Properties and indications of common Ayurvedic herbs

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Properties - Indications
Indian Name Latin Name Common Name
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Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhizaglabra Licorice root Wounds, sore throat, colds,
Jethimadh coughs, nervous exhaustion, liver,
skin conditions,ulcers, cystitis,
chronic fatigue.
Shunti, Zinginberofficinale Ginger Stimulant, carminative,
Ardraka antispasmodic, expectorant,
emmenagogue, antiemetic
Ajwan, Carum Carom, Spastic bowel, flatulence,
Ajowan, copticum Bishop's dyspepsia, sluggish digestion,
Ajwain, weed chronic hiccups, belching, sinus
Yavani congestion, asthma, menstrual
cramping, renal calculi,
depression.
RaktaChandan Pterocarpussantalinus Red sandalwood Skin tonic, liver disorders, fever
Neem, Azadirachtaindica Neem, Margosa, Indian Skin disease, antibacterial,
Nimba lilac antifungal, blood purifier,
antipyretic, hepatoprotective,
antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiemetic
Avani Hyoscyamusniger Henbane Sedative. Chronic dementia,
hysteria, palpitations, asthma.
Argbhada, Cassia fistula Indian laburnum, Ringworm, constipation, fevers,
Arag-vadha, Purging cassia bleeding, hemorrhoids.
Amaltas
Kapikachchu, Mucunapruriens Kapikacchu, Cowhage Parkinson's, paralysis, cramps, low
Atmagupta libido, infertility, impotence,
hypercholesterolemia.

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Jatamansi Nardostachysjatamansi Indian Nervousness, anxiety,
spikenard dysmenorrhea, insomnia, hair
tonic
Vacha, Acorus Calamus, Nervine, antispasmatic, sedative,
Ugragandha calamus Sweet flag stomachic, expectorant, emetic,
laxative, diuretic
Brahmi, Bacopa Bacopa, Memory loss, debility, cystitis,
Jalabrahmi monnieri Indian Gotu kola headaches, epilepsy, ADHD,
Asperger's syndrome, depression,
autism.
Badama Prunusamygdalus Almond Laxative, tonic, nervine tonic,
mental stimulant.
Datura, Daturametel White thorn apple Joint pain, asthma, fevers, lung
Dhattura congestion, dysmenorrhea.
Bhumyamalaki Phyllanthusamarus; P. Phyllanthus, Jaundice, liver disease, fever,
niruri; P. fraternus (US) Stonebreaker genitourinary disease, edema,
Chancrapiedra gallstones, menorrhagea
Garijara Daucuscarota Carrot seed Jaundice, kidney diseases.
Mandukaparni Centella Gotu kola (West), Insomnia, epilepsy, stress, autism,
asiatica Indian pennywort ADHD, Asperger's, memory loss,
inflammatory skin conditions,
wounds, hair loss, arthritis, gout.
Haridra, Curcuma longa Turmeric Infections, ulcers, dyspepsia,
Haldi diabetes, gallstones, skin diseases,
conjunctivitis, cysts,
endometriosis, dysmenorrhea,
fevers, septicaemia, high
cholesterol.
Sarpagandha Rauwolfiaserpentina Rauwolfia, Indian snake Hypertension, anxiety, insomnia,
root colic
Amalaki, Emblicaofficinalis Emblicmyrobalan, Hyperacidity, constipation, ulcers,
Amla, Indian gooseberry hepatitis, colitis, high cholesterol,
Dhatri diabetes, anemia, radiotherapy and
chemotherapy.
Katuka, Picrorhizakurroa Gentian Hepatitis C, cirrhosis, acidity,

