Wait and see and drink tea. Most people prefer to stay at home when they are acutely ill. Many only visit a doctor's surgery when severe symptoms persist for several days or the course of the illness worsens. Until then, they help themselves - unfortunately not always successfully.
Ayurveda offers a wide range of herbs and spices that can be used to put together a medicine chest that provides quick and gentle relief when needed - without any undesirable side effects. This means that no valuable time is lost during which pathogens can spread and symptoms can worsen.
An Ayurvedic medicine cabinet is also suitable for prophylaxis. Taking special herbs regularly or as a cure can prevent infections, regulate digestion and metabolism, increase energy levels, strengthen the nervous system, balance hormones and support the ageing process.
Ayurveda is help for self-help
„Just as heat is to fire and fluidity is to water, Ayurveda is deeply familiar to mankind“, says the most important Ayurvedic classic Caraka Samhita. Ayurveda's thinking is not cerebral, but close to nature and life. Everyone carries this knowledge within them and can utilise it independently if they know and respect the basic rules.
Successful Ayurvedic treatment requires knowledge of the individual constitution and current state of health. A diagnosis can only be made by a trained Ayurvedic therapist. Based on this, current susceptibilities can be recognised and a customised medicine chest can be put together. However, everyone can help themselves to maintain their health and alleviate minor ailments.
For example, if you have a Kapha-dominated constitution, are currently overweight, sleep late in the mornings and like to eat dairy products, then from an Ayurvedic perspective you are prone to developing slimy colds, tiredness, weak digestion and water retention. You can specifically prevent these complaints.
The ABC of Ayurvedic herbs and spices
In Ayurveda, all substances are classified according to a special system:
There are six different flavours: sweet, sour, salty, hot, bitter and tart. Each flavour represents two of the five elements of nature. The first three flavours increase Kapha and decrease Vata, the last three decrease Kapha and increase Vata. Sour, salty and pungent increase Pitta, while sweet, bitter and astringent lower it. Each flavour has its own effect on the body.
These are represented in ten pairs of opposites, the most important of which are hot-cold, dry-humid, light-heavy and sluggish-pointed. The targeted use of one property balances out the opposite one and has a corresponding soothing effect. One example is the dry-hot effect of ginger powder on phlegmy colds.
According to Ayurveda, the effect of a flavour changes after digestion of the substance in the gastrointestinal tract before absorption into the bloodstream. Sweet and salty become sweet; sour remains sour; hot, bitter and tart become hot. However, there are also exceptions to this rule: some fruits such as amalaki taste sour but have a sweet effect after digestion - and thus even reduce discomfort caused by excessive acidity. Some spices such as long pepper (pippali) taste hot, but have a sweet effect after digestion - and irritate the mucous membranes less.
Great importance is attached to temperature behaviour. Heating substances open body channels, stimulate circulation, stimulate digestion and metabolism. Cooling substances contract, slow down processes, calm, nourish and rebuild.
According to the classification of a substance according to flavour, properties, effect according to digestion and thermals, an overall picture emerges with regard to its effect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha and its possible uses for complaints.
Most herbs and spices are available in various forms such as powders, pellets or elixirs in specialised Ayurveda shops. The substances are usually dried after harvesting and then finely ground. These powders (churna) are stirred into liquids such as water, tea or milk. Their shelf life is relatively unlimited, but the flavour and some of the active ingredients diminish with age. It is therefore advisable to buy new products after two years at the latest, and fine spices should even be replaced every year.
Important note
The following recommendations do not replace a medical diagnosis or therapy. If symptoms persist for longer than three days or worsen, it is essential that you consult a specialist therapist. Pregnant women, children and people with chronic illnesses should consult a doctor or medically qualified therapist before taking the herbs mentioned.
