Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine_Oldest System of Natural Healing in the World _ Ayurvedic Medicine _ Body

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Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine:Oldest System of Natural Healingin the World

by Walter Kacera, D.N., Ph.D., Herbalist & Ayurvedic Nutritionist

"Ayurvedic Herbalism is not of the east or the west, of ancient or modern time. it is a science of living that

encompasses the whole of life, and which relates the life of the individual to that of the universe. A knowledge that belongs to all living beings." ~ Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, 'The Yoga of Herbs'

The name Ayurveda originates from two Indian words: ayur, meaning life, and Veda meaning knowledge or science. In a broad

sense it means knowledge concerning the maintenance of life. The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is preventative, treating people

before a disorder has a chance to manifest it self.

Ayurveda evolved from the ancient wisdom of healers, prophets & Rishis that lived deep in the Himalayas. Their wisdom was

passed down orally from teacher to student, and eventually written down only in the last 5,000 years in Sanskrit and named the

Vedas. Ayurvedic Herbal medicine has been refined by thousands of years of practical application and experience. In about 800

BC the first medical healing school was founded in India. A well-known scholar, healer and herbalist Charaka in his writings

described 1,500 medicinal plants in his book the 'Charaka Samhita'. This valuable herbal book is still used as a major reference

text and is still consulted by modern Ayurvedic herbal practitioners.

Other natural healing systems of medicine such as the Chinese, Tibetan, and Islamic (Unani Tibb) traditions have their roots inAyurveda. Even the Buddha (born 550 BC) was a follower of Ayurveda. The spread of Buddhism into Tibet was also

accompanied by the increase of Ayurveda. The knowledge of Ayurvedic herbal practices broadened to other ancient civilizations

though the spice routes. Traders obtaining knowledge of the material medica of the healing plants of India passed this on to be

studied by Arab physicians. This knowledge was further passed on to the ancient Greeks and Romans, and eventually became

the common practice and basis of European medicine.

Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine is a practice that has withstood the test of time. It is as old as life itself and intimately tied to how life

functions everywhere in the universe. As western society learns to embrace these ancient teachings we will discover their many

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gifts, and begin to use them as a complementary form of treatment.

In the following paragraphs we will explore five main points: 1. What is Ayurvedic herbal medicine?

2. Theory of the five elements and the Tridoshas.

3. Diagnosing & the importance of the constitution. 4. Herbal energetics though the six tastes.

5. Putting it all together in three case studies.

WHAT IS AYURVEDIC HERBAL MEDICINE?

Ayurveda Herbal Medicine is based on the theory of Tridoshas. This theory explains how the five elements air, fire, water, earth

and ether, which make up physical creation, dynamically combine to manage all processes within the human physiology. The

five elements are the basic building blocks of all life and through them we can determine the fundamental nature, called, the

constitution, of the individual. It is a comprehensive system of healthcare that works toward prescribing a way of life, rather than

a treatment of specific diseases and disorders. The skill of the practitioner lies in identifying a persons unique constitution,

(according to the tridosha system), diagnosis the cause of the imbalance and deciding on the herbal protocol.

THE TRIDOSHA THEORY- THE THREE VITAL ENERGIES The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They represent our genetic blueprint and fashion how we respond, both

psychologically and physically to our environment. The constitutional type, Vata is a combination of Air and Ether. Pitta is the

combination of Fire and Water; Kapha - Water and Earth. These elements are the foundation of all life.

An understanding of tridosha system helps us know a person's constitutional predisposition, assisting the herbalist in creating a

therapeutic herbal program that integrates all aspects of that individual's life. The principles and qualities that follow are what an

herbalists looks for in determining an individual's constitution.

Vata: governs all movement, respiration and the nervous system. Its qualities are described as being dry, cold, light, mobile,

subtle, rough, hard, erratic, dispersing and clear.

In a deranged condition it will cause coldness, dryness, tremors, abdominal distention, constipation, weakness, insomnia andnumerous other neurological complaints, and lack of stamina.

Herbs that reduce excess Vata are nutritive tonics, demulcent with a pleasant sweet, salty and sour taste and warming qualities.

Herbs that aggravate Vata are bitter, astringent and pungent.

Pitta: governs all transforming processes, metabolism, all chemical reactions, digestion and circulation. Its qualities are

described as hot, sharp, fluid, light, oily, soft, and mobile.