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Katuki, allergies, asthma, rhinitis, eczema,
Kutki autoimmune conditions,
dysentery.
Talamulika Curculigoorchiodes Curculigoorchiodes Hemmorrhoids, asthma, kidney
stones, skin
Arjuna, Terminaliaarjuna Arjunamyrobalan Heart, lungs, skin, liver,
Arjun, reproductive tissues, anemia,
Kakubha tumors, asthma, cardiac and
circulatory problems.
Ashwagandha WithaniaSomnifera Winter cherry General debility, insomnia, low
libido, impotence, infertility,
multiple sclerosis, enlarged
prostate, skin diseases.
Lasuna, Allium Garlic Gastric disturbances, food
Rasona sativum poisoning, candida albicans,
catarrh, myalgia, sluggishness,
high cholesterol, clotting,
infections, blood pressure.
Shatavari Asparagus racemosus Wild Galactogogic, antispasmodic, anti
asparagus diarrhetic, demulcent.
Hing, Ferula Asafoetida Flatulence, cough, constipation,
Hingu asafoetida palpitations, aphrodisiac,
whooping cough, sciatica,
convulsions, arthritis.
Satapushpi Peucedanumgraveolens Peucedanumgraveolens Flatulence, colic, abscesses,
digestive
Narikela Cocos Cocos Fever, pharyngitis, skin disorders,
nucifera nucifera alterative
Manjista, Rubia Indian Female disorders, anorexia, skin
Manjishta, cordifolia madder diseases, poor appetite.
Manjith
Shleshmataka Cordiamyxa (obliqua) Cordiamyxa (obliqua) Expectorant, colic, dyspepsia,
ulcers, cough
Champaka Micheliachampaca Champaca Emmenagogue, diuretic. Gastritis,
chronic arthritis, colic.

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Sudarshan Crinum deflexum Crinum deflexum Emetic, inflammatory conditions.
(asiaticum) (asiaticum)
Maricha Piper Black Dyspepsia, cough, pharyngitis,
nigrum pepper headache, diarrhea
Kumkuma, Crocus sativus Saffron Dysmenorrhea, infertility, anemia,
Kesar, liver congestion, cardiac
Ghusrna congestion, angina, impotence,
low libido, depression, nervous
debility, painful urination.
Dadima, Punica Pomegranate Dysentery, diarrhea, hyperacidity,
Anardana granatum dyspepsia, menopause, prostate
problems, circulation.
Punarnava Boerhaviadiffusa Indian hogweed Diuretic, expectorant, laxative
Shardunika Gymnemasylvestre Gymnema Diuretic, astringent,
Gurmar, hypoglycemic, refrigerant,
Meshasringa stomachic
Chitrak, Plumbagozeylanica White Digestive problems, non-bleeding
Chitraka, leadwort hemorrhoids, arthritis, parasites.
Agni,
Jvala
Bibhitaki, Terminaliabelerica Belericmyrobalan Digestive disorders, bronchitis,
Baheda asthma, Chron's disease, colitis,
parasites, congestion of eyes, ears
and nose, insomnia, bladder
stones, cardiac congestion.
Nagbala Grewia hirsute Grewia hirsute Diarrhea, wounds, heart disease,
fever
Karpoor Cinnamomum Camphor Diarrhea, nervousness, muscular
camphora pain, fever.
Udumbara Ficus Ficus Diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bleeding
racemosa racemosa disorders, antiseptic
Devadaru Cedrus Devadar Diaphoretic, diuretic, carminative.
deodara Fevers, diarrhea, urinary disorders.
Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum Holy basil Demulcent, expectorant,

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Tulasi, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic,
Divya, anthelminthic, nervine, tonic,
Vishnu-priya diaphoretic, digestive stimulant,
antiparasitic, antibacterial
Uma Linumusitatissimum Linumusitatissimum Cystitis, bronchitis, boils,
expectorant, demulcent
Kumari, Aloe indica, Aloe vera Cuts, burns, infections,
Ghee kunvar, Aloe vera, Aloe constipation, enlarged liver or
Kunvarpatha barbadensis spleen, hepatitis, bursitis, cystitis,
vaginitis, bronchitis, asthma,
tumors.
Vidari, Puerariatuberosa Vidarikanda Cough, hoarseness, respiratory
Vidarikand stimulant, tonic
Satupuspa Foeniculumvulgare Foeniculumvulgare Cough, flatulence, dysmenorrhea,
hookworm, edema
Shati Curcuma zedoaria White Cough, asthma, leukorrhea,
turmeric tonsillitis.
Zupha Hyssopusofficinalis Hyssop Cough, asthma, bronchitis,
amenorrhea
Markandika Cassia angustifolia Cassia angustifolia Constipation, liver disease, joint
pain
Haritaki, Terminaliachebula Chebulicmyrobalan Constipation, hemorrhoids, eye
Harde, disorders, dysentery, parasites,
Hara hemorrhoids, high cholesterol,
coughs, conjunctivitis.
Isaphgul, Plantagoovata Psyllium husk Constipation, colitis, irritable
Sat Isabgol bowel, cystitis
Krishnajiraka, Nigella sativa Black cumin, Love-in- Carminative, antispasmodic,
Kalika, the-mist aromatic, diuretic, vermifuge,
Kaljaji expectorant, bronchodilator
Vasaka, Justicia Malabar nut Bronchitis, asthma, jaundice,
Vasa adhatoda antispasmodic
Dhanyaka, Coriandrumsativum Coriander, Cilantro Bloating, flatulence, irritable
Dhaniya bowel syndrom, worms, allergies,