Ajwain, the king caraway - for a free belly
- Flavour: bitter, pungent
- Properties: light, dry, pointed
- Effect after digestion: pungent
- Thermal: heating
- Dosha relation: Vata and Kapha reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
The aromatic caraway helps to digest heavy food (meat, cheese, potato and pasta dishes, lentils) more easily. It relieves flatulence, cramps and bloating. It can also alleviate abdominal discomfort before and during menstruation.
The whole seeds or fruits and the ground powder (churna) are commercially available. Ajwain is also an important ingredient in classic spice blends such as Hingvashtaka Churna.
Application
Crush the dried seeds in a mortar and mix ½ teaspoon of powder with a little ghee or olive oil. Take this mixture 1-3 times a day shortly before meals and drink some hot water or ginger tea immediately afterwards. Another traditional application is steam inhalation for colds and mucous bronchitis - the crushed seeds are heated with water and the resulting vapour is inhaled for 5-15 minutes.
Amalaki, the Indian gooseberry - queen of prevention
- Flavour: all except salty
- Properties: dry, pointed
- Effect after digestion: sweet
- Thermal: cooling
- Dosha reference: all three reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Amalaki is considered the rejuvenating agent in Ayurveda. The dried fruit supports the immune system, reduces excessive acidity in the stomach, strengthens the eyes and is considered a tonic for skin, hair and nails.
The fruit powder (churna), pressed extract, fermented drinks and the famous recipe Chyavanprash - a fortifying fruit puree with numerous herbs, spices, honey, ghee and cane sugar - are commercially available. Amalaki is also a component of the most famous three-fruit mixture Triphala.
Application
Stir 1 teaspoon of the powdered dried fruit (Amalaki Churna) into a glass of warm water daily and drink this in the morning or evening separately from meals. If you want to support the stomach, take ½ teaspoon after meals with water. Amla pulp is a general tonic for the whole family, from small to large - it is mainly used to prevent respiratory infections, 1 heaped teaspoon in the morning at breakfast with a cup of ginger tea is already sufficient.
Ashwagandha, the Indian ginseng - pure strength and tranquillity
- Flavour: bitter, sweet, spicy
- Properties: light, oily
- Effect after digestion: sweet
- Thermal: heating
- Dosha relation: Vata and Kapha reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
The winter cherry ashwagandha is one of the most important plants in Ayurvedic medicine. Its root is considered a tonic for healthy muscles and an aphrodisiac for healthy sexuality and reproduction. It strengthens the nervous system, relieves shortness of breath, promotes sleep and regeneration.
In addition to the root powder (churna), pressed extract and the herbal wine of the same name, Ashwagandharishta, are also commercially available.
Application
Simmer 1 teaspoon of root powder (Ashwagandha Churna) for a few minutes in 250ml of organic cow's milk with a pinch of Pippali long pepper. Drink this mixture warm as a nourishing cocktail in the late afternoon or evening. A liqueur glass (40 ml, diluted with the same amount of water) of the herbal wine is also suitable for a peaceful sleep.
Brahmi, the navel herb - for a healthy mind
- Flavour: bitter, tart
- Properties: lightweight
- Effect after digestion: pungent
- Thermal: heating
- Dosha relation: Vata and Kapha reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Brahmi is considered sacred in India and is revered like no other plant. In Ayurveda, it is used as a nerve tonic to increase absorption and concentration and to balance the mood. It can be used at any age: from overactive children to students in exam periods, women with mood swings during the menopause to dementia prophylaxis in the elderly.
Commercially available: Herbal powder (Churna), extract pellets, herbal wine (Saraswatarishta).
Application
Stir 1 teaspoon of powder (Brahmi Churna) daily into a glass of hot water or milk and add half a teaspoon of ghee. Alternatively, you can also enjoy 40ml of the herbal wine Saraswatarishta to relax in the evening.
Guduchi, the protector - for the immune system
- Flavour: bitter, tart
- Properties: heavy, oily
- Effect after digestion: sweet
- Thermal: heating
- Dosha reference: all three reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
The Guduchi climbing plant is a true all-rounder. It strengthens the immune system and thus prevents annoying infections. Its bitter substances are particularly valued by the liver, aid digestion and purify the blood and bodily fluids. In traditional Ayurveda, guduchi is considered a great skin healing plant.