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In offering the most beneficial form of treatment, the Ayurvedic Herbal Practitioner, not only draws on the knowledge derived

from the science of the Tridoshas, but must also include the unique science of Herbal Energetics. This simple system classifies

the basic properties of herbs according to their energies, tastes, the organs and channels affected, as well as their therapeutic

properties and biochemical properties. The tastes, attributes and the elements are all part of the language of nature, a language

of life. This system is similar to the Chinese herbal approach of tastes and energies. The knowledge of the energetic

classification of herbs has largely been lost in the west. By understanding and applying the wisdom of Herbal Energetics, plant

remedies can connect us all with what has been called "the vital roots of existence".

According to their energies or "energetics" each herb has its own therapeutic effects.

1. Initial taste;

2. Element;

3. Heating or cooling effect;

4. Post digestive effect;

5. Special properties

ATTRIBUTES OF HERBAL REMEDIES

Practitioners of herbal Ayurvedic medicine prescribe remedies on the basis of their attributes or energy/quality. These are

determined according to the twenty attributes such as slow/sharp, oily/dry, cold/hot, slimy/rough, dense/liquid, soft/hard,

static/mobile, subtle/gross, cloudy/clear, and heavy/light. The other aspects of classify herbs is according to six tastes: sweet,

sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. Taste is considered therapeutic for several reasons. The Sanskrit word for taste is

Rasa. It means delight or essence, both of which are healing. Everyone needs some of each of the six tastes every day. Tastes

of herbs are seldom single, though one usually predominates.

Examples:

Sweet, sour, and salty tasting herbs increase water- urinary and fluidity.

Bitter, pungent, and astringent tasting herbs increase air- nerve system function.

Sour, salty, and pungent tasting herbs increase fire- digestion and liver activity.

TASTES, HERBS & FOODSIn Ayurveda, herbalism and nutrition are a single science, and no healing can be truly successful that disregards one or the

other. Particular foods are prescribed therapeutically as herbs, or in combination with herbs. Herbs give subtle nutrition and

stimulation to the deeper tissues and organs; foods deal with the grosser nutrition. The actions of a herb is strongest when

fresh.

In order to put all these principles together let us look at three case studies.

CASE STUDY # 1

Brittany, a woman in her late 50's, full of joy and always the life of the party. Her body is thin with dry, rough, and dark skin and


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dark eyes. She did quite well in college and tended to get by on charm rather than academic competence and changed her

major several times before deciding on a career in graphic design. Once in the work field she got bored easily and was always

seeking something new and exciting. She has a tendency to be a workaholic. Her health was good till her early 40's then she

started sleeping poorly, tossing and turning throughout the night. As the years have passed her digestion system has seemed to

become quite delicate especially when she feeling rushed. In the last few years her energy has dropped considerably, her

enthusiasm has faded. She's also developed a sense of underlying anxiety and depression especially during the late fall and

winter which is her least favorite season. Her worst time of day is in the middle of the afternoon.

Brittany's constitution is Vata. The recommendations for a Vata/Air imbalance, from an herbal perspective, would be groundingherbs and foods that reconnect her vital source that would be the Earth. The tastes that would provide this are sweet, sour, and

salty. The herbs with this taste are licorice root, aniseed, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginseng root, fennel, fo-ti root., fresh ginger root

and catnip.

CASE STUDY # 2 Peter has been a motivated man since childhood with a good strong physical build. He has soft, fair skin; reddish hair with

greenish-yellow eyes. Now in his early 40's, having competed his training as a firefighter, he keeps his mind active by continuing

studying and following his passions. It seems that his mind just never stops. He always feels the need to take on another

challenge. In the last few years he has started experiencing throbbing headaches. Although usually able to plow his way

through challenges, he found it increasingly difficult to regain his drive after these emotional and physical assaults of the

migraine on his sense of invulnerability. When prescription medication failed to relieve his pain, he decided to take another

approach to treatment. His worse time day is in the middle of the afternoon and his worse season is during the heat of the

summer.

An Ayurvedic diagnosis would state that Peter was experiencing symptoms of imbalance in his inherently fiery constitution, in

other words a Pitta/ Fire constitution. Peter must learn how to cool off the excessive heat in his mind and body with herbal

relaxants, calming breath work, and soothing activities. The tastes and herbs that would be appropriate to relieve his symptoms

and to get to the cause are the following: sweet, bitter, and astringent. The herbs that would assist in the healing process are:

gotu kola, ginkgo leaf, wood betony, chamomile, passionflower, and sandalwood oil applied to the head.

