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College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion


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Leeks Benefits (According to Ayurveda)
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Are Leeks Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Leeks' 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.

Metabolic Nature of Leeks

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

TASTES

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?

Find Out More

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

AGGRAVATES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot and oily with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body. Vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

Other

Subtaste:
Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs 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.

SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Crunchy

CRUNCHY

Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.

SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

Subdosha:
Pitta Pachaka, Vayu Prana, Vayu Udana
Affinity:
Cleanse And Detox, Digestion, Heart Circulation Blood, Immune System, Respiratory Health
Family:
Amaryllidaceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Leeks
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.

(see all)
Digestion:
Appetizer

APPETIZER

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.

SEE ALL 'APPETIZER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Spleen Tonic

SPLEEN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.

SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Cleanse & Detox:
Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

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

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care & Beauty:
Vulnerary

MILD VULNERARY

An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Respiratory-Health:
Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.

SEE ALL 'DECONGESTANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Expectorant

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants 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.

SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Blood Thinner

BLOOD-THINNER

Herbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-THINNER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vasodilator

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

Kidney & Urinary:
Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Nitric Oxide

STRONG NITRIC-OXIDE

Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.

SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Leeks

  • Scallions (Raw)

    Scallions (Raw) has these Actions in Common

    Vasodilator, Appetizer, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Blood-thinner, Diuretic, Spleen-tonic, Decongestant, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Fennel Seeds

    Fennel Seeds has these Actions in Common

    Decongestant, Expectorant, Vulnerary, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Appetizer, Diuretic, Spleen-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Thyme (fresh)

    Thyme (fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Appetizer, Expectorant, Vasodilator, Decongestant, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Digestive, Spleen-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Coriander Seed

    Coriander Seed has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Spleen-tonic, Appetizer, Expectorant, Vulnerary, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Dill

    Dill has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Diuretic, Spleen-tonic, Appetizer, Expectorant, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Cardamom

    Cardamom has these Actions in Common

    Decongestant, Expectorant, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Appetizer, Diuretic, Spleen-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Tarragon

    Tarragon has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Appetizer, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Blood-thinner, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Basil

    Basil has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Appetizer, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Decongestant, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Cinnamon

    Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

    Decongestant, Expectorant, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Appetizer, Diuretic, Spleen-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Ginger (Fresh)

    Ginger (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Internal-detoxicant, Decongestant, Spleen-tonic, Appetizer, Digestive, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Leeks

  • Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

    Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Vasodilator, Vulnerary, Appetizer, Decongestant

    LEARN MORE

  • Kushta

    Kushta has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Vulnerary, Appetizer, Digestive, Diuretic, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Wild Ginger

    Wild Ginger has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Vasodilator, Appetizer

    LEARN MORE

  • Manjistha

    Manjistha has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Vasodilator, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Haritaki

    Haritaki has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Diuretic, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Appetizer

    LEARN MORE

  • Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

    Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

    Vasodilator, Appetizer, Decongestant, Diuretic, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Trikatu

    Trikatu has these Actions in Common

    Appetizer, Decongestant, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Hyssop Powder

    Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

    Vasodilator, Vulnerary, Diuretic, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Echinacea

    Echinacea has these Actions in Common

    Vulnerary, Decongestant, Digestive, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Pennyroyal

    Pennyroyal has these Actions in Common

    Expectorant, Vasodilator, Appetizer, Digestive, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Hawthorne Berry & Flower

    Hawthorne Berry & Flower has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Digestive, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Leeks may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Leeks. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Spring

Leeks is recommended for Spring. Check out these other Spring foods here.
VIEW ALL SPRING FOODS MORE FOODS FOR VATA / PITTA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

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.
CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

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