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cystitis, dysuria, fevers,
respiratory problems, heavy
metals.
Ela, Elettariacardamomum Cardamom Bloating, borborygmus, colic,
Elaichi, indigestion, coughs, asthma,
Sukshmaela nausea, morning sickness, painful
urination.
Aswatha Ficusreligiosa Peepal Astringent, laxative, cooling,
alterative. Boils, ulcers, skin
disease, diabetes, constipation.
Guduchi, Tinosporacordifolia Tinospora Arthritis, gout, malaria, diabetes,
Giloy, skin diseases.
Amrita
Shankapushpi, Evolvulusalsinoides Bindweed, Anxiety, diarrhea, bronchitis,
Shankhahuli Aloe weed memory loss, fever, liver
problems, skin diseases.
Twak, Cinnamomum Cinnamon Antispasmodic, carminative,
Daru-sita, zeylanicum aromatic, astringent, expectorant,
Dalchini stimulant, diaphoretic
Jeeraka, Cuminumcyminum Cumin seed Antiseptic, carminative, digestive,
Jeera diuretic, galactagogue,
antispasmodic
Sigru, Moringa Horseradish, Drumstick Antifungal, antiviral, flocculating
Shigru oleifera agent, stimulant, abortifacient,
source of vitamin C, colds, boils,
fever, joint pain, gout
Shallaki Boswelliaserrata Boswelliaserrata Antiarthritic, analgesic, anti
inflammatory
Mustaka, Cyperusrotundus Nut grass Anti-inflammatory, flatulence,
Musta fever, estrogenic
Nagadamni Artemisia vulgaris Artemisia vulgaris Anthelminthic, expectorant
Kutaja, Holarrhena Kutaja Amoebic and bacillary dysentery,
Kutaj, antidysenterica diarrhea, colitis, Chron's disease,
Kureya hemorrhoids, skin problems,
bleeding disorders.

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Sariva, Hemidesmusindicus Indian sarsaparilla Alterative. Poor appetite, cough,
Sugandhi skin problems
Bhringaraj Eclipta alba Bhringaraj Alopecia, premature greying,
dizziness, hepatitis, cirrhosis,
insomnia, bronchitis, asthma, skin.

Ayurvedic Diet & Recipes
Kicharee recipe
Try eating kicharee regularly: it is easy to digest, very nourishing and delicious with our hemp
seed oil

1/3 cup split mung dal
2/3 cup basmati rice (or other grain)
3-4 cups of water (a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4).
1/2 tsp each of organic turmeric, ginger, roasted cumin and coriander. Adjust flavour to your
preference.
Seasonal vegetables: spinach, peas, or seaweeds, shitake mushrooms for an all round healing,
healthy and agni enkindling meal.

Simmer the mung dal and rice in the water. Add all the herbs and then the vegetables. The best
practice is to cook it on a very low heat in a covered saucepan and DO NOT stir it after all the
ingredients are added or it will go mushy.

Stir in a teaspoon of ghee or hemp seed oil at the end.

Water retention reducing soup
50g barley
200g asparagus
Bunch fresh coriander
1 tsp fennel seeds

No salt

Simmer for 1 hour
Helpful for reducing water retention, fluid accumulation and easing urinary difficulty.