Commercially available: Herbal powder (churna), extract pellets
Application
Mix 1 teaspoon of the powder (Guduchi Churna) in a glass of warm water and drink it in the morning. You can quickly regulate the bitter flavour by chewing a few cardamom or fennel seeds afterwards. A real protector, especially in the winter months when infections are rife!
Guggulu, the Indian myrrh - for a healthy metabolism
- Flavour: bitter, tart, pungent
- Characteristics: non-mucous, dry, subtle, light, sharp, rough
- Effect after digestion: pungent
- Thermal: heating
- Dosha reference: all three reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
The myrrh resin guggulu enjoys a special position in classical Ayurveda and is considered the most important remedy for a healthy metabolism. It helps in weight reduction, improves the flow behaviour of the blood, corrects blood lipids and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints, muscles and skin. The resin is also traditionally used to treat well-known diseases of civilisation such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Combinations based on guggulu are mainly available on the market: the best known are Kaishora Guggulu, Kancanara Guggulu, Yogaraja Guggulu, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Triphala Guggule and Punarnavadi Guggulu.
Self-application is clearly not recommended - Consult your Ayurveda therapist to find the right Guggulu product for you.
Haridra, turmeric - the anti-inflammatory
- Flavour: bitter, pungent
- Properties: light, dry
- Effect after digestion: pungent
- Thermal: heating
- Dosha reference: all three reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Hardly any other plant has been the subject of more scientific studies (over 1000). Curcuma, the yellow gold of South Asia, purifies the blood and counteracts inflammation. It protects the liver, strengthens the immune system and counteracts many microorganisms. A great household remedy for wounds and skin reactions as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
Commercially available: Spice powder, extract pellets
Application
Incorporate turmeric into your diet every day as a preventative measure. Vegetable dishes can be wonderfully transformed into fantastic curries with coconut milk and turmeric. For acute infections, drink half a teaspoon together with a pinch of Pippali long pepper stirred into warm water three times a day. Alternatively, you can take 2-3 pellets three times a day if you find the flavour too intense. Mixed externally with honey or aloe vera gel, turmeric shows excellent results on wounds and skin rashes - but be careful: the colouring effect on textiles is enormous, so it is better to bandage the affected area...
Haritaki, the miracle fruit - for a healthy bowel movement
- Flavour: all except salty
- Properties: light, dry
- Effect after digestion: sweet
- Thermal: heating
- Dosha reference: all three reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Haritaki is considered a gastrointestinal specialist, as it promotes bowel movements when uncooked and inhibits them when cooked - without any side effects. In Ayurveda, it is also traditionally regarded as an anti-ageing remedy and nerve tonic. It is part of the Triphala three-fruit mixture.
The fruit powder (churna) and the herbal wine (abhayarishta) are commercially available. Like amalaki, haritaki is part of the Triphala three-fruit mixture.
Application
Its flavour takes some getting used to, but once you've tried it you won't want to miss out on its health-promoting effects. Stir a teaspoon into a glass of warm water every day to stimulate digestion. To bind loose stools, you can simmer the same amount for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, herbal wine is also available in 40ml daily, diluted with the same amount of water.
Nimba, the nimba tree - the best natural antimicrobial
- Flavour: bitter, tart
- Properties: light, dry
- Effect after digestion: pungent
- Thermal: cooling
- Dosha relationship: Kapha and Pitta reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Nimba, often also known as neem, has long since found its way into pesticides, mite sprays and cosmetic products. And rightly so - its effect against numerous bacteria, fungi and parasites has been scientifically proven. Neem has been used for centuries to treat acute gastrointestinal and skin infections.
Commercially available: Herbal powder (churna), extract pellets
Application
The maximum duration of use should be four weeks; pregnant women should refrain from taking it. Stir half a teaspoon of the powder (Nimba Churna) into a glass of water 1-3 times a day and drink it. The external application of neem powder mixed with aloe vera gel to form a paste also helps with sunburn and inflammation.
