Kushta Benefits, Uses, Side Effects According to Ayurveda

Metabolic Nature of Kushta

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.
Find Out More

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

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

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

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

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

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

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

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Kushta
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

Carminative

CARMINATIVE

Stimulates 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.

SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' 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:

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

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

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Vulnerary

VULNERARY

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

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Respiratory-Health:

Bronchodilator

BRONCHODILATOR

An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma.

SEE ALL 'BRONCHODILATOR' 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

Immune System:

Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

SEE ALL 'ANTIBACTERIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Antimicrobial

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

Antiseptic

ANTISEPTIC

Capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Helpful in infections and for those with weak immune systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTISEPTIC' 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

Immune Stimulant

IMMUNE-STIMULANT

Stimulates and strengthens the immune system. Helpful when fighting off a cold or flu.

SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:

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

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

Reproductive Health:

Uterine Stimulant

UTERINE-STIMULANT

Causes contractions in the uterus often by stimulating production of oxytocin. These herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy.

SEE ALL 'UTERINE-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:

Alkaloids,

Flavonoids

FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect.

SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Kushta

Basil

Basil has these Actions in Common
Appetizer, Diaphoretic, Immune-stimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Bronchodilator, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Carminative, Diuretic, Vasodilator
LEARN MORE
Garlic (raw)

Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common
Diaphoretic, Hypotensive, Vulnerary, Antiviral, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial
LEARN MORE
Thyme (fresh)

Thyme (fresh) has these Actions in Common
Appetizer, Digestive, Vasodilator, Antibacterial, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant
LEARN MORE
Cinnamon

Cinnamon has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Appetizer, Digestive, Hypotensive, Antibacterial, Carminative, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant
LEARN MORE
Sage

Sage has these Actions in Common
Vulnerary, Appetizer, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Uterine-stimulant, Antiseptic, Diaphoretic, Immune-stimulant
LEARN MORE
Mustard Powder

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common
Diuretic, Vasodilator, Antiseptic, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Bronchodilator, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Carminative
LEARN MORE
Mustard

Mustard has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Carminative, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Antiseptic, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Bronchodilator, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant
LEARN MORE
Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common
Bronchodilator, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Carminative, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Antiseptic, Diaphoretic, Expectorant
LEARN MORE
Dill

Dill has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Appetizer, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Carminative, Diuretic, Vasodilator
LEARN MORE
Nigella (black cumin)

Nigella (black cumin) has these Actions in Common
Anti-inflammatory, Digestive, Immune-stimulant, Carminative, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Diaphoretic, Hypotensive, Vasodilator
LEARN MORE
Fenugreek

Fenugreek has these Actions in Common
Anti-inflammatory, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Carminative, Diuretic, Uterine-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Vulnerary
LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Kushta

Echinacea

Echinacea has these Actions in Common
Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Immune-stimulant, Antibacterial, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Vulnerary, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Diaphoretic, Digestive
LEARN MORE
Goldenseal

Goldenseal has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Vulnerary, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Digestive, Diuretic, Immune-stimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Uterine-stimulant
LEARN MORE
Yarrow

Yarrow has these Actions in Common
Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Immune-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Uterine-stimulant, Antimicrobial, Vasodilator, Antiseptic, Vulnerary, Carminative
LEARN MORE
Hyssop Powder

Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common
Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Vasodilator, Antiseptic, Vulnerary, Bronchodilator, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant
LEARN MORE
Mugwort

Mugwort has these Actions in Common
Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Uterine-stimulant, Antiseptic, Appetizer
LEARN MORE
Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz has these Actions in Common
Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Vulnerary, Appetizer, Bronchodilator, Diaphoretic, Digestive
LEARN MORE
Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common
Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Appetizer, Bronchodilator, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant
LEARN MORE
Calendula, Marigold

Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Uterine-stimulant, Vasodilator, Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary
LEARN MORE
Haritaki

Haritaki has these Actions in Common
Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Appetizer, Carminative, Digestive, Diuretic, Expectorant
LEARN MORE
Dong Quai

Dong Quai has these Actions in Common
Anti-inflammatory, Vasodilator, Bronchodilator, Carminative, Digestive, Expectorant, Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Uterine-stimulant
LEARN MORE

Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Kushta Herbal Powder (Saussurea lappa)

Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Metabolic Nature of Kushta

Metabolic Nature

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

The 6 Tastes

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

The Three Doshas / Body Types

The Four Temperaments / Humors

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Kushta 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.

APPETIZER

CARMINATIVE

DIGESTIVE

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

DIAPHORETIC

VULNERARY

BRONCHODILATOR

EXPECTORANT

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

ANTIBACTERIAL

ANTIMICROBIAL

ANTISEPTIC

ANTIVIRAL

IMMUNE-STIMULANT

HYPOTENSIVE

VASODILATOR

DIURETIC

UTERINE-STIMULANT

FLAVONOIDS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Kushta

Basil has these Actions in Common

Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

Thyme (fresh) has these Actions in Common

Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

Sage has these Actions in Common

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

Mustard has these Actions in Common

Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

Dill has these Actions in Common

Nigella (black cumin) has these Actions in Common

Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Kushta

Echinacea has these Actions in Common

Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

Yarrow has these Actions in Common

Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

Mugwort has these Actions in Common

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

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

Haritaki has these Actions in Common

Dong Quai has these Actions in Common

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Respiratory, Lung, Throat & Sinus

Digestion

Bones, Muscles & Tendons

Mind, Stress & Sleep

Heart, Blood & Circulation

Reproductive-Health

CONTRAINDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Spring Diet

upcoming courses

Fundamentals of Virtue Psychology ($2,699)

Ayurvedic Herbalist ($4,999)

Fundamentals of Ayurvedic Medicine - 2 Year Counselor Certification ($7,999)

Panchakarma Specialist ($5,999)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Kushta
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.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS