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A gentle but thorough laxation at the change of seasons will keep the system clean and prevent the doshas from accumulating.
 
 
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Ayurvedicure is an informative and educative forum, with the mission of healing people naturally and providing the healing tools in their own hands.

Usefulness of Common Kitchen Herbs and spices

ALOE VERA (Aloe Vera)
Known as a healing agent for treatment of burns and injuries. Beneficial to the liver. Beauty and cosmetic agent. Has shown antibacterial, anti fungal, and antiviral effects. Immune system stimulant. Also used in cosmetics and beauty aids. May stimulate uterine contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy. It is excreted in mother's milk and should be avoided during breastfeeding or it may be purgative to the baby. Key Uses: wound healing, sunburn, minor skin irritations, constipation, peptic ulcers, immune system enhancement, diabetes, asthma, deodorant.

ANISE (Pimpinella anisum)
Used to stimulate digestion and move mucus out of the body. Used to warm the abdomen, prevent & expel gas, aid digestion, relieve belching. Aids in reducing mucus in colon. A known glandular stimulant. Externally, the oil may be used in an ointment for the treatment of scabies. The oil can also help in the control of lice. Tastes similar to licorice. Key Uses: colic, convulsions, coughs, gas, intestinal purifier, mucus.

FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Softens and dissolves hardened accumulated mucus. Helps the lymphatic system cleanse. Antiseptic. Contains lecithin. Lowers cholesterol. Inhibits intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Contains lipotropic (fat dissolving) substances. Helps prevent water retention. Used in treatment of diabetes. Stimulates pancreatic secretions. Stimulates lactation. The seeds are spermicidal. Contains large amounts of amino acids: lysine, tryptophan, leucine, histidine and arginine. Contains mucilaginous fiber with high viscosity. Key Uses: Bronchial catarrh, lowers cholesterol, lung infections, mucus, stomach irritations. Useful for weight loss, sinus congestion, appetite suppressant.

GARLIC (Allium sativum)
Natural antibiotic. Blood thinner. Health building herb. Dissolves cholesterol. Stimulates lymphatic system. Anti-fungal. Kills parasites. Does not destroy the body's normal flora. Anti-biotic component is known as allicin (sulfur compound) which is estimated to equal 15 standard units of penicillin. Anti-bacterial activity. Protective against influenza. Lowers cholesterol. Inhibits platelet aggregation. Key Uses: cancer prevention, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infection.

GINGER (Zingiber officinale)
Removes congestion, relieves headaches. Excellent for upset stomach and indigestion. Helps remove mucus from the body. Used in the treatment of headaches. Excellent remedy for nausea. Speeds food through the large intestines. Cleansing agent for bowels. Relieves wind. Useful for motion sickness and morning sickness. Helps symptom of vertigo and dizziness. Ginger tea is excellent for that common nausea and diarrhea associated with the flu or 24 hour virus. Inhibits prostaglandins. Useful as an anti-inflammatory. Has antioxidant effects. Inhibits platelet aggregation. Accelerates calcium uptake by the heart muscle. This reduces high blood pressure. (Fresh ginger must be used.) Anti-ulcer effects. Warms the body. Provides hospitable environment for natural flora and fauna in intestines to grow. Key Uses: nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, arthritis, migraine headaches. Indigestion, gas and flatulence.

GOTU KOLA (Hydrocotyle asiatica)
Helps rebuild energy reserves. Combats stress. Improves reflexes. Nourishes brain cells. Reduces fevers. Neural tonic. Used for diseases of the skin, blood, and nervous system. Helps leprosy, syphilis, psoriasis, cervicitis, vaginitis, blisters. Improves memory. Longevity aid. Does not contain caffeine. Contains asiaticoside which stimulates hair and nail growth, increases development of blood vessels into connective tissue, increases tensile integrity of the dermis, exerts a balancing effect on connective tissue. Speeds healing time of wounds. Has been used clinically for anal fissure, bladder ulcers, burns, cellulite, cirrhosis, dermatitis, fibrocystic breast, hemorrhoids, keloids, leprosy, lupus, mental retardation, peptic ulcer, retinal detachment scleroderma, surgical wounds, tuberculosis, and venous disorders. Key uses: cellulite, wound healing, varicose veins, scleroderma.

