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A Y U R V E D A + H E R B S

Let’s dive into some Ayurvedic history about herbs and their use for medicinal purposes! Herbs, both in the east and the west, have been the primary medicinal agent in traditional and holistic therapies. Particularly in India, an extensive and intricate herbal science has been developed and is incorporated under the practices and philosophies of Ayurveda.

Herbal medicine originated from the vision of men of spiritual knowledge and has evolved and refined throughout thousands of years. Most of us would agree that we are facing unprecedented times in the west (and in the world) and finding a balance internally is of critical importance. There are many ways to find internal balance in an unbalanced external world.

We start with herbs. Just as physical ailments usually follow emotional imbalances, so we may find the spiritual use of herbs in the Indian tradition of particular importance in our own unbalanced society. Ayurvedic healing and its herbal medicine is needed now more than ever.

Many Ayurvedic herbs are common spices such as ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, and fenugreek.

Ayurveda means “The Science of Life” and it is a science of living that encompasses the whole of life, and which relates the life of the individual to that of the universe including all methods bringing us into greater harmony with it.

Ayurveda should be thought of as a resource to be drawn upon freely and to be adapted to the unique needs of the individual in their environment.

Ayurvedic herbalism should not be thought of as a rigid, confined set of laws or rules but rather an embrace of the natural world which ultimately leads us to greater wisdom.

Source: The Yoga of Herbs, An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine by Dr. David Frawley