Seven Important Spices, Ten Important Herbs
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) | Related dhatu – rasa
Action – diuretic, carminative, stimulant, astringent, antispasmodic.
Uses – valuable in dyspepsia, diarrhea, hoarseness, flatulence and colic.
Effect on dosha – V hP hK iEnergetics – pungent/hot/pungent
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) | Related dhatu – mamsa
Action – carminative, digestive stimulating, tonic.
Uses – headache and swelling; essential oil in colic, rheumatism and neuralgia;
the seeds as a paste for mouth ulceration and a poultice for other ulcers.
Effect on dosha – V iP iK iEnergetics – bitter/pungent-cold-pungent
Turmeric (Curcuma domestica) | Related dhatu – rakta
Action – mild digestive, aromatic, stimulant, carminative.
Uses – anemia, blood purifier, circulation, indigestion, skin disorders,
all inflammatory conditions.
Effect on dosha – V hP hK iEnergetics – bitter/astringent/pungent-hot-pungent
Mustard (Brassica alba) | Related dhatu – meda
Action – stimulant, demulcent, emetic (induce vomiting).
Uses – epilepsy, toothache, bruises, stiff neck, rheumatism, colic, and
respiratory troubles.
Effect on dosha – V iP iK hEnergetics – pungent/hot/pungent
Asafoetida / Hing (Ferula assafoetida) | Related dhatu – majja
Action – digestive, analgesic, stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic.
Uses – flatulence, respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough.
Effect on dosha – V iP hK iEnergetics – pungent/heating/pungent
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) | Related dhatu – ashti
Action – diuretic, tonic, stimulant.
Uses – digestive aid, boils, cysts, lowers blood pressure.
Effect on dosha – V hP hK iEnergetics – pungent/hot/pungent
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) | Related dhatu – shukra
Action – aphrodisiac, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, stimulant.
Uses – colic, vomiting, indigestion, flatulence, colds, cough, asthma,
congestive conditions.
Effect on dosha – V iP hK iEnergetics – pungent/sweet-hot-sweet
Important Herbs
Ten important Herbs
Amalaki (Embilica officinalis)
Action – rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, laxative, hemostatic, tonic.
Uses – all Pitta diseases, arthritis, asthma, fever, gastritis, hemorrhoids, insomnia,
Effect on dosha – V i P iK hEnergetics – all tastes except salty-cold-sweet
Ashwagandha (Withenia somnifera)
Action – rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, nervine, analgesic, sedative.
Uses – anxiety, brain tonic, age preventive, blood pressure, fatigue, urinary diseases.
Effect on dosha – V iP hK iEnergetics – astringent/bitter-hot-sweet
Brahmi | Gotu Kola (Bacopa moniera) | Tridoshic
Action – diuretic, nervine, rejuvenative.
Uses – asthma, cough, blood purifier, immune system booster; brain, and nerves.
Effect on dosha – V iP iK iEnergetics – bitter-cold-sweet
Guduchi (Tinosphora cardifolia) | Tridoshic
Action – alterative, anti-aging, anti-pyretic, diuretic.
Uses – immune booster, digestion, constipation, skin disease, blood purifier.
Effect on dosha – V iP iK iEnergetics – bitter/sweet-hot-sweet
Haritaki (Terminelia chebula)
Action – rejuvenative, laxative, nervine, expectorant, tonic.
Uses – cough, asthma, gas, vomiting, nervous disorders, indigestion, memory.
Effect on dosha – V iP iK iEnergetics – all except salty-hot-sweet
Kumari | Aloe Vera(Aloe barbadensis)
Action – rejuvenative, alterative, digestive, purgative, tonic.
Uses – colds, lung diseases, intestinal worms, hemorrhoids, blood tonic, burns,
herpes, skin diseases.
Effect on dosha – V i P i K i Energetics – sweet/cold/sweet
Manjishta(Rubia cordifolia)
Action – alterative, astringent, diuretic, hemostatic.
Uses – blood circulation, cleanses liver, edema, hepatitis, menstruation, menopause, skin problems.
Effect on dosha – V h P i K i Energetics – pungent/ bitter/astringent-cold-pungent
Musta | Nutgrass(Cyperus rotundus)
Action – alterative, antifungal, carminative, diuretic, stimulant.
Uses – menstrual disorders, gastritis, indigestion, malabsorption, vomiting,
palpitation.
Effect on dosha – V i P i K h Energetics – pungent/ bitter/astringent-cold-pungent
Neem(Azadirecta indica)
Action – alterative, bitter tonic, antiseptic, anti-emetic, antibiotic.
Uses – blood purifier, inflammation of muscles and joints, cleanses liver, parasites,
skin disorders.
Effect on dosha – V h P i K i Energetics – bitter/astringent-cold-pungent
Shatavari(Asperagus recemosus)
Action – nutritive, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic.
Uses – cough, diarrhea, immune system, female reproductive system, menopause, ulcers, fevers.
Effect on dosha – V i P i K h Energetics – sweet/bitter-cold-sweet
