Table Of ContentAncient Herbal Secrets for Healing and Wholeness
D
esigned specifi cally for women, this is an introduction to Ayurveda—
one of the most ancient and holistic forms of medicine in human his-
tory. Developed in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a complete
system for healing and rebalancing the body.
This fascinating book features an A to Z of herbs with their description, history
and uses, and easy-to-prepare home remedies. There is also an A-to-Z section of
ailments that details symptoms and how to treat them using Ayurvedic remedies.
Authoritative text, an easy-to-use format, and delightful original botanical illustra-
tions will make this volume a pleasure to own and a useful home reference.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Caroline Robertson is an Ayurvedic consultant
and naturopath. She cofounded the Ayurvedic
Traditional Medicine Association with her
husband, Rana Prasad, an Indian Ayurvedic
physician.
Antonia Beattie i s a consultant, writer, and editor
on a wide range of topics. She has explored many
mainstream and alternative therapies.
www.redwheelweiser.com
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A W o m a n ’ s
yurvedic Herbal
A
A Guide for Natural Health and Well-Being
CAROLINE ROBERTSON & ANTONIA BEATTIE
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Copyright © 2020
by Caroline Robertson and Antonia Beattie
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system, without permission
in writing from Red Wheel/Weiser, llc. Reviewers may quote
brief passages. Previously published as Ayurvedic Healing in 2002
Lansdowne Publishing Pty Ltd, ISBN 1 86302 722 X
Designer: Stephanie Doyle
Illustrator: Jeff Lang/Tina Wilson
Typeset in Giovanni and Georgia
Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.
Charlottesville, VA 22906 DISCLAIMER
Distributed by Red Wheel/Weiser, llc This book is intended to give general information only and is not a
www.redwheelweiser.com substitute for professional and medical advice. Consult your health-
care provider before adopting any of the treatments contained in
Sign up for our newsletter and special offers by going to this book. The publisher, author, and distributor expressly disclaim
www.redwheelweiser.com/newsletter. all liability to any person arising directly or indirectly from the use
of, or for any errors or omissions in, the information in this book.
ISBN: 978-1-64297-012-8 The adoption and application of the information in this book is at
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data the reader’s discretion and is their sole responsibility.
available upon request.
Printed in Korea
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Contents
• Introduction: Healing using Cumin 32
Ayurvedic principles 6
Fennel 34
• The three doshas and body types:
Frankincense (Indian) 36
Which body type are you? 8
Garlic 38
• The use of herbs in Ayurvedic medicine 12
Ginger 40
Gooseberry (Indian) 42
A–Z of Herbs and Spices
Used in Ayurveda
Licorice 44
Aloe Vera 16 Lotus 46
Asafetida (also known as Hing) 18 Marshmallow 48
Basil (Holy) 20 Myrrh (Indian) 50
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) 22 Neem 52
Cardamom 24 Pepper (Long) 54
Cinnamon 26 Pomegranate 56
Cloves 28 Sandalwood 58
Coriander 30 Sarsaparilla (Indian) 60
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Senna (also known as Cassia) 62 • Vata 82
Shatavari 64 • Pitta 84
Turmeric 66 • Kapha 86
Winter Cherry (Indian ginseng) 68 • Medicinal foods 88
• Lifestyle 90
Healing through Ayurveda
• Body therapies 94
• Ayurvedic view of health and disease 72
• Beauty regimes 96
• Preventative health 76
• Purification therapies 78
A–Z of Common Ailments
• Longevity strategies 80
Acne 100
• Food regimes 81
Arthritis 101
Asthma 102
Boils 104
Candida albicans 105
Cholesterol problems 106
Chronic fatigue syndrome 108
Circulation (poor) 110
Cold sores 111
Common cold 112
Constipation 114
Cough/sore throat 115
Cuts, stings, bites 116
Cysts (and fibroids) in the uterus 117
Depression 118
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Diarrhea 120 • Glossary 156
Dry skin 121
• Botanical index 160
Earache 122
Eczema 123
Eye disorders 124
Fever 126
Flatulence 127
Headache 128
Indigestion 130
Infertility 132
Insomnia 134
Liver disorders 137
Memory (loss and improvement) 138
Menopause 140
Menstrual discomfort 142
Migraines 143
Osteoporosis 144
Overweight 146
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 148
Psoriasis 150
Sinusitis/Hayfever 151
Stress and hypertension 152
Urinary tract infections 154
Worms 155
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What is Ayurveda? Known as “the mother the healing process. The right food,
of all healing sciences,” it is the sleep patterns, exercise, relationships
oldest holistic health system. and spirituality are all considered
Developed in India an estimated important to the health of a person.
4,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a To determine what is right for an
complete system for healing and individual, Ayurvedic practitioners
rebalancing the body. Ayurveda abide by the principle that there are
focuses on empowering individuals three primary body types—vata, pitta
to heal rapidly and easily with the and kapha (see pages 8–10). Each body
aid of herbs, diet, body therapies type or constitution (prakriti)
and lifestyle tools. Ayurveda is predisposed to particular
uses a range of specific herbs imbalances and is responsive
and spices, some very well to specific healing techniques
known in the West, such as and lifestyle regimes.
cinnamon, cumin, turmeric Ayurvedic wisdom is
and pepper, to detoxify strongly based on the
the body and to calm or fundamental belief that
stimulate the metabolism. the elements that make up
Indian traditional herbs the world—ether, air, fire,
such as brahmi (the brain- water and earth—are also
boosting herb) are becoming present in the makeup of the
very popular in the West as human body. Every body has
scientific research confirms a predominance of a particular
their potency. combination of elements (see page
The term Ayurveda is derived from 8). Ayurveda is an especially effective
two Sanskrit words that, combined, mean the form of healing because it is based
wisdom or science of life. The Ayurvedic system on an understanding of the interrelationship
of healing is holistic in that all aspects of a between human beings and nature, and works
person’s life and emotions are factored into to promote harmony between the two. True
6
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Healing Using ayUrveidnat rPordinuccitPiloens
health and balance is experienced when all these symptoms, bringing the body back into balance
elements are in balance. When they are out of by the use of medicinal herbs and spices and by
balance, symptoms of disease can arise. making simple changes to your lifestyle. A case
Ayurvedic medicine is also based on analyzing study will also be given to illustrate practical
a person’s body type (see pages 8–11), then management of each ailment.
treating an ailment according to the requirements You can use this list of ailments to discover
of that type. An Ayurvedic practitioner may how Ayurveda can help you to cope with
also suggest a diet that balances a person’s specific problems that you may be experiencing.
constitution; a detoxification process; lifestyle However, since prevention is always better than
changes; massage and the use of color, aromas, cure, also take time to look at Ayurveda’s advice
oils, crystals, or medicinal herbs and spices. on averting disease by matching a person’s body
The most common herbs and spices now easily type with the most beneficial lifestyle. Read pages
available in the West are described and discussed 72–97 to learn how, by adopting a routine and
on pages 16–69 in terms of their: lifestyle suited to your body type, you can live a
• historical or mythological background; healthy, happy and fulfilling life. The Ayurvedic
• use in Ayurvedic medicine; approach to health is an exciting one that, if
• home remedies; and pursued in a mindful manner, can provide a
• available forms. sense of harmony in not only the body but also
Ayurvedic practitioners consider that one of the mind and spirit, initiating a heightened sense
the most important functions of the human of stability and serenity.
body is digestion. Often, the early symptoms
of disease can be alleviated by balancing the THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA
digestive fire or agni. The lack of digestive juices
1. General Medicine (Kaya Chikitsa)
or “fire” leads to the accumulation of undigested
2. Pediatrics (Bala Chikitsa)
material, or ama, in the body. This material is
toxic waste that circulates through the body 3. Psychology and Psychiatry (Graha Chikitsa)
creating symptoms that reduce the quality of life
4. Ear, Nose and Throat and Ophthalmology
and one’s life span. By balancing the digestive
(Shalakya Chikitsa)
fire, these waste products dissolve and are easily
5. Surgery (Shalya Chikitsa)
expelled by the body. Spices are incorporated
into Ayurvedic medicine to maintain a proper 6. Toxicology (Visha Chikitsa)
level of digestive fire that will promote good 7. Rejuvenation/Geriatrics (Rasayana Chikitsa)
health, a sense of vitality, and a long life. Each
8. Infertility (Vajikarana Chikitsa)
ailment listed in this book (pages 100–155) is
Chikitsa is a Sanskrit word meaning
discussed in terms of both its symptoms and
treatment or therapy.
the recommended treatments to alleviate the
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A WomAn’s Ayurvedic HerbAl
The three doshas & body types:
Which body type are you?
In Ayurvedic medicine, there are three major The following questions will help you to
principles, namely vata, pitta and kapha, around determine your body type. Understanding your
which the entire science revolves. Vata is the prakriti is the first step toward a happy life and
active principle from ether and air, pitta from effective health care. This wisdom guides us
fire and water, and kapha from water and earth. to understand the most suitable daily routine,
nutrition, colors, essential oils, herbs and other
Dosha Functions
therapeutic substances for ourselves. Count all
Vata enthusiasm, mobility, circulation,
the checks in each section and grade your answers
regulation
as either rarely or mostly. Your predominant
Pitta heat, transformation, analysis,
dosha is the one in which the score is higher than
effulgence, courage
the others. If the scores for two doshas are nearly
Kapha integrity, lubrication, stability, patience,
identical, then you have a combination prakriti.
calmness
Everything in this universe is composed of
all the five elements, but in varying proportions. Vital Prana
Each of us has a unique proportion of these doshas,
(See Prana in
glossary)
known as prakriti or body types. Understanding
our proportion of these elements or doshas is
vital in designing and deciding what is good and
what is bad for us. Nutrient Prana
To get a specific idea of your prakriti, complete
the questionnaire on pages 9–11. The following
summary provides a broad idea of body type
Kapha - Water and earth
characteristics.
• a vata type is naturally slim with narrow hips
and shoulders and a fluctuating flow of energy; Pitta - Fire and water
• a pitta type is generally medium height, size
and weight with an even flow of energy; and
Vata - Air and ether
• a kapha type is usually thickset with wide
shoulders and hips and a tendency to be slow
and steady.
8
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