The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs by Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra. Published by Lotus Press, 2008. 372 p. ISBN 978-0-9409-8598-8. Tables, Appendix, Glossary, Bibliography, Recommended Reading, Resources.
Ayurveda or Ayurvedic tradition is the name given to “science of life”, the examination of living things and their natural environments. Growing from ancient systems of healing, its roots are both physical and spiritual; belief and wholeness depended on recognition of the divine in nature.
Presenting cures with medicinal plants, The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs by Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra, is a complete kit of useful information of herbal actions on bodily systems, according to ancient Indian medicine. It is the third part of a trilogy entitled the Way of Herbs, written by Michael Tierra, pre-eminent American herbalist and O.M.D. The book delivers historical background, the Ayurvedic philosophy behind diagnosing a disease, the choice of diet and selection of proper foods to balance the body’s energies, and the treatments, formulas and remedies likely to alleviate or cure a deteriorating bodily condition. Extending this compendium of information is the “Materia Medica”, p. 75 to 198, a glossary of some 84 individual herbs from the plant kingdom, and a chapter entitled “Non-herbal and Mineral Medicines”. There is hardly a page which does not offer valuable advice in the use of herbs, and something that the Reader has never before considered. Take the example of Castor Oil, a well-known substance taken internally for constipation. Did you know that Castor Oil, p. 116-118, is also a remedy applied externally as an analgesic for muscle pain, menstrual pain, and other chronic nerve conditions?
Why does Ayurveda, “the science of life”, use herbs, and in what ways? The first four chapters introduce its ideas, philosophy and therapeutics with traditional cures. Chapter one, “The People’s Medicine”, describes the particular science of herbalism in India. Author Khalsa says:
“Ayurveda is the holistic healing system of India”, and “In Vedic times, Ayurvedic physicians were … deeply devoted holy people, who saw health as an integral part of spiritual life.” pages 2-3.
The author also indicates how early this medicine was developed, and describes the two basic texts used since 500 B.C., called by the names of their writers, the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita, describing the use of medicinal substances and surgical methods, respectively.
Chapter 2, “The Five Elements and the Basis of Ayurveda” lays a foundation for understanding the world-view, or particular attitude of an Ayurvedic physician, who looks at the balance of energies in a human body and its environment. It’s reasonable to consider the energetics of an herbal substance, whether the herb produces heat in the body or conversely, cools it down. For example, ingesting Mung beans can be good for someone who is overheating, especially in summer, or due to fever.
Chapter three, “The Three Doshas”, describes the “three metabolic forces” or categories of bodily “energy that can go out of balance”, p. 12. Chapter four describes “The Way of Health and Disease in Ayurveda”. And then, most helpful to understanding the approach taken by this medicine, “The Way of Ayurvedic Diagnosis” offers several tables or questionnaires for the Reader to help evaluate their personal constitution and current condition. These tables take into account bodily characteristics, lifestyle, habits, digestion, mental attitude, as well as symptoms and disease. Finally, Khalsa says, you should make the best of what you are predominantly made up of, be it, Vata, Pitta, or Kapha (Air, Fire or Earth). When one dosha is dominant or rages out of control, disease can take hold. Keeping a dosha under control can mean the difference in health. He says:
“When you have one dosha clearly dominant… your tendencies will cause certain fundamental vulnerabilities to flare up or show themselves as symptoms. The way you eat, exercise, supplement and live should be slanted toward keeping that dominant dosha under control.” p. 34
Khalsa’s materia medica, explaining the use and benefits of over 80 herbal medicines, contains many unusual common names, such as Ajwain, Bringraj, and Kalmegh, (carminative, rejuvenative, and laxative, respectively), but there are also familiar ones, such as Garlic, Rose, and Spearmint (antibacterial, astringent, and diuretic, respectively). From international cuisine we have long known about spices such as Cinnamon (carminative), Ginger (antiflatulent), Mustard (expectorant), Sesame (nutritive tonic), and Turmeric (anti-inflammatory). Perhaps the most affecting realization is that Ayurvedic medicine bases its therapeutics on what we have already consumed, what effects it has on us, and that botanical medicine can emphasize the healing power of food.
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