Nerves (Majja Dhatu / Vaha srotas) Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective

Categories / Tissues (Dhatu) / Mind-Stress-Sleep / Dhatu-Nerves

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Reported by John Immel Asheville, NC
Browse Recipes

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON NERVES

Marrow tissue (Majja Dhatu) includes bone marrow and nervous tissue.

Hormones Affecting Mood & Emotions

INGREDIENTS WITH NERVES QUALITY

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (energetics) Taste System Meal Season

Reduces
Buttermilk
Eggs
Nutmeg
Reduces
Almond Butter
Almond Milk
Almonds
Bone Marrow / Fat
Coconut Milk
Coconut Oil
Ghee
Reduces
Basil
Reduces
Lavender
Reduces
Mint
Reduces
Walnuts

Ojas
OJAS
Ojas 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.
SEE ALL 'OJAS' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Butter , Almond Milk , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Buttermilk , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Eggs , Ghee , Walnuts

Nutritive
NUTRITIVE
An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.
SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Butter , Almond Milk , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Buttermilk , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Eggs , Ghee , Walnuts

Sattvic
SATTVIC
Sattvic 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.
SEE ALL 'SATTVIC' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Milk , Almonds , Basil , Buttermilk , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Ghee , Lavender , Mint

Fats

Almond Butter , Almond Milk , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Eggs , Ghee , Walnuts

Blood Plasma Lymph
BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH
Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.
SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Butter , Almond Milk , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Buttermilk , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Ghee , Walnuts

Alkalizing
ALKALIZING
An herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.
SEE ALL 'ALKALIZING' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Milk , Almonds , Basil , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Ghee , Mint , Nutmeg

Earth
EARTH
Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.
SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Butter , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Buttermilk , Eggs , Ghee , Nutmeg , Walnuts

Fat
FAT
Fat tissue (Meda Dhatu) includes adipose tissue and sebum (skin oil).
SEE ALL 'FAT' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Butter , Bone Marrow / Fat , Buttermilk , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Eggs , Ghee , Walnuts

Satisfies Stomach
SATISFIES-STOMACH
Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.
SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Butter , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Buttermilk , Coconut Milk , Eggs , Walnuts

Tonic
TONIC
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Milk , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Coconut Oil , Eggs , Ghee

Allergens

Almond Butter , Almond Milk , Almonds , Buttermilk , Eggs , Walnuts

Promotes Virility
PROMOTES-VIRILITY
Encourages virility and potency.
SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-VIRILITY' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Milk , Almonds , Coconut Oil , Eggs , Ghee

Water
WATER
Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.
SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Milk , Bone Marrow / Fat , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Ghee

Nervine
NERVINE
Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.
SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Almonds , Basil , Lavender , Mint , Nutmeg

Anxiolytic
ANXIOLYTIC
Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.
SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Lavender , Mint , Nutmeg

Antispasmodic
ANTISPASMODIC
Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.
SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Lavender , Mint , Nutmeg

Analgesic
ANALGESIC
Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.
SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Lavender , Mint , Nutmeg

Antidepressant
ANTIDEPRESSANT
Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.
SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Mint

Muscle Relaxant
MUSCLE-RELAXANT
Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.
SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

Almonds , Lavender

Nerve Relaxant Grounding
NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING
Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.
SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

Almonds , Coconut Milk

Sedative
SEDATIVE
Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.
SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Lavender , Nutmeg

Boosts Gaba
BOOSTS-GABA
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, reduces nerve excitability. It is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, it promotes relaxation, calm, and sleep.
SEE ALL 'BOOSTS-GABA' FOODS / HERBS

Lavender

Heavy
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Butter , Almond Milk , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Buttermilk , Coconut Milk , Eggs , Ghee , Nutmeg , Walnuts

Oily
OILY
In 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.
SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Butter , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Eggs , Ghee , Walnuts

Cold
COLD
Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Milk , Almonds , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Ghee , Lavender

Dry
DRY
Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.
SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Buttermilk , Lavender , Mint , Nutmeg , Walnuts

Easy
EASY
Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Milk , Basil , Coconut Oil , Ghee , Mint

Hot
HOT
Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.
SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Eggs , Nutmeg , Walnuts

Difficult
DIFFICULT
Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.
SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

Bone Marrow / Fat , Coconut Milk , Walnuts

Clear
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Mint

Mobile
MOBILE
Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.
SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Mint