Immune Tonic Soup

20g of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa)
20g of Amla (Emblicaofficinalis)
6 Shitake Mushrooms

Simmer in 3 pints water- 1/2 hour
Extract Amla and Shatavari

Add 1/2 cup organic pearl barley
Add root vegetables: Beetroots, carrots, potato
Add leeks, onions garlic
Add Seasonal greens- kale, spinach, nettles
Add ginger, rosemary, thyme, turmeric
Add 1-2 sticks kombu/ wakame
simmer for 45 mins

Adjust quantities and water as desired
Add any particular favourite vegetables or herbs

Eat broth in convalescence
Eat 1-2 x/ week for general immune tonification

Benefits digestion, allergies, fatigue, inflammatory conditions etc

Basic curry recipe (serves 4)
3 tbs virgin coconut oil or ghee
1 tspn each of cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, mustard seed
1 inch piece of freshly chopped ginger
Pinch of asafoetida
Two to three vegetables of your choice, chopped (adjust quantity as needed, but approximately
300-400g of each type)
Cumin, turmeric and cinnamon to taste
Coconut milk or yoghurt, optional

Heat the oil or ghee in a large pan. Fry the cumin, coriander, fennel and mustard seeds in a high
heat until brown and releasing a delicious smell. Other spices, as required, can be used. Add the
ginger and asafoetida. Add chopped vegetables. Sauté until the vegetables are coated in the
spiced oil. Add a little water and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes or until done. Add
cumin, turmeric, cinnamon powders to taste. Add any ‘quick-to-cook’ vegetables such as spinach
and peas at the end for 3 minutes. You can also add coconut milk or yoghurt to make a creamier
sauce.

Basic dhal recipe (serves 4)
200g lentils
2 inches washed seaweed (kombu)
1 tsp cumin powder
½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp each of cumin seed, fennel seed and mustard seed
1 inch of freshly chopped ginger
One onion, chopped and 1 clove garlic optional
3 tbs ghee or virgin coconut oil for frying
1 pinch salt
Handful, fresh coriander
Coconut milk or yoghurt, optional

Wash the lentils and simmer them in pan for 40 minutes with some washed seaweed, the cumin
powder and turmeric powder. In a separate pan heat the ghee or oil and fry in high heat the
cumin, coriander, fennel and mustard seeds until brown and releasing a delicious smell. Add the
ginger and asafoetida. (Onions and garlic can also be fried after the spices to make a more
nourishing dish.) Pour this spiced oil into the lentil mixture (dhal). Add a pinch of salt and the
fresh coriander. Coconut milk or yoghurt can be added as desired.

Rice pudding elixir (serves 2)
100g rice pudding rice (You can also try with black or red rice)
I litre of cow's, almond or rice milk (option of more)
3 tbs almond powder
7 strands of saffron
5 cardamom pods
Rose Jam
Ghee, Virgin Coconut oil or honey, optional

Place the rice in a heavy pan and add the milk. Bring to boil and simmer for 1 hour. Add the
almond powder. Add more milk as desired. (coconut milk is an interesting change). Soak the
strands of saffron in a tablespoon of milk for 10 minutes to extract its golden pigment and then
add to rice pudding. Add cardamom and rose jam. Serve and add ghee, virgin coconut oil or
honey as desired.

You can also add grated carrots or beetroots to this recipe for a colourful and nourishing
variation.

This is a very nourishing food for reducing vata and pitta, strengthening the tissues and building
reproductive tissues.

Chutneys
These are very useful to accompany a meal to stimulate agni, reduce ama and facilitate
digestion. They are a great complement to a tridoshic meal where members of a family have
different dietary needs. This way a simple balancing meal can be prepared and then specific
dosha regulating chutneys can be added as needed.

1 inch fresh ginger, juice of 1/2 lemon, a pinch of rock salt: enkindles agni,
regulatesvata, for irregular digestion
1 inch fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon of mint, 1 tablespoon of coriander: enkindles agni,
reduces pitta, for excessive digestion

4 tablespoons roasted desiccated coconut, juice of ½ fresh lime, 1 inch of fresh ginger, a
pinch of rock salt: enkindles agni, reduces pitta and vata
1 tablespoon fresh horseradish, ¼ teaspoon dry ginger, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary:
enkindles agni, reduces kapha, for sluggish digestion (mandaagni)

Hot milk recipe
1 cup almond or rice milk
2 tsp organic almond powder
2 cardamom pods
5 strands saffron.
pinch of nutmeg

Heat the above ingredients and add 1 tsp honey.

