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Alcohol Benefits (According to Ayurveda)

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"Hi, I just wanted to receive some clarification:This article mentions that one can indulge a single glass in a night..."
- Corey Hay, Stouffville full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review

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How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Alcohol is a hot depressant. Initially, the heat combined with the relaxing qualties of alcohol dilate blood vessels, an aid to circulation. The heart, which is a naturally affectionate and social organ, predisposes one to fun and perhaps risky social activities under the influence of alcohol.

However, Alcohol is a toxin. The liver, responsible for detoxifying the blood, is overstimulated by the toxin. The liver, when overstimulated, predisposes one to angry outbursts, emotional instability, rashes, and red skin. The eyes and teeth may become yellow. Many people with hepatitis crave alcohol to stimulate their liver and then become alcoholics. But Ayurveda has many herbs which can safely help the liver without the user of alcohol.

Alcohol is also a medicine when used in the right dose. Alcohol is recommended in Ayurveda during winter months. A daily medicinal dose of alcohol during the month of January and February is 2 tablespoons of red wine. Avoid consuming more than one glass of alcohol on an evening, and more than two glasses per week.

There are many alternatives to drinking alcohol in social situations. To reduce consumption, drink slowly. Mix your drink with fun fruit juices such as granita, cranberry juice, lemon juice, or seltzer water.

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Is Alcohol Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Alcohol' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.
SERVING SIZE: 1/4 c

MEAL: DRINK

Metabolic Nature of Alcohol

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Guna Help

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

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EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

TOXIC

ABOUT TOXIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOXIC

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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SOUR

ABOUT SOUR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.

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DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

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PACIFIES
Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating Pitta aggravating
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Moves Energy:
Outward

OUTWARD

Outward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating.

SEE ALL 'OUTWARD' FOODS / HERBS


Affinity: Mind Stress Sleep
HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Alcohol
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Warms Abdomen

WARMS-ABDOMEN

Warms the muscles and organs of the abdomen, stimulating digestion and metabolism.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-ABDOMEN' FOODS / HERBS

General Laxative

GENERAL-LAXATIVE

Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives.

SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Makes You Tired

MAKES-YOU-TIRED

Induces drowsiness and promotes sound sleep.

SEE ALL 'MAKES-YOU-TIRED' FOODS / HERBS

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Warms Chest

WARMS-CHEST

Warms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. Often these herbs are hot, aromatic, and pungent.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-CHEST' FOODS / HERBS

Vasodilator

STRONG VASODILATOR

A 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.

SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Cholagogue

STRONG CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Aphrodisiac

APHRODISIAC

Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.

SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

Muscle Relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Salicylates

SALICYLATES

Salicylates relieve inflammation, are anti-cancer, and antidiabetic, but some are allergic to it.

SEE ALL 'SALICYLATES' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Alcohol

Garlic (raw)

Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Vasodilator, Aphrodisiac, General-laxative, Warms-abdomen, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-chest

LEARN MORE

Mustard

Mustard has these Actions in Common

Internal-detoxicant, Warms-abdomen, Muscle-relaxant, Warms-chest, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Garlic

Garlic has these Actions in Common

Aphrodisiac, General-laxative, Vasodilator, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Diaphoretic, Makes-you-tired

LEARN MORE

Mustard Powder

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Vasodilator, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-abdomen, Muscle-relaxant, Warms-chest

LEARN MORE

Horseradish

Horseradish has these Actions in Common

Cholagogue, Vasodilator, Diaphoretic, Warms-abdomen, General-laxative, Warms-chest

LEARN MORE

Wasabi

Wasabi has these Actions in Common

General-laxative, Warms-chest, Cholagogue, Vasodilator, Diaphoretic, Warms-abdomen

LEARN MORE

Beets

Beets has these Actions in Common

General-laxative, Vasodilator, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-abdomen, Cholagogue, Muscle-relaxant

LEARN MORE

Cloves

Cloves has these Actions in Common

Warms-abdomen, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-chest, Aphrodisiac, Vasodilator, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE

Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Warms-chest, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-abdomen

LEARN MORE

Red Wine

Red Wine has these Actions in Common

Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator, General-laxative

LEARN MORE

Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Alcohol

Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom Salt Bath has these Actions in Common

Warms-chest, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Vasodilator, Warms-chest, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Muscle-relaxant

LEARN MORE

Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic

Abhayrishta- Colon Tonic has these Actions in Common

Internal-detoxicant, Muscle-relaxant, Warms-abdomen, General-laxative

LEARN MORE

Encourage a Sweat / Sweat Therapy

Encourage a Sweat / Sweat Therapy has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink

Kanakasava- Breathe Alive Tonic Drink has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Warms-chest

LEARN MORE

Trikatu

Trikatu has these Actions in Common

Vasodilator, Warms-abdomen, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant

LEARN MORE

Chandraprabha Vati

Chandraprabha Vati has these Actions in Common

Aphrodisiac, General-laxative, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Hot Shower

Hot Shower has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Warms-chest

LEARN MORE

Hot Bath

Hot Bath has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Warms-chest

LEARN MORE

Calendula, Marigold

Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Blue Cohosh

Blue Cohosh has these Actions in Common

Internal-detoxicant, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Alcohol may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Alcohol may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.

Clinical Tools & Resources

Give smart recommendations to your clients and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.
About John Joseph Immel

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 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Alcohol'

Do you like 'alcohol'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'alcohol'?

full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review(5.00 out of 5 stars) 3 ratings, 231 likes
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Alcohol, especially hard liquor, is generally contraindicated for Vata and Pitta.
- Kimberly Kubicke, Asbury park, NJ
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 09-01-16 (Reply)
Hi, I just wanted to receive some clarification:This article mentions that one can indulge a single glass in a night and max 2 per week. Does this same, safe maximum apply to beer-drinking at one beer and max 2 per week (assuming 1.5 cup at 5% alcohol)?
- Corey Hay, Stouffville
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 10-07-16 (Reply)
It depends on the person. Beer is cold and more difficult to digest.
- Kimberly Kubicke, Asbury park, NJ , 10-12-16 (Reply)
Sorry, just wanted to clarify: Assuming one digests beer fine, the safe maximum of 2 standard beers weekly applies?
- Corey Hay, Stouffville , 10-17-16 (Reply)
So for vatt and pita dosa is red or white wine is suitable? Any intake recommend please?
- Pratik, London , 05-31-21 (Reply)

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