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by ayurveda teacher Andrei Gamulea
Read here the first part of this article:
Foods and medicinal plants which favours the enjoyment of happiness (2)
HARITAKI
 The Haritaki fruit (Terminalia chebula) is not randomly known and appreciated in the Tibetan tradition under the name “the king of natural remedies”. On the other hand, in the traditional works of Ayurveda, the Haritaki fruits are frequently enumerated as basic ingredients in the most numerous revitalizing therapeutic formulas, thanks to its multiple healing virtues. Ayurvedic tradition underlines the fact that the Haritaki fruits present a