Take with 2 capsules of organic Ashwagandha at night for a restful sleep.

This helps to nourish the nervous system, reproductive system and helps you sleep. Pure Bliss!

Sunny coconut fennel flapjacks
200g rolled oats
100g virgin coconut oil
50g maple syrup
50g sunflower seeds
50g dessicated coconut
2 tablepoons fennel

Melt virgin coconut oil over a low heat. Remove from heat and add rolled oats, maple syrup,
coconut, sunflower seeds and fennel seeds. Place in oiled baking tray. Heat at 200C for 20-25
mins. Allow to cool, Divide. Share.

Coconut lentil lime dhal (serves 3-4 people)
250g split mung lentil (or any other lentil)
440ml coconut milk
4 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
6 spring onions
1 inch finely chopped fresh ginger
1 bunch coriander
10 peppermint leaves
1 lime
4 keffir lime leaves
2 tsp ground coriander seed

Fry the ground coriander, fresh ginger and spring onions in the virgin coconut oil. Stir in the
washed lentils and simmer in 250ml water for 20 mins. Add coconut milk and simmer for a
further 20 minutes. Take off heat. Add grated peel of lime, juice of lime, finely chopped kefir

lime leaves, coriander leaves and mint leaves. Add a pinch of salt. Leave to stew for 15 minutes.
Serve with rice or noodles.

Coconut rice (2-3 people)
100g basmati rice
200ml coconut milk
50g dessicated coconut

Soak rice for 2 hours. Rinse rice thoroughly. Add to a good heavy saucepan and pour in the
coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and stir well once. Add the saucepan lid and turn down to the
lowest heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Take off heat and add the virgin coconut oil. Leave to steam
in its own aroma for 5 minutes and serve to delight. Lightly roast the dessicated coconut and
sprinkle over each portion.

Golden delicious spicy roast orange vegetables in coconut oil
1 butternut squash cut into 1 inch chunks
2 carrots cut into 1 inch rounds
3 sweet potatoes cut into 2 inch wedges
2 tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoons coriander
2 teaspoons chilli flakes

Grind the spices and blend together. Melt coconut oil and add vegetables so that they are coated
in the oil. Add the crushed spices and a pinch of salt. Roast in an oven at 220C turning after 20
minutes until golden delicious after 40 minutes.

Braised asparagus in coconut oil
Big fresh bunch of asparagus
4 tablespoons coconut oil

Wash and then tail the fibrous stems of the asparagus. Warm the coconut oil in a pan and add a
dram of water (about 4 tablespoons). Add the asparagus. Pop the covered pan into an oven.
Braise in the oven for 20-30 minutes until caramelized. Add a pinch of salt or seagreens and
enjoy.

Try this with courgettes or endive as well

Hemp ginger salad dressing
75ml hemp seed oil
The juice and rind of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt and pepper
1 inch of fresh ginger
A handful of fresh parsley
Shake well

(To make a lighter dressing add some olive oil)

Hemp coconut butter
30% hemp seed oil
70% coconut butter
As coconut is solid between 10-25°C you can store in the fridge and use as a spread on bread,
cooked potatoes or vegetables.

Hemp with vegetables and roasted seeds
Lightly steam a bunch of asparagus and a broccoli head.
Toast some pumpkin seeds and walnuts. Add a bit of tamari as they cool.
Mix ingredients together and add 2 tablespoons hemp seed oil.
Add a sprinkle of paprika, salt and pepper to taste

Vata Diet

Use this diet to help relieve nervous tension, cramps, pain, anxiety, insomnia, bloating,
constipation, dryness

General treatments:

