Milk with herbs: When we wish to use certain
herbs with pungent and hot properties in children,
or in person with less strength, those herbs are
processed with cow milk. This serves three purposes.
the herbal formula is made suitable for patient with less strength.
principles in the herb.
SAFFRON is a very potent revitalizer of the blood, circulation and female reproductive system, as well as of the metabolism generally. It is one of the best anti-Pitta herbs and spleen-liver regulators. It is considered to be the best stimulant and aphrodisiac, vajikarana, primarily for women. Though not actually a tonic itself, even in small amounts it catalyzes the tonic action of other herbs and promotes tissue growth in the reproductive organs and in the entire body. It can be added to milk or to other tonic herbs, like shatavari or angelica, to facilitate their function or used as a spice to promote assimilation of food into deeper tissues. Its quality is sattvic and gives energy to love, devotion and compassion, to Bhakti yoga. SAFFLOWER, sometimes misleadingly called saffron, can be used as a substitute for saffron and is much less expensive. It should be used in normal dosages.
AJWAN or wild celery seed is a strong digestive, respiratory and nerve stimulant. For those suffering from high Vata, poor appetite, intestinal gas and sinus congestion, it may be taken as a powder, one to three grams three times a day before meals. It also promotes kidney function and energizes the nerves. Its uses are similar to wild carrot seeds in western herbalism. Ajwan is a powerful decongestant for both the respiratory and digestive tracts. It clears out deep-seated Ama and revives obstructed and stagnant metabolic functioning. It relieves intestinal spasms and vitalizes Pratta, samana (the Vata governing digestion) and udana (the Vata governing speech, effort and enthusiasm). As such it helps improve aspiration and catalyze the ascending energies of the psyche.
PIPPALl, like its close relative black pepper, is a powerful stimulant for both the digestive and respiratory systems. It is strongly heating and removes cold, congestion and Ama, and revives weakened organic functions. Unlike black pepper it is also a rejuvenative, mainly for the lungs and for Kapha. Prepared as a milk decoction, it can help cure chronic, degenerative lung diseases like asthma. Pippali is also an aphrodisiac and strengthens reproductive functions, warming and energizing the reproductive organs. Three of the pods may be taken daily in the morning with a little honey to control excess secretions, mucus and Kapha. Alternatively, ten black peppercorns can be used. Together with black pepper and dry ginger, pippali forms the compound known as trikatu, or the three spices. This is the main stimulant compound used in Ayurveda. Trikatu rejuvenates Agni, burns away Ama and allows for the assimilation of other medicines and foods.
BHRINGARAJ is a preventative to the aging process which maintains and helps rejuvenate bones, teeth, hair, sight, hearing, and memory. It is a rejuvenative for Pitta constitution and for the liver; it is the best medicine for cirrhosis. It is also the best Ayurvedic herbal medicine for the hair. Bhringaraj oil is famous for making the hair black and luxuriant; for removing greyness and reversing balding. It helps calm the mind from excessive activity and promotes sound sleep. In many respects it is similar to brahmi, or gotu kola, in its properties. It combines the properties of a bitter tonic like dandelion (for which it is a substitute) with a rejuvenative tonic. Applied externally, it helps draw out poisons and reduces inflammation and swollen glands. It is a good tonic for the mind. Bhringaraj also is good for the complexion. Bhringaraj grows wild in the southwestern United States.
ASHWAGANDHA holds a place in the Ayurvedic pharmacology similar to ginseng in Chinese medicine, yet it is far less expensive. It is the best rejuvenative herb, particularly for the muscles, marrow and semen and for Vata constitution. It is used in all conditions of weakness and tissue deficiency in children, the elderly, those debilitated by chronic diseases, those suffering from overwork, lack of sleep or nervous exhaustion. For such regenerative purposes, it can be taken as a milk decoction to which may be added raw sugar, honey, pippali and basmati rice. As such, it inhibits aging and catalyzes the anabolic processes of the body. Sattvic in quality, it is one of the best herbs for the mind upon which it is nurturing and clarifying. It is calming and promotes deep, dreamless sleep. Ashwagandha is a good food for weak pregnant women; it helps to stabilize the fetus. It also regenerates the hormonal system, promotes healing of tissues, and can be used externally on wounds, sores, etc. Five grams of the powder can be taken twice a day in warm milk or water, sweetened with raw sugar.
BLACK PEPPER is one of the most powerful digestive stimulants. It burns up Ama and cleanses the alimentary canal (energizing Agni to destroy toxins and digest food). Black pepper can be taken nasally as a medicated ghee to relieve sinus congestion, headaches, and even epileptic seizures. It is a good antidote to cold food like cucumbers and for excessive intake of raw food and salads. Used externally, it helps ripen boils and promote suppuration. Prepared in ghee, it heals inflamed surfaces, such as in urticaria and erysipelas. With honey, it is a powerful expectorant and mucus-cleanser, drying up secretions. If used excessively, black pepper can act as an irritant as its quality is rajasic.
TURMERIC is an excellent natural antibiotic,
while at the same time it strengthens digestion
and helps improve intestinal flora. As such it is a
good antibacterial for those chronically weak or ill.
It not only purifies the blood, but also warms
it and stimulates formation of new blood tissue.
Externally, it can be used with honey for sprains,
strains, bruise or itch. It is tonic to the skin,
for which purposes it can be taken internally
as a milk decoction.
GINGER is perhaps the best and most sattvic of the spices. It was called vishwabhesaj, “the universal medicine.”
