Herbs Usage
23 Jul 2022 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
Dosage
The sections on diseases in the book list individual herbs for different conditions. These herbs can be taken as single remedies, usually one ounce of the herb per pint of boiling water, taken daily in two or three portions. If the herbs are very pungent or very bitter, like cayenne or goldenseal, lower dosages are better, one-quarter to one-half the amount. Herbs can be taken as powders,1-4 grams (four grams is one teaspoon or a little more for most powdered herbs), two or three times daily. Again the lower dosage is for the stronger tasting herbs. The appropriate vehicles like honey for Kapha, ghee for Pitta, or warm milk for Vata, should be used. The same dosages and manner of taking can be used for those who wish to prepare for themselves the formulas listed in the text. For the premade medicines listed in this section, the dosages are included.
Principles Formula Development
To devise Ayurvedic herbal formulas, we must first comprehend the main principles of formula development. We can build on classical Ayurvedic formulas or combinations or use similar ideas to make our own base formulas. We can build on classical Ayurvedic formulas or combinations ( Trikatu, for instance) , or use similar ideas to make our own base formulas. We can use Western or Chinese herbs and combinations once we use raw herbs, rather than premade pills and tablets, we can make stronger preparations and have greater variability in our treatment approach. It also allows us to make a remedy when appropriate. Ayurvedic herbs or premade formulas are not available. However, it is less convenient and requires a certain skill and familiarity with herbs that can take some time to acquire.
There is no great mystery about formula development. There are a few major principles with adaptations according to conditions. Yet certain combinations, theoretically no better than others are found to work especially well. A good starting principle is to use two or four herbs that most typify the action one wishes to achieve, like the famous three pungent herbs, the Tritaku formula of Ayurveda, just mentioned. Imagine that we want a formula with a primarily bitter taste, which can treat a large variety of Pitta and Kapha conditions. We can make a simple formula with three common bitters gentian, barberry, and goldenseal. To such a base formula we add supplementary herbs to adjust or modify its effects in various directions. We can add herbs to strengthen its action or balancing agents to prevent its action from being too extreme.
Diuretics would aid in its cleansing properties: uva ursi or pipsissewa, also mainly bitter, would strengthen its antibiotic properties against bladder infections.
We could add alternatives like dandelion or static to aid in its blood cleansing action for dealing with boils or severe infections. Purgatives to aid in its bile cleansing action could be rhubarb root and aloe powder, also bitter.
To increase its weight-reducing action and to prevent these bitter herbs from weakening the digestive fire, we could add spices like dry ginger. This would be especially good for Kapha types.
As it is a fairly reducing formula, we might want to add some tonifying herbs to balance it out. Licorice, marshmallow, or Shatavari would do this, giving it some nourishing properties but retaining its anti-Pitta action. Moreover, the demulcent property of these tonics, combined with the bitterness, makes a good combination for ulcers and hyperacidity, adding a soothing action to the mucus membranes.
As all disease involves stress, tension, and disturbed mental or emotional states, we might want to add a nervine or antispasmodic herb. Gotu Kola or bhringaraj would be good; they aid in the basic liver-cleansing action of the three bitters. Such a combination would help deal with alcohol and other substances that make the liver toxic.
The disease is commonly based on stagnation of energy or blockage of the channels, WE might want to add some turmeric for opening up the liver and pancreas and relieving any blockage in their systems.
Putting these principles together for a liver-cleansing formula for a strong Kapha type who has eaten too much meat, sugar and fats, might use gentian, goldenseal, and barberry, along with dry ginger, turmeric and gotu kola, taken with honey.
For a week Pitta type suffering from chronic hepatitis, we might use the three bitters with Shatavari, licorice, turmeric and gotu kala, taken with ghee. We might even take out one of the bitters, like goldenseal, to prevent the formula from being too reducing.
With the appropriate strategy, avoiding any excessive or one-sided action, we have much latitude in combining herbs to treat conditions. Yet, whatever the condition, we must take care to treat the underlying dosha and not just proceed symptomatically. The we must adjust the formula based upon the experience of the patient. In this process we can learn to make our effective combinations.
Herbs, whether classifically, formed and commercially made or formulas made by ourselves, do not always have the expected result, even if fall factors appear correct. Experience must always be our final teacher. Using these Ayurvedic herbs and formulas, we may find that their effectiveness varies according to time, place and culture, requiring some adaptation and adjustment.
Potentization of Herbs
Not only must we have the right diagnosis and right prescription to adequately treat a condition, the herbs must have the right potency. Many old or commercially prepared herbs may lack this.
