Ayurvedic Herbs Hold the Promise of Amazing Overall Health

What is Ayurvedic Medicine?

Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest wholistic medical systems in existence, originating in ancient India and used widely in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In America, it is considered “alternative” medicine, but in Eastern parts of this world it is traditional medicine, especially in rural areas of the Hindu World.

The goal of Ayurvedic medicine it to bring balance to the three parts of a man – his mind, his body, and his spirit. For this reason, it involves more than just the use of herbs. Yoga, meditation, massage, serenity and Ayurvedic herbs are all a part of this system.

Illness occurs when the three parts of man are out of balance or when man is not in balance with the universe. The medical system then, if proactive, is a continual process of total health maintenance, rather than the common reactive treatment when illness occurs, as is the practice in most Western countries. Recently, however, western physicians and health professionals have begun to see the value of preventive medical treatment as well as the deep connection between mind and body, and many are now exploring the use of herbal supplements and other natural ingredients which may serve to keep the body in a regularly healthy condition.

Health Problems Treatment in Ayurvedic Medicine

Practitioners must first determine what imbalances exist. Then a treatment plan is developed that always involves elimination of impurities or cleansing, focusing primarily on the digestive tract and the respiratory system. In addition to fasting or special diets, certain ayurvedic herbs are used to assist in the proper elimination of the impurities

Reduction of symptoms involves physical activity such as Yoga, meditation, but includes specific herbal supplements as well.

Reduction of worry and stress are achieved by meditation and exercise.

Elimination of physical and psychological problems is addressed by massage of the “vital points,” of which there are 107 on the body. Oils are sometimes added to this treatment.

Herbs Used in Ayurvedic Medicine

The Indians do not separate food and medicine, as it is clearly done in the United States. Certain foods are medicine themselves, and ayurvedic herbs, plants, oils, spices and other substances in nature form an area of food consumption which is vital to health.

About 5000 different products are involved in ayurvedic medical treatment. Ayurvedic herbs and other plant supplements have been divided into categories based upon their specific effects, such as healing, promotion of strength and energy, or reduction of pain. Elements and compounds are itemized in huge texts for practitioner use, and it would be impossible to list them all. Individuals interested in following an ayurvedic total health plan or in attacking a specific health probl3em or condition, should contact a local practitioner (and they are located in all major U.S. cities today), and determine the regimen best suited for themselves. Otherwise, they can study the categorization of herbal supplements found on many websites.

Examples of categorization are as follows:

1. The shrub guggui has an extract that is used for heart health and, even in the United States, is being studied for potential cholesterol reduction.
2. A compound of some minerals and powdered dried fruits and some tree roots are used for liver ailments
3. Tumeric is a spice used alone for many aging conditions, such as Alzheimers, arthritis, as well as for the healing of injuries.

Categorization of Ayurvedic Herbs

Herbal supplements used in ayurvedic medicine are divided into categories and sold at all health stores and on many Internet sites. Categories of herbs are as follows:

1. Detoxification and Purification
2. Bodily functions, such as digestion, elimination, blood flow, respiration, weight management
3. Organ health – heart, lungs, liver, kidney, stomach
4. Mental and emotional health – memory, mental clarification, stress, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses
5. Men’s and Women’s reproductive health

Location and Purchase of Ayurvedic Herbs

Most health and nutrition stores will have a section devoted to ayurvedic herbs, and these will be labeled according to the specific purpose of the single element or compound. A variety of Internet sites off ayurvedic herbs, again, organizing them by specific purpose, so that any consumer is able to find those which relate to his area of health interest.