Herbal medicine, when used correctly, enhances gentle and natural healing. For Kaphas and those with excess Kapha, herbal remedies can promote detoxification and rejuvenation.
In Ayurveda, herbs are a part of a complete plan for mind-body-spirit balance. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle, along with herbs, are used to make changes that address the root causes of your digestive issues.
Kapha Dosha, made up of water and earth, is responsible for the structure and lubrication of your mind and body. When Kapha is in excess, you may experience congestion, sinus problems, weight gain, depression, diabetes, excessive sleepiness and fluid retention, just as a few examples.
Now let’s look at a few herbs that are particularly balancing for Kapha Dosha!
Turmeric (curcuma longa)
- Bitter, pungent, astringent
- Heating
Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to prevent and treat a variety of diseases. In Ayurveda, turmeric is a detoxifying agent. Since it possesses the bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes and is mildly heating, it is useful in balancing excess Kapha.
- Protects the liver and can help to reduce elevated blood cholesterol
- Reduces pain and stiffness
- Turmeric can prevent or inhibit the development of certain cancer cells
- Turmeric has a soothing effect on the digestive system
- Turmeric can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast and viruses
A safe dose of turmeric for anyone is 500 mg, twice daily, though eating it in food rather than taking it through pills is preferred.
Ginger (zingiber officinale)
- Pungent
- Heating
Ginger is often used in Ayurveda to treat Kapha disorders such as sinus congestion, sluggish digestion, and obesity because of it's pungent and warming nature. Ginger strengthens the digestive fire and removes accumulated toxins.
- Consuming ginger on a regular basis can help reduce osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Ginger is effective in preventing nausea, dizziness, and vomiting associated with motion sickness or pregnancy
- Ginger may also be helpful in stabilizing metabolism, including reducing the risk of diabetes
It’s better to use fresh ginger rather than dried because it has more of the potent properties. Drying ginger takes away some of the nutritional benefits. If you do need to use dried ginger powder, try to find it organically.
Taking one gram of powdered ginger is good for inflammatory conditions but it is a blood thinner so stop taking several weeks before surgery.
Triphala
- Sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, astringent
- Both heating and cooling. Amalaki is cooling and Bibhitaki and Haritaki are heating.
Triphala is an herbal blend made from the fruits of three trees that grow in India. The fruits are dried, ground into powder, and blended in a precise manner developed by the ancient herbalists.
Triphala balances Kapha Dosha as well as Vata and Pitta. It also contains five of the six tastes, lacking only the salty taste. The herbs that comprise Triphala have potent healing and purifying properties.
Triphala gently cleanses and detoxifies the body without irritating the colon. In addition, unlike other laxatives that deplete the body, triphala actually strengthens and nourishes the bones, nervous system, and reproductive organs.
The recommended dose is 500 to 1,000mg, twice daily. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Disclaimer
All views and information shared here is only for the sharing of Ayurvedic knowledge. Please do not try or prescribe or take any of the remedies and suggestions here without talking to your regular, qualified doctor. Kottakkal Ayurveda and no other person associated with Kottakkal is responsible for unwanted side-effects or contraindications in your health.