - 201 and 242 - 244) for joint problems—oil Herbs for particular diseases may be cooked in Inadequate snehana administration: Causes dry- the ghee or oil to apply snehana more effectively. ness, burning, weakness, and slower digestion. For example, gokßhura may be added to oil for urinary problems. Excess snehana administration: Causes yellow complexion, heaviness, stuffiness, undigested Three Degrees of Boiling Oil and Ghee food in the stool, dullness, anorexia, nausea, vom- iting. Errhines Boil Consistency Use Complications: Indigestion, thirst, fainting, dull- mild hard/dry ness, nausea, tympanitis (inner ear inflammation), Drinks\\ with food/ fever, stiffness, anorexia, abdominal pain, slowed Basti medium wax-like drink digestion. If ghee causes abdominal pain, hot Anoint water should be drunk to produce vomiting. For hard clear/black errhines/ severe thirst due to excessive digestive fire, cold salves water should be drunk after sneha. basti/ear drops Ghee is ready when froth and cooking sounds disappear, Chronic Symptoms: Dry skin, itching, anemia, and the ghee emits an aroma. Oil is ready when it becomes edema, GI diseases, sprue (malabsorption of nu- frothy on the surface, and an aroma develops. trients in the intestines, leading to diarrhea, ema- 179
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia ciation, and anemia), hemorrhoids, numbness, a metal object or warm hands on the body. This difficult speech. therapy is best for Váyu and Kapha doßhas. Other forms of oleation include abhyañga, 2. Upanáha or applying a hot poultice to the body lepa, gandúßha (mouth gargling), head, ear, and (before bed) made with the appropriate herbs and eye baths. These will all be discussed later under foods to reduce the respective aggravated doßhas. Kerala abhyañga (except for gandúßha, which is After the poultice is applied, an oiled and heated discussed in Chapter 19 under mouth conditions silk or woolen cloth is wrapped around the body, and therapies). Application of oil and oil pastes and the person goes to sleep for the night. It is are discussed below. removed in the morning (in the winter it may be kept on longer). This therapy is best for Váyu dis- Sudation or Sweat Therapy (Svedhana) orders. General ingredients include wheat, barley, unctuous substances, kußhóa, kákolí, and kßhír- isnagDasya saUxmaeSva yanaeSa laInaó kákolí. svaedstau daeSaó nayaita ]vatvamaý . Váyu: Poultices include vachá, aromatic herbs, Snigdhasya súk¤hmeßhva yaneßhu línaå yeast, licorice, cedar, castor oil, ghee, lassi, milk. svedastu doßhaå nayati d^ivatvam Váyu/Kapha: Triphalá, t^ikatu. Váyu/Pitta: Sweat applied to uncted persons liquefy impuri- Guæúchí, licorice. ties hidden in minute channels. Charak: Sidd. Ch. 1, Upanáha Recipe: General suggestions include verse 8 Váyu-reducing herbs, sour juice, milk, and a little rock salt. Boil until it becomes a thick liquid and According to Aßhóáñga H^idayam, after ole- apply to the whole body (in the direction against ation, steam or sweating therapies are employed the hairs). When it becomes cold, reapply. This for effective dislodging and liquefying of toxins process is repeated many times. and improving digestion. Svedhana causes the body’s channels to widen, enabling áma to easily Other heating therapies include exercise, stay- flow from the tissues back to the GI tract and im- ing in warm, draftless rooms, wrapping oneself in prove circulation. Heat allows the skin and blood heavy clothes, and sunbathing. (outer disease pathway) to be cleansed. This re- lieves, cleanses, and reduces fat tissue and muscle 3. Úähmá or warm steam is used by boiling the tension. appropriate foods and herbs for a doßha, and al- lowing the steam to surround the body. Steam Heat also restores balance to Váyu and Kapha may be applied with a sweat box (with the head (i.e., removing coldness and stiffness) and reduces kept free from heat) or apparatus like a pressure the heavy, sticky nature of áma. Once toxins are cooker. Appropriate herbs are added to the water back in the G.I. tract, they are ready to be com- in the pot. The steam is applied locally to an ill- pletely expelled from the body through pañcha ness spot, like arthritis. This therapy is used for karma (five purificatory actions). Váyu and Kapha imbalances. Internal (e.g., spicy herbs) and external (e.g., ja- Stones, pebbles, mud, leaves, and sand are also cuzzi, sauna) heat are used to dislodge wastes and heated and applied to specific body parts. They toxins. Castor, arka, red punarnavá, sesame, and are more useful in Kapha disorders as they are a barley all induce sweat. form of dry heat. Four types of Svedhana therapies exist, 4. Drava or Dhárá means pouring warm, medi- cated liquid over the body. Again, herbs and foods 1. Tápa or fomentation—placing a heated cloth, are used to reduce the respective excessed doßhas 180
Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 7: Pañcha Karma (or for specific health concerns). This method stomach) first clients sweat without oil, then with is useful for áma, Kapha, and fat excesses, stiff oil. For Kapha/Váyu excesses, (i.e., Kapha in thighs, and breast milk disorders. The part of the the colon) first clients are given oil/steam, then a body needing attention is covered with a cloth, and steam treatment without oil). then the medicated water is slowly poured over the cloth. When Váyu disturbs the entire body, a Svedhana is suggested for cough, cold, earache, medicated water bath is used. The water tempera- headache, monoplegia, hemiplegia, paraplegia, ture is 85 to 100 degrees. This is also useful for constipation, absence or retention of urine. It is all diseases of the rectum and urinary tract. Drava also indicated for stiffness and tetany arthritis is used for Váyu/Pitta disorders. Useful herbs in- (muscle spasms and tremors caused by poor me- clude castor, vásá, vaå¤ha, arka, turmeric, and tabolism of calcium, and associated with poor licorice. parathyroid gland functioning). It is also good for enlarged spleen, fistula-in-ano, hemorrhoids, re- Two types of drava exist, nal calculi, and before surgery. Svedhana is also 1. Parißheka: Medicated liquid is applied to spe- advised after an operation that removes a foreign cific body parts (that are covered in cloth). object, or after abnormal, premature or normal 2. Avagáhan: Persons soak in a tub filled with a delivery. medicated decoction. Svedhana is best used for Váyu disorders (i.e., faItafaUlavyauparmae stamBagaaErvainagaRHe . nervous conditions). It is used only after one has undergone snehana (internal and external oil saójatae maadávae svaede svaednaai}ritamaá®taa ..13.. application), is in a warm room protected from breezes and has fully digested their last meal. £híta¤úlavyúparame stambhagauravanigrahe. Sudation is applied in strong, moderate, or mild Saåjate márdave svede svedanádbhiratirmatá. measure, depending upon the strength of the per- son undergoing therapy. Svedhana is stopped only when cold, colic pain, stiffness and heaviness subsides in the body, Sessions last 5 to 10 minutes for Váyu and Pitta or until softness and sweating are produced. doßhas, and 10 to 15 minutes for Kapha doßhas. Alternately, a strong intensity is used for strong Charak Sú, Ch. 14, verse 13 persons or severe diseases; moderate intensity is used for persons with moderate strength or mod- Three Types of Sweat erate diseases; and a minimum intensity is used for persons with minimal strength or minor dis- 1 External heat (e.g., steam)—use fire eases. Internal heat (exercise, warm clothes, etc.)—no fire Kapha doßhas use a dry sudation (dry heat and 2 Whole body (external heat) warming oils—for example, sitting under a blan- Part of the body (e.g., shoulder—náæí, ket with a space heater). Kapha/Váyu doßhas use parißheka) both dry heat and oily liquids (e.g., ghee). They can sweat in warm rooms or in the sunlight. Ghee 3 With oil (wet)—for Váyu—fire/no fire is used in situations such as a Váyu excess in the Without oil (dry)—for Kapha—fire/no fire stomach and a Kapha excess in the colon. If used, sudation should be administered very gently on 13 Sveda Forms the testes, heart, and eyes. A cool cloth should be placed over these areas to prevent exposure to According to Charak Saåhitá, 13 forms of heat. sveda (sweat) are available; some use fire to generate heat, some do not. Oil abhyañga is re- For Váyu/Kapha excesses, (e.g., Váyu in the 181
The Áyurveda Encyclopedia quired before initiating any of the methods. over a low flame in a pressure cooker, steamer, or covered pot with a hose placed over a hole in the Whole Body Svedas top, and pointed at the sore spot (e.g., bursitis), 1. Sankara Sveda: (use of bolus). Piòæa Sveda is joint pain, or other local condition. such a therapy. [see page 235] 2. Jentáka Sveda: and 3. Prastara Sveda: Similar to sauna rooms. 4. Avagáhan Sveda: Persons lie in a tub filled Sweat Box: Woman with psoriasis with a medicated decoction, milk, oil, or ghee. It undergoing svedhana in India is administered every other day or every two days. This process dilates the veins, arteries, hair fol- The tube has two or three curves to lessen licles, and strengthens the body. It is useful for the heat of the vapor. Traditionally, the hose Váyu disorders, hemorrhoids, dysuria, and other lengths are either 91.44cm/@36” (high dose), or painful diseases. 45.86cm/@18” (low dose). The circumference of the tube is 22.86cm/@9” at the steamer and A person either sits in a tub filled with a decoc- 11.43cm/@4.5” towards the body joint. tion until they begin to sweat, or sits in a tub and has oil, milk, or ghee poured over their shoulders Aromatic, channel-clearing herbs (eucalyp- until the liquid reaches six inches above their na- tus, cinnamon, camphor, calamus, sage, da¤hmúl vel. (10 roots) are used with emollient tonics (i.e., ¤hatávarí, balá, a¤hwagandhá, comfrey root, or After the medicated bath, persons are first mas- marshmallow). Emollients are used to soften, pro- saged, then take a warm bath (in plain water), and tect and heal. Steam burns up localized toxins and eat nourishing foods according to their doßha. restores or stimulates circulation at these sites. They rest for the remainder of the day. Váyu/Kapha—da¤hmúl The therapy sessions cease after one feels relief Kapha—varuòa, guæúchí, erand, vásá, arka, from cold, pain, stiffness, heaviness, and devel- and vaå¤ha. ops a good appetite and softness of body parts. 5. Aßhmaghana Sveda, 6. Karßhú Sveda, 7. Kutí Sveda, 8. Bhú Sveda, 9. Kúmbhí Sveda, 10. Kúpa Sveda, 11. Holáka Sveda: Other ancient forms that can be replaced by modern steam tents. Steamer or Steam tent and Pressure cooker massage table MODERN SWEAT-TENT Partial Body Svedas 12. Náæí Sveda: Herbal decoctions are heated 182
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