Herbs and spices

The term Ayurveda was coined from a couple of Sanskrit words, namely ‘ayus’ which when translated meant life and ‘veda’ or science. Thus taken together Ayurveda implies the science of life. This centuries old form of medication and healing originated in India and gradually spread across different parts of the world. Today it has evolved as a form of alternative medicine around the world and is becoming popular with each passing day.

The earliest roots of Ayurveda can be found during the Vedic period and was propounded in books like the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita. Ayurvedic medicines have the potential of curing the most difficult ailments through medication, Yoga and massage

This branch of medicine is based on the belief that the human body, like the universe, is made up of five different elements. These include fire, water, space, air and earth. These are collectively known as Panchatatva. The human body comprises seven elements or Saptdhatu, namely blood, fat, marrow, semen, bone, chyle and flesh. For the well being of an individual, it is believed that there should be a balance between the Tridoshosh or the three doshes which include bile or pitta, kapha or phlegm and wind or vata.

The theory of Ayurveda is based on the premise that an individual is a combination of certain ‘doshas’ or faults and ‘gunas’ or positive qualities. It aims to maintain a good metabolic system, proper digestion and effective discharge of body wastes.

Ayurvedic treatment is carried out through eight different modes or disciplines which aim to get rid of the harmful and the toxic elements in the human body. These include Pediatrics or Kaumarabhrtyam, internal medicine or Kaaya chikitsa, Aphrodisiacs or Vajikaranam, Demonic possession or bhuta vidya, cure of diseases related to the clavicle or Salakyam, developing immunity or rasayam, surgery or shalya-chikitsa and toxicology or agadatantram.

Proponents of Ayurveda believe that one can stay healthy and fit by following a proper regime that includes rising up early in the morning, proper bowel and bladder movement followed by half an hour of exercise, implementation of proper breathing techniques and a good ayurvedic oil massage. Avurvedic medicines and oil are made of natural ingredients like the barks of trees and certain herbs and they go a long way in treating several incurable diseases.