Ayurvedic healing: contemporary Maharishi Ayurvedic medicine and science

395 Pages·2012·3.311 MB·English

by  Sharma, Hari M.;Clark, Christopher

Sebastian Pole
A
‘At last, a truly excellent ayurvedic textbook, ideal for herbal practitioners and students alike as well as for
other healthcare practitioners, enabling not only a proper understanding of ayurvedic principles, but also y
providing a practical materia medicaas a vital reference during practice.’
– Annie McIntyre, FNIMH, MAPA, Ayur HC, Practising Medical Herbalist
u
‘For the Western herbal clinician, this book by Sebastian Pole represents an ideal and valuable introduction
to the complex discipline of Ayurveda… No doubt serious students of Ayurveda will find it essential reading.’ r
– Kerry Bone, BSc (Hons), Dip Phyto, FNIMH, FNHAA, AHG, MCPP, FANTA, principal of the Australian
College of Phytotherapy and Associate Professor in the School of Health at the University of New England v
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Ayurvedic Medicine clearly and comprehensively presents the unique theories and traditions of Ayurveda, e
making them accessible to the health practitioner of today. bd
With a brief history of traditional medicine in India and discussion of principles, treatment strategies
a
and traditional ayurvedic pharmacy and pharmacology, the book offers an essential overview of the culture
in which Ayurveda has developed and the scientific basis behind this holistic approach. It details over 100 si
plant profiles of ayurvedic herbs, with images of fresh and dried plants, and 50 traditional formulas, including t
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characteristics, usage, combinations, contraindications, and safety and dosage information for each.
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Sebastian Pole, Lic OHM, Ayur HC, is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Chinese Herbalist

working in Bath, UK. He is a member of the Ayurvedic Practitioners Association and former P
Director of the Pharmacopoeia Committee, as well as a member of the Register of Chinese
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Herbal Medicine. He has spent many years living in India studying Ayurveda and Yoga, has
a degree in Hindi and Indian Religions and is a q ualified yoga teacher. S ebastian is the Herbal ld
Director and founding partner of Pukka Herbs, The Organic Ayurvedic Herb Specialists. e
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Ay u r v e d i c
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M e di c i n e
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116 Pentonville Road
London, N1 9JB, UK
400 Market Street, Suite 400 The Principles of Traditional Practice
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
www.singingdragon.com SINGING
DRAGON
Cover design: Black Dog Design
‘At last, a truly excellent ayurvedic textbook, ideal for herbal practitioners and students
alike as well as for other healthcare practitioners, enabling not only a proper
understanding of ayurvedic principles, but also providing a practical materia medica as a
vital reference during practice. This is a book that goes far beyond the many more
superficial books so far available on Ayurveda and other available textbooks on
ayurvedic herbs that present a largely Western pharmacological approach while
neglecting the ayurvedic applications.’
– Annie McIntyre FNIMH, MAPA, Ayur HC, Practising Medical Herbalist, UK
‘For the Western herbal clinician this book by Sebastian Pole represents an ideal and
valuable introduction to the complex discipline of Ayurveda. Written in a clear, logical
and accurate manner by an author who is well-versed in both Ayurveda and Western
herbalism, it outlines the basic principles of philosophy, diagnosis and treatment as well
as the individual properties of the extensive ayurvedic materia medica. No doubt serious
students of Ayurveda will find it essential reading.’
– Kerry Bone, BSc (Hons), Dip Phyto, FNIMH, FNHAA, AHG, MCPP, FANTA, principal of the
Australian College of Phytotherapy and Associate Professor in the School of Health at the
University of New England
‘Pole has created a multi-faceted text on ayurvedic herbs and their medicinal use. The
structure of the text is in two major parts. In the first part, he discusses the foundations,
principles, and tenets of Ayurveda. This offers a solid foundation for the utilization of
part two in which 150 herbs and formulas are profiled. […] The whole text, beautifully
presented […], is a treasure that belongs in the library of every student and practitioner!’
– Light on Ayurveda Journal (LOAJ), Vol. VI, Issue 3

AY U RV E D I C
M E D I C I N E
of related interest
Ayurvedic Healing
Contemporary Maharishi Ayurveda Medicine and Science
2nd edition
Hari Sharma, MD and Christopher Clark, MD
ISBN 978 1 84819 069 6
eISBN 978 0 85701 063 6
Mudras of India
A Comprehensive Guide to the Hand Gestures of Yoga and Indian Dance
Cain Carroll and Revital Carroll
ISBN 978 1 84819 084 9
eISBN 978 0 85701 067 4
SEBASTIAN POLE
FOREWORD BY DR VASANT LAD
AY U RV E D I C
M E D I C I N E
The Principles of Traditional Practice
London and Philadelphia
For a full list of copyright acknowledgements please see p.xiii.
This edition published in 2013
by Singing Dragon
an imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers
116 Pentonville Road
London N1 9JB, UK
and
400 Market Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
www.singingdragon.com
First published in 2006
by Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, an imprint of Elsevier Limited.
Copyright © Sebastian Pole 2006, 2013
Foreword copyright © Dr Vasant Lad 2006, 2013
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing it in any medium
by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of the
copyright owner except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 or under the terms of a licence
issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd, Saffron House, 6–10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS. Applications for the copyright owner’s
written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publisher.
Warning: The doing of an unauthorised act in relation to a copyright work may result in both a civil claim for damages and criminal
prosecution.
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Pole, Sebastian.
Ayurvedic medicine : the principles of traditional practice / Sebastian Pole.
p. ; cm.
Originally published: Edinburgh : Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2006.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-84819-113-6 (alk. paper) -- ISBN 978-0-85701-091-9 (e-ISBN)
I. Title.
[DNLM: 1. Medicine, Ayurvedic. 2. Materia Medica--therapeutic use. 3. Phytotherapy--methods. WB
55.A9]
615.5’38--dc23
2012024224
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN 978 1 84819 113 6
eISBN 978 0 85701 091 9
CONTENTS
Foreword ix Ashwagandha 133 Kalamegha 202
About the Author xi Bakuchi 135 Kanchanara 204
Acknowledgements xii Bala 137 Kapikacchu 206
Photographic Credits xiii Bhallataka 139 Karavella 207
Preface xiv Bhringaraja 141 Krishna Jiraka 209
Abbreviations xv Bhumiamalaki 143 Kushtha 211
Introduction xvii Bibhitaki 145 Kutaja 213
Bilva 147 Kutki 215
Brahmi 149 Lemon and lime 217
PART ONE
Cardamom 151 Lemongrass 219
Castor 153 Licorice 220
1. A History of Ayurveda and
Chiretta 155 Lotus 222
the Growth of the Materia
Chitraka 156 Manjishtha 224
Medica 3
Chrysanthemum 158 Mint 226
2. The Basic Principles of
Cinnamon 160 Mustaka 228
Ayurveda 15
Cloves 162 Mustard seed 230
3. Ayurvedic Herbal Coleus 164 Myrrh 231
Pharmacology and Coriander 165 Neem 233
Pharmacy: Dravyagun.a and Cumin 167 Nutmeg 235
Bhais.ajya Vya-khya-na 59 Damanaka 169 Pepper 237
Daruharidra 170 Pippali 239
4. Ayurvedic Therapy and
Treatment: Cikitsa- 87 Devadaru 171 Pit Shirisha 241
Dhattura 172 Pomegranate 242
Case studies 108
Ephedra 173 Psyllium 244
5. The Scientific Basis
Fennel 175 Punarnava 246
of Ayurveda 111
Fenugreek 177 Pushkaramoola 248
Frankincense (Indian) 179 Rhubarb 250
PART TWO Garlic 181 Rose 252
Ginger 183 Safed musali 254
6. Plant Profiles 117 Gokshura 185 Safflower 256
Plant Profile Template 118 Gotu Kola 187 Saffron 258
Ajmoda 120 Guduchi 189 Salt 260
Ajwain 122 Guggulu 191 Sandalwood 262
Aloe 124 Gurmar 193 Sariva 264
Amalaki 126 Haritaki 194 Sarpagandha 266
Anthrapachaka 128 Hemp seed 196 Senna 268
Aragvadha 129 Hingu 197 Shankhapushpi 269
Arjuna 130 Jasmine 199 Shatavari 271
Ashoka 132 Jatamamsi 200 Shilajit 273
- -
Tagarah 275 Guggulu: pills made with Brahmı taila 314
-
Tila 277 Commiphora mukul Ksırabala taila 314
Trivrut 279 Goks.ura-di guggulu 304 Maha-na-ra-yan.a taila 314
-
Tulsi 280 Kais´or guggulu 305 Maricyadi taila 314
Turmeric 282 Kan~cana-ra guggulu 306 Na-ra-ya-n.a taila 314
Vacha 284 Punarnavadi guggulu 307 Paribhadra oil 314
Vamsa Lochana 286 Triphala- guggulu 308 Va-ca- taila 315
Varuna 287 Yogara-ja guggulu 310 Va-t.-ı: tablets
Vasa 288 Kva-tha: decoctions Chandraprabha vat.i 315
Vidanga 290 Das´mu-la kva-tha 311
Vidari 292 Mañjis.t.hadi kva-tha 312 PART THREE
7. 52 Common Ayurvedic Siddha gh.rta: medicated