Pippali, the long pepper - for free breathing
- Flavour: spicy
- Properties: light, oily, pointed
- Effect after digestion: sweet
- Thermal: slightly heating
- Dosha relation: Vata and Kapha reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Together with ginger, pippali is considered one of the best herbs for colds. It reduces phlegm and promotes expectoration. It stimulates the digestive fire (agni) and burns off residues from inadequate digestion (ama). In contrast to other hot spices such as chilli or mustard, pippali hardly irritates the mucous membranes, which makes it suitable for long-term use.
The spice powder (churna), extract pellets and the herbal wine (pippalyadiasava) are commercially available. Pippali is a component of the most famous Ayurvedic spice mixture Trikatu.
Application
Mucus tends to build up in the airways and sinuses at night, so a morning dose of Pippali is particularly effective. Mix ½ teaspoon of the powder (Pippali Churna) with 1 teaspoon of dark honey (preferably thyme honey) and stir this into lukewarm water or ginger tea. If necessary, this dose can be repeated three times a day.
Sariva, the fragrant one - for a healthy hormone system
- Flavour: sweet, bitter
- Properties: heavy, oily
- Effect after digestion: sweet
- Thermal: cooling
- Dosha reference: all three reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Sariva is considered an Ayurvedic blood purifier and supports the female organism during the fertile years and menopause. The root is traditionally considered to promote menstruation and lactation and can be used to relieve hot flushes. It promotes a clear complexion and aids digestion.
Primarily the root powder (churna) is commercially available.
Application
Sariva is particularly suitable for making tea. Boil 1 teaspoon of the powder (Sariva Churna) with 1200ml of water for 8-10 minutes over a medium heat and then allow the powder to sink to the bottom for another 2 minutes. Then simply pour into a thermos flask and drink throughout the day. Ideally suited as a 4-week treatment programme, 1-2 cups a day are sufficient for long-term consumption.
Sat Isabgol, the Indian psyllium seed - for your intestinal health
- Flavour: sweet
- Properties: heavy, oily, slimy
- Effect after digestion: sweet
- Thermal: cooling
- Dosha reference: Vata and Pitta reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Psyllium is a swelling substance because it swells up when combined with water. This effect helps your intestines to produce a higher distension stimulus and thus promote bowel movements or bind too much water in the event of diarrhoea. Its mucilage nourishes the mucous membranes throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
Psyllium husks are commercially available. Make sure that these are broken down as finely as possible, as otherwise they can cause flatulence.
Application
Drink 1-2 tablespoons with 300ml of water quickly to reach the deeper parts of the intestine and swell up there. If you want to bind the stool, the amount of water should only be half as much. You can also add the psyllium husks to your morning muesli.
Shatavari, the asparagus root - „which has 100 men“...
- Flavour: sweet, bitter
- Properties: heavy, oily
- Effect after digestion: sweet
- Thermal: cooling
- Dosha reference: Vata and Pitta reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
In Ayurveda, shatavari is often regarded as the women's medicinal plant. It belongs to the group of phytoestrogens and has a moisturising and cooling effect. It protects all mucous membranes from inflammation and calms the nervous system. Before a planned pregnancy, it is used to increase fertility, and during the menopause it helps to counteract complaints such as heat, insomnia and dryness.
Commercially available: Root powder (churna), extract pellets
Application
Traditionally, 1 teaspoon of powder (Shatavari Churna) is boiled in 200ml of milk for a few minutes and drunk. For severe dryness, 1 teaspoon of ghee and sharkara (Ayurvedic cane sugar) can be added.
Tulsi, the holy basil - for the respiratory tract
- Flavour: spicy, bitter
- Properties: light, dry
- Effect after digestion: pungent
- Thermal: heating
- Dosha relation: Vata and Kapha reducing
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Tulsi is revered in India and has been used for thousands of years to treat respiratory complaints. The leaves remove phlegm and kapha and soothe coughs. Tulsi tea is also recommended for reducing night-time fever and has a digestive effect.
