L10 Ayurveda Herbs - intro Flashcards
What are the five elements that form the basis for Ayurvedic pharmacology?
Ether, air, fire, water, earth
What is the air element associated with in Ayurvedic pharmacology?
Barks, astringent action, bitters
Examples include gentian
What plant characteristics define the fire element?
Ascending growth, red/yellow colours, spices
Examples include chilli
What plant characteristics define water element ?
Downward growth, mucilage
Example includes marshmallow
What plant characteristics define the earth element ?
Large structures and roots (especially bulbous roots, eg Shatavari, Ashwagandha)
Example includes ashwagandha
What are the qualities of cinnamon in Ayurvedic terms?
Dry and warm (air + fire elements)
What does the ether element represent?
“Field of function”, prana, Vital Force
Characteristics include light, clear, subtle
As ether is immaterial, what qualitites in herbalism reflect this element?
Pure water, clean air, fasting, high-quality herbs, loving preparation
Examples include brahmi, sage
What benefits does the ether element provide?
Harmonises, balances, heals, promotes clarity and consciousness
Why can Brahmi be considered an ether supporting herb?
Consciouness-promoting
“Brings knowledge of God”
Practically good for promoting memory and concentration
Also sage, rosemary, St John’s wort could be considered ether
Which dosha is aggravated by the ether element?
Vata (air and ether) (V+)
What can excessive fasting and purity of lifestyle cause?
Weakness, un-groundedness
Too much ether! We need all the doshas (resiliance and fire are also important)
What is the air element’s main characteristic?
Wind, movement (cold, dry, light, rough)
What types of herbs are associated with the air element?
Dry, astringent (tannin) herbs,
bitter herbs, barks
Examples include yarrow, berberis, yellow dock
What benefits does the air element provide?
Dries dampness, tones tissues, stops bleeding, detoxifies, promotes lightness
Raise prolapsed organs
Which doshas does the air element reduce?
Pitta and Kapha (PK-)
What is a potential consequence of excessive astringency and bitterness?
Dries out, cools, and depletes the system
Aggravates Vata (V+)
What are the attributes of the fire element?
Transformation (hot, light, ascending, dispersing)
Penetrating (vehicle to carry other elements)
What types of herbs are found in the fire element?
Hot, intense, spicy herbs
Examples include ginger, pepper, chilli, mustard, cloves
Why are tinctures considered Fire element?
Alcohol is penetrating.
Crosses the stomach lining - immediate effect
What benefits does the fire element provide?
Warms, stimulates circulation, metabolism, digestion, passion
Which doshas does the fire element reduce?
Kapha and Vata (KV-)
Use spices in liquid forms for Vata to avoid drying out
What can excessive hot spices cause?
Over-stimulate, over-heat and inflame (P+)
What is the main function of the water element?
Hydrates, lubricates, provides cohesion (cool, moist, heavy)
What types of herbs are associated with the water element?
Demulcent herbs, fruits
Examples include linseeds, marshmallow, elderberry
What benefits does the water element provide?
Moistens tissues, supports mucous membranes, anti-inflammatory, promotes healing
Which doshas does the water element reduce?
Vata and Pitta (VP-)
What can excess demulcent herbs cause?
Increase mucus, dampness (K+)
What does the earth element contribute?
Mass and stability (dense, solid, heavy)
What types of herbs are found in the earth element?
Heavy, building, nourishing roots
Best given in herbal powders
Examples include ashwaganda, shatavari
What benefits does the earth element provide?
Strengthens, builds, nourishes, restores, brings stability and resilience
Which doshas does the earth element reduce?
Vata and Pitta (VP-)
What can excess heavy and building herbs cause?
Weight gain and heaviness (K+)
What is the primary benefit of ashwagandha root?
Nourishes tissues and grounds the nervous system
It is a warming herb, so caution with those with Pitta aggravation
