Downward (Adho gati marga) Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda PerspectiveCategories / Direction / Downward
Downward Recipes Downward Ingredients Downward Herbs & Supplements AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON DOWNWARDDownward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.INGREDIENTS WITH DOWNWARD QUALITY
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Neutral (Tridoshic)Apple (cooked)Reduces Acai, Almonds, Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Hemp Seed, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Lime, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Poppy Seed, Shrimp, Spelt Flour, Summer Squash, Sweet PeasAlmonds, Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Avocado, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Hemp Seed, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Oyster, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Portobello Mushroom, Pumpkin, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushroom, Shrimp, Spelt Flour, Sweet Peas, Tahini, Tofu
EARTHResembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.Almonds, Amaranth, Asparagus, Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Hemp Seed, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Popped Amaranth, Portobello Mushroom, Pumpkin, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushroom, Shrimp, Spelt Flour, Sweet Peas, Tahini, Tofu
SATISFIES-STOMACHProvides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.Almonds, Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Hemp Seed, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin, Sesame Seeds, Shrimp, Spelt Flour, Summer Squash, Sweet Peas, Tahini, Tofu
OJASOjas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.Acai, Almonds, Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Hemp Seed, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Oyster, Popped Amaranth, Pumpkin, Sesame Seeds, Shrimp, Spelt Flour, Sweet Peas, Tahini, Tofu
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.GroundingAcai, Almonds, Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Jackfruit, Milk, Oyster, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Portobello Mushroom, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushroom, Shrimp, Tahini, TofuWhiteAmaranth, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Jackfruit, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Popped Amaranth, Portobello Mushroom, Salt (Mineral Salt), Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushroom, Shrimp, Spelt Flour, Tahini, TofuApple (cooked), Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Hemp Seed, Honey Dew, Kale, Milk, Oyster, Poppy Seed, Portobello Mushroom, Shiitake Mushroom, Spelt Flour, Sweet Peas, Tofu
INWARDInward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down.Almonds, Apple (cooked), Asparagus, Avocado, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Grapefruit, Kale, Lime, Poppy Seed, Portobello Mushroom, Pumpkin, Salt (Mineral Salt), Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushroom, Sweet Peas
ALKALIZINGAn herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.Apple (cooked), Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Grapefruit, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Lime, Milk, Oyster, Salt (Mineral Salt), Shrimp, Summer Squash, Tahini
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Almonds, Apple (cooked), Asparagus, Coconut Water, Grapefruit, Honey Dew, Kale, Lime, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Sesame Seeds, Spelt Flour, Summer Squash, Sweet Peas
SATTVICSattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.Almonds, Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Hemp Seed, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Popped Amaranth, Sesame Seeds, Spelt Flour, Summer Squash, Tahini, Tofu
BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPHPlasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.ProteinAlmonds, Amaranth, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Hemp Seed, Jackfruit, Popped Amaranth, Portobello Mushroom, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushroom, Shrimp, Sweet Peas, Tahini, TofuAcai, Amaranth, Asparagus, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Kale, Oats / Oatmeal, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Sweet Peas, Tofu
APPETITE-SUPPRESSANTSuppresses hunger without causing weight gain.Almonds, Amaranth, Hemp Seed, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin, Shrimp
MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.Acai, Cassava Root / Yuca, Hibiscus, Jackfruit, Kale, Sweet Peas, Tofu
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Hemp Seed, Poppy Seed
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.Tahini
ANTIMICROBIALAn agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.Oats / Oatmeal
NERVINEBalances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.Acai, Almonds, Asparagus, Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Hemp Seed, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Kale, Lime, Milk, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin, Spelt Flour, Summer Squash, Sweet Peas, Tofu
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Almonds, Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Hemp Seed, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Poppy Seed, Portobello Mushroom, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushroom, Shrimp, Spelt Flour, Sweet Peas, Tahini, Tofu
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Apple (cooked), Avocado, Coconut Water, Grapefruit, Hemp Seed, Honey Dew, Kale, Lime, Oats / Oatmeal, Spelt Flour, Summer Squash, Sweet Peas
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Almonds, Avocado, Coconut Water, Hemp Seed, Jackfruit, Oyster, Poppy Seed, Sesame Seeds, Shrimp, Tahini
OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Jackfruit, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Oyster, Pumpkin, Shrimp, Spelt Flour
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Jackfruit, Milk, Portobello Mushroom, Pumpkin, Shiitake Mushroom, Tahini, Tofu
DIFFICULTDifficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.Asparagus, Avocado, Grapefruit, Hibiscus, Kale, Lime, Summer Squash
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Apple (cooked), Asparagus, Grapefruit, Kale, Lime, Salt (Mineral Salt)
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Asparagus, Kale, Lime, Popped Amaranth
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Amaranth, Asparagus, Kale, Popped Amaranth, Pumpkin, Tofu
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Salt (Mineral Salt), Sesame Seeds, Shrimp, Tahini
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Grapefruit, Kale
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Cassava Root / Yuca
TOXICA substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.Acai, Almonds, Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Asparagus, Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Coconut Water, Grapefruit, Hemp Seed, Honey Dew, Jackfruit, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Oyster, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin, Sesame Seeds, Shrimp, Spelt Flour, Summer Squash, Sweet Peas, Tahini
