It is a great detoxifier and can be used on a regular basis to cleanse the system and provide refreshing chlorophyll.
The tea can be used to reduce cholesterol.
CAUTION
Never eat alfalfa seeds because they contain high levels of the toxic amino acid canavanine. Over time, eating the seeds could result in impaired functioning of the platelets and white blood cells. The alfalfa plant also contains saponins, chemicals which may affect red blood cells. In recommended doses, alfalfa is considered completely safe. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a physician before use.
MYRISTICA FRAGRANS
NUTMEG Jaiphala
Nutmeg is a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia. The brown, wrinkled fruit contains a kernel which is covered by a bright red membrane.
PROPERTIES
Warming, stimulant, rejuvenating. Nutmeg improves appetite and digestion. It is highly aromatic, carminative, and has strong hallucinogenic properties when ingested in large quantities.
Part of Plant Used The kernel of the seed.
Conditions Treated Nutmeg is calming and sleep-inducing, making it an excellent remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders. It has been used to treat diarrhea and vomiting. Nutmeg strengthens the heart and eases menstruation. In small quantities, it acts on the stomach, improving digestion and appetite, while dispeling flatulence or acid stomach. Nutmeg has been used to ease kidney trouble.
Form Taken Whole or as a powder, as a tea, spice, massage oil, or an inhalation.
Used with Other Herbs? Balsam, bay, cinnamon, cumin, lavender.
HOW TO USE
Licorice reduces both vátha and pitta.
The herb, a common treatment for bronchitis and colds, may be chewed directly, taken as a tea, or made into a medicated ghee, or clarified butter, preparation.
CAUTION
Can be very toxic if eaten. Eating as few as two nutmeg kernals can cause death. Use only in the medicinal amount. Consult a physician before using nutmeg medicinally. Pregnant women and people in high pitta condition should avoid nutmeg. Nutmeg has hallucinogenic properties.
OCYMUM BASILICUM
BASIL Tulsi
There are many different varieties of basil. The Indian variety is also known as basil krishna, because it is said that Krishna wore garlands of this herb around his neck to increase his detachment and his faith.
PROPERTIES
Basil acts as a diaphoretic, a febrifuge (a fever reducer), and a nervine. Basil is antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antispasmodic. Basil stimulates the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies.
Part of Plant Used The leaves and oil.
Conditions Treated Basil can provide relief for colds, coughs, asthma, sinus congestion, headaches, arthritis, rheumatism, and fevers. Basil oil kills intestinal parasites, and as such is recommended for abdominal conditions, parasites, and stomachache. A basil poultice can be used to treat ringworm infections.
Form Taken Basil can be drunk as a tea or juice, cooked into medicated ghee, used as an inhalation, massaged as a therapeutic oil, or made into a compress or poultice.
Used with Other Herbs? Basil is wonderful when used in conjunction with camphor, rosemary, juniper, lemon, eucalyptus, myrtle, lavender, bergamot, lime, and clary sage. Great fragrances!
HOW TO USE
Basil reduces kapha and vátha, and increases pitta.
It has a strong effect on the emotions, and can ease fear or sadness.
CAUTION
Avoid use when in a high pitta condition, because basil increases pitta. Use with care during pregnancy, as basil has been used as a menstruation promoter and labor inducer.
PIPER LONGUM
LONG PEPPER Pippali
Native to India and Java, these peppers are gathered and stored to ripen for use, in order to preserve the greatest heat potency. Long pepper, or pippali, is the primary ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine to treat kapha disorders.
PROPERTIES
Long pepper is a pungent, heating stimulant. It has strong digestive, carminative, and emetic properties. Long pepper acts as a decongestant and expectorant. It is analgesic and warming, and increases the circulation.
Part of Plant Used The fruit (pepper).
Conditions Treated Asthma, bronchitis, throat problems, digestive disorders, disorders of the spleen. Externally, long pepper can be used for arthritis and muscle soreness. Taken internally, it is useful as a digestive aid and a treatment for colds, fever, toothache, diarrhea, and constipation.
Form Taken As a powder, tea or infusion, food, or oil.
Used with Other Herbs? Black pepper, fenugreek, ginger, turmeric.
HOW TO USE
Long pepper restores kapha and vátha to balance, invigorating sluggish kapha, and warming vátha’s coolness.
Its warming action increases pitta.
Use a pippali and rock salt tea to clear sore throats, sinus congestion, coughs, and hiccups.
CAUTION
Long pepper should not be given to children under two years old. Use rubber gloves when chopping peppers, as they may burn the fingertips. If burning should occur, wash with vinegar several times, rinsing carefully. Pepper oil can linger for several hours, and will cause severe pain if it comes in contact with sensitive tissues, such as eyes or genitals.
PIPER NIGRUM
BLACK PEPPER Marich, Mari
In Ayurvedic traditions, black pepper or marich is named after the Sanskrit word for the sun. Black pepper contains very potent solar energy, and is a powerful digestive stimulant. Black pepper is rajasic, or energy-producing, in nature.
PROPERTIES
Black pepper has a heating and drying effect. The taste is pungent and bitter—both properties good for balancing an overabundance of kapha.
Part of Plant Used The pepper kernel and the oil made from it.
Conditions Treated Black pepper stimulates the plasma and the blood, nervous system, spleen, and reduces fat. It is beneficial for chronic indigestion, toxins in the colon, sinus congestion, and can stimulate the circulation to help warm cold hands and feet.
Form Taken Take as a spice, as an oil, tea, or compress.
Used with Other Herbs? Black pepper combines well with orange, ginger, cypress, anise, sandalwood, lemon, and basil.
HOW TO USE
Reduces kapha, increases pitta and vátha.
Use