Liquefied
LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Mint

Light
LIGHT
Lightness is identified by reduced weight.
SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Mint

Gooey
GOOEY
Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.
SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

Buttermilk , Eggs

Sweet
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

Almond Butter , Almond Milk , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Eggs , Ghee

Astringent
ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Bone Marrow / Fat , Buttermilk , Lavender , Nutmeg , Walnuts

Aromatic
AROMATIC
Herbs 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.
SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Lavender , Mint , Nutmeg

Pungent
PUNGENT
Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.
SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Basil , Mint

Crunchy
CRUNCHY
Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.
SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

Almonds , Walnuts

Salty
SALTY
Salty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.
SEE ALL 'SALTY' FOODS / HERBS

Bone Marrow / Fat , Eggs

Bland
BLAND
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS

Ghee

Bitter
BITTER
Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.
SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

Basil

Sour
SOUR
Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.
SEE ALL 'SOUR' FOODS / HERBS

Buttermilk

Skin Care
SKIN-CARE
Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).
SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Coconut Oil

Autumn Winter

Almond Butter , Almond Milk , Almonds , Bone Marrow / Fat , Buttermilk , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Eggs , Ghee , Nutmeg , Walnuts

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH NERVES QUALITY

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (energetics) Taste System

Neutral (Tridoshic)
Self Massage
Shankhapushpi
Reduces
Vata Shirodhara Oil
Reduces
Bala
Balarishta- Vitality Tonic
California Poppy
Kava Kava
Passionflower
Pitta Shirodhara Oil
Shea Butter
Skullcap
Tagar (Indian Valerian)
Triphala Ghee (9oz)
Valerian
Reduces
Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic
St. John's Wort
Yogaraj Guggulu
Reduces
Lavender Essential Oil
Reduces
Guarana
Kapha Shirodhara Oil

Nervine
NERVINE
Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.
SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , California Poppy , Guarana , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , Self Massage , Shankhapushpi , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Triphala Ghee (9oz), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil , Yogaraj Guggulu

Nerve Relaxant Grounding
NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING
Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.
SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , California Poppy , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , Self Massage , Shankhapushpi , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Analgesic
ANALGESIC
Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.
SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , California Poppy , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil , Yogaraj Guggulu

Anxiolytic
ANXIOLYTIC
Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.
SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

California Poppy , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , Self Massage , Shankhapushpi , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian , Yogaraj Guggulu

Muscle Relaxant
MUSCLE-RELAXANT
Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.
SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , California Poppy , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Self Massage , Skullcap , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian , Yogaraj Guggulu

Earth
EARTH
Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.
SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , California Poppy , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Shankhapushpi , Shea Butter , Skullcap , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Antidepressant
ANTIDEPRESSANT
Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.
SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

California Poppy , Guarana , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , Shankhapushpi , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Sedative
SEDATIVE
Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.
SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

California Poppy , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Self Massage , Shankhapushpi , Skullcap , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian

Water
WATER
Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.
SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS

California Poppy , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , Skullcap , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Triphala Ghee (9oz), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Relieves Tension
RELIEVES-TENSION
An herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle.
SEE ALL 'RELIEVES-TENSION' FOODS / HERBS

California Poppy , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Self Massage , Vata Shirodhara Oil , Yogaraj Guggulu

Antispasmodic
ANTISPASMODIC
Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.
SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

California Poppy , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian , Yogaraj Guggulu

Boosts Gaba
BOOSTS-GABA
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, reduces nerve excitability. It is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, it promotes relaxation, calm, and sleep.
SEE ALL 'BOOSTS-GABA' FOODS / HERBS

California Poppy , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian

Tonic
TONIC
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , Shankhapushpi , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Fats

California Poppy , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Shea Butter , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Sattvic
SATTVIC
Sattvic 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.
SEE ALL 'SATTVIC' FOODS / HERBS

Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Shankhapushpi , St. John's Wort

Nutritive
NUTRITIVE
An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.
SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Self Massage , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Ojas
OJAS
Ojas 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.
SEE ALL 'OJAS' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Fat
FAT
Fat tissue (Meda Dhatu) includes adipose tissue and sebum (skin oil).
SEE ALL 'FAT' FOODS / HERBS

Guarana , Shea Butter

Blood Plasma Lymph
BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH
Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.
SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

Shea Butter

Promotes Virility
PROMOTES-VIRILITY
Encourages virility and potency.
SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-VIRILITY' FOODS / HERBS

