Carolina College of Health Sciences

Carolina College of Health Sciences

 

AYURVEDA PHARMACOLOGY OF FOOD & HERBS

CLASSIFICATION OF FOOD, HERBS, & LIFESTYLE

TEMPERAMENT HUMORS USED ON JOYFUL BELLY

Constitutional approaches to nutrition use a metabolic classification system based on
Natural Law Theory
A theory that things have a true nature or form that they realize imperfectly. For example, an imperfectly drawn triangle has a true nature to be a perfect triangle.

Imperfections of the human form arise from genetics, poor lifestyle and diet choices, or environment. The imperfections themselves have a nature which corrupts the human nature. Ayurved classifies these imperfections into various biocharacteristics or gunas.

Natural Law Theory is a basic view of reality first described by Aristotle and later developed in the Middle Ages. It differences from the modern mechanistic view of reality, which claims that things do not have a nature beyond the sum of their parts.

(also known as Aristotelian Realism) to match food, herbs, and lifestyle choices to specific individuals and imbalances for effective treatment options and alternative approaches. In Ayurveda, this system is called Dravya Guna Shastra. This system suggests that different foods have different metabolic natures, and consuming the right foods can help to balance your metabolic nature (i.e. heat, cold, dryness, moisture, etc). Dravya-Guna-Shastra forms the foundation of Ayurveda's pharmacology, and is based on biocharacteristics. In the West, this system is simply known as Greek Medicine.

On Joyful Belly, we've integrated this system into the core of the website, to provide tools for modern clinicians. Please click on category below to see how remedies are classified under this system. See all categories

CHOLERIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

MELANCHOLIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

PHLEGMATIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

SANGUINE (TEMPERAMENT GREEK)

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

See all categories
Please update link

upcoming courses

About the College Apply for a Scholarship
Monthly payment plans available.

What is Ayurveda?

Founder of Joyful Belly Ayurveda, John Immel, answers the question ‘What is Ayurveda?’

ENZYME DEFICIENCIES

ENZYME DEFICIENCIES

BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY

BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY

Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition

Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition

Join Joyful Belly

Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips?
Subscribe to our free newsletter!

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.