AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

The ideal alterative clears toxins (ama) from the blood by these actions:

• Cholagogue - Extracting toxins in bile, refreshing the blood
• Livotonic / Hepatoprotective - Improving the liver's ability to clear toxins
• Cooling - To relieve the liver
• Sour - Flushing glands to recalibrate the blood
• Bitter - Stimulates digestion & mild laxative to clear the bowels

Note: Elimination is only a secondary action of alteratives, whose focus is on clearing the blood not the bowels or urine. Vata pacifying alteratives should be mildly sweet or oily.

OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING HEART-CIRCULATION-BLOOD

INGREDIENTS WITH ALTERATIVE QUALITY

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH ALTERATIVE QUALITY

HELPFUL FOR*

'Alterative' may be helpful for 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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