ghees Appendix 1: Tables 319
Formulas 295
Aw-sianveas, aris.t.a: medicated 295 BArma-hr.tma -ıg ghh.rt.rata 331133 ApGpleonssdairxy 2 : Treatment 335
-
Avaleha: medicinal jams Mahatikta gh.rta 313 Appendix 3: Glossary
Cyavanapra-´sa- 296 Phala gh.rta 313 of Terms 341
-
Cu-rn.a: powder preparations S-at d-hou-t a gh.rta 313 Appendix 4: Resources 347
Avipattika-ra cu-rn.a 297 Shatavarıgh.rta 313 Appendix 5: Bibliography 351
Hin.gvas.t.aka cu-rn.a 298 Tikta gh- .rta 313 Appendix 6: Index of Plant
Maha-sudars´ana cu-rn.a 299 Triphalagh.rta 313 Names 355
-
Pus.ya-nuga cu-rn.a 300 Yas.t.yadi gh.rta 314 Appendix 7: A Note on
Sitopala-di cu-rn.a 301 Siddha taila: medicated the Transliteration and
Trikat.u cu-rn.a 302 oils Pronunciation of
Triphala- cu-rn.a 303 Anu taila 314 the Sounds 361
A´svagandha taila 314
. -
Bhr.ngraja taila 314 Index 363
FOREWORD
Creation is the expression of cosmic consciousness. quite often in ayurvedic pharmacology. Using
It is a journey of energy into matter. The five great these principles in herbal combinations helps to
elements are uniquely expressed both in mankind restore balance to the person’s whole system.
and plants. Originating in universal consciousness,
the five elements manifest successively into Space, While making individualistic formulas one has to
Air, Fire, Water and Earth. From Earth arise the think about the constitution and current altered
plants that become food for mankind. state (prakrti/vikrti paradigm) of the patient or cli-
ent. Charaka gives the gunas of herbal medicines
Every human cell is a centre of awareness. Each required to fulfil the indications of treatment
cell has intelligence and choice (mind). The flow according to the proper direction of samprapti
of intelligence for communication within and (pathogenesis) and the prakrti/vikrti paradigm.
between cells is the flow of prana. These factors One can make formulas in several ways: specific to
are present in plant cells as well. The cellular the dosa, specific to disease, specific to both dosa
intelligence of plants when consumed is trans- and disease, specific to the tissue or to the channels
formed into the cellular intelligence of the human affected. While making formulas one has to think
body by rasa (taste), virya (energy), vipaka about samprapti, the vector or direction of the dosa,
(post-digestive effect) and prabhava (the unique the pathways of disease, and the organ affected.
specific action of the herb). Use of two, three or With all this in mind, specific substances are used
many different herbs that share similar rasa, virya as a vehicle to carry the herbs’ other qualities –
and vipaka will promote each other’s action and rasa, virya, vipaka and prabhava – to the specific tis-
have a synergetic effect on the person’s constitu- sue or organ.
tional makeup, the functioning of the body’s tis-
sues and excreta. Ayurveda has a vast range of preparation methods
of both the substances themselves and delivery
In Ayurveda, the herbal substances (dravya), their methods of the herbs to the body. For example,
potential energy and qualities (guna(s)) and their anupana (the media through which the medicine is
ultimate action within the system (karma) are given) carries the medicinal properties of herbs to
regarded as an inseparable biochemical combina- the deep tissues without changing them. Ghee,
tion. The karmas are actions and suggest various milk, aloe vera juice or aloe vera gel is the anupana
methods of treatment depending upon the gunas. for pitta dosa. Warm water, dashamula tea or ginger
The gunas are not merely attributes or qualities; tea is the best anupana for vata dosa, while hot
ayurvedic herbal formulas take into consideration water, honey or pomegranate juice can be used for
the effects of these qualities such as lan.ghana (light- kapha dosa. Ayurveda also uses yogavah(cid:215)-, catalytic
ening), brmhana (nutritive), ruksana (drying), snehana agents such as ghee or honey. Ayurvedic pharma-
(oleating), svedana (diaphoretic) and sthambhana cology uses herbal remedies in many forms like
(constipating), etc. Substances are classified as sen- fresh juice form, powder form, decoction, concoc-
driya (organic) and nirindriya (inorganic). Like tion, pastes, teas, tablets, pills, asava (fermented
attracts like or like promotes like, while the oppo- juice), arista (fermented decoction), herbal medi-
site regulates or nullifies. These principles are used cated oil, ghee, milk and even soups.
ix