What is Ayurveda and its importance?

Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “the science of life.” Ayur means “life” and Veda means “science”. Indian system that relies heavily on plant support to form an important part of its medicine. Most of the herbs, spices, seeds, roots, leaves, stems, petals and flowers are deeply ingrained in all Indian households where ‘home remedies’ are popular Even certain members of the family are experts in curing even intricate disorders by simple formulations and profitable that, at times, have shown wonderful and surprising results.

Today all over the world we are looking for a natural system of healing that is comprehensive and complete, that is not just a curious form of folk healing, but a real and rational system of medicine that is sensitive to both nature and the Earth. This is exactly what Ayurveda has to offer, as it has a clinical tradition of many thousands of years and a comprehensive natural method of treatment that includes diet, herbs and massage.

With Ayurveda we learn the right diet for our individual type, how to improve our immune system, the keys to the correct use of sexual energy and rejuvenation, and a conscious way of living that can lift us to a new level of consciousness in all our endeavors. . .

Without natural wisdom like Ayurveda, we can find ourselves not only sick, but also unhappy and spiritually confused.

Ayurveda principles and theory

The Ayurveda system is the prominent user of herbs and its basic theory revolves around the imbalance and vice of the three humors (Doshas).

Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) are the great five elements that underline all living systems. these elements are in constant change and interaction and can be simplified into three vices (Doshas). When these doshas remain in harmony and balance, the health of the body is not disturbed, but when their balance is disturbed, a state of disease sets in.

The three doshas are vata (wind), pitta (bile) and kapha (phlegm) and due to the predominance of one dosha, a person’s personality is determined to be ‘Vata-Prakriti’, ‘Pitta-Prakriti’ or ‘Kapha Prakriti’. ‘

Formed from ether and air, Vata governs all movements of the mind and body and must be kept in good balance.

Pitta formed from fire and water, governs “all heat, metabolism, and transformation in mind and body

Kapha formed from earth and water cements the elements in the body, providing the material for the physical structure.

Each person has an individual combination of all three doshas, ​​with one or sometimes two doshas predominating.

Common Herbs Used in Ayurvedic Medicines

Amalaki (Amla or Indian gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) – The fruit is reputed to have the highest vitamin C content of any natural substance in nature. It maintains the balance between the three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens the heart, normalizes cholesterol, prevents cancer, develops and supports the defense mechanism, improves eyesight and detoxifies the body.

Amla is said to have 20 times more vitamin C than orange. The vitamin C content of amla is between 625 mg and 1814 mg per 100 g. Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin. A research team found that when Amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminum, and nickel.

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania Somnifera)– Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a known promoter of semen and treats impotence and infertility.

Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha has antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Strong anti-stress actions, increases memory and learning abilities. It has also proved useful in rheumatic and arthritic disorders like pain, swelling, etc.

In short, it is a strong aphrodisiac and has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-stress properties, clearly showing why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic.

Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) – It is a high quality cardiac tonic. Terminalia arjuna, has been known to be beneficial for the treatment of heart disease since 500 BC. Clinical research has indicated its usefulness in relieving anginal pain and in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and possibly hypercholesterolemia.

“Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg every 8 hours, administered to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to an improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters compared with therapy with placebo”. Result of the clinical investigation carried out.

The improvement of the function of the heart muscle and the subsequent improvement of the pumping activity of the heart seem to be the main benefits of Terminalia Arjuna.

Brahmi (bacopa, gotu kola) – Brahmi is known as “the food for the brain”. Traditionally Brahmi is used as a mental tonic, to rejuvenate the body, as a memory promoter and as a nerve tonic. Promotes a calm and clear mind and improves mental function.

Modern Research claims that brahmi improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. Brahmi is particularly suitable for students, as it improves the mind’s ability to learn and concentrate, and for an elderly person hoping to regain memory. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes while reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety.

As a nerve tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion, and attention deficit disorder. The best Ayurvedic brain and memory formulas contain brahmi, as well as many of the compounds that promote long life.

Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu, Guggul, Commiphora Mukul) – Modern research shows that it is the main Ayurvedic herb to treat obesity and high cholesterol. Studies show that guggulu lowers serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and also protects against cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis. Guggulu was seen to reduce body weight in these clinical studies.

Guggulu also has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating arthritis and other joint pain.

Karela (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Momordica Charantia) – At least three different groups of constituents have been reported to have blood sugar-lowering actions in Mellon bitters. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. Scientific studies have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers the blood sugar level of type 2 diabetes.

It could probably reduce the intake of antidiabetic drugs by the patient. Also Bitter Melon has two proteins that are believed to suppress the AIDS virus.

Bitter melon has recently been recommended by the Philippine Department of Health as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetes control.

Neem (Azadirachta Indica) – Neem is an extraordinary blood purifier, good for all skin diseases such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and teeth and gums. Neem is included in most Ayurvedic Skin products because it is just as effective in external application as it is through internal indigestion.

It has been used safely in Ayurveda for over five thousand years and is a good immunity booster to prevent colds, fevers, infections and various skin diseases.

Shilajit (mineral pitch, asphalt) – Shilajit is one of the main Ayurvedic compounds to rejuvenate the body. it is an aphrodisiac herb, anti-aging and to treat diabetes and debilitating urinary problems.

The Charaka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before beginning to notice regenerative effects. It is also used to treat impotence and infertility. It is well known that Shilajit would bring people’s libido back to the level of teenagers.

There is a popular saying of the indigenous people living in the Himalayan region that Shilajit makes the body strong like a rock. It is an adaptogen (Rasayna), which helps combat immune disorders, urinary tract disorders, nervous disorders and sexual dissatisfaction.

Shallaki (Boswellia serrata, Salai Guggul) – Modern research indicates that the herb Boswellia may help treat joint mobility, pain, and may be a useful remedy for a variety of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A recent clinical trial suggests positive effects of Boswellia serrata extract on knee osteoarthritis.

Boswellia has also been found to be helpful for a number of other disorders and is best used to treat back pain, knee pain, joint pain and arthritis. This herb has also been proposed as a possible therapy for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) – Triphala has the properties of three famous nutrients: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. The advantage of this formula is that its action is smoother and more balanced than any of the three alone.

It has purifying and detoxifying action. Used regularly, it is good for gentle and slow detoxification of the digestive tract and then the deep tissues. It also has the ability to normalize all three humors with continued use.

As a daily supplement, triphala is hard to beat; that’s why in India they say “even if your mother leaves you, everything will be fine if you have triphala”

Tulsi (Holy Basil, Ocimum Sanctum) – His very name Santa Basilio certifies his sacred nature. It is a sacred plant worshiped in many Indian homes and is a must in every Hindu’s home.

Holy basil is also a main ingredient in many Ayurvedic cough syrups. it’s a good stress reliever, and modern research has found it to be good for respiratory problems, colds, fevers, and all sorts of coughs.