Ayurvedic Doshas and how to balance them with herbal medicines:

Ayurvedic herbal medicine is based on the concept of balancing the doshas in each of the major body systems and tissues. But how do you know which dosha or dosha(s) have gone out of balance?

Vata: (Ether and Air)

Ether is the principle of space and pervasiveness. Its qualities of expansiveness, lightness and clarity combine with Air and its qualities of mobility, coldness, dryness, roughness and variability to become Vata dosha.

Its primary function is regulation of all movement and “impulses” in the body. The flow of the breath, the circulation of the blood, the functions of the nervous system, the elimination of wastes, even the movement of thoughts and the function of the intellect are governed by Vata.

Herbal formulas for Vata constitutional types help to balance the dry, rough, light, cold and mobile qualities and manifestations of Vata dosha.

Pitta: (Fire and Water)

Fire is the principle of illumination. Its qualities are hot, sharp, penetrating, luminous and dispersing. These qualities combine with the Water element and its qualities of flowing, lubricating and softening to form Pitta dosha. Pitta’s primary function in the body is transformation. It is the metabolic activity, digestive functions and endocrine activity. Pitta gives color, warmth, courage, vigor and critical thinking.

Herbal formulas for Pitta constitutional types help balance the hot, intense, oily, sharp and light qualities and manifestations of Pitta dosha.

Kapha: (Water and Earth)

Earth is the principle of cohesion and stability. Its qualities of heaviness, solidity, hardness, density and thickness combine with the Water element qualities of cold, wet, heavy and soft to form Kapha dosha. Kapha’s primary function is to hold the body together. It gives form and shape, promotes development, protects and lubricates. Kapha is nurturing and promotes contentment and love

Herbal formulas for Kapha constitutional types help balance the cold, heavy, dense, smooth and wet qualities and manifestations of Kapha Dosha.