Ayurveda ~ Shatavari and Ashwaganda
Ayurveda means "The Science of Life". This is an acient system of natural healing that comes from India. It focuses on prevention rather than cure and finding a balance in your natural world, creating mutual health and balancing emotional and creative releases. It uses the five elements (fire, water, earth, air, and ether) and assess body constitution- known as the 3 Doshas (Pita, Vata and Kapha). The systems advocates for eating 3 balanced meals per day at the same time (no snacking) and eating what is grown locally and in season, thus increase our balance in our particular natural world.
There is a lot of written literature and information on this ancient wisdown. Two of my favorite resources are:
The Chopra Center ~ the site is full of information on this practice and services.
Dr. John Douillard's Life Spa ~ health and wellness news, resources and services, all ayruvedic based. You can even take the body-type test and find seasonal food eating recommendations here.
Shatavari (Asapargus Racemosus) ~
My teacher referred to this plant as a "Goddess Herb" and stated it has also been called "She Who Poses 100 Husbands". I think this gives you a good idea of who this herb is good for and what kind of benefits it can bring. It's actions and properties are many including an altrative, adaptogen, cardio and brain tonic, aphrodisiac, diurectic, expectorant, female tonic, mild laxative, nutritive, rejuvinating for reporductive system deative, kidney yin tonic, helps build chi inside the body, and restorative to the entire body. It's use is indicated for indegestion, HIV/AIDS, cancer, side effects of chemo therapy, dry cough, any female organ weakness, low libdio, hysterectomy, masectomy, sexual trauma (reconnects to the feminine), menopause, poor memory, infertility based on low libido. Use with caution if you have excess phlegm or diarreha. Said to foster love and compassion for self, bring peace of mind, loving nature and a calm spirit.
My teacher makes a wonderful blend of this herb with Macca for sale at the apothecary! I have recently given this to my mother to help balance hormones post-menopause and after she learned of all the damage the prescribed synthetic hormones did toher over the past several years. Check it out for yourself here!
Ashwangandha (withania somnifera) ~
This name meas "Like a Horse" in sanskrit and is also known as Indian Ginseng, posion gooseberry or winter cherry. This plant has alkaloids, lactones, iron and sterols. It is a tonic, astringent, aphrodisiac, sedative, nervine, anti-tumor, adaptogen, good to prevent miscarraige, is a reproductive tonic, rejuvenator, builds bone marrow, reduces pita and kapha, antiinflammatory, antioxidant and tones muscles. It supports brain function in the elderly, rebuilds strength, good for male impotence and fertility, nerve and joint pain, stress and anxiety, exhaustion from working, maintain hair color, and low testorterone. Contraindicated for pregnancy in the US but is ground into food in India to prevent miscarraige. This is known as a life giving herb.
There is a lot of written literature and information on this ancient wisdown. Two of my favorite resources are:
The Chopra Center ~ the site is full of information on this practice and services.
Dr. John Douillard's Life Spa ~ health and wellness news, resources and services, all ayruvedic based. You can even take the body-type test and find seasonal food eating recommendations here.
Shatavari (Asapargus Racemosus) ~
My teacher referred to this plant as a "Goddess Herb" and stated it has also been called "She Who Poses 100 Husbands". I think this gives you a good idea of who this herb is good for and what kind of benefits it can bring. It's actions and properties are many including an altrative, adaptogen, cardio and brain tonic, aphrodisiac, diurectic, expectorant, female tonic, mild laxative, nutritive, rejuvinating for reporductive system deative, kidney yin tonic, helps build chi inside the body, and restorative to the entire body. It's use is indicated for indegestion, HIV/AIDS, cancer, side effects of chemo therapy, dry cough, any female organ weakness, low libdio, hysterectomy, masectomy, sexual trauma (reconnects to the feminine), menopause, poor memory, infertility based on low libido. Use with caution if you have excess phlegm or diarreha. Said to foster love and compassion for self, bring peace of mind, loving nature and a calm spirit.
My teacher makes a wonderful blend of this herb with Macca for sale at the apothecary! I have recently given this to my mother to help balance hormones post-menopause and after she learned of all the damage the prescribed synthetic hormones did toher over the past several years. Check it out for yourself here!
Ashwangandha (withania somnifera) ~
This name meas "Like a Horse" in sanskrit and is also known as Indian Ginseng, posion gooseberry or winter cherry. This plant has alkaloids, lactones, iron and sterols. It is a tonic, astringent, aphrodisiac, sedative, nervine, anti-tumor, adaptogen, good to prevent miscarraige, is a reproductive tonic, rejuvenator, builds bone marrow, reduces pita and kapha, antiinflammatory, antioxidant and tones muscles. It supports brain function in the elderly, rebuilds strength, good for male impotence and fertility, nerve and joint pain, stress and anxiety, exhaustion from working, maintain hair color, and low testorterone. Contraindicated for pregnancy in the US but is ground into food in India to prevent miscarraige. This is known as a life giving herb.