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Ayurvedic Insight
Issue #43, July 2005
In This Issue
Herb for the Season: Amalaki
Summer season is when pitta dosha accumulates in our bodies. As we
adjust our diets to be more cooling and our lifestyles to be more calming,
choosing the right herbs can also help to pacify pitta before symptoms
have a chance to manifest. Amalaki is one the most important herbs in
Ayurveda for treating pitta-related disorders. Also known as Indian gooseberry
or Amla, it comes from a tree regarded as sacred in India because of the
potent nourishing and healing properties of the fruit.
The ancient Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita explains, "Amalaki is the
best and strongest among rejuvenative herbs." The amalaki fruit is the main
ingredient in the traditional Ayurvedic rasayana Chyavanprash. It is
also one of the three fruits, along with haritaki and bibhitaki, found in
the Ayurvedic panacea, Triphala. Commonly used in pickles (relish) and
chutneys, this traditional accompaniment in Indian cuisine is
considered an essential part of a balanced meal.
In Ayurveda, proper digestion is most important for good health.
Amalaki strengthens digestion, absorption and assimilation of food. It is the
ideal digestive aid for a person who has a lot of pitta in their
constitiution because it enhances the appetite without increasing heat in the body.
It helps to calm mild hyperacidity, peptic ulcers, indigestion and other
gastrointestinal problems due to excess pitta.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Amalaki also make it a gentle and
effective treatment for hemmoroids, bladder irritablity (with burning
sensation during urination), eye and lung inflammation.
The whole amalaki fruit is highly nutritious and an important dietary
source of vitamin C, minerals and amino acids. Amalaki boosts calcium
absorption in the body, promoting strong bones, teeth, hair and nails.
Shampoos and scalp treatments that contain the herb help maintain
natural color of hair and slow premature graying. Amalaki also supports iron
absorption, working to counter anemia and bring iron levels back to
normal.
Amalaki is tonifying and detoxifying for the liver, the main organ
associated with pitta. Amalaki helps to purify the plasma or nutrient
fluid (rasa) and blood (rakta). It increases red blood cell count and
regulates blood sugar. Traditionally it has been used for the treatment of
jaundice. Current research shows amalaki's effectiveness in lowering cholesterol.
Amalaki provides an overall boost to immune function through its
powerful antioxident activity and free radical scavanging capabilities. This, in
combination with its anti-microbial and antiviral properties helps to
reduce disease, boost vitality and slow the aging process.
Athletes can enjoy this herb because it is anabolic in nature and
enhances protein synthesis. This is good for strengthening muscles and building
lean muscle mass.
This herb is particularly wonderful and versatile in its healing
properties because of its prabhava, the Sanskrit word meaning "special action", in
the body. Amalaki alleviates all three doshas. The sour taste helps to
pacify vata. Pitta is decreased by the sweet taste and the cooling energetics
of the herb. The more dry and astringent qualities balance kapha.
Whether you are looking to treat a specific disorder or to simply
improve digestion, amalaki is an invaluable herb to have on hand during the hot
pitta months. Enjoy the nourishing and healing benefits of this
amazing fruit!
Exclusive Offer for Ayurvedic Insight Subscribers
During July, we are happy to offer special savings on amalaki tablets!
Amalaki
Detoxification & rejuvenation for pitta
500 mg. tablets, 90 per bottle
- Removes excess pitta from the system
- Assists natural internal cleansing and maintains regularity
- Stimulates digestive fire without aggravating pitta
- Natural antioxidant
As one of the three ingredients in triphala, Amalaki is a potent
rejuvenative that nourishes the tissues and gently removes toxins. It
is generally taken in place of triphala by those with excess heat in the
digestive tract. This may be indicated by gastritis, colitis, ulcers,
heartburn or acid reflux. Amalaki is said to stimulate the production
of red blood cells, enhance cellular regeneration, increase lean body mass
and support proper function of the liver, spleen, heart and lungs. It has
also been used to purify the blood, improve eyesight, strengthen the bones
and teeth, and cause hair and nails to grow. It improves the digestive fire
without aggravating pitta, maintains a healthy blood sugar level and is
a rich natural source of antioxidants.
Regular price $15.95 Sale price $13.95
(You save $2.00!)
To place an order and save on each bottle of Amalaki herbal tablets,
call us toll-free at 1.888.829.5722 and mention promotion code AY705. You
can also order online at http://www.banyanbotanicals.com. To qualify for
the discount you must enter the code AY705 in the "Promotional Code" box of the
check-out form. All orders must be received by July 31, 2005. This offer
may not be used in conjunction with other special offers or discounts.
Recipe: Ginger - Pear Muffins
Sattvic, + Vata, - Pitta, 0 Kapha
- 1 1/2 c. fresh pear, finely chopped (about 2 ripe pears)
- 2 t. fresh ginger root, peeled and freshly grated
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 c. fresh yogurt or soy yogurt
- 1/4 c. apple juice
- 2 T. sunflower oil
- 1/4 c. Sucanat
- 1 t. baking soda
- 1 1/2 c. rice bran or oat bran
- 1 c. rice flour or whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour
- 1/4 t. salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Wash and dice pear and ginger. Mix together.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Stir in yogurt, apple juice, oil,
Sucanat. Then, stir in baking soda. Mix well. Add pears and ginger to this
mixture. Add bran, flour and salt. Mix well.
Spoon into oiled muffin tin. Bake until done, about 25 minutes (a
toothpick inserted will come out clean.)
Recipe reprinted with permission from Ayurvedic Cooking for
Westerners by Amadea Morningstar, Lotus Press, P.O. Box 325,
Twin Lakes, WI 53181.©1995 All Rights Reserved.
Upcoming Events
- A Comprehensive Approach to Pain and Stress Management workshop
presented by Vasant Lad and Amala Guha, July 15-17, 2005 at the
University of Connecticut. For details visit
www.ayurvedahealth.org or call Amala Guha at 860 561 4857.
- The second annual Conference of International Society for
Ayurveda and Health will be offered September 23-25, 2005 at Banaras Hindu
University in Banaras, India. For details visit
www.ayurvedahealth.org or call Amala Guha at 860 561 4857.
- National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) will have their
third annual conference on October 20-23, 2005 at the Alexis Park
Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Presentations and workshops for all
levels will be offered along with keynote speakers Alakananda Ma,
David Simon, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait and Palitha Serasinghe. For
conference details, registration or vendor information contact
Info@AyurvedaLV.org or call 702 456 8061.
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