Bala

Heavy
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , California Poppy , Kava Kava , Passionflower , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , Shankhapushpi , Shea Butter , Skullcap , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Oily
OILY
In 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.
SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , California Poppy , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Self Massage , Shankhapushpi , Shea Butter , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Triphala Ghee (9oz), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Cold
COLD
Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , California Poppy , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian

Clear
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , St. John's Wort , Triphala Ghee (9oz), Yogaraj Guggulu

Mobile
MOBILE
Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.
SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , Guarana , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic

Dry
DRY
Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.
SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower

Gooey
GOOEY
Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.
SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , Shankhapushpi , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Hot
HOT
Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.
SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Yogaraj Guggulu

Easy
EASY
Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

Passionflower , Triphala Ghee (9oz)

Toxic
TOXIC
A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.
SEE ALL 'TOXIC' FOODS / HERBS

Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian

Liquefied
LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

Yogaraj Guggulu

Light
LIGHT
Lightness is identified by reduced weight.
SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

St. John's Wort

Sweet
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , California Poppy , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Shea Butter , St. John's Wort , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Triphala Ghee (9oz), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil , Yogaraj Guggulu

Pungent
PUNGENT
Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.
SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , Skullcap , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Triphala Ghee (9oz), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil , Yogaraj Guggulu

Bitter
BITTER
Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.
SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

Balarishta- Vitality Tonic , Guarana , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Shankhapushpi , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Triphala Ghee (9oz)

Astringent
ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

California Poppy , Kava Kava , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , St. John's Wort , Triphala Ghee (9oz), Yogaraj Guggulu

Aromatic
AROMATIC
Herbs 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.
SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil

Resinous
RESINOUS
Resinous substances often contain sap in them, such as rosemary, or herbs such as cedar, frankincense, and guggulu.
SEE ALL 'RESINOUS' FOODS / HERBS

Yogaraj Guggulu

Bland
BLAND
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS

Passionflower

Musky
MUSKY
Have an earthy smell to them, such as mushrooms.
SEE ALL 'MUSKY' FOODS / HERBS

Balarishta- Vitality Tonic

Sour
SOUR
Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.
SEE ALL 'SOUR' FOODS / HERBS

Triphala Ghee (9oz)

Mind Stress Sleep

Bala , California Poppy , Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Kava Kava , Lavender Essential Oil , Passionflower , Pitta Shirodhara Oil , Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic , Self Massage , Shankhapushpi , Skullcap , St. John's Wort , Tagar (Indian Valerian), Valerian , Vata Shirodhara Oil

Skin Care
SKIN-CARE
Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).
SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Kapha Shirodhara Oil , Lavender Essential Oil , Self Massage , Shea Butter

Anti Aging
ANTI-AGING
Geriatric 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.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-AGING' FOODS / HERBS

Bala , Shea Butter

Energy Vitality
ENERGY-VITALITY
Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha.
SEE ALL 'ENERGY-VITALITY' FOODS / HERBS

Balarishta- Vitality Tonic

OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING MIND-STRESS-SLEEP

TYPE: DHATU

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Poppy Seed Sleepy Time Tea
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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

Learn More

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

Nerves (Majja Dhatu / Vaha srotas) - Foods & Herbs ListCLASSIFICATION OF FOOD, HERBS, & LIFESTYLE

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON NERVES

INGREDIENTS WITH NERVES QUALITY

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Ojas OJAS Ojas 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. SEE ALL 'OJAS' FOODS / HERBS

OJAS

Nutritive NUTRITIVE An herb that is strengthening and nourishing. SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

NUTRITIVE

Sattvic SATTVIC Sattvic 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. SEE ALL 'SATTVIC' FOODS / HERBS

SATTVIC

Blood Plasma Lymph BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph. SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH

Alkalizing ALKALIZING An herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions. SEE ALL 'ALKALIZING' FOODS / HERBS

ALKALIZING

Earth EARTH Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard. SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

EARTH

Fat FAT Fat tissue (Meda Dhatu) includes adipose tissue and sebum (skin oil). SEE ALL 'FAT' FOODS / HERBS

FAT

Satisfies Stomach SATISFIES-STOMACH Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach. SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Tonic TONIC A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine. SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

TONIC

Promotes Virility PROMOTES-VIRILITY Encourages virility and potency. SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-VIRILITY' FOODS / HERBS

PROMOTES-VIRILITY

Water WATER Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool. SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS

WATER

Nervine NERVINE Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature. SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

NERVINE

Anxiolytic ANXIOLYTIC Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines. SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

ANXIOLYTIC

Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODIC Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS. SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

ANTISPASMODIC

Analgesic ANALGESIC Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne. SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

ANALGESIC

Antidepressant ANTIDEPRESSANT Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function. SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

ANTIDEPRESSANT

Muscle Relaxant MUSCLE-RELAXANT Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma. SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Sedative SEDATIVE Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain. SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

SEDATIVE

Boosts Gaba BOOSTS-GABA GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, reduces nerve excitability. It is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, it promotes relaxation, calm, and sleep. SEE ALL 'BOOSTS-GABA' FOODS / HERBS

BOOSTS-GABA

Heavy HEAVY Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

HEAVY

Oily OILY In 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. SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

OILY

Cold COLD Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow. SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

COLD

Dry DRY Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis. SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

DRY

Easy EASY Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly. SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

EASY

Hot HOT Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

HOT

Difficult DIFFICULT Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest. SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

DIFFICULT

Clear CLEAR Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama. SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

CLEAR

Mobile MOBILE Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity. SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

MOBILE

Liquefied LIQUEFIED Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs. SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

LIQUEFIED

Light LIGHT Lightness is identified by reduced weight. SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

LIGHT

Gooey GOOEY Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion. SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

GOOEY

Sweet SWEET Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

SWEET

Astringent ASTRINGENT Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying. SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

ASTRINGENT

Aromatic AROMATIC Herbs 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. SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

AROMATIC

Pungent PUNGENT Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper. SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Ojas
OJAS
Ojas 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.
SEE ALL 'OJAS' FOODS / HERBS

Nutritive
NUTRITIVE
An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.
SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Sattvic
SATTVIC
Sattvic 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.
SEE ALL 'SATTVIC' FOODS / HERBS

Blood Plasma Lymph
BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH
Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.
SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

Alkalizing
ALKALIZING
An herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.
SEE ALL 'ALKALIZING' FOODS / HERBS

Earth
EARTH
Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.
SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

Fat
FAT
Fat tissue (Meda Dhatu) includes adipose tissue and sebum (skin oil).
SEE ALL 'FAT' FOODS / HERBS

Satisfies Stomach
SATISFIES-STOMACH
Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.
SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

Tonic
TONIC
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Promotes Virility
PROMOTES-VIRILITY
Encourages virility and potency.
SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-VIRILITY' FOODS / HERBS

Water
WATER
Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.
SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS

Nervine
NERVINE
Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.
SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Anxiolytic
ANXIOLYTIC
Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.
SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antispasmodic
ANTISPASMODIC
Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.
SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Analgesic
ANALGESIC
Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.
SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antidepressant
ANTIDEPRESSANT
Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.
SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Muscle Relaxant
MUSCLE-RELAXANT
Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.
SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

Sedative
SEDATIVE
Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.
SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Boosts Gaba
BOOSTS-GABA
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, reduces nerve excitability. It is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, it promotes relaxation, calm, and sleep.
SEE ALL 'BOOSTS-GABA' FOODS / HERBS

Heavy
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

Oily
OILY
In 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.
SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

Cold
COLD
Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

Dry
DRY
Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.
SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

Easy
EASY
Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

Hot
HOT
Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.
SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

Difficult
DIFFICULT
Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.
SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

Clear
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Mobile
MOBILE
Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.
SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

Liquefied
LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

Light
LIGHT
Lightness is identified by reduced weight.
SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

Gooey
GOOEY
Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.
SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

Sweet
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

Astringent
ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Aromatic
AROMATIC
Herbs 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.
SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Pungent
PUNGENT
Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.
SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Crunchy
CRUNCHY
Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.
SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

Salty
SALTY
Salty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.
SEE ALL 'SALTY' FOODS / HERBS

Bland
BLAND
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS

Bitter
BITTER
Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.
SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

Sour
SOUR
Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.
SEE ALL 'SOUR' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care
SKIN-CARE
Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).
SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Nervine
NERVINE
Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.
SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Analgesic
ANALGESIC
Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.
SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Anxiolytic
ANXIOLYTIC
Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.
SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Muscle Relaxant
MUSCLE-RELAXANT
Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.
SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

Earth
EARTH
Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.
SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

Antidepressant
ANTIDEPRESSANT
Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.
SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Sedative
SEDATIVE
Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.
SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Water
WATER
Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.
SEE ALL 'WATER' FOODS / HERBS