GUGGUL (Commiphora mukul)
Gum resin used in India for arthritis, skin diseases, nervous system conditions. Anti-bacterial. Anti-inflammatory. Liver disorders. Cardiovascular disease. Traditionally used for bone fracture, inflammation. Research indicates excellent for obesity; significantly lower serum cholesterol. Protects against atherosclerosis. Reduced body weight of animals in research studies. Reduced serum cholesterol levels by 11% after four weeks use in research. Considered safe for long-term use. No known interactions. Key Uses: Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis. Arthritis. Inflammation.

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LICORICE (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Contains phytoestrogens. Stimulates adrenal glands. Purges excess fluid from lungs. Mild laxative. Supports endocrine system. Used to treat ulcer. Shown to have anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory properties. Used to treat hypoglycemia. Important herb when recovering from illness. Shown to be useful in the treatment of stomach cancer. Helps remove fluid from the lungs. Helps remove old matter from the small intestines. Increases T cell counts. Being investigated for treatment of HIV. Used to treat Addison's disease, cough, colds, ulcers, drug withdrawal, female complaints, hypoglycemia, and to increase energy. Key Uses: viral infections, inflammation, menstrual and menopausal disorders, peptic ulcers, canker sores. Topical applications: herpes, eczema, psoriasis. Do not use if you have high blood pressure or retain water easily. Do not use large doses for long periods of time. Licorice can increase blood pressure.

PAPAYA (Carica papaya)
Contains papain, an enzyme that breaks down protein. Promotes digestion. Seeds used to expel worms and parasites. Dissolves and digests dead tissue. Key Uses: digestion, gas, intestinal tract. Also useful for reducing inflammation of joints and inflammation due to sports injuries.

PARSLEY (Petroselinum sativum)
Very high in Vitamin C. Diuretic. Good for liver and spleen problems. Tonic for urinary system. Freshens breath. The root is used to help remove kidney stones and gravel. Contains an essential oil which invigorates the body. High in protein. Mild anti-bacterial action. Used in problems relating to enlarged prostate. Used for: bladder infections, blood cleanser and builder, remove gallstones, jaundice, kidney inflammation, urine retention. Key Uses: urinary inflammations. Rheumatoid arthritis.

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PSYLLIUM (Plantago ovata)
Colon and intestine cleanser. Bulking agent. Removes toxins from colon. Used for acute and chronic constipation. Safe to use over long periods of time. Psyllium seeds come from the plantain plant. Basis of many commercial laxatives. Use with plenty of water. Key Uses: constipation. CAUTION: May cause asthma if the powder is inhaled. Eating unsoaked seeds may cause gastrointestinal problems. Drink plenty of water is using as an laxative to avoid constipation.

SARSAPARILLA (Smilax ornata)
Increases circulation to rheumatic joints. Contains testosterone and progesterone. Used in bodybuilding formulas for both males and females. Used to treat infertility and hormonal imbalance. Useful during menopause. Antibiotic properties. Anti-microbial. Has endotoxin binding properties. Stimulate. Helps provide glandular balance. Used for skin conditions such as psoriasis. Used to treat venereal diseases. Key Uses: psoriasis, eczema, general tonic, skin eruptions, wasting diseases.

VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis)
Studies show sedative, anti-convulsive, hypotensive, tranquilizing, neurotropic, and anti-aggressive properties. Used to suppress and regulate autonomic nervous system. Useful in psychosomatic diseases that involve dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. Used to treat childhood hyperactivity. No side effects. Also used as a sleep aid. Used to lower blood pressure. Improves coordination. Antagonizes hypnotic effects of alcohol. Relieves general symptoms of stress. Key Uses: nervousness, insomnia, stress and anxiety, pain. Useful for sleep disorders, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Fibromyalgia, and as a pain reliever.

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