Ayurvedic Herbs & Oils

Herbs used in Ayurveda are classified according to their taste (rasa), their energetic effect (virya), their post-digestive effect (vipaka) and their post-digestive effect (prabhava). The initial taste (rasa) indicates the properties it possesses and the therapeutic effects it will have. Thus, a bitter, astringent taste will have a very different action on the body than a sweet, sour taste or a spicy, pungent taste.

It should be noted that no herb or oil should be taken or applied without first consulting with a qualified herbal practitioner, especially in pregnancy or if taking any kind of medication.

Aloe Vera (aloe barbadensis): Contains high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and natural sugars. It is good for the digestion, liver, blood, reproductive system and as a laxative. As a gel it is excellent mixed with ghee for burns and piles. Also helps with constipation, obesity, inflammatory skin conditions and conjunctivitis.

Andrographis (King of the bitters; Andrographis paniculata): It stimulates the immune system and is good for influenza, sore throat, gastrointestinal parasites and infections, urinary infections, respiratory infections, inflamed skin conditions, sores and eczema. It is also good for increasing bile flow and clearing liver infections and inflammation. Balances: Pitta and Kapha.

Asafoetida (Hing; Ferula asafoetida): Good for digestion and cleansing of digestive tract; it dispels gas and improves the intestinal flora. It is also useful for cramps, flatulence, constipation, arthritis, rheumatism, colic pain and asthma. Balances: Vata and Kapha.

Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry; Emblica officinalis): Good for constipation, ulcers, gastritis, colitis, hepatitis and haemorrhoids. It is a great antioxidant and helps lower cholesterol and heal damaged arteries. It is also good for diabetes, anaemia, hair loss/greying and general weakness. Balances: Pitta and Vata.

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng; Withania somnifera): The Ginseng of India with powerful rejuvenating and revitalising properties. It is calming and promotes sound sleep while being good for overwork, stress, insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, emaciation, skin problems, rheumatism/arthritis, anaemia, infertility, fatigue, breathing difficulties, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, convalescence and nervous exhaustion. It improves greying hair, increases vitamin C and calcium levels, strengthens muscles and acts as a pain killer and anti-inflammatory for painful or swollen joints. It also helps relieve impotence, increases sperm count and is a tonic for the uterine muscles. Can also be used for dysmenorrhoea and infertility. Balances: Vata, Pitta and Kapha

Bibhitaki (Terminalia Belerica): A powerful Rejuvenative. It helps with liver and heart disease and also improves the voice, vision and promotes the growth of hair. It balances Kapha.

Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba): This rejuvenating herb is excellent for greying and/or balding hair, strengthening bones, teeth and hair and improving sight, hearing and memory. It is the best medicine for cirrhosis and the liver in general as well as being a good brain tonic and sleep-inducer. It is good for the complexion and when applied externally it helps reduce inflammation and draw out impurities from the skin. Balances: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Burdock (Arctium lappa): A blood cleanser, digestive stimulant and good for skin problems.

Chywanaprash A truly magnificent Rasayana or ‘super food’ which nourishes and strengthens both the mind and body. It has been taken as an ‘elixir of life’ for thousands of years and is now proving to be one of the strongest antioxidants known to man with the ability to arrest and improve many of our modern day diseases such as cancer and many auto-immune disorders. It is meticulously prepared with up to fifty different herbal compounds and has one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C of any natural product. It balances all three doshas and can be taken on a daily basis to strengthen the physiology and protect the immune system.

Devils Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): Good for arthritis, rheumatism, gout and tendon damage.

Echinacea (Echhinasea purpuria): It cleanses the blood and lymph and destroys ama. It is good for lung problems, colds, flu, wound healing, skin complaints and viral/bacterial infections.

Gingko (Gingko biloba): An anti-oxidant and good for circulation, heart problems, memory loss, asthma, bronchitis, tinnitus and vertigo.

Ginseng (Panex ginseng): A general tonic for increasing energy levels and promoting weight loss and tissue growth.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis): Helps relieve nausea, travel sickness, headaches, coughs, colds, menstrual cramping, poor digestion and poor circulation. It is toxin-digesting and anti-inflammatory for arthritic conditions, clears phlegm in the lungs, increases digestive enzymes, and is effective for gas, griping and E.coli or Shigella bacillus conditions. Balances: Vata and Kapha.

