AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON RUBEFACIENTAn herb used topically that causes dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation. The skin will appear red or flushed.INGREDIENTS WITH RUBEFACIENT QUALITY
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Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Oil, Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Thyme (fresh), Tomato, Wasabi
FIREResembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry.Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Oil, Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Sesame Seeds, Thyme (fresh), Tomato, Wasabi
RAJASICRajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Sesame Seeds, Thyme (fresh), Tomato
ALKALIZINGAn herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Thyme (fresh)
DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestion.DetoxicantAllspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Thyme (fresh)Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Wasabi
CARDIAC-STIMULANTHerbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Thyme (fresh)
BURNS-TOXINSAn herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.SpicesAllspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Thyme (fresh)Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Thyme (fresh)
SPLEEN-TONICAn herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Garlic (raw), Horseradish, Mustard Oil, Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Rosemary, Thyme (fresh), Wasabi
BLOOD-MOVERBlood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters).Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Thyme (fresh), Wasabi
DIAPHORETICAn herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Mustard Oil, Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Thyme (fresh)
VASODILATORA vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.Allspice, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Wasabi
WARMS-CHESTWarms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. Often these herbs are hot, aromatic, and pungent.Allspice, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Garlic (raw), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Thyme (fresh), Wasabi
DISPEL-COLD-TONIFY-YANGHerbs that revitalizing by warming and stimulating, typically stimulating arterial circulation.Allspice, Cinnamon, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Thyme (fresh)
STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Garlic (raw), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Thyme (fresh), Wasabi
EXPECTORANTExpectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.Allspice, Cinnamon, Cloves, Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Wasabi
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.Allspice, Cayenne Pepper, Cloves, Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Thyme (fresh)
ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Thyme (fresh)
PRANAPrana is the Sanskrit word for vital life energy (Qi in Chinese Medicine, pneuma in Greek). Many herbs stimulate your energy, or improve the flow of prana through your body. Generally, prana needs to be increased in spring after a sleepy winter.Cinnamon, Mustard Seed, Rosemary
EMMENAGOGUEHerbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.Allspice, Mustard Seed, Rosemary
MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Oil, Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Thyme (fresh), Wasabi
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Thyme (fresh), Wasabi
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Wasabi
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Allspice, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Thyme (fresh), Wasabi
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Wasabi
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Garlic (raw), Horseradish, Rosemary, Wasabi
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Mustard Oil, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds
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.Crystallized Ginger, Ginger (Dried), Thyme (fresh)
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Mustard Oil, Sesame Seeds
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Tomato
DIFFICULTDifficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.Cinnamon
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Allspice, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Cloves, Crystallized Ginger, Garlic (raw), Ginger (Dried), Horseradish, Mustard Oil, Mustard Powder, Mustard Seed, Red Chilis, Red Pepper Flakes (Chili), Rosemary, Sesame Oil, Thyme (fresh), Tomato, Wasabi
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Allspice, Cinnamon, Cloves, Garlic (raw), Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Thyme (fresh)
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.Allspice, Cloves, Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Wasabi
BITTERBitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes, laxative, and drying.Allspice, Cloves, Garlic (raw), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Wasabi
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Allspice, Cinnamon, Cloves, Rosemary, Thyme (fresh)
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Cinnamon, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Tomato
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Tomato
SOURSour refers to anything fermented or acidic.Rosemary
RESINOUSResinous substances often contain sap in them, such as rosemary, or herbs such as cedar, frankincense, and guggulu.Sesame Seeds
SALTYSalty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.Sesame Seeds
CRUNCHYMakes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.Garlic (raw)
MUSKYHave an earthy smell to them, such as mushrooms.Respiratory HealthBlack Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, Garlic (raw), Horseradish, Mustard Seed, Rosemary, Thyme (fresh), WasabiMustard Seed, Sesame Oil
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH RUBEFACIENT QUALITY
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Kapha Massage Oil, Mahanarayan Oil, Mustard Poultice, Pippali, Wild Ginger
VASODILATORA vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.Juniper Berry, Kapha Massage Oil, Mahanarayan Oil, Pennyroyal, Pippali
BLOOD-MOVERBlood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters).Gumweed, Mahanarayan Oil, Mustard Poultice, Pennyroyal, Wild Ginger
EXPECTORANTExpectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.Juniper Berry, Mahanarayan Oil, Pippali, Wild Ginger
DISPEL-COLD-TONIFY-YANGHerbs that revitalizing by warming and stimulating, typically stimulating arterial circulation.Juniper Berry, Mahanarayan Oil, Pennyroyal, Wild Ginger
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.Mustard Poultice, Pennyroyal, Pippali, Wild Ginger
CARDIAC-STIMULANTHerbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.Kapha Massage Oil, Mahanarayan Oil, Wild Ginger
STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.Kapha Massage Oil, Mahanarayan Oil, Pennyroyal
MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.Mahanarayan Oil, Pippali, Wild Ginger
BURNS-TOXINSAn herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.Mahanarayan Oil, Pippali, Wild Ginger
PRANAPrana is the Sanskrit word for vital life energy (Qi in Chinese Medicine, pneuma in Greek). Many herbs stimulate your energy, or improve the flow of prana through your body. Generally, prana needs to be increased in spring after a sleepy winter.Mahanarayan Oil, Pennyroyal, Wild Ginger
ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.Pennyroyal, Pippali, Wild Ginger
EMMENAGOGUEHerbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.Mustard Poultice, Pennyroyal, Wild Ginger
DIAPHORETICAn herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.Kapha Massage Oil, Wild Ginger
RAJASICRajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.Mustard Poultice, Wild Ginger
FIREResembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry.Wild Ginger
WARMS-CHESTWarms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. Often these herbs are hot, aromatic, and pungent.Wild Ginger
SPLEEN-TONICAn herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.Juniper Berry, Kapha Massage Oil, Mahanarayan Oil, Mustard Poultice, Pippali, Wild Ginger
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Juniper Berry, Mahanarayan Oil, Pennyroyal, Pippali, Wild Ginger
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Kapha Massage Oil, Mahanarayan Oil, Wild Ginger
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Kapha Massage Oil, Mahanarayan 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.Pennyroyal, Wild Ginger
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Wild Ginger
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Pennyroyal
TOXICA substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.Pennyroyal
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Pennyroyal
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Juniper Berry, Kapha Massage Oil, Mahanarayan Oil, Mustard Poultice, Pennyroyal, Pippali, Wild Ginger
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Juniper Berry, Mahanarayan Oil, Pennyroyal, Wild Ginger
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.Juniper Berry, Pennyroyal
BITTERBitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes, laxative, and drying.Juniper Berry
RESINOUSResinous substances often contain sap in them, such as rosemary, or herbs such as cedar, frankincense, and guggulu.Juniper Berry
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Juniper Berry, Kapha Massage Oil
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING SKIN-CAREHELPFUL FOR*'Rubefacient' 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. |
Get Ayurveda's approach to food cravings & emotional eating for balanced weight and health.