Commercially available: dried leaves, herbal powder (churna)
Application
Brew 1 tablespoon of tulsi leaves with 250ml of hot water as a tea and strain after 5-8 minutes. After cooling, add 1 teaspoon of thyme honey and a pinch of ginger powder and enjoy. Can be used several times a day in acute cases.
Vasa, the lungwort - a must for the medicine cabinet
- Flavour: bitter, tart
- Properties: light, dry
- Effect after digestion: pungent
- Thermal: cooling
- Dosha reference: Pitta and Kapha reducing
Commercially available: Herbal powder (Churna), herbal wine (Vasakarishta)
Possible uses in the medicine cabinet
Vasa or vasaka is one of the most important respiratory plants in the world. It dilates the bronchial tubes and therefore relieves congestion, which often occurs during acute infections. Stir ½ teaspoon of the powder (vasa churna) into a cup of ginger or peppermint tea and add 1 teaspoon of thyme honey. A good alternative is also the herbal wine Vasakarishta, of which you can add 20ml to the tea instead of the powder.
Ayurvedic herb, spice and fruit mixtures
Avipattic macaw
Cloves and sharkara are prominent in this blend. It is considered the digestive remedy for Pitta dominance with a tendency to excessive acidity in the stomach and heartburn. Use: Take ½ teaspoon of the powder (Avipattikara Churna) 15-30 minutes after meals stirred into lukewarm water.
Hingvashtaka
This hot and bitter spice blend is made from roasted hing (asafoetida), three types of cumin, two types of pepper, ginger and rock salt. It is considered to be the most effective combination for bloating, flatulence and cramps. Use: Mix 1 level teaspoon of the powder (Hingvashtaka Churna) with 1 teaspoon of ghee or olive oil shortly before meals, then swallow and drink some warm water.
Sitopaladi
This powder mixture is based on the long pepper Pippali in Sharkara cane sugar. It strengthens the body after an infection and helps to eliminate mucus without drying out the respiratory tract. Directions: Take 1 level teaspoon of the powder (Sitopaladi Churna) mixed with a little thyme honey and warm water or ginger tea 1-3 times a day.
Trikatu
The most famous hot spice mixture in Ayurveda consists of dry ginger, black pepper and long pepper. It has a strong heating effect, stimulates circulation in all body channels and promotes the removal of mucus. Directions: Take ½ teaspoon of the powder (Trikatu Churna) mixed with a little thyme honey and warm water 1-3 times a day.
Triphala
The three-fruit mixture is an integral part of Ayurveda and is considered one of the most important Rasayana mixtures for regeneration. It supports digestion, cares for the skin and hair and strengthens the eyes. Application: Take a teaspoon of the powder (Triphala Churna) mixed in warm water in the evening 2 hours before going to sleep.
Home remedies for every constitution
Ideally, you should compile your personal medicine cabinet with an Ayurvedic therapist. They can give specific advice on which substances are important at which time of year. In acute cases, you can then discuss the intake directly by telephone.
The Vata medicine cabinet could look like this:
- Ashwagandha to invigorate and promote sleep
- Brahmi to strengthen the nerves
- Haritaki for improved defecation
- Hingvashtaka to optimise digestion
- Sitopaladi Churna for dry irritating cough
Pitta often needs
- Amalaki as Rasayana
- Nimba for cleansing and liver relief
- Sariva for cooling
- Sat Isabgol for loose stools
- Avipattikara for heartburn
Kapha benefits from
- Ajwain to optimise digestion
- Haridra for metabolic regulation
- Tulsi for cough relief
- Vasa to clear the airways
- Trikatu for degumming
Substances such as Guduchi, Haridra, Pippali and Triphala should not be missing in any medicine chest.
With best wishes for your health,
Ralph Steuernagel
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