10_Ayurveda 4 Flashcards
Herbal Pharmacology
1
Q
What is Prana?
A
Vital Force that permeates the entire natural world, including our bodies, foods, herbs, and environment.
2
Q
How does Prana interact with the body?
A
The therapeutic effect of herbs and whole foods occurs when their Vital Force interacts with our body’s Vital Force.
3
Q
What happens when Prana is sufficient and balanced?
A
- Body and mind are balanced
- Immunity is strong
- Self-healing is possible
4
Q
What restores and rebalances our Prana?
A
A natural existence that includes clean air, water, organic whole foods, and herbs.
5
Q
What characterizes a deficient or imbalanced Prana?
A
- Body and mind are disorganized
- Immunity is weak
- Self-healing is not possible
6
Q
What are the consequences of an unnatural existence on Prana?
A
It makes Prana inharmonious and shifts us out of balance with the natural world.
7
Q
What is the role of high-quality herbs in relation to Prana?
A
They support us at a Vital Force level, which is essential for true healing.
8
Q
What does ‘Dravyagunasatra’ refer to?
A
The framework for understanding the actions of herbs and other therapeutic substances in Ayurvedic pharmacology.
9
Q
What are the components of the term ‘Dravyagunasatra’?
A
- Dravya = material
- Guna = quality
- Sastra = rules/science
10
Q
What are the energetic effects of different preparation methods?
A
- Powders: dry, building
- Teas: warm, moist
- Juices: moist, building
- Tinctures: warming, penetrating
11
Q
What are the five elements in Ayurvedic pharmacology?
A
- Ether
- Air
- Fire
- Water
- Earth
12
Q
What is the benefit of the Air element in herbal medicine?
A
Dries dampness, tones tissues, stops bleeding, detoxifies, and promotes lightness.
13
Q
What types of herbs correspond to the Fire element?
A
Hot, intense, spicy herbs such as ginger, pepper, and chili.
14
Q
What is the primary benefit of the Water element?
A
Moistens tissues, supports mucous membranes, and promotes healing.
15
Q
What is the Earth element known for in herbal medicine?
A
Strengthens, builds, nourishes, restores, and brings stability.
16
Q
Fill in the blank: The Ether element is found in _______.
A
Pure water, clean air, high-quality herbs and foods.
17
Q
True or False: Excessive fasting can aggravate the Ether element.
A
True.
18
Q
What do demulcent herbs do?
A
Hydrate, lubricate, and provide cohesion.
19
Q
What is the effect of heavy and building herbs on Kapha?
A
They can cause weight gain and heaviness.
20
Q
What is a key characteristic of high-quality herbs?
A
They have not been manipulated for human needs and have remained pure species in nature.
21
Q
What is the significance of reconnection with nature in Ayurvedic healing?
A
It is at the root of healing and promotes respect and love for nature.
22
Q
SQ: If a patient presents with heat and toxicity, which element do you emphasise in treatment? Name TWO herbs
A
23
Q
SQ: If a patient presents with weak circulation and digestion, which element do you emphasise in treatment? Name TWO herbs.
A
24
Q
SQ: If a patient presents with dry skin and mucous membranes, which element do you emphasise in treatment? Name TWO herbs
A
25
SQ: If a patient presents with weakness and weight loss, which element do you emphasise in treatment? Name TWO herbs
26
What is the term for taste in Ayurveda?
Rasa
## Footnote
Rasa translates to juice, essence, or flavor.
27
How does taste affect Agni?
Pungent, sour, salty tastes increase Agni; sweet, bitter, astringent decrease Agni.
## Footnote
Agni refers to digestive fire.
28
What is the effect of small amounts of bitter taste before meals?
It increases Agni.
## Footnote
Example: 10 drops of gentian root tincture.
29
Which tastes do Vata, Pitta, and Kapha need to maintain balance?
Different taste focus.
## Footnote
Each dosha requires a unique balance of tastes to avoid aggravation.
30
What health issues are often caused by excess sweet and salty tastes?
Heavy, damp, mucus forming conditions.
## Footnote
Heating stimulants like coffee and alcohol also contribute to inflammation.
31
What qualities are associated with sweet-tasting herbs?
Cool, heavy, solid, building, moist, nourishing, comforting.
## Footnote
Sweet taste is called Madhura.
32
Name some herbs that have a sweet taste.
* Shatavari
* Ashwagandha
* Liquorice
* Fenugreek
* Fennel
33
What are demulcent herbs used for?
Soothe, heal, moisten mucous membranes.
## Footnote
Examples include marshmallow for dry coughs and flaxseeds for constipation.
34
What is the primary effect of sweet-tasting herbs?
Promotes tissue growth and increases vitality.
## Footnote
Liquorice is known for its tonic and anti-inflammatory properties.
