All about Ayurveda and Herbs

आहार और आयुर्वेद

2026-04-03T10:29:33.592-07:00

आहार और आयुर्वेद (Food and Ayurveda)

आहार केवल शरीर को चलाने का साधन नहीं है—यह हमारे विचारों, प्रवृत्तियों और चेतना तक को प्रभावित करने वाला एक सूक्ष्म नियंत्रक है। यह हमारी इंद्रियों का पोषण करता है, प्राण को जीवंत रखता है और अंततः हमारे मन और व्यवहार की दिशा तय करता है। इसीलिए आयुर्वेद में आहार को अत्यंत गंभीर विषय माना गया है। यहाँ तक कि भोजन के स्रोत, अर्जन के साधन और उसके ग्रहण करने के वातावरण तक पर गहन विचार किया गया है।

वस्तुतः भोजन तीन मुख्य उद्देश्यों की पूर्ति करता है—पहला, शरीर की संरचना और विकास; दूसरा, प्रतिदिन होने वाले क्षय की पूर्ति; और तीसरा, ऊर्जा प्रदान कर रोगप्रतिरोधक क्षमता को सुदृढ़ करना। किन्तु व्यवहार में हम इन मूल उद्देश्यों को भूलकर केवल स्वाद-उन्मुख हो जाते हैं। परिणामतः आहार पोषण का साधन न रहकर रोग का कारण बन जाता है।

इसलिए आयुर्वेद आहार को तीन मूल प्रश्नों के आधार पर देखने की सलाह देता है—
हमें क्या खाना चाहिए? कितना खाना चाहिए? और कब/कैसे खाना चाहिए?

सबसे पहले प्रश्न आता है—क्या खाना चाहिए?
इसका उत्तर आयुर्वेद पथ्य, अपथ्य और कुपथ्य की संकल्पना द्वारा देता है…

पथ्य, अपथ्य और कुपथ्य — क्या खाना चाहिए?

आयुर्वेद में “क्या खाना चाहिए” यह प्रश्न किसी निश्चित सूची से नहीं, बल्कि अनुकूलता (compatibility) से तय होता है। इसी संदर्भ में तीन शब्द महत्वपूर्ण हैं—पथ्य, अपथ्य और कुपथ्य।

पथ्य वह है जो शरीर, अग्नि और प्रकृति के अनुकूल हो—जो दोषों को संतुलित रखे, धातुओं का पोषण करे और आवश्यकता पड़ने पर औषधि का कार्य भी करे। यह कोई स्थिर सूची नहीं, बल्कि व्यक्ति, अवस्था और काल के अनुसार बदलने वाली अवधारणा है।

इसके विपरीत, अपथ्य वह है जो उस समय शरीर के लिए अनुकूल नहीं है—जो अग्नि को मंद करे, दोषों को बढ़ाए या पाचन में बाधा डाले। यह आवश्यक नहीं कि अपथ्य हर परिस्थिति में हानिकारक हो, परंतु उस विशेष अवस्था में यह उपयुक्त नहीं होता।

सबसे गंभीर स्थिति है कुपथ्य—अर्थात वह आहार जो नियमों के विरुद्ध, विकृत या असंयमित रूप में ग्रहण किया गया हो। विरुद्धाहार, अति भोजन, रासायनिक एवं अत्यधिक प्रसंस्कृत खाद्य पदार्थ, या भूख के बिना किया गया भोजन—ये सभी कुपथ्य के उदाहरण हैं। यहाँ आहार केवल असंगत नहीं रहता, बल्कि शरीर की समग्र व्यवस्था को बाधित करने लगता है।

आगे प्रश्नों का उत्तर महर्षि चरक ने एक संक्षिप्त सूत्र में दिया—
“हितभुक, मितभुक और ऋतभुक।”
किन्तु इन शब्दों को अक्सर अत्यंत सरल और सतही रूप में समझ लिया जाता है। वस्तुतः इनके निहितार्थ कहीं अधिक व्यापक और गहरे हैं।
हितभुक — क्या हमारे लिए हितकारी है?

