Relieves-tension Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective
Relieves-tension Recipes Relieves-tension Ingredients Relieves-tension Herbs & Supplements AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON RELIEVES-TENSIONAn herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle.OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING MUSCLE-HEALTHINGREDIENTS WITH RELIEVES-TENSION QUALITY
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Neutral (Tridoshic)Apple (cooked)Reduces MolassesReduces Mustard SeedReduces PumpkinReduces Popped AmaranthAmaranth, Molasses, Mustard Seed, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin, Sorghum Molasses
MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Molasses, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin, Sorghum Molasses
EARTHResembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Molasses, Popped Amaranth, Pumpkin, Sorghum Molasses
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Cabbage (cooked), Molasses, Popped Amaranth, Sorghum Molasses
RED-BLOODRed blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Cabbage (cooked), Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin
RELAXES-EYESEases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver.Apple (cooked), Cabbage (cooked), Mustard Seed, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin
ALKALIZINGAn herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.Amaranth, Molasses, Popped Amaranth, Pumpkin, Sorghum Molasses
IRONIron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin
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.Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin
DOWNWARDDownward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.Apple (cooked), Molasses, Mustard Seed, Sorghum Molasses
WARMS-ABDOMENWarms the muscles and organs of the abdomen, stimulating digestion and metabolism.Amaranth, Cabbage (cooked), Mustard Seed, Popped Amaranth
AIRResembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough.Amaranth, Molasses, Popped Amaranth, Sorghum Molasses
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Mustard Seed, Poppy Seed
ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.Mustard Seed, Poppy Seed
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.Poppy Seed, Pumpkin
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.Mustard Seed
BLOOD-MOVERBlood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters).Poppy Seed
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.Poppy Seed
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.'Cabbage (cooked)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Mustard Seed, Popped Amaranth
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Amaranth, Cabbage (cooked), Popped Amaranth, Pumpkin
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Molasses, Mustard Seed, Sorghum Molasses
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Molasses, Mustard Seed, Sorghum Molasses
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Apple (cooked), Cabbage (cooked), Mustard Seed
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Cabbage (cooked), Poppy Seed, Pumpkin
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Cabbage (cooked), Pumpkin
DIFFICULTDifficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.Pumpkin
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Poppy Seed
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.Poppy Seed
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Amaranth, Apple (cooked), Cabbage (cooked), Molasses, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed, Pumpkin, Sorghum Molasses
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Molasses, Mustard Seed, Sorghum Molasses
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Molasses, Mustard Seed, Sorghum Molasses
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Cabbage (cooked), Poppy Seed, Pumpkin
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.Amaranth, Popped Amaranth, Poppy Seed
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Cabbage (cooked), Poppy Seed
CRUNCHYMakes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.Mustard Seed
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.Mustard Seed
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Mustard Seed
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH RELIEVES-TENSION QUALITY
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Reduces California Poppy, Cramp Bark, KapiKacchu, Kava Kava, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, ShatavariReduces Ashwagandha, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Epsom Salt Bath, Hot Bath, Hot Foot Soak, Hot Shower, Yogaraj GugguluReduces GokshuraReduces Kapha Shirodhara OilIncompleteRed PeonyAshwagandha, California Poppy, Chastetree Berry, Cramp Bark, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Epsom Salt Bath, Gokshura, Hot Bath, Hot Foot Soak, Hot Shower, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, KapiKacchu, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Pennyroyal, Self Massage, Shirodhara Treatment, Yogaraj Guggulu
MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.Ashwagandha, California Poppy, Chastetree Berry, Cramp Bark, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Epsom Salt Bath, Gokshura, Hot Bath, Hot Foot Soak, Hot Shower, KapiKacchu, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Pennyroyal, Red Peony, Yogaraj Guggulu
ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.Ashwagandha, Chastetree Berry, Cramp Bark, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, KapiKacchu, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Pennyroyal, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Yogaraj Guggulu
NERVINEBalances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.Ashwagandha, California Poppy, Cramp Bark, Eleuthero Ginseng, Epsom Salt Bath, Hot Bath, KapiKacchu, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Self Massage, Shirodhara Treatment, Yogaraj Guggulu
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, California Poppy, Chastetree Berry, Cramp Bark, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Gokshura, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Passionflower, Pennyroyal, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Yogaraj Guggulu
