Hour 70 Ayurveda – Medicinal Herbs I

Turmeric and Asafoetida

Turmeric (Haridra) –  Curcuma longa

• Rasa (Taste): Bitter and Pungent.
• Guna (Qualities): Dry and Light.
• Veerya (Potency): Hot.
• Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect): Pungent.
• Actions (Karma):
  • Detoxification.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Antifungal, Antibacterial.
  • Anti-cancerous.
  • Digestive stimulant.
  • Immune enhancer.
• Impact on Doshas:
  • Pacifies Pitta and Kapha doshas by reducing heat and balancing metabolism.
  • Helps balance Vata dosha when there is coldness, stagnation, or sluggish digestion.

• Health Benefits:
  • Balances all three doshas, making it a versatile herb.
  • Supports digestion, reduces bloating, and aids liver detoxification.
  • Boosts immunity and helps prevent colds and flu.
• Daily Usage:
  • Turmeric Milk: Add a pinch of turmeric to warm milk in the evening to calm Pitta, reduce stress, and promote sleep.
  • Turmeric and Honey Mix: Mix 3 grams of turmeric with 1 teaspoon of honey for relief from colds and coughs.
  • Turmeric Water: Combine ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Drink on an empty stomach in the morning for improved digestion, reduced bloating, weight loss, and enhanced immunity.

2. Asafoetida (Hingu) – Ferula assa-foetida

• Rasa (Taste): Pungent.
• Guna (Qualities): Light, Oily, Sharp (Penetrative). Veerya (Potency): Hot.
• Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect): Pungent.
• Actions (Karma):
  • Carminative.
  • Strong digestive stimulant.
  • Antimicrobial and antifungal.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Detoxifier.
• Impact on Doshas:
  • Balances Kapha and Vata doshas by clearing blockages and relieving excess gas.
  • Increases Pitta dosha.
• Health Benefits:
  • Reduces bloating and indigestion.
  • Enhances digestive enzyme secretion and gastric acidity.
  • Detoxifies the digestive system and purifies the body.
  • Relieves pain and inflammation in the gut and joints.

• Daily Usage:
  • Buttermilk Mix: Add 2 pinches of asafoetida and 1 pinch of rock salt to 150 ml of skimmed buttermilk. Consume after meals to soothe the stomach and strengthen gut flora.
  • Ghee Mix: Combine 2 pinches of asafoetida powder with ½ teaspoon of melted cow’s ghee and consume before meals to ignite Agni and enhance appetite.