Photo of flowering of valerian.
In Ayurveda, the delight of herbal medicine arises in its understanding of individuality. It is often said that, in Ayurveda, the the care is focused on the person, not the disease.
One way Ayurveda does this is through its system of Doshas, or biological humors. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Read more about them in our What is Ayurveda? article.
Consider the unique qualities of the following plants, and take our What’s My Dosha? quiz to understand more about how they may interact with your unique constitution.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a well-known herb, often used to support a healthy sleep cycle, but also to improve energy levels.
Burdock
Qualities: bitter, pungent, and astringent
Affect on the Doshas: Reduces Pitta and Kapha, increases Vata in excess.
- detoxifies! by supporting lymphatic system, cleanses the blood
- clears congestion and reduces swelling
- useful for pacifying pitta
In excess: unlikely to aggravate Vata, but may.
Ginger
Qualities: pungent, sweet, heating
Affect on the Doshas: Reduces Pitta and Vata, increases Pitta.
- considered the most sattvic spice – meaning it’s holy and purifying.
- take with honey to relieve Kapha, or take dried.
- excellent for awakening Agnni, or digestive fire.
- good for pain and headaches.
In excess: unlikely to aggravate Vata, but may.
Sarsparilla
Qualities: bitter, cooling, sweet
Affect on the Doshas: Reduces Pitta and Vata, neutral affect on Kapha
- supports healthy urinary tract and genitals
- purifies blood and calms inflamation
- supports nervous system and provides clear mind
- works well with burdock
Valerian
Qualities: bitter, pungent, sweet, heating
Affect on the Doshas: reduces Vata and Kapha. In excess, increases Pitta.
- clears nerve channels
- grounding, helps to calm vertigo
- calming to reproductive system in women
In excess: tamasic, or “dulling,” and can create sleepy or heavy sensations.
Sources:
Lad, Vasant and David Frawley. The Yoga of Herbs, An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. 1986. Lotus Press. Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Photos sourced from various artists on Unsplash.com