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.GroundingAshwagandha, California Poppy, Eleuthero Ginseng, Gokshura, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Self Massage, Shatavari, Shirodhara TreatmentRelaxes MindCalifornia Poppy, Eleuthero Ginseng, Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Kava Kava, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Self Massage, Shirodhara Treatment, Vata Shirodhara OilAshwagandha, Cramp Bark, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Red Root, Shatavari, Yogaraj Guggulu
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.California Poppy, Dong Quai, Motherwort, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Self Massage, Shatavari, Shirodhara Treatment, 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, California Poppy, Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Kava Kava, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Self Massage, Shirodhara Treatment
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.Dong Quai, Epsom Salt Bath, Hot Bath, Hot Foot Soak, Motherwort, Pennyroyal, Self Massage, Shirodhara Treatment, Yogaraj Guggulu
BLOOD-MOVERBlood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters).Ashwagandha, Gokshura, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Self Massage, Shatavari, Shirodhara Treatment, Vata Shirodhara Oil
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Ashwagandha, Chastetree Berry, Gokshura, KapiKacchu, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Shatavari, 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.California Poppy, Kava Kava, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Shatavari, Vata Shirodhara Oil
EARTHResembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.Ashwagandha, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Red Peony
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.California Poppy, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Vata Shirodhara Oil
RELAXES-EYESEases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver.Kava Kava, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Vata Shirodhara Oil
DOWNWARDDownward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.Pennyroyal
IRONIron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.Ashwagandha, California Poppy, Dong Quai, Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, KapiKacchu, Kava Kava, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Self Massage, Shirodhara Treatment, 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.California Poppy, Cramp Bark, Gokshura, Motherwort, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Pennyroyal, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Red Peony, Red Root, Shatavari
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Ashwagandha, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Epsom Salt Bath, Hot Bath, Hot Foot Soak, Hot Shower, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, KapiKacchu, Yogaraj Guggulu
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Dong Quai, Epsom Salt Bath, Hot Bath, Hot Foot Soak, Hot Shower, Pennyroyal, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Red Root, Yogaraj Guggulu
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Ashwagandha, California Poppy, KapiKacchu, Kava Kava, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Shatavari, Vata Shirodhara Oil
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Epsom Salt Bath, Hot Bath, Hot Foot Soak, Hot Shower, Pennyroyal, Yogaraj Guggulu
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Cramp Bark, Motherwort, Passionflower, Pennyroyal, Red Root
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Shatavari, Vata Shirodhara Oil
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Passionflower
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Pennyroyal
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Pennyroyal
TOXICA substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.Ashwagandha, Chastetree Berry, Cramp Bark, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, KapiKacchu, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Passionflower, Pennyroyal, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Red Peony, Shatavari
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Chastetree Berry, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Epsom Salt Bath, Hot Bath, Hot Foot Soak, Hot Shower, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Kava Kava, Motherwort, Pennyroyal, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Yogaraj Guggulu
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.California Poppy, Dong Quai, Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, KapiKacchu, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Shatavari, Vata Shirodhara Oil, Yogaraj Guggulu
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Ashwagandha, California Poppy, Chastetree Berry, Cramp Bark, Motherwort, Passionflower, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Red Root, Yogaraj Guggulu
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Cramp Bark, Dong Quai, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Kava Kava, Passionflower, Pennyroyal, 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.Passionflower, Shatavari
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.Yogaraj Guggulu
RESINOUSResinous substances often contain sap in them, such as rosemary, or herbs such as cedar, frankincense, and guggulu.Dong Quai
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Red Peony
SOURSour refers to anything fermented or acidic.Mind Stress SleepAshwagandha, California Poppy, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, KapiKacchu, Kava Kava, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed, Passionflower, Pennyroyal, Pitta Shirodhara Oil, Self Massage, Shirodhara Treatment, Vata Shirodhara OilReproductive HealthAshwagandha, Chastetree Berry, Gokshura, KapiKacchu, Motherwort, Pennyroyal, Red Peony, ShatavariAshwagandha, Dong Quai, Eleuthero Ginseng, Hot Bath, KapiKacchu, Oats, Fresh Milky Seed
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.Heart Circulation BloodDong Quai, Epsom Salt Bath, Hot Bath, Hot Foot Soak, Motherwort, Yogaraj GugguluDong Quai, Kapha Shirodhara Oil
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).HELPFUL FOR*'Relieves-tension' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.LifestyleDivorcedAbout 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. |
Get Ayurveda's approach to food cravings & emotional eating for balanced weight and health.