By Thomas Stearns Lee, NMD

Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words, Ayur, “life” and Veda, “science,” and means “the science of life.”  Ayurveda is the 5,000-year-old science of living in harmony with the Universe — harmony with both other people and our environment.  To understand harmony, we must know who and where we are in relation to others.  Harmony, or balance, is the basic concept at the heart of Ayurveda.

Conservative estimates place the origins of Ayurveda at 5,000 years ago in the Himalayan Mountains.  Comprehensive Ayurvedic medical texts estimated to be 3,000 years old include advanced surgical techniques, obstetrics, geriatrics, and the use of herbs.  This makes Ayurveda the most enduring healing modality in the world today.

Harmony is physically described in Ayurveda by the three “Doshas” — the basic aspects of all life.  These can be recognized by their attributes:

• Vata is dry, cold, light, mobile, hard, changeable, and clear.  It is the most powerful, governs all movement, and carries both Pitta and Kapha.

• Pitta is hot, fluid, subtle, sharp, and soft.  It governs all heat and chemical reactions.

• Kapha is cold, wet, heavy, slow, static, and dense.  It maintains all substance, weight, and coherence in living systems.

All of life is created by the dynamic balance between these aspects.

Ayurveda teaches us the optimal use of natural medicines and forces such as diet, hygiene, and psychology that can bring us into better balance with all life.  In this system, disease is not a problem to be opposed with violence and force.  Rather, it is to be avoided or prevented by promoting health as a fortress of strength and perfect function.  These concepts of ancient wisdom are as modern as using sanitation and nutrition to strengthen your immune system and keep your family happy.  While known to ancients, these herbs and foods are available to you today in their full strength and beauty as extracts and capsules, or even as landscaping plants.

Were your travels across time as well as land, you would find the ancient Ayurvedic teachers, known as Rishis, to be in complete agreement with most modern naturopathic physicians.  Both teach that we must build our health and fitness to reach our potentials of great health and higher function, as well as to prevent or recover from disease.

“The essence of all beings is Earth.  The essence of the Earth is Water.  The essence of Water is Plants.  The essence of plants is the Human Being.”

— Chandogya Upanishads

Popular teachers like Deepak Chopra, Vasant Lad, Virender Sodhi, and Robert Svoboda have helped many Americans learn of this ancient system.  If you want to learn about Ayurvedic medicine, we also recommend The Yoga of Herbs, or The Ayurvedic Cookbook, or any of many beautiful new books on this subject.  You will find there some reasonable concepts to boost the health of you and your family.

Ayurvedic Herbs To Look For in Modern Products

Amalaki
A nutritional tonic to rebuild digestion and the blood. The most natural Vitamin C at about 3,000 mg. per tsp. of powder. Remains present and active in the body three to four times longer than synthetics.

Ashwaganda
A premier tonic, this “Indian Ginseng” increases endurance and physical strength, providing more sexual vitality to both genders.

Boswellia
The golden yellow resin from the bark of Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a support for function of healthy joints.

Brahmi (Gotu Kola)
Revitalizes the nerves and brain; benefits hair and skin. This plant is felt to reduce stress and make people more youthful.

Guggul
Effective to decrease cholesterol and increase metabolism. This herb will help to burn off fat and detoxify a sluggish body.

Gymnema
Traditionally known as gurmar, “the sugar destroyer.” Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels and supports the healthy functioning of the pancreas.

Myrrh
Rejuvenates the female organs and slows aging. This plant is cooling and antibacterial with cleansing effects for the gums and the uterus. It is reported to expel negative emotions as well.

Shatavari
A tonic for women, powerful and soothing. It strengthens and regulates the female reproductive organs, helping the libido and moods.

Tribulus
A traditional Ayurvedic herb for men, regarded as a sexual rejuvenator, for general fatigue, and for healthy urinary tract functioning.

Triphala
Triphala (“three fruits”) is a highly esteemed and widely used Ayurvedic formula for gastrointestinal health. It is traditionally used to maintain a healthy colon, improve digestion, and rejuvenate and strengthen tissues.