Hour 75 Ayurveda – Medicinal Herbs VI

Tulsi, Neem and Aloevera

1. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum
Taste: Pungent, Bitter
Veerya (Potency): Hot
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect): Pungent
Gunas (Qualities): Light, Sharp, Penetrative
Dosha Effect:

• Vata and Kapha: Holy Basil balances Vata and Kapha doshas.
• Pitta: Increases Pitta due to its hot potency and pungent taste.

Therapeutic Actions:

Holy Basil is considered a sacred plant in Ayurveda, offering a wide range of therapeutic benefits. It is especially effective in managing respiratory issues, digestive disorders, and various other ailments due to its antimicrobial, expectorant, and antipyretic properties.

• Respiratory Health: Holy Basil is a natural remedy for cough, cold, and other respiratory infections. Its expectorant properties help in the removal of mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract.
• Digestive Health: It improves Agni (digestive fire), supports digestion, and helps in detoxification by removing toxins from the body.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Holy Basil has strong antimicrobial properties, which make it effective in fighting off infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Antipyretic Action: Due to its ability to reduce fever, Holy Basil is widely used in treating fever, especially when associated with respiratory infections.
• Adaptogenic Properties: Holy Basil also has adaptogenic properties, which help in reducing stress and improving immunity.

Remedies:

1. For Fever, Cold, and Cough: Fresh juice of basil leaves, 10 ml with 1 teaspoon honey, taken three times a day.
2. For Cold and Cough: Powdered dried basil (3–5 grams) mixed with honey.

2. Neem – Azadirachta indica

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica
Taste: Bitter, Pungent, Astringent
Veerya (Potency): Cold
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect): Pungent
Gunas (Qualities): Light, Drying
Dosha Effect:

• Kapha and Pitta: Neem is highly effective in balancing both Kapha and Pitta doshas.
• Vata: Increases Vata due to its light and drying qualities, making it unsuitable for Vata conditions when used in excess.

Therapeutic Actions:

Neem is one of the most powerful medicinal herbs in Ayurveda, with diverse uses ranging from skin care to blood purification and detoxification. It is known for its bitter and antimicrobial properties.

• Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Neem is widely used for treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and fungal infections due to its powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
• Blood-Purifying: Neem purifies the blood by removing toxins, making it beneficial in treating skin diseases, acne, and conditions related to impurities in the blood.
• Wound Healing: Neem promotes the healing of wounds by preventing infection and supporting tissue regeneration. It is often used for cuts, burns, and ulcers.
• Antidiabetic: Neem is used in managing diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.
• Detoxification: Neem is an excellent herb for detoxifying the body and promoting liver health.

Remedies:

1. For Detoxification and Fever: Fresh neem juice, 20 ml, taken on an empty stomach in the morning.
2. For Skin Issues: Neem oil is applied topically to treat itching, fungal infections, and skin irritations.
3. For Hyperacidity: Neem juice helps in reducing acidity by detoxifying the digestive system.

3. Aloe Vera

Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
Taste: Bitter and Sweet
Veerya (Potency): Cooling
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect): Sweet
Gunas (Qualities): Heavy to Digest
Dosha Effect:

• Vata, Pitta, and Kapha: Aloe Vera is a unique herb in Ayurveda as it balances all three doshas, making it highly versatile. It is especially beneficial for conditions involving digestive, skin, and reproductive health.

Therapeutic Actions:

Aloe Vera is widely known for its cooling and soothing properties. It is used to treat a variety of health issues, including digestive problems, skin conditions, and reproductive disorders.

• Digestive Health: Aloe Vera aids in digestion and is especially effective in treating constipation. It supports healthy bowel movements and soothes the digestive tract.
• Liver Health: Aloe Vera detoxifies the liver and promotes overall liver health by aiding in the removal of toxins from the body.
• Skin Health: Due to its cooling and hydrating properties, Aloe Vera is used for treating burns, rashes, and general skin health. It helps in soothing and regenerating skin cells.
• Menstrual Health: Aloe Vera is beneficial in treating menstrual disorders and supporting female reproductive health. It cleanses the uterus and regulates menstrual cycles.
• Detoxification: Aloe Vera’s detoxifying properties help cleanse the body, supporting overall health and wellness.

Remedies:

1. For Detox and Cleansing: Fresh Aloe Vera juice, 20 ml, for Kapha-dominant fever, liver diseases, menstrual disorders, and digestive issues.
2. For Hyperacidity: Aloe Vera pulp, 2 grams, to relieve acidity and promote digestive health.
3. For Constipation: Aloe Vera juice helps regulate bowel movements and supports digestive function.

Conclusion

Holy Basil, Neem, and Aloe Vera are powerful herbs with wide-ranging therapeutic effects. They can be used for various health conditions, especially respiratory issues, digestive disorders, skin health, and detoxification. These herbs offer natural, effective solutions that are easy to incorporate into daily life and provide numerous health benefits.