AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON ANTIDEPRESSANTHerbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.INGREDIENTS WITH ANTIDEPRESSANT QUALITY
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Mango, Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour
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.Allspice, Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour
AIRResembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough.Allspice, Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Mango, Rose Petals
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Mango, Rose Petals
APHRODISIACHerbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.Mango, Rose Petals
GENERAL-LAXATIVEPromotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives...Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour
NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDINGEncourages 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.Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour
RELAXES-EYESEases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver.Mango, Sorghum Flour
DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.Mango, Sorghum Flour
HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVEA class of laxative that adds bulk and water to stools. The size of a stool stimulates peristalsis and the stool passes more easily through the colon. It is important to drink plenty of water when using high fiber laxatives, as they can be dehydrating.Mango, Sorghum Flour
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.Mango, Sorghum Flour
RED-BLOODRed blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.Sorghum Flour
SEDATIVESedative 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.Sorghum Flour
ANXIOLYTICHerbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.Allspice
MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.Allspice
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.Allspice
ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Mango, Sorghum Flour
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Allspice, Mango
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Rose Petals
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Mango
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Allspice
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Allspice
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Mango, Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Allspice, Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Allspice, Sorghum Flour
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Mango
SOURSour refers to anything fermented or acidic.Allspice
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Allspice
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Allspice
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.Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH ANTIDEPRESSANT QUALITY
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Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Blue Vervain, California Poppy, Damiana, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Motherwort, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Shankhapushpi, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara Oil
NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDINGEncourages 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.Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Blue Vervain, California Poppy, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Mimosa Tree, Motherwort, Passionflower, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Shankhapushpi, Skullcap, St. John's Wort
ANXIOLYTICHerbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.Ashwagandha, Blue Vervain, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Motherwort, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Shankhapushpi, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara Oil
NERVINEBalances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, California Poppy, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Motherwort, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara Oil
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.California Poppy, Guarana, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Shankhapushpi, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara Oil
NERVESMarrow tissue (Majja Dhatu) includes bone marrow and nervous tissue.California Poppy, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Mimosa Tree, Motherwort, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara Oil
CALMS-HEARTAn herb that literally calms the heart. These herbs are helpful in the treatment of anxiety, sadness, depression, or other emotional imbalances in the heart. Related to the Chinese Herbal Category 'calms spirit.'Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Blue Vervain, California Poppy, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Motherwort, Skullcap, St. John's Wort
ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Blue Vervain, California Poppy, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Passionflower, Shankhapushpi, Skullcap
SEDATIVESedative 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.Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, California Poppy, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Motherwort, Passionflower, Skullcap
MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Motherwort, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Shankhapushpi, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara Oil
TONICA 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.Ashwagandha, Blue Vervain, Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Motherwort
DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.Black Cohosh, California Poppy, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Skullcap, Vata Shirodhara Oil
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Guarana, Rose Hips, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Shankhapushpi, St. John's Wort
AIRResembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough.California Poppy, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips, Shankhapushpi, Vata Shirodhara Oil
RELAXES-EYESEases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver.Ashwagandha, Damiana, Rose Hips, Shankhapushpi
APHRODISIACHerbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.Passionflower, Rose Hips, Shankhapushpi, St. John's Wort
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.Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Vata Shirodhara Oil
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.Ashwagandha, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Black Cohosh, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)
RED-BLOODRed blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.RedHawthorne Berry & Flower, Rose HipsRose Hips
GENERAL-LAXATIVEPromotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives...Blue Vervain, Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Damiana, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Motherwort, Passionflower
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Blue Vervain, California Poppy, Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Ginkgo, Motherwort, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips, Skullcap
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, California Poppy, Passionflower, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Shankhapushpi, Skullcap, Vata Shirodhara Oil
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Ashwagandha, California Poppy, Damiana, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shankhapushpi, 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.Ashwagandha, Damiana, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kapha Shirodhara Oil
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Ginkgo, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, St. John's Wort
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Blue Vervain, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), St. John's Wort
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Guarana, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Rose Hips
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Passionflower
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Shankhapushpi, Vata Shirodhara Oil
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Blue Vervain, Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Damiana, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Ginkgo, Guarana, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Motherwort, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shankhapushpi, Skullcap, St. John's Wort
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Ashwagandha, Blue Vervain, California Poppy, Damiana, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Motherwort, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips, St. John's Wort
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Black Cohosh, California Poppy, Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips, Vata Shirodhara Oil
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Damiana, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Motherwort, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Skullcap, Vata Shirodhara Oil
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Black Cohosh, Damiana, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Passionflower, 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.Black Cohosh
SALTYSalty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.Blue Vervain
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Passionflower
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.Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)
RESINOUSResinous substances often contain sap in them, such as rosemary, or herbs such as cedar, frankincense, and guggulu.Mind Stress SleepAshwagandha, California Poppy, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips, Saraswatarishta- Nerve Tonic, Shankhapushpi, Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Vata Shirodhara OilHeart Circulation BloodCereus, Night Blooming Cactus, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru), Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi), Motherwort, Rose HipsAshwagandha, Damiana, Ginkgo, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Holy 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.Liver GallbladderBlue Vervain, Rose HipsKapha Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING MIND-STRESS-SLEEPHELPFUL FOR*'Antidepressant' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.Reproductive HealthDigestionAbout 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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