Ayurveda and Herbs
53What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is considered as the oldest system of medicine still in practice world wide. Being ancient the word Ayurveda is derived from the ancient Indian language Sanskrit where 'ayus' means life and 'ved' means knowledge or science. According to Ayurveda, life is a combination of four essential parts - mind, body, senses and the soul.
This traditional system of healing is based on the theory of balancing the body, the soul and the mind. When ever there is imbalance in the vital forces, the body gets diseased and faces misery. This disease and suffering causes sorrow in humans and hence leads to discomfort in normal living.
Ayurveda can be considered as an observational science which developed as per the need of humans during his evolution towards today's world and has got time proven results. The whole ayurvedic system is designed in such a way that normal homeostasis is maintained by following particular lifestyle and supplementing the deficiency with new similar part, by which homeostasis is maintained.
Important Herbs
- Amla
Amla (Emblica Officinalis) is a natural antioxidant with the richest natural source of Vitamin C. The fruit contains the highest amount of Vitamin C in natural form and cytokine like substances identified as zeatin, z. riboside, z. nucleotide. - Neem
Neem is highly recommended for the effects it has upon the skin. It is advised to maintain a healthy glow on the skin. Preparations from the leaves or oils of the tree are used as general antiseptics, according to a report of The National Research Co - Triphala
Triphala, a cornerstone of ayurvedic medicine, is a composite herbal preparation containing equal proportions of the fruits of three myrobalans, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica.
Ayurvedic Herbs
Treatments in Ayurveda
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a collection of purification techniques that Ayurveda prescribes for some diseases and for periodic cleansing. A course of Panchakarma typically includes a short-term dietary prescription, massage, herbs, and may include purgatives, sweat baths, medicated enemas, and nasal cleansing.
Vamana
Vamana is a medicated emesis therapy which removes Kapha toxins collected in the body and the respiratory tract. This is given to people with high Kapha imbalance. Daily treatment involves loosening and mobilizing the toxins in an effort to finally eliminate them.
Nasya (Nose Cleaning)
Nasya involves administration of medicated oil through the nose to cleanse accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region.
Sirodhara
According to Ayurveda, Sirodhara is the best treatment for diseases of the nervous system and for emotional problems such as chronic depression and anxiety (panic) attacks. Sirodhara is also recommended for chronic headaches, as well as ear, nose and throat problems, and is especially useful for pain management.
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Comments
Enjoyed this information and appreciate it.
I market an Amalaki based product so the Amla information, especially, was of great value.



FaireMaid says:
13 months ago
Very nice primer on ayurvedic herbs.