हितभुक का अर्थ केवल “लाभकारी भोजन” नहीं है। इसका आशय उस आहार से है जो व्यक्ति की प्रकृति, अग्नि, आयु, अवस्था और कर्म के अनुसार अनुकूल हो। यह एक प्रकार का व्यक्तिगत आहार-विज्ञान है।

इसके साथ ही, हितभुक का एक नैतिक पक्ष भी है—ऐसा भोजन जो अन्य प्राणियों या समाज को अनावश्यक कष्ट पहुँचाकर अर्जित न किया गया हो। इस प्रकार हितभुक केवल शारीरिक ही नहीं, बल्कि नैतिक और सामाजिक संतुलन का भी सूचक है।

मितभुक — मात्रा का विज्ञान

मितभुक का तात्पर्य है—संयमित मात्रा में भोजन करना। चाहे भोजन कितना ही श्रेष्ठ क्यों न हो, यदि वह अति में लिया गया है तो वह अमृत भी विष बन सकता है।

आयुर्वेद मात्रा को अग्नि की क्षमता के अनुसार सीमित रखने पर बल देता है। उचित मात्रा वह है जिसमें न तो पेट अत्यधिक भरे, न ही शरीर में भारीपन, आलस्य या अपच उत्पन्न हो। इस प्रकार मितभुक अग्नि की रक्षा का मूल सिद्धांत है।

ऋतभुक — समय, ऋतु और नियम के अनुरूप आहार

ऋतभुक का सामान्य अर्थ है—ऋतु और काल के अनुसार भोजन करना। अर्थात दिनचर्या, मौसम और अग्नि की अवस्था के अनुरूप आहार ग्रहण करना। यह शरीर को प्रकृति के चक्र के साथ संतुलित रखता है।

किन्तु “ऋत” का एक गहरा वैदिक अर्थ भी है—सृष्टि का वह शाश्वत नियम, जो सत्य, संतुलन और सामंजस्य पर आधारित है। इस दृष्टि से ऋतभुक केवल seasonal eating नहीं, बल्कि उस व्यापक व्यवस्था के अनुरूप जीवन जीना भी है, जिसमें आहार का अर्जन और उपभोग दोनों ही संतुलित और मर्यादित हों।

समग्र दृष्टि

इस प्रकार आयुर्वेद का आहार-दर्शन केवल यह नहीं बताता कि क्या खाया जाए। यह एक समग्र जीवन-पद्धति प्रस्तुत करता है—

क्या खाना है → पथ्य का चयन
क्या नहीं खाना है → अपथ्य से बचाव
क्या त्यागना है → कुपथ्य का परित्याग
कितना खाना है → मितभुक
किसके लिए खाना है → हितभुक
कब और किस नियम से खाना है → ऋतभुक

अंततः, जो व्यक्ति पथ्य को पहचानकर, हित के अनुसार, मित मात्रा में और ऋतु/ऋत के अनुरूप भोजन करता है—वह केवल रोगों से ही नहीं बचता, बल्कि एक संतुलित, सजग और सामंजस्यपूर्ण जीवन की ओर अग्रसर होता है।

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): The Infinite Symphony of Wisdom

2025-03-25T00:35:00.000-07:00

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Ayurvedic Properties, Modern Scientific Findings, and Pharmacognosy of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)

Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as Brahmi, has been cherished in Ayurveda for millennia, with mentions in revered texts like the Charaka Samhita and Atharva-Veda. As a potent Medhya Rasayana (rejuvenative herb for the brain), it is traditionally used to enhance memory, intelligence, and longevity. Brahmi is also considered a nervine tonic, promoting mental clarity and cognitive resilience. Beyond cognitive health, Ayurveda attributes it with adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress and maintain homeostasis.

In addition to its effects on the nervous system, Bacopa monnieri is valued for its influence on various bodily functions. It has been used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis due to its bronchodilatory effects. Its role in managing epilepsy, anxiety, and depression is also notable, as it is believed to stabilize neural activity. Furthermore, Brahmi is traditionally administered for digestive complaints, including indigestion and gas, while its mild diuretic properties assist in detoxification and maintaining kidney health.

