WHAT IS AYURVEDIC MEDICINE?

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old tradition of medicine that pre-dates the written word. Translated from Sanskrit, it means the science of life. This ancient healing system seeks to restore natural balance, draw together body, mind, and spirit. Herbal medicine, the utilization of oils, balanced nutrition, therapeutic massage,and yoga form the foundation of this ancient practice.

Considered a type of Complementary Alternative Medicine or CAM therapy, the goal of Ayurveda is to cultivate and maintain a healthy physiological system throughout your life. An alignment of emotions, an improvement in diet, a solid practice in yoga and “pranayama” or breathing exercises, and the use of proper herbs and extracts, can bring a balance to the mind, body and spirit of the practitioner.

But Ayurveda is more than using essential oils, chanting mantras, and doing yoga asana. Recognizing that everything is connected, it delves into the cognitive, emotional and physical aspects of an individual’s health problems.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine

Each of the elements that make up the base of Ayurvedic theory, fire, ether, water,earth, and air make up your unique body type. By assessing these specific components, practitioners can determine your Dosha, known as your natural constitution. Elements combine to create the doshas Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha. Once it is determined which dosha is out of balance, a combination of herbs and lifestyle changes are introduced to address the symptoms head on.

NOTE: We all have our own unique blend of Doshas, with one being more prominent.

While it’s true that Ayurveda determines what energies are out of alignment, the beauty of this holistic practice is that it helps you maintain a state of overall well-being! Weight control, age maintenance, healthy skin and hair, mental clarity, and a strong digestive fire system are just some of the benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine.

Ayurvedic Herbal Extracts

Plants, fruits, seeds, extracts and essential oils play a big role in Ayurvedic medicine. Their benefits are innumerable and in the correct combination Herbal extracts such as the ones listed below can grant the user balance in the internal and external body.

The Stars of Ayurvedic Herbs

• Amla Amalki (Indian Gooseberry), which is more commonly known as simply Amla is a key component of the three-herb blend known as triphala churna (Amalki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki) an overall system rejuvenator. It has been traditionally linked to the enhancement of the immune system and is an agent that is believed to “cool” the body. In Sanskrit, Amala is defined as “the sustainer''. It’s a powerful detoxifier known to aid in digestion, relieve constipation, and reduce inflammatory conditions in the digestive tract. When applied topically, it can detoxify the skin as well. Amla assists in gently exfoliating dead skin, reduces acne breakouts, and is high in vitamin C so it stimulates collagen production as well.
• Ashwagandha is considered a luminary of Ayurvedic herbal extracts. It aids in stress and anxiety reduction. It has been linked to performance strength, improvement in glucose metabolism enhancement, and it has been suggested the herb and its extract improve testosterone levels.
• Bakuchi is known for its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, and estrogen-like functions. It is used in cosmetics for its retinol-like, collagen building properties.
• Chamomile applied topically or ingested, it is known to be a pain reliever and have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to treat allergies and digestive issues. 
• Fenugreek also maintains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, the seeds of the plant are believed to battle fungal infections and soothe acne. 
• Ginger has restorative properties that not only aid in digestion. When applied topically, it improves circulation, and thereby product absorption. 
• Moringa thanks to its antioxidants, antibacterial, and nourishing properties it is a recognized skin-immunity booster. High in vitamin C, which inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase during melanin production.
• Neem is packed with powerful antimicrobials that banish blemishes. It is said to cool the fiery Pitta dosha. Its high polysaccharide content reduces inflammation.
• Turmeric extract is one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs. The high curcumin content makes it a potent anti-inflammatory to balance skin.
• Wrightia has excellent antimicrobial properties. It contains bioactive phytochemicals like lupeol (a triterpene), Rutin, Kaempferol and Quercetin (flavonoids) that are known to treat hair and skin conditions like psoriasis. 

Overall, use of these supplements in combination with Ayurvedic nutritional guidelines can be a great way to kick-start your wellness journey.

Conclusion

The ancient science of Ayurveda, combined with the sister sciences of yoga and meditation, offers a tried and true path to overall wellness. Ultimately, Ayurveda means the science of your life, the balancing of your bodily systems and a connection with your inner being to align body, mind and spirit. This is the path to health and longevity. Speak with an Ayurvedic practitioner about what combination of these beneficial herbs is best for your unique system. You can also find these herbs used within the AskAliesh skincare regimen.

Namaste ॐ

Resources:

• Ayurhp.com
  BP Naturals
  Chopra.com
  keralaayurveda.us
  Milady Advanced Aesthetics: Treating Diverse Pigmentation
  netmeds.com