College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Garlic (Allium sativum)

This powerful immune tonic will make you sweat out any cold or flu! Also shown to lower blood pressure.

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

This powerful immune tonic will make you sweat out any cold or flu! Also shown to lower blood pressure.

Metabolic Nature of Garlic

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

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

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EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

HEAVY

ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

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?

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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.

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PACIFIES
Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating Pitta 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.

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PACIFIES
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
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

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 & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Garlic
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)
Antiemetic

ANTIEMETIC

Herbs that reduce nausea or stop vomiting. Generally refreshing, aromatic herbs.

SEE ALL 'ANTIEMETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stomachic

STOMACHIC

An herb that increases appetite or settles a nauseas or nervous stomach. These generally increase the digestive fire, therefore relieving symptoms of sluggish or difficult digestion.

SEE ALL 'STOMACHIC' 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

,
Stimulant Laxative

STIMULANT-LAXATIVE

Stimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by stimulating peristaltic movement (the contraction of smooth muscle in the intestines). They are effective when used on a short-term basis. On a long-term basis, they can create dependency. Aka irritant laxativ

SEE ALL 'STIMULANT-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

,
Anxiolytic

ANXIOLYTIC

Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.

SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Sedative

SEDATIVE

Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.

SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

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

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antifibrotic

STRONG ANTIFIBROTIC

Fibrosis of an organ is often a progressive leading to organ failure (i.e lungs, liver, kidney). While vulneraries usually help restore collagen, antifibrotic herbs often clear collagen. Aka fibrinolytic.

SEE ALL 'ANTIFIBROTIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vulnerary

MILD VULNERARY

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

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Irritates Throat

IRRITATES-THROAT

Creates abrasive feeling in the back of the mouth. May stimulate coughing.

SEE ALL 'IRRITATES-THROAT' 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

,
Mucolytic

MUCOLYTIC

An herb that breaks apart mucus, liquefying the mucus.

SEE ALL 'MUCOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antimicrobial

STRONG ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antifungal

ANTIFUNGAL

Herbs that destroy fungus.

SEE ALL 'ANTIFUNGAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antiviral

ANTIVIRAL

Herbs that inhibit the development of viral infections. Antivirals also can be found in essential oils of some herbs, such as eucalyptus oil.

SEE ALL 'ANTIVIRAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Repairs Membrane

REPAIRS-MEMBRANE

Reduces inflammation and allergen reactivity by restoring epithelial barrier function. Repairs tight cell junction in leaky gut, interstitial cystitis, eczema, asthma, etc.

SEE ALL 'REPAIRS-MEMBRANE' FOODS / HERBS

Calcium Channel Blocker

STRONG CALCIUM-CHANNEL-BLOCKER

Reduces blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscle tissue. Blocking calcium (Ca2+) inhibits smooth muscle contraction.

SEE ALL 'CALCIUM-CHANNEL-BLOCKER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Blood Thinner

BLOOD-THINNER

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

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-THINNER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Hypotensive

HYPOTENSIVE

An herb that lowers blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'HYPOTENSIVE' 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

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

Cholagogue

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

,
Galactagogue

GALACTAGOGUE

Increases production of breast milk, often by raising prolactin and diaphoresis.

SEE ALL 'GALACTAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Chelates

CHELATES

Binds to toxins such as heavy metals making them more soluble for elimination by the body.

SEE ALL 'CHELATES' FOODS / HERBS

Antispasmodic

ANTISPASMODIC

Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS.

SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' 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

, Polysaccharides,
Saponins

SAPONINS

Can be used to make soap. Saponins stimulate mucus membrane secretion, liquefying mucus for easy removal (expectorant).

SEE ALL 'SAPONINS' FOODS / HERBS

, Sulfated Polysaccharides, Sulphur

Foods with a Similar Nature to Garlic

  • Garlic

    Garlic has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Mucolytic, Stimulant-laxative, Vulnerary, Antifibrotic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Chelates, Diuretic, General-laxative, Irritates-throat, Repairs-membrane, Stomachic, Alterative, Antifungal, Antiviral, Blood-thinner, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Hypotensive, Makes-you-tired, Sedative, Vasodilator, Antiemetic, Antimicrobial, Anxiolytic, Calcium-channel-blocker, Diaphoretic, Galactagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic (raw)

    Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Hypotensive, Repairs-membrane, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Blood-thinner, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulant-laxative, Vulnerary, Antifibrotic, Antiviral, Calcium-channel-blocker, Diaphoretic, General-laxative, Mucolytic, Stomachic, Antifungal, Aphrodisiac, Chelates, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Cinnamon

    Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

    Aphrodisiac, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Antifungal, Calcium-channel-blocker, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Galactagogue, Mucolytic, Antiemetic

    LEARN MORE

  • Cloves

    Cloves has these Actions in Common

    Antifungal, Anxiolytic, Expectorant, Antiemetic, Antimicrobial, Aphrodisiac, Internal-detoxicant, Antifibrotic, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Antimicrobial, Calcium-channel-blocker, Vasodilator, Antifibrotic, Antispasmodic, Cholagogue, Vulnerary, Antifungal, Blood-thinner, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Horseradish

    Horseradish has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, General-laxative, Repairs-membrane, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Irritates-throat, Vasodilator, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Mucolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Wasabi

    Wasabi has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Irritates-throat, Vasodilator, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Mucolytic, Diaphoretic, General-laxative, Repairs-membrane

    LEARN MORE

  • Ginger (Fresh)

    Ginger (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Antiemetic, Blood-thinner, Hypotensive, Vasodilator, Antifibrotic, Calcium-channel-blocker, Internal-detoxicant, Antispasmodic, Galactagogue, Stomachic

    LEARN MORE

  • Red Onion (raw)

    Red Onion (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Hypotensive, Stimulant-laxative, Galactagogue, Mucolytic, Vasodilator, Aphrodisiac, General-laxative, Repairs-membrane

    LEARN MORE

  • Dill

    Dill has these Actions in Common

    Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Stomachic, Diaphoretic, Galactagogue, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Chamomile

    Chamomile has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Sedative, Vulnerary, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Stomachic, Anxiolytic, Makes-you-tired, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Garlic

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Alterative, Internal-detoxicant, Antifungal, Stomachic, Antimicrobial, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Vulnerary, Blood-thinner

    LEARN MORE

  • Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

    Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

    Antispasmodic, Vasodilator, Anxiolytic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Antifungal, Sedative, Antimicrobial, Stomachic

    LEARN MORE

  • Goldenseal

    Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

    Antifungal, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Cholagogue, Diuretic, General-laxative, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Mucolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Kushta

    Kushta has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Vulnerary, Antiviral, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Calendula, Marigold

    Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

    Antiviral, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Alterative, Vulnerary, Antifungal, Antimicrobial

    LEARN MORE

  • Ginkgo

    Ginkgo has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Blood-thinner, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Vasodilator, Antifibrotic, Antifungal

    LEARN MORE

  • Hyssop Powder

    Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

    Vasodilator, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Mucolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Echinacea

    Echinacea has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Mucolytic, Vulnerary, Alterative, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Diaphoretic, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Neem Leaf

    Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Blood-thinner, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Alterative, Antifungal

    LEARN MORE

  • St. John's Wort

    St. John's Wort has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Anxiolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

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

    Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Mucolytic, Vasodilator, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

1 dropper full 2x/day or as directed by your practitioner.
See guidelines for tinctures?

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

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

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Garlic 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 herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

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

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