Image: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Attribution: Forest & Kim Starr via Wikipedia

Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend Brahmi to rejuvenate the mind and body, particularly in cases of mental fatigue and cognitive decline. With its cooling nature and calming effects, it is also employed to mitigate conditions associated with Pitta aggravation, such as inflammatory skin diseases and ulcers. In holistic therapies, it complements other herbs like Ashwagandha and Shankhpushpi, offering a synergistic approach to cognitive enhancement and emotional balance.

Ayurvedic Properties

According to Ayurveda, Bacopa monnieri is classified with the following properties:

Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Quality): Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous)
Virya (Potency): Sheeta (Cooling)
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect): Madhura (Sweet)
Dosha Effect: Balances Vata and Kapha, while Pitta remains neutralized due to its cooling nature.
Karma (Actions): Medhya (Cognitive Enhancer), Rasayana (Rejuvenative), Balya (Strengthening), and Jvaraghna (Antipyretic)

It is often recommended in formulations like Brahmi Ghrita and Saraswatarishta for improving cognitive function, promoting clarity of thought, and managing neurological disorders.

Ethnomedicinal Importance

In Indian folk medicine, Bacopa monnieri holds a distinguished place, with region-specific applications. In Rajasthan, it is employed for treating rheumatism, asthma, and bronchitis. Tamil Nadu recognizes it for memory enhancement and the treatment of dysentery. In West Bengal, its leaves and roots are commonly used for neurological disorders, while in Odisha, leaves are used for nasal congestion and colds, and root extracts are applied for cataracts. Madhya Pradesh communities use it effectively against throat infections, coughs, and memory-related issues. In Kerala, it is utilized in powdered form for epilepsy and asthma, with leaves also addressing urinary problems. Beyond India, Bacopa monnieri finds use in Sri Lanka for fever management and in the Philippines as a diuretic and aphrodisiac. These diverse ethnomedicinal applications underscore the herb's widespread recognition as a healing agent.

Modern Scientific Findings

Modern research has increasingly validated the traditional claims surrounding Bacopa monnieri. Its bioactive compounds, including bacosides A and B, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, have demonstrated multifaceted therapeutic benefits. Clinical studies suggest that bacosides improve cognitive performance, particularly in cases of age-related cognitive decline. As a neuroprotective agent, it possesses antioxidant properties that protect neurons from oxidative stress, making it beneficial for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Furthermore, Bacopa monnieri exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative damage and supporting overall brain health. Its traditional use in managing epilepsy has also been backed by research showing anticonvulsant effects. Additionally, the herb demonstrates potential as an antidepressant, further enhancing its reputation as a neurological tonic.

Emerging evidence suggests that Bacopa monnieri may have antimicrobial and anticancer properties, though further trials are necessary to establish these effects conclusively. While these findings are promising, the lack of large-scale randomized clinical trials limits the conclusive establishment of its efficacy. Nevertheless, its synergistic effects with other herbs and pharmaceuticals highlight its value in complementary and integrative medicine.

While these findings are promising, the lack of large-scale randomized clinical trials limits the conclusive establishment of its efficacy. Nevertheless, its synergistic effects with other herbs and pharmaceuticals highlight its value in complementary and integrative medicine.

Pharmacognosy

Bacopa monnieri is ranked as the second most significant Indian medicinal plant in terms of economic and medicinal importance. It is in high demand, with an annual requirement of approximately 1,000 tonnes. The plant thrives in marshy and damp environments, with its leaves and roots commonly used for medicinal purposes. Standardization of its extract, ensuring consistent levels of bacosides, remains a key focus in pharmaceutical production.

In summary, Bacopa monnieri serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern science. Its extensive ethnomedicinal use, well-documented Ayurvedic properties, and emerging pharmacological evidence underscore its role as a vital herb in both traditional and contemporary healthcare systems. With further scientific exploration, it may unlock even greater therapeutic potential.

Sarasvatarishta (सारस्वतारिष्ट): Uses, Ingredients, Dose and Side Effects

2021-11-16T08:43:00.004-08:00

Sarasvatarishta (सारस्वतारिष्ट): Uses, Ingredients, Dose and Side Effects

Sarasvatarishta: Uses

Saraswatarishta is an excellent tonic, heart tonic, vata ataraxic/suppressor, psyche enhancer, intelligence enhancer and memory booster. It increases the age, strength, firmness or perseverance, intellect and radiance and it purifies the speech. It is beneficial for children, young, old, men and women. This yoga is described in Ayurveda as Rasayana.

It corrects the hoarseness and ambiguity of the voice and makes the voice soft and sweet. It heals rajodosh in woman and shukrdosha in men. It strengthens the memory power weakened due to excessive study etc. It makes the mind happy and content.

It is mentioned in the scriptures that Lord Dhanvantari himself had created Saraswatarishta for the benefit of his disciples. Heart diseases are destroyed by consuming Saraswatarishta for 1 month and after 1 year the body becomes disease free.

Image Source: wikimedia ~ Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil - Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell

Saraswatarishta is an effective medicine in diseases caused by the Vata disorders. It is very useful in disorders like stammering, retardation, weak memory, weak hearing power, talking without thinking etc. It calms the mind so it is beneficial in diseases like mania, dyspnoea, lack of enthusiasm, haste etc.

It is very beneficial for women facing Post-Menstrual Syndrome symptoms like - nervousness, dizziness, numbness in hands and feet, restlessness, sleeplessness etc. The combination of Saraswatarishta and Swarnamakshik Bhasma works well in situations of excessive dizziness and ringing/bell sound in the ears.

Giving Saraswatarishta along with Vangbhasma and Makardhwaj is beneficial in case of lack of growth of body due to lack of growth of scrotum in men and women, and the weakened feelings of puberty. - Rastantrasar and Siddhaprayog Sangrah

If one wants to avoid premature death by deseases, purity of speech, increase patience and memory power, then he should consume this nectar. - Bhaisajya Ratnavali

Sarasvatarishta: Ingredients

Herb	Proportion	Remark
Brahmi / Jaleem	1
Satavari	0.25
Vidarikand	0.25
Harad / Haritiki	0.25
Netrabala	0.25
Ginger	0.25
Fennel	0.25
Renuka seed	0.0125
Pippali	0.0125
Sweet Flag	0.0125
Ashwagandha	0.0125
Giloy / Guduchi	0.0125
Vaividang / False Black Paper	0.0125
Nishoth / Indian jalap	0.0125
Cloves	0.0125
Kooth / Costus Root	0.0125
Baheda / Vibhitiki	0.0125
Cardamom	0.0125
Cinnamon	0.0125
Gold Leaf (Varak)	0.0125
Dhataki Flower	0.25	Yeast Source for Fermentation
Honey	0.5	Sugar Source for Fermentation
Cane Sugar	1.25	Sugar Source for Fermentation

Sarasvatarishta: Dose

It should be given in 5ml (half tola) quantity along with water. - Bhaisajya Ratnavali

Sarasvatarishta: Side Effects

Arishta containing gold salts should not be taken more than 10ml, otherwise the amount of gold salts increases in the body, due to which disturbances like nausea, vomiting start. -Aushadhigundharma Shastra

Ashwagandharishta: Uses, Ingredients, Dose And Side Effects

2021-11-15T23:39:00.006-08:00

Ashwagandharishta: Uses, Ingredients, Dose and Side Effects

Ashwagandharishta: Uses

This Arishta is Deepan, Digestive and Vatnashak. Beneficial in gonorrhea, flagelitis, nausea, mania, edema, piles, fainting, weakness of the brain, confusion, epilepsy, gout, heart disease etc. This Arishta energizes the body and purifies and increases semen.

It is a perfect yoga for hysteria, fainting and frenzy. It destroys the colonic toxin. Being agnipradipak, it is a good remedy in digestive disorders. Strengthens the blood vessels and dhatus like rasa, blood etc. It is helpful in the weakness of maternity. Increases enthusiasm by removing impotence arising due to physical weakness.

