The power of Ayurvedic healing plants

Health Secrets From Acient India

Dr. Smitha Devi Chandran, Dr. Smitha Devi Das

• Publisher: bel Verlag
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9783947159567
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Medicina
• Subtopic: Medicina alternativa y complementaria

"When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need." Ayurvedic ProverbAyurveda is an ancient health care system from India which has been practiced all over India for the last 5000 years. From India this knowledge has travelled to numerous countries like Nepal, China and even to Europe. In times gone by India was the greatest exporter of herbs and spices to many countries around the world.More than 3000 herbs, minerals and animal products are explained in Ayurveda, together with their physical description, pharmacological activities and role in both preventive and curative aspects for all diseases. The role of herbs and spices in preventive aspects of disease is emphasized in Ayurveda, we all know that prevention is better than cure.As herbs and spices play such a pivotal role in preventing both communicable and non-communicable diseases, their use was fused in Indian cuisine in such a way to ensure that everyone consumes an ample dose of them daily. Another advantage of using herbs and spices is that it adds to the nutritional value, flavour and aroma of foods and enhances the bioavailability of nutrients and minerals from the food. They also help to prevent and contain unwanted microbial growth.

Hingu

English - Asafoetida

Botanical - Ferula assa-foetida

Asafoetida is a dried gum or resin from the rhizome of a group of plants belonging to the Ferula family. It is a perineal plant native to mainly Iran and Afghanistan, another variety called Ferula northex grows abundantly in Kashmir and Afghanistan. They have carrot shaped roots and take 4 to 5 years to develop. The resin is obtained through making incisions in the roots and rhizomes of the plant, a milky juice comes from the cut surface which solidifies when exposed to air. It has a powerful odor and bitter sharp taste; this is due to the presence of sulphur compounds. It contains gum, resin, essential oils and other compounds like ash. It has been used as a medicinal herb in Ayurveda and food flavoring agent for 1000’s of years.

Usage

It is a powerful, anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive and relieves bloating. Since it is antispasmodic it can be used to reduce menstrual cramps, muscle cramps and abdominal colic, it is also used against irritable bowel syndrome. It is also found to be effective against mental and nervous disorders and is a natural blood thinner which can help to lower blood pressure. It is used as an ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines.

Influence on doshas

Increases Kapha

Decreases Pitta and Vata

Flavour

Rasa – sweet and bitter

Generally, not given in Ama conditions

Tips

•Mix 1 gram of Asafoetida powder with 1 gram of black pepper powder and a pinch of rock salt. Taken twice daily it will help against bloating and abdominal colic

•Mix 1 gram of Asafoetida powder with 1 clove of crushed garlic and honey. This is an effective remedy against menstrual cramps.

Brahmi

English - Water hyssop

Botanical - Bacopa monneri

Brahmi is an important herb which is found naturally in India and has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. It can also be found in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. It is a perineal non aromatic creeping herb, which commonly grows in marshy or wet areas. It flowers and bears fruit almost throughout the year, the flowers are small with 4 or 5 petals and the leaves are very succulent and are the main parts used in Ayurved...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Contents
• Copyright
• Shatavari
• Nimba
• Ashwagandha
• Amalaki
• Ajwain
• Asafoetida
• Brahmi
• Majista
• Guggulu
• Bhringaraj
• Über den Autor
• Glossary