Potentization of herbs is not just a physical or chemical matter. It requires strengthening the prana or life-force of the herbs, which in turn requires an act of consciousness. It cannot be done by mechanical methods alone. A physically oriented medicine must fail because it cannot serve as a vehicle for the life-force.
In some respects it is misleading to speak of the general properties of an herb. These vary, particularly by degree, according to how the herb is grown, prepared and combined. They are general guidelines, not rigid rules. Miraculous powers can be found in very ordinary herbs when they are specially grown and prepared. All herbs are vehicles of prana or cosmic healing power. As such, they all possess certain neutrally and can be made into vehicles for that power on different levels.
Specially Powerful Herbs
Some herbs, like ginseng or ashwagandha, are endowed with a special power. They tend to retain this power even when other supporting factors are lacking. Generally, roots hold their power longer than other plant parts, then barks and fruit; leaves and flowers deteriorate first.
Specially Grown Herbs
Fresh herbs maintain a special power, having more prana or chi than dry ones. Their juice is particularly strong. Fresh herbs, even singly or in small dosages, can affect the body and mind directly, and have better healing power, than large amounts of old herbs. Homegrown herbs, grown with love and attention, possess a more gentle, yet consistent, healing power.
How an herb is grown is as important a factor in healing as what the herb is, A few well frown or prepared herbs can cure diseases that many herbs otherwise cannot touch. Some herbalists, therefore, choose to use a few herbs, perhaps very common ones, grown and prepared with care. This is not a lack of sophistication but a sophistication of a different nature.
Wild herbs
Wild herbs possess the strongest prana. Handpick your own with care, love, and respect. They transmit the force of Nature herself. Wildcrafted herbs also tend to be stronger than those cultivated.
Special Combination of herbs
The right combination of herbs allows the individual herbs to function synergistically, with geometrically increases powers. Each herbal tradition has such combinations. We can discover others ourselves.
Special Extraction
The active ingredients of herbs are best extracted by the appropriate medium. These include water alcohol, vinegar, salt, honey, and oils. These may be used as vehicles for taking the herbs also.
Addiction to Potentizing Herbs
Some herbs are able to potentize others in different directions and can be added as an activating principle. These include stimulants such as cayenne, ginger camphor and mint which serve guiding herbs,
Vehicles (ananas), or special media such as honey or ghee, also help to direct the effects of herbs.
Herbal Preparations
Herbal wines, oils, and jellies not only extend the life of herbs but also can heighten their powers.
Trituration
This process involves stirring an herb with a mortar and pestle. Usually, a powder or a liquid paste is used. Juices or decoctions, or the herb or the other herbs, can be added. This allows more uniform energy to the herbal preparations as well as greater strength. The properties of the substances the mortar and pestle are made of is important. Stone, copper, silver, or gold add their special qualities to the herbs triturated in them.
Alchemical Preparations
Spagyric tinctures are very powerful. The combination of herbs with specially incinerated minerals is commonly used in Ayurveda.
Gems and Minerals
Gems can be used to energize plants, using gem waters or gem tinctures along with herbs. Prepared or cooked and iron also can help energize herbs. Prepared or cooked in vessels of these metals, herbs gain additional power. Tinctures of metals transmit their properties to the herbs, without causing any toxicity. Gold aids in reducing Vata and Kapha. Silver reduces Pitta and Vata. Copper reduces Kapha. Iron reduces Vata, Bronze reduces Pitta.
Attunement methods
Attunement is growing, preparing or prescribing of herbs according to the right time. Astrology is the main attunement method. Proper power and aspect of the Moon is important, as it rules plants generally. Mercury, which rules healing, and Jupiter, which gives vitality, are also considered.
Mental Methods
Methods of mental empowerment are mantra, meditation, and prayer. They may involve the energization of a particular wish or intention. Some use an energy pattern in the mind on a subtle level to empower that in the herb on a gross level. Others concentrate on a certain deity or divine power to work through the herb.
Some may be a part of , or involve, physical actions or rituals. All preparation of herbs should be a ritual, a sacred action in a harmony with the rhythm of the cosmos to facilitate the cosmic healing force. Such methods are essential to any form of holistic healing. Otherwise, on a subtle or astral level the herbs, with their sensitivity and neutrality , may pick up negative energies.
Mantras For Potentizing Herbs
Many different mantras can be used for potentizing herbs. Deities may be called on as part of this process, as each mantras is a Divine Name. OM affirms and empowers whatever we direct it towards. It also empowers other mantras. The mantras SOM increases the energy of plants, their Soma.
Other factors
Herbs have a better effect when applied close to the site of the problem; for instance, the use of enemas for Vata. Also, herbs have to be integrated into an appropriate life- regimen in harmony with an individual`s nature. They can only work through the tree of our own soul.