Please just eat what is appropriate for you. If you are intolerant of any food or simply do
not like it then please avoid it. This diet is to help raise the digestive fire and enhance the
assimilation of nutrients which will help calm the nervous system.
Emphasise foods that are warm, soupy and easy to digest.
Eat at regular times.
Eat to less than full.
Practice relaxation.
Avoid yeast, refined sugars, coffee, tea, tobacco, drugs, poor quality oils and extremely
spicy foods as these aggravate the digestion and the nervous system.
Favour foods that are warm, heavy, and oily as these nourish the nervous system.
Reduce foods that are cold, dry, and hard as these aggravate digestion.
Favour foods that are sweet (e.g. wheat, milk, rice), sour (e.g. vinegar, yogurt, umeboshi
plums, citrus fruit), and salty as these are all nourishing.
Reduce foods that are very spicy, bitter (e.g. coffee, chillies, green leafy vegetables), and
astringent (e.g. apples, beans) as these aggravate digestion and disturb the nervous
system.

Dairy: all dairy products nourish the nervous system. Always boil milk before you drink it, mix
with cardamom seeds and drink it warm. Don’t take milk with a full meal or with fruit. Use
organic milk. If allergic substitute with almond or rice milk. Avoid ice cream, powdered milks
and soya milk.

Sweeteners: all sweet flavours are good for nourishing the nervous system. Reduce refined
white sugar. Avoid all sugars if bloating is present.

Oils: all oils reduce dryness and nourish the nervous system. Emphasise Flax, hemp, sesame,
ghee, olive, sunflower, evening primrose, borage and fish oils. Use these internally and
externally.

Grains: rice (basmati, brown, wild), wheat, oats (cooked) and quinoa are very good for
nourishing the nervous system. Amaranth is ok. Reduce intake of barley, corn, millet, buckwheat
and rye as these are a bit drying and can be difficult to digest creating wind. Avoid the rest

Fruits: favour sweet, sour, or heavy fruits, such as berries, bananas, avocados, grapes, cherries,
lemons, limes, fresh figs, peaches, melons, plums, pineapples, mangoes, and papayas. Cooked
apples and pears are ok. Soaked prunes and raisins are ok. Avoid dried fruits, uncooked apples,
pears, pomegranates, cranberries as these can create wind.

Vegetables: asparagus, beets, cucumbers, carrots, and sweet potatoes are the best. Peas, green
leafy vegetables, celery, summer squash, winter squash, and potatoes are best well cooked in oil
or ghee with mild spices. Seaweeds are very beneficial. It’s best to avoid the Brassica family;
brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Also avoid Solanaceae family; peppers,
aubergines, potatoes and tomatoes. Raw vegetables, especially onions are banned as these all
create wind.

Spices: Most of them, especially; asafoetida, cardamom, cumin, coriander, ginger, fennel, dill,
cinnamon, salt, cloves, mustard seed, black pepper all help reduce gas and spasms in the
digestive system.

Nuts: all nuts and seeds are good in moderation, especially soaked.

Beans: avoid all beans, except for marinated tofu and mung lentils and occasionally red lentils.

Meat and fish: chicken, turkey, eggs and seafood are fine; beef should be avoided.

Pitta Diet

Use this diet to help clear skin inflammations, itching, joint pain, hot flushes, acidity, ulcers,
anger, irritation, infections, fever, late spring

General Treatments

not like it then please avoid it.
Include Aloe Vera juice and rosewater daily
Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, cheese, yogurt, and animal products. Low quality
oils are a major cause of inflammation.
Avoid sour, salty, and pungent foods as these aggravate inflammation.
Favour foods that are cool, refreshing and liquid. Fresh organic fruits and vegetables.
Favour foods that are sweet, bitter, or astringent as these reduce heat.
Reduce foods that are spicy, salty or sour as these increase heat.

Dairy: Milk, butter, and ghee are good for pacifying heat. Avoid yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and
cultured buttermilk; these sour tastes aggravate inflammation.

Sweeteners: All sweeteners are good except for honey and molasses.

Oils: Flax, hemp, borage, evening primrose, olive, sunflower, and coconut oils are best. Reduce
sesame, almond, and corn oil, all of which increase heat.

Grains: Wheat, basmati rice, barley and oats are anti-inflammatory. Reduce corn, rye, millet,
and brown rice as they are a little heating.

