Herbs of Ayurveda

Herbs have occupied an important place in Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia. This is because they impart multiple values and medicinal benefits. They have some well defined physical and pharmacological properties generally ascribed to the rasa, guna, virya and vipaka. When you have to decide on using herbs, you must understood first that they carry a particular taste (i.e., madhur or sweet, amal or sour, lavana or salty, tikta or pungent, katu or bitter and kshaya or the astringent taste). This is important as the taste produces a relevant action on the ‘doshas’ or the body humors. Also, the after taste or ‘Vipaka’ specifies the state of the herb attributing to the biotransformation in the body. This is the property that is responsible for the final action on the body.

The herbs also hold some physical properties or qualities which are descriptive of their potential action. For this, twenty qualities or ‘Gunas’ have been mentioned in Ayurveda like light, heavy, slimy, rough, robust, mild, etc.

The potency is called ‘Virya’, and it is accountable for the action of that particular herb. Also, one needs to understand that the herbs of therapy may be either hot or cold in potency. Moreover, according to their utility and mode of action on various body systems, the herbs have been classified into fifty categories. For example – those acting on the nervous system like brahmi and white gourd; the herbs acting on the digestive system like asafoetida, ginger, and those that are specified for the respiratory system like black pepper, Vasaka, etc.

Usage -

Herbs have a prominent place in Ayurveda. Earlier, when they were brought into general use, they had been identified and believed useful both for making a healthy diet and sometimes for curative rationale. Yet, nowadays they are being used principally owing to the natural medicinal properties they imbibe. Thus, they are used both for dietary as well as medicinal purposes. There is a differentiation between the herbs that are used as food, and those that are used as medicine. Herbs which form a part of food are regarded as ‘Aahar Dravyas,’ and those in therapy which are used as medicines are called as ‘Aaushad Dravyas’.

for Hair Care -

There are a number of herbal plants for hair that help agreeably in combating hair maladies like hair loss and early graying of the hair. These have been advocated since ancient times to strengthen the hair roots as well as to provide a relevant cure in case of hair afflictions. They may consist of powders which are to be taken orally, and also some are mixed into hair oil and massaged into the scalp. Some of the approved herbs for hair are Aamla (Indian Gooseberry), Bhringraj, Neeli, Wheatgrass, Henna, etc. Also, there are some that make wonderful hair oil like sesame seeds, coconut, mustard, etc. Herbs are the most natural care you can provide to your hair.

for Weight Loss -

For weight loss, herbs are also well sought out these days. When you want to lose weight, you may rely upon some herbs for weight loss like Lemon, Aamla, Guggulu, etc. Honey is recommended to be taken along with them for weight loss which is to be taken mixed in lukewarm water and aids in the process of weight loss. Also, it is highly imperative to cut down on sweets and fatty foods, and also incorporate active exercise or yoga techniques.

Note – Information presented in this article is solely for the purpose of imparting education on Ayurveda and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult a qualified health professional.