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Acai, Amaranth, Asparagus, Cassava Root / Yuca, Hibiscus, Jackfruit, Kale, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Tofu
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Asparagus, Cassava Root / Yuca, Honey Dew, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin, Summer Squash, Tofu
BLANDBland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.Acai, Apple (cooked), Grapefruit, Hibiscus, Honey Dew, Lime
SOURSour refers to anything fermented or acidic.Almonds, Asparagus, Hemp Seed, Poppy Seed, Sesame Seeds
CRUNCHYMakes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.Oyster, Salt (Mineral Salt), Sesame Seeds, Shrimp
SALTYSalty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Portobello Mushroom, Shiitake Mushroom
MUSKYHave an earthy smell to them, such as mushrooms.Cassava Root / Yuca, Grapefruit, Kale
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Salt (Mineral Salt)
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Bowel Poop EliminationAmaranth, Apple (cooked), Cassava Root / Yuca, Hemp Seed, Hibiscus, Lime, Oats / Oatmeal, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Salt (Mineral Salt), Sweet PeasEnergy VitalityAcai, Amaranth, Grapefruit, Jackfruit, Milk, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Sesame Seeds, ShrimpCleanse And DetoxAmaranth, Asparagus, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Grapefruit, Popped Amaranth, Portobello Mushroom, Shiitake MushroomAvocado, Hibiscus, Tofu
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).Summer Squash, Tofu
ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.Lunch DinnerAmaranth, Asparagus, Cassava Root / Yuca, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Jackfruit, Oats / Oatmeal, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Portobello Mushroom, Pumpkin, Shiitake Mushroom, Shrimp, Sweet Peas, TofuAutumn WinterAlmonds, Apple (cooked), Avocado, Cassava Root / Yuca, Crimini & Button Mushrooms, Hemp Seed, Milk, Oats / Oatmeal, Oyster, Poppy Seed, Portobello Mushroom, Pumpkin, Salt (Mineral Salt), Sesame Seeds, Shiitake Mushroom, Shrimp, Spelt Flour, Tahini, TofuHERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH DOWNWARD QUALITY
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Neutral (Tridoshic)Avipattikar ChurnaReduces Kava Kava, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, VidariReduces Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Kava Kava, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Vidari
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Avipattikar Churna, Black Haw, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kava Kava, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Black Haw, Kava Kava, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vata Shirodhara Oil
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.GroundingAbhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kava Kava, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, VidariKava Kava, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Vidari, Wood Betony
EARTHResembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Black Haw, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kava Kava, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Wood Betony
MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Vidari, Wood Betony
INWARDInward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down.Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kava Kava, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Wood Betony
NERVINEBalances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Vidari
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kutaja Bark, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee
ANTIMICROBIALAn agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Vidari
OJASOjas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kutaja Bark, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Vidari
BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPHPlasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Avipattikar Churna, Black Haw, Black Walnut, Kutaja Bark, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vidari
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Kava Kava, Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vata Shirodhara Oil
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Black Walnut, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kutaja Bark, Pitta Shirodhara Oil
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Kava Kava, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari Ghee, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vata Shirodhara Oil
OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Shatavari, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Vidari
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Black Haw, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kutaja Bark
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Black Walnut, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kutaja Bark
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian
TOXICA substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Avipattikar Churna, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Vidari
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic, Avipattikar Churna, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kava Kava, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vata Shirodhara Oil
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Avipattikar Churna, Black Haw, Black Walnut, Kava Kava, Kutaja Bark, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Skullcap
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Avipattikar Churna, Black Haw, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kutaja Bark, Pitta Shirodhara Oil
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Avipattikar Churna, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kava Kava, Pitta Shirodhara Oil
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, Vidari
BLANDBland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic
SOURSour refers to anything fermented or acidic.Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Mind Stress SleepHoly Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kava Kava, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Skullcap, Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian, Vata Shirodhara OilEnergy VitalityHoly Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Licorice Ghee (9oz), Licorice Root (Yastimadhu), Shatavari, Shatavari Ghee, VidariDigestionAbhayrishta- Colon Tonic, Avipattikar Churna, Black Walnut, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kutaja Bark, ShatavariHoly Basil Leaf (Tulsi)
ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.HELPFUL FOR*'Downward' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.DigestionFrequent HiccupSkinWarm & rosy skinCONTRAINDICATIONS / AGGRAVATES / IS AGGRAVATED BY*'Downward' may aggravate, or be aggravated by, these symptoms and causes below.About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. |
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