CASE STUDY # 3 Martha a woman in her late 30's, tends to carry a few extra pounds since her preteen years. She has pale, cool skin and her

eyes are big and blue with thick, dark lashes. As an adult she married early and enjoys raising her own family. With age her

weight increases. She is now over 185 pounds, with high blood pressure. She is experiencing a loss of vitality and stamina.

Getting out of bed is a struggle. Her cravings and indulgences are sweet baked goods, and extra salt and butter with her meals.

Her worse time of day is in the mornings. And her worst season is the middle of winter.

Martha has a predominance of the Kapha/Water element, which has become increasing imbalanced with age. To bring about

more vital energy she needs to have more lightness and fire into her diet. Herbal recommendations would be herbs that are


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bitter, astringent and pungent. Examples of useful herbs: Calamus root, cinnamon bark, fenugreek seeds, yellow dock root. and

burdock root. These herbs support the digestive processes, helping her both to lose weight and increase her energy level. The

bitter tasting herbs awaken the taste buds enhancing ones desire for more variety of foods, thus balancing the addictive

patterns.

"Just as flowers come from the Earth, so the remedy grows in the hands of the physicianâ€¦the remedy is nothing but

a seed which develops into that which it is destined to be". - Paradd

THE UNIQUENESS OF AYURVEDIC HERBALISM

Modern pharmaceutical drugs are poor substitutes for plants. They may be appropriate at times for short-term or acute

conditions, but their long-term consequences will in all cases exhaust the primary life force due to their inorganic nature.

Green plants and herbs reestablish our connection with the natural world sustaining and bring us life. 'Life supporting life.' As we

become proficient in our understanding of Ayurvedic Herbalism we deepen our relationship with ourselves, as well as with the

natural world. Enhancing our relationship with the Earth, through the green healing plants is in itself a remarkable healing

experience, dissolving the sense of separation with nature, is at the root of all dis-ease. Developing a respect for the abundance

and generosity of this giving planet, we will perhaps, learn how to walk more softly upon the Earth. Our common sense says

"you can't have healthy bodies on a sick planet.

The significance of Ayurvedic Herbal practices is proven in part by its timelessness. Having survived numerous obstacles, it

continues to be practiced as an unbroken tradition. The greatest contribution that this ancient healing system gives us is a

method of teaching prevention. How do you treat an individual before there are any signs or symptoms? How does a person use

herbs in a preventative way and not just treat the disease? The aim of Ayurvedic herb doctors is to balance a patient's unique

body/mind constitution. Ayurveda offers valuable practical guidelines for healthy living, applicable to every aspect of daily

existence. It teaches simple ways to walk through life in accordance with the cycles of nature, and thus enhance the well-being,

longevity and harmony of all who bring these practices into their life.

"Nature and wisdom always say the same thing." -Roman Poet Juvenal

Walter Shantree Kacera, D.N., Ph.D. Therapeutic Herbalist & Ayurvedic Nutritionist with over 30 years experience in the Natural

Healing Arts. He is the founder of SPIRIT of the EARTH 'The 'The Living Centre' Eco-Spiritual Educational Retreat Centre &

Sanctuary. London, ON. CANADA. He teaches Certificate Courses in Conscious Living: The Sevenfold Path, Therapeutic &

Practical Herbalism, Shamanic Herbal Energetics, Constitutional Ayurvedic Medicine, Living Nutrition, Clinical Iridology &

Tongue Diagnosis. He has synthesized an unique and natural approach with working with his patients in understanding their


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constitution to achieve wellness. Presently Walter is teaching and writing a course textbook on Constitutional Ayurvedic

Medicine. He continues to lead Cleansing Retreats in Costa Rica where he works both as a Health-Care practitioner and

workshop facilitator. His main teaching is how to integrate holistic health into the field of Spiritual Ecology, meaning allowing

nature to be both our Therapist and our Therapy.

SPIRIT of the EARTH, 'The Living Centre, 5871 Bells Rd., London, ON. N6P 1P3 519-652-0230 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thelivingcentre.com

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Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine_Oldest System of Natural Healing in the World _ Ayurvedic Medicine _ Body