Ayurveda, the ancient science of healing, is based on three doshas. Doshas are forces of nature that make up your unique mental and physical constitution. Each of the doshas is present in every individual. One or a combination of two doshas is predominant in each, depending on their personality, lifestyle, and other influencing factors. The balance of doshas is essential as it drives your thinking and behavior – and herbs can help you achieve that.
In Ayurveda, herbs are used in many ways to transform your health. Each of these herbs has a multitude of health benefits that can be used to treat the imbalance in your doshas. Here are some of the best herbs based on your doshas.
Vata
Vata dosha governs the movement in the body and mind. It regulates the breathing, blood flow, pulsation of the heart, elimination of waste, and even thoughts by communicating between the mind and the body. People with a predominant vata dosha are generally energetic and creative. But an imbalance in vata can cause fear, isolation, anxiety, and exhaustion. It decreases proper communication throughout the body and leads to abnormal movements within the body. To balance your vata, here are some of the best herbs that you can include in your routine.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is best used to ease stress and anxiety. It can be used in tea or the essential oil form. It can reduce stress instantly, thanks to its relaxing properties. Lemon balm leaves are also used to relieve symptoms of PMS and bloating. Due to its antioxidant properties, lemon balm eases movement in the body, ensuring better digestion and reducing cholesterol and heartburn.
Ginger Root
The next best herb for vata dosha is ginger. Ginger has many dietary benefits, including relieving nausea and motion sickness. When the natural movement in your body is restricted, you tend to lose your appetite. This root plant can get your digestion back to normal when consumed freshly in food.
Read more about the healthy benefits of ginger
Chamomile
We spoke about abnormal movements within the body that occur due to an imbalance of vata, which include muscle spasms. Chamomile can be used to treat ailments related to the bodily movements, like muscle spasms or gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is also commonly used to heal diseases like fever, hemorrhoids, insomnia, and menstrual disorders. Adding this to your routine reduces inflammation and de-stresses the body and mind.
Pitta
Pitta dosha oversees the digestion and transformation in the body. It regulates the energy transformation within the body. The energy production and metabolism are balanced with the right amount of pitta, an excess of which can cause health-related issues. Pitta governs the crucial digestive functions in the body, right from nutrition to metabolism. Digestion of foods, emotions, experiences – all are intimately connected to pitta. An excess or imbalance of pitta can result in feelings of anger, jealousy, and frustration. When your pitta is imbalanced, it affects the organs in the body, causing inflammation. Here are some herbs that can help balance pitta.
Mint
The primary issue with pitta imbalance is indigestion. In such cases, mint helps to calm and soothe the digestive system. For thousands of years, mint has been used to relieve an upset stomach or indigestion. Its fresh and detoxifying flavor is best to encourage digestion in the body. Consuming mint leaves has other benefits too – it supports healthy cholesterol levels and fights inflammation.
Rose Petals
Rose petals may seem like aphrodisiacs, but they are so much more. They energize you instantly and encourage circulation in the body. It is said that rose petals can work as a mild laxative. Their antiseptic nature is also used in the treatment of wounds or burns. They are also anti-inflammatory and good for the heart and lower cholesterol levels.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is popularly used to treat digestive disorders like digestive tract spasms, vomiting, stomach ache, convulsions, etc. Lemongrass works as an astringent and kills the germs in the body. It has a cooling benefit that not only aids digestion but also treats achy joints, fever, common cold, and high blood pressure.
Try this Exotic Thai Soup Vegetable Soup
Kapha
Lastly, let’s talk about kapha dosha. It governs the structure, lubrication, and cohesiveness in the body. A stable kapha controls the joints in the body, weight, growth, and formation. Kapha moisturizes the body, maintains hydration throughout the bones, and protects the tissues. An imbalance of kapha can lead to congestion in organs throughout the body. It stagnates the tissues and triggers emotions of greed, possessiveness, and stubbornness. Here are a few herbs that can help to balance your kapha dosha.
Sage
Sage is primarily used to treat digestive disorders, like loss of appetite, stomach ache, and gas. However, its calming properties can hydrate the body and promote healthy growth. It is used as a detoxifying agent that eases congestion and soothes the mind. Kapha can stagnate the tissues and lead to breathing problems, which can be taken care of by sage.
Holy Basil
When it comes to joint pain and inflammation within the tissues, holy basil works wonders. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Holy basil, when consumed, tackles joint issues by easing inflammation. It relaxes the body and mind, tackling stress and reducing greed and anger. It is used to stimulate peace in the body and mind.
Thyme
Thyme has a lot of health benefits related to structure and energy in the body. It controls the bacteria in the body and keeps the joints lubricated. Thyme can ease congestion in the lungs that leads to cough, sore throat, and stomach ache. It soothes the body and mind, unclogs the brain, and imparts feelings of relaxation.
These are a few herbs that help balance the doshas that are dominant or imbalanced in your body. Understanding your dosha and supporting your body accordingly can be challenging. But these three doshas can create a harmonious relationship in the body if they are well balanced. These doshas make up your constitution, and the right herbs can enhance their functioning and promote good health.
