School of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion
Become an Ayurvedic Digestive Health Coach: Class Starts Oct 10th
Recipes
Food
Create Your Diet
Recent Articles (Blog)
AYURVEDIC FOODS
See My Recommendations.  Sign in to review this food270 likesTable of Contents
|
On MeWe
On Pinterest
On Facebook
On Twitter
On WhatsApp
On Email
Copy Share Link
COMPARE ITINCREASES 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.
| CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
| ||||
TASTESThe 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?
| ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
| ||||
DOSHASThe 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. |
| ||||
HAS THE FOLLOWING | Subtaste: 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.Moves Energy: OUTWARDOutward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating.UPWARDUpward-moving substances (Urdvha Gati Marga) include anything stimulating or activating, or that move upward in the body.Affinity: Digestion, Heart Circulation Blood, Respiratory Health Family: Lauraceae | ||||
HERBAL ACTIONS (see all) |
Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Bay Leaf 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.CARMINATIVEStimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestion.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.BURNS-TOXINSAn herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.DETOXICANTAn herb that decongests or dislodges toxins from the body and the lymphatic, transforming or altering fluids to a more healthy state.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.DIAPHORETICAn herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.BRONCHODILATORAn herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma.ANTISEPTICCapable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Helpful in infections and for those with weak immune systems.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.LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGARAn herb that lowers blood sugar.EMMENAGOGUEHerbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. |
Foods with a Similar Nature to Bay Leaf
Mustard Seed
Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common
Bronchodilator, Detoxicant, Emmenagogue, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Spleen-tonic, Antiseptic, Carminative, Digestive, VasodilatorNigella (black cumin)
Nigella (black cumin) has these Actions in Common
Carminative, Digestive, Vasodilator, Detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Spleen-tonicSaffron
Saffron has these Actions in Common
Carminative, Digestive, Anxiolytic, Detoxicant, Emmenagogue, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Spleen-tonicMint
Mint has these Actions in Common
Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator, Carminative, Digestive, Anxiolytic, Detoxicant, Spleen-tonicCloves
Cloves has these Actions in Common
Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator, Carminative, Digestive, Anxiolytic, Detoxicant, Spleen-tonicBasil
Basil has these Actions in Common
Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Anxiolytic, Carminative, Digestive, Bronchodilator, Detoxicant, Spleen-tonicSage
Sage has these Actions in Common
Detoxicant, Emmenagogue, Bronchodilator, Diaphoretic, Spleen-tonic, Burns-toxins, Digestive, AntisepticFenugreek
Fenugreek has these Actions in Common
Detoxicant, Emmenagogue, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Carminative, Digestive, Spleen-tonicCinnamon
Cinnamon has these Actions in Common
Detoxicant, Emmenagogue, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Carminative, Digestive, Spleen-tonicRosemary
Rosemary has these Actions in Common
Bronchodilator, Diaphoretic, Spleen-tonic, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Vasodilator, Detoxicant, EmmenagogueHerb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Bay Leaf
Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger has these Actions in Common
Carminative, Detoxicant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Spleen-tonic, Vasodilator, Burns-toxinsTrikatu
Trikatu has these Actions in Common
Carminative, Detoxicant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Vasodilator, Bronchodilator, Burns-toxinsKushta
Kushta has these Actions in Common
Carminative, Detoxicant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Vasodilator, Antiseptic, BronchodilatorHoly Basil Leaf (Tulsi)
Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common
Emmenagogue, Vasodilator, Anxiolytic, Bronchodilator, Burns-toxins, Detoxicant, DiaphoreticOsha
Osha has these Actions in Common
Diaphoretic, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Bronchodilator, Burns-toxins, CarminativeHops
Hops has these Actions in Common
Detoxicant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Antiseptic, Anxiolytic, CarminativePushkaramoola
Pushkaramoola has these Actions in Common
Digestive, Emmenagogue, Bronchodilator, Burns-toxins, Carminative, DiaphoreticGuggulu
Guggulu has these Actions in Common
Antiseptic, Detoxicant, Emmenagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Spleen-tonic, VasodilatorYogaraj Guggulu
Yogaraj Guggulu has these Actions in Common
Detoxicant, Emmenagogue, Vasodilator, Anxiolytic, Burns-toxins, CarminativeMugwort
Mugwort has these Actions in Common
Emmenagogue, Antiseptic, Carminative, Detoxicant, Diaphoretic, DigestiveCumin, Coriander, Fennel Tea
Cumin, Coriander, Fennel Tea has these Actions in Common
Burns-toxins, Detoxicant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Spleen-tonic
Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.
TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Bay Leaf 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.Heart, Blood & Circulation
Blood ClotsHow does Bay Leaf affect 'Blood Clots'?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.
Irregular heartbeatHow does Bay Leaf affect 'Irregular heartbeat'?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.
Respiratory Health, Lung & Sinus
Post nasal dripHow does Bay Leaf affect 'Post nasal drip'?
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.
IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.
View Other Ingredients for Autumn-Winter
Bay Leaf is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.
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
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.
Comments & Impressions of 'Bay Leaf'
Do you like 'bay leaf'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something you'd like to know about 'bay leaf'?270 likes
Sign in to review this food
BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY
Get Ayurveda's approach to food cravings & emotional eating for balanced weight and health.
Join Joyful Belly.
Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips?Subscribe to our free newsletter!
If you are already a member please sign in here. Forgot your password?
* 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.