Fruits: Favour sweet fruits such as grapes, limes, cherries, melons, avocado, coconut,
pomegranates, mangoes, apples, berries, sweet and fully ripened oranges, pineapples, and plums.
Reduce sour fruits such as grapefruits, lemons, olives, papayas and sour, not-yet-ripened
oranges, pineapples, and plums as they can increase heat and acidity.

Vegetables: Favour asparagus, cucumber, cooked beetroots, sweet potatoes, green leafy
vegetables, pumpkins, summer squash, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, okra, lettuce, sprouted
beans, peas, green beans. Avoid Solanaceae nightshade family; hot peppers, bell peppers,
tomatoes, aubergines, potato (some is ok). Also avoid Allium family; especially raw onions,
garlic, radishes. Also avoid and raw beetroots, raw spinach and mustard greens as these all
increase heat and acidity.

Beans: Avoid all beans except for tofu and mung lentils. Especially avoid peanuts as these can
create inflammation.

Spices: Cinnamon, coriander, dill, aniseed, cardamom, fennel, turmeric, fresh ginger and small
amounts of black pepper are good, but the following spices strongly increase heat and should be
taken in moderation: Asafoetida, dry ginger, cumin, fenugreek, clove, celery seed, salt, and
mustard seed. Chilli peppers and cayenne should be avoided.

Meat and Fish: Chicken, pheasant, and turkey are preferable; but beef, seafood, and egg yolk
increase inflammation.

Superfoods: Chlorella, Spirulina, Wheat grass, Barley grass, Kalamath lake algae, seaweeds all
help to cool the system and clear inflammation.

Kapha Diet

Use this diet to help clear mucus, heaviness, sinus congestion, think tongue coating, tiredness,
sluggishness, high cholesterol, oedema and during winter months

General Treatments

not like it then please avoid it.

Avoid yeast, salt, cheese, yoghurt, chocolate, and refined sugars and flours as these
increase mucus.
Avoid overeating, especially at night.
Do not eat when you are not hungry. Do not eat between meals.
Do not eat cold foods
A primarily vegetarian diet is highly recommended.
Include ginger in your daily diet: take a pinch of fresh ginger root with a few drops of
lemon juice before each meal.
Favour foods that are light, dry, and warm as these reduce mucus.
Reduce foods that are heavy, oily, and cold as these increase weight and mucus.
Favour foods that are spicy, bitter, and astringent (e.g. ginger, asparagus, tea) as these
help to dry excess fluids in the body.
Reduce foods that are sweet, salty, and sour (e.g. cakes, crisps, vinegar) as these increase
fluids in the body.

Dairy: Low-fat milk is better. Always boil milk before you drink it (making it easier to digest)
and take it warm. Do not take milk with a full meal, or with sour or salty food. Add some
cardamom or ginger to whole milk before boiling it to help reduce any mucus generating
properties. Use goat’s milk or water milk down 50/50. A little ghee (clarified butter) is fine.
Avoid eggs, cheese, yoghurt and buffalo milk.

Fruits: Lighter fruits, such as apples and pears, are better. Reduce sweet, heavy or sour fruits
such as oranges, bananas, pineapples, figs, dates, avocados, coconuts, and melons, as these fruits
increase mucus.

Sweeteners: Use a little honey (2 tsp/day) as it helps to reduce mucus. Reduce all other sugar
products.

Beans: All beans are fine, except tofu as it is very cold.

Nuts: Reduce all nuts as they are too oily.

Oils: Reduce all oils but flax, corn and sunflower is ok.

Grains: Increase barley, corn, buckwheat, quinoa and millet as these are slightly drying or
warming. Avoid or do not take too much wheat, rice, or oats, as they increase heaviness and
mucus.

Spices: Include all spices except for salt. Salt increases water retention and mucus whereas
spices increase warmth in the body.

Vegetables: Increase asparagus, aubergine, beetroots, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower,
celery, garlic, ginger, green leaves, kale, onion, potato, pumpkin, radish, sprouts. Reduce okra,
olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and summer squash as these increase fluids.

Meat and Fish: White meat from chicken or turkey is fine, as is seafood. Avoid or reduce red
meat and pork.

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Properties and indications of common Ayurvedic herbs

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Properties and indications of common Ayurvedic herbs