According to BHAISHAJYARATNAVALI, Ashwangadharisht cure for Fainting, Hysteria, Epilepsy, Valetudinarianism, Dyspepsia, Inflamation, Piles(haemorrhoids). Ashwagandharisht is one of the best medicine for Vaat Rog.

Ashwagandharishta: Ingredients

Herb

Proportion

Remark

Ashwagandha

1

Safed Musli

0.4

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)

0.2

Haritiki

0.2

Turmeric

0.2

Barberry

0.2

Liquorice

0.2

Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)

0.2

Vidarikand

0.2

Arjun bark

0.2

Nagarmotha

0.2

Indian jalap (Operculina turpethum)

0.2

Indian Sarsaparilla white

0.16

Indian Sarsaparilla black

0.16

White Sandalwood

0.16

Red Sandalwood

0.16

Sweet flag

0.16

Ceylon leadwort (Chitrak) bark

0.16

Red bell bush (Dhataki) Flowers

0.32

Yeast Source for Fermentation

Natural Honey

4

Sugar Source for Fermentation

Dry Ginger

0.04

Chilly

0.04

Long Paper

0.04

Cinnamon

0.08

Bay Leaf

0.08

Cardamom

0.08

Nagkeshar

0.04

Beauty berry (Priyangu)

0.08

Ashwagandharishta: Dose

This formulation is a classical ayurvedic proprietary medicine and should be taken a advised by expert or as written on label.

The classical text of Ayurveda BHAISHAJYARATNAVALI, advised dose is 20ml (2 Tola) twice in a day and Ras Tantra Saar & Siddha Prayog Sangrah suggested 10-20ml twice in a day.

Ashwagandharishta: Side Effects

Although Ashwagandharishta has no side effects but if it is taken in high dose may cause vomiting and nausea.

Motha, Nagar Motha (CyperusRotundus): Health Benifits

2021-11-09T00:11:00.003-08:00

Accross the globe, religions and cultures in many folklore or traditional medicine systems, Cyperus Rotundis of Cyperaceae family is considered as a very important and promising herb and locally known as Red Nut Sedge, Khmer Kravanh Chruk, Java Sedge, मोथा, Mustak, Coco Grass, Purple Nut Sedge, सदकुफी (حزينكوفي ).

It's close relative Cyperus Scariosus, commonly known as Cypriol, Nutgrass or Nagar Motha (नागर मोथा) in Hindi is also considered as important herb used for fevers, digestive system disorders, dysmenorrhea, nausea, fever and inflammation; for pain reduction; for muscle relaxation

In traditional Chinese medicine, C. rotundus is considered the primary qi-regulating herb.

The plant is mentioned in the ancient Indian ayurvedic medicine Charaka Samhita (circa 100 AD). Modern ayurvedic medicine uses the plant, known as musta or musta moola churna, for fevers, digestive system disorders, dysmenorrhea, and other maladies.

Arabs of the Levant traditionally use for for wounds, bruises, and carbuncles.

Western and Islamic herbalists have described its use as a stomachic, emmenagogue, and deobstruent, and in emollient plasters.

"I am thankful I can see much to admire in all religions."

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Herb	Proportion	Remark
Ashwagandha	1
Safed Musli	0.4
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)	0.2
Haritiki	0.2
Turmeric	0.2
Barberry	0.2
Liquorice	0.2
Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)	0.2
Vidarikand	0.2
Arjun bark	0.2
Nagarmotha	0.2
Indian jalap (Operculina turpethum)	0.2
Indian Sarsaparilla white	0.16
Indian Sarsaparilla black	0.16
White Sandalwood	0.16
Red Sandalwood	0.16
Sweet flag	0.16
Ceylon leadwort (Chitrak) bark	0.16
Red bell bush (Dhataki) Flowers	0.32	Yeast Source for Fermentation
Natural Honey	4	Sugar Source for Fermentation
Dry Ginger	0.04
Chilly	0.04
Long Paper	0.04
Cinnamon	0.08
Bay Leaf	0.08
Cardamom	0.08
Nagkeshar	0.04
Beauty berry (Priyangu)	0.08