Gotu Kola (Indian Pennywort or Brahmi; Centella asiatica, Hydrcotyle asiatica, Bacoppa monniera): A brain tonic and best taken with honey to reduce stress, insomnia, ADHD and anxiety whilst improving memory and mental abilities. It detoxifies the liver and blood, reduces tumours, improves energy levels and strengthens the kidneys. It also helps with Alzheimer’s, acne, urticaria, eczema, arthritis, gout, wounds and skin inflammation. Balances: Vata and Pitta                        

Green Tea (Camelia sinensis): A very effective antioxidant – 200 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralising free-radicals that attack lipids.

Guggul (Indian Bedellium, Commiphora mukul): Good for skin/tissue regeneration and reducing fat/toxins. It is often used to help arthritis. Balances: Vata, Pitta and Kapha                                                                         

Haritaka (Terminalia chebula): A classic brain, nerve, digestive and energy tonic. It also helps regulate the colon and is good for both constipation and diarrhoea. Haritaka is the basis for Triphala. Balances: Vata, Pitta and Kapha                                                          

Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Relieves coughs, sore throats, respiratory problems; abdominal pain and hyperacidity.                                                                      

Neem (Azadiracta indica): A powerful anti-bacterial herb and blood purifier and good for many skin complaints (especially inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria and acne). In the gastrointestinal tract it helps with hyperacidity, ulcers, colitis, crohn’s disease, candida, fistulas and haemorrhoids. It can also help reduce inflammation in joints and muscles and regulate blood sugar levels in diabetes. It reduces fever and can also be used as a mouthwash for toothache and gingivitis. Balances: Pitta and Kapha                         

Passiflora (Passiflora incarnata): Promotes relaxation and helps with insomnia, agitation, anxiety, nervousness and stress.                                                       

Psyllium Husks Roughage for improving digestion, relieving constipation and cleansing the colon.   

Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornate): Good for skin problems, digestion/ appetite, flatulence, gout, arthritis, rheumatism and nervous disorders.                               

Shatavari (Asparagus racemous): A particularly rejuvenating herb for the female reproductive system as it cleanses the blood and increases fertility. It is good to take during the menopause, as a menstrual regulator and for impotence, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, diarrhoea, stomach ulcers, hyperacidity, cancer and chronic fever. It is also good and for soothing inflammation of the mucus membranes and is useful in colitis, crohn’s disease, hyperacidity, ulcers and gastritis. Balances: V ata and Pitta                                                          

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva): Reduces inflammation and is good for lung problems and ulcers.                  

Spiralina: A very high protein sea-plant that is excellent for weight loss, detoxification and reducing appetite.                                                                                            

St John’s Wort (Hypericun perforatum): Calms the nervous system and is beneficial for the treatment of mild depression and insomnia.                                          

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Used as an anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. It improves skin conditions such as acne, rashes, dermatitis, eczema, urticaria and psoriasis; relieves pain and has anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumour, anti-bacterial, anti-biotic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, carminative and immuno-stimulant properties. It is good for asthma, allergies, burns, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, digestive disorders, gallstones, liver disorders, tumours, reducing cholesterol, thinning the blood, cancer and ulcers. It also helps with uterine cysts and fibroids, endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and leucorrhea. Balances: Vata, Pitta and Kapha                

Trikatu A powerful tonic for improving digestion and relieving constipation. It is prepared by mixing ground ginger, black pepper and cayenne pepper (one pinch of each) in a little honey (one teaspoon). It balances Kapha.                                                                               

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Good for nervous disorders such as tension and anxiety. It is also good for insomnia, fainting and menstrual cramps.                                  

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa): Helps with hormonal imbalances, period pains, menopause, colic, joint inflammation, flatulence and liver cleansing.

Triphala formula contains Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki is considered a 'tri-doshic rasayana' – it is one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbal remedies as it helps rectify constipation and bowel irregularity but is also something of a universal panacea for a wide range of complaints.

It helps cleanse the blood and detoxify the liver as it possesses bitter anthroquinones which help stimulate bile flow and peristalsis.