35
What is the effect of sweet herbs on Vata and Pitta?
Reduces Vata and Pitta.
## Footnote
Sweet herbs balance Vata dryness and Pitta inflammation.
36
What problems can arise from excessive consumption of sweet herbs?
Weight gain, fluid retention, increased Ama.
## Footnote
Conditions include type II diabetes and allergies.
37
What is the sour taste called in Ayurveda?
Amla
## Footnote
Amla translates to sour or acidic.
38
What qualities and effects are associated with sour-tasting herbs?
Warm, light, moist, building; increases Agni, digestion, and bile flow.
## Footnote
Herbs include rose hips and amla fruit.
39
How do sour herbs affect Vata?
Reduces Vata problems by balancing dryness and increasing nourishment.
## Footnote
Helps treat low Agni and respiratory issues.
40
What potential negative effects can excess sourness cause?
Aggravates Pitta and Kapha problems.
## Footnote
Can lead to burning sensations, fluid retention, and loss of joy.
41
What is the salty taste called?
Lavana
## Footnote
Lavana translates to salty.
42
What are the qualities and effects of salty-tasting herbs?
Hot, moist, heavy; stimulates Agni, increases saliva, and liquifies mucus.
## Footnote
Herbs include garlic and nettle.
43
How do salty herbs affect Vata?
Reduces Vata problems by increasing moisture and improving nourishment.
## Footnote
Helps with cold, weak digestion and anxiety.
44
What issues can arise from excessive consumption of salty herbs?
Aggravates Pitta and Kapha problems.
## Footnote
Can lead to high blood pressure, weight gain, and fluid retention.
45
What is the pungent taste called?
Katu
## Footnote
Katu means hot or sharp.
46
What elements are associated with the pungent taste?
Fire and air elements
47
List the qualities of pungent-tasting herbs.
* Hot
* Dry
* Light
* Sharp
* Ascending
48
What are the effects of pungent-tasting herbs?
* Stimulates digestion (Agni)
* Circulation
* Metabolism
* Sweating (diaphoretic)
* Carminative
* Carries medicines around the body
* Opens the mind and senses
* Increases energy and passion
49
Name some examples of pungent-tasting herbs.
* Ginger
* Pepper
* Chilli
* Cloves
* Garlic
50
How do pungent herbs affect Kapha?
Pungent herbs strongly reduce Kapha (K--)
51
What qualities of pungent herbs balance Kapha problems?
* Hot
* Light
* Dry
* Intense
* Sharp
* Ascending
52
What is the effect of pungent herbs on metabolic rate?
Raises metabolic rate and energy
53
How do black pepper and hot spices affect nutrient assimilation?
Increase assimilation of nutrients by increasing Agni and overall digestive power
54
What effect do pungent herbs have on Vata when in excess?
Aggravates Vata by drying tissues
55
What conditions can result from excessive consumption of pungent herbs?
* Constipation
* Loss of grounding
* Overstimulation
56
How can moderate use of pungent herbs benefit Vata?
Balances Vata coldness and improves weak Agni
57
What is the bitter taste called?
Tikta
58
What elements are associated with the bitter taste?
Air and ether elements
59
List the qualities of bitter-tasting herbs.
* Cool
* Light
* Dry
60
What are the therapeutic effects of bitter-tasting herbs?
* Anti-inflammatory
* Detoxifying
* Anti-microbial
* Anti-parasite
61
What herbs are examples of bitter-tasting herbs?
* Neem
* Andrographis
* Golden seal
* Berberis
* Gentian
62
What is the effect of bitter taste on gastric juice production?
Stimulates production of gastric juice and bile
63
What can excessive intake of bitter herbs cause?
* Gas
* Bloating
* Low appetite
* Cramps
64
What is the role of bitter herbs in blood purification?
Strong detoxifying and heat-clearing effects
65
How do bitter herbs affect Pitta and Kapha?
Balances Pitta and Kapha aggravation (PK-)
66
What is the effect of bitter herbs on glucose metabolism?
Regulates glucose metabolism and insulin resistance
67
What is the astringent taste called?
Kasaya
68
What elements are associated with the astringent taste?
Earth and air elements
69
List the qualities of astringent-tasting herbs.
* Very dry
* Cool
* Heavy
* Rough
70
What are the effects of astringent-tasting herbs?
* Contracts tissues
* Heals skin and mucous membranes
* Stops bleeding
* Reduces discharges
71
Name some examples of astringent-tasting herbs.
* Haritaki
* Guggul
* Witch hazel
72
How does astringency affect aggravated Pitta and Kapha?
Cools, dries, and reduces Pitta heat and Kapha dampness
73
What is the effect of astringent herbs on Vata?
Aggravating for Vata (V+)
74
What is the role of tongue health in taste sensitivity?
A thick tongue coating affects taste sensitivity
75
What Ayurvedic practice improves taste perception?
Tongue scraping
76
What does a lack of taste indicate?
Low Agni and high Ama
77
What are the dominant taste combinations and their effects?
* Sweet + pungent: Nourishes and promotes digestion, balances Vata (V-)
* Sweet + sour: Nourishes and warms, balances Vata (V-)
* Sweet + bitter: Reduces inflammation, balances Pitta (P-)
* Sweet + astringent: Moistens and tones, balances Pitta (P-)
* Bitter + astringent: Anti-inflammatory, balances Pitta (P-)
* Pungent + bitter: Promotes metabolism and detoxification, balances Kapha (K-)
78
How do emotions relate to tastes in Ayurveda?
* Sweet (love, contentment): Increases Kapha, reduces Vata and Pitta (K+ VP-)
* Bitter (grief, bitterness): Increases Vata, reduces Pitta and Kapha (V+ PK-)
* Astringent (fear, anxiety): Increases Vata, reduces Pitta and Kapha (V+ PK-)
* Pungent (anger, irritation): Increases Pitta and Vata, reduces Kapha (PV+ K-)
* Sour (envy): Increases Pitta and Kapha, reduces Vata (PK+ V-)
* Salty (greed): Increases Kapha and Pitta, reduces Vata (KP+ V-)
79
What is 'Virya' in the context of herbal medicine?
'Virya' refers to the thermal (hot/cold) effect of herbs, impacting physical, mental, and emotional levels.
80
What are the effects of heating herbs?
* Balances cold, contracted, hypometabolic conditions
* Reduces Vata and Kapha
* Increases Pitta
* Examples: Chilli, black pepper, garlic, mustard
81
What are the effects of cooling herbs?
* Balances hot, inflamed, hyperactive conditions
* Reduces Pitta
* Increases Vata and Kapha
* Examples: Neem, andrographis, golden seal
82
What is 'Vipaka'?
The post-digestive effect of tastes on tissues, which changes after cooking/digestion.
83
What are the effects of sweet and salty tastes after digestion?
Digest into sweet: Anabolic, nourishing, moistening, mildly laxative. Reduces Pitta, increases Kapha.
84
What qualities classify herbs?
* Moist
* Dry
* Heavy
* Light
* Penetrating
85
What are the effects of moist herbs?
* Moisten, lubricate, strengthen
* Balance dry, deficient, inflamed tissues
* Examples: Liquorice, shatavari, marshmallow
86
What are the effects of dry herbs?
* Balance damp, sluggish, congested tissues
* Reduce moisture in the body
* Examples: Haritaki, green tea, cinnamon
87
What are the characteristics of heavy herbs?
* Nourish, build, strengthen
* Balance lightness and weakness
* Examples: Shatavari, ashwagandha, liquorice roots
88
What are the effects of light herbs?
* Ascend, reduce, clear channels
* Balance sluggishness and low motivation
* Examples: Gentian, wormwood
89
What are penetrating or sharp herbs used for?
Spread fast and deeply into tissues, balance coldness and stagnation.
90
What is the significance of 'Prabhava' in herbal medicine?
'Prabhava' refers to the special power or potency of herbs that cannot be fully explained by tastes and qualities.
91
What are the common methods of administering herbs?
* Juices
* Infusions
* Decoctions
* Powders
* Tinctures
* Oils
92
What are the qualities of herbal juices?
* Cool, moist, heavy, nourishing
* Supports body fluids
* Good for Pitta, less suitable for Vata and Kapha
93
What are the qualities of infusions and decoctions?
* Moist, hydrating, easy to digest
* Supports body fluids and mucous membranes
* Typically drank hot, warm, or cool depending on constitution
94
What are the characteristics of herbal powders?
* Heavy, dry, building, nourishing
* Good for chronic problems
* Can be difficult to digest
95
What are the advantages of using herbal powders?
* Quick incorporation into foods
* Can be applied topically for skin problems
96
What are the characteristics of herbal tinctures?
* Heating, disperses, penetrates
* Rapid absorption and strong extraction
97
What is the recommended way to take Kapha?
With warm water and honey
## Footnote
This method helps to balance Kapha dosha
98
What are spice powders used for in Ayurveda?
To stimulate Agni
## Footnote
Agni refers to digestive fire in Ayurveda
99
What are tinctures made from?
Herb material steeped in a blend of water and alcohol
## Footnote
Tinctures are known for rapid absorption and strong extraction
100
List three qualities of tinctures.
* Heating
* Disperses
* Penetrates
## Footnote
Tinctures do not contain the earth element, which means they do not nourish
101
Which doshas are tinctures ideal for?
* Kapha (warm, stimulating)
* Vata (in moderation, warm, moist)
## Footnote
Tinctures aggravate Pitta and should be avoided in certain conditions
102
Why should Pitta be avoided in tinctures?
Because it is warm, moist, and intense
## Footnote
Avoid tinctures in cases of bleeding, infection, and inflammation
103
How can the fire in a tincture be balanced?
By taking it in a glass of water or with aloe vera gel
## Footnote
This helps to mitigate the heating effect of the tincture
104
How are tinctures absorbed in the body?
Directly through the stomach lining into the bloodstream
## Footnote
This allows tinctures to act quickly for acute problems
105
What is the advantage of tinctures bypassing digestion?
They do not require strong Agni
## Footnote
This is ideal for warming and stimulating metabolism in cold states
106
What are medicated wines in Ayurveda?
Herb juices fermented with spices
## Footnote
They are sipped in small amounts before or after food to stimulate Agni
107
How many drops of tincture are recommended before meals?
10–15 drops on the tongue
## Footnote
This is suggested for weak digestion
108
What are medicated oils made from?
Cold pressed oils infused with herbs
## Footnote
They combine fire and water elements
109
List three qualities of medicated oils.
* Warm
* Heavy
* Smooth
## Footnote
These oils nourish and moisten various body tissues
110
Which oil is recommended for Vata and Kapha?
Sesame oil
## Footnote
It should be used in moderation for Kapha
111
Which oils are more cooling and best avoided for Pitta?
* Olive oil
* Coconut oil
## Footnote
These oils can aggravate Pitta dosha
112
What type of problems is comfrey oil used for?
Musculoskeletal problems
## Footnote
Comfrey oil is applied to support joint and muscle health
113
Should oils be applied directly to hot inflamed skin?
False
## Footnote
Instead, they should be blended into a cream or lotion base
114
SQ: For weak digestion, cold hands and feet, insomnia and low weight, which qualities would you emphasise? Name THREE relevant herbs
115
SQ: For fluid retention, weight gain, low energy and motivation, which qualities would you emphasise? Name THREE relevant herbs
116
SQ: For inflammation and acid reflux, which herbal applications would you choose and avoid?
117
SQ: For dry skin and mucous membranes and weak digestion, which herbal applications would you choose and avoid?
118
What is the first step in treating disease according to Ayurveda?
Establish the Dosha aggravation / imbalance.
119
What should a therapeutic plan in Ayurveda be based on?
Tastes, qualities, Virya, Vipaka, and Prabhava.
120
What are the two priorities to address for good nutrition in Ayurveda?
Agni and Ama.
121
What should diet and lifestyle advice aim to do in Ayurvedic treatment?
Fully support treatment aims.
122
What qualities does Vata have that need to be balanced?
Cold, dry, light.
123
Which tastes should be focused on to balance Vata?
* Sour
* Salty
* Sweet
124
What are the balancing qualities for Vata?
Warm, moist, heavy.
125
What is recommended for Vata therapeutics?
* Teas
* Powders
* Tinctures
* Oils
126
Which herbs are ideal for aggravated Vata?
* Ashwagandha
* Marshmallow
127
What tastes should be avoided for aggravated Vata?
* Bitter
* Astringent
* Excess pungent
128
What are the qualities of unsuitable herbs for aggravated Vata?
Cool, dry, light.
129
Name an unsuitable herb for aggravated Vata.
Golden seal.
130
What qualities does Pitta have that need to be balanced?
Hot, moist, sharp.
131
Which tastes should be focused on to balance Pitta?
* Bitter
* Astringent
* Sweet
132
What are the balancing qualities for Pitta?
Cool, dry.
133
What is recommended for Pitta therapeutics?
* Juices
* Cool infusions
* Powders
134
What herbs are ideal for aggravated Pitta?
* Gentian
* Neem
135
What tastes should be avoided for aggravated Pitta?
* Salty
* Sour
* Pungent
136
What qualities do unsuitable herbs for aggravated Pitta have?
Hot, moist, sharp.
137
Name an unsuitable herb for aggravated Pitta.
Chili.
138
What qualities does Kapha have that need to be balanced?
Cool, damp, heavy.
139
Which tastes should be focused on to balance Kapha?
* Pungent
* Astringent
* Bitter
140
What are the balancing qualities for Kapha?
Warm, dry, light.
141
What is recommended for Kapha therapeutics?
* Hot infusions
* Tinctures
142
What herbs are ideal for aggravated Kapha?
* Pepper
* Dry ginger
143
What tastes should be avoided for aggravated Kapha?
* Sweet
* Sour
* Salty
144
What qualities do unsuitable herbs for aggravated Kapha have?
Cool, moist, heavy, building.
145
Name an unsuitable herb for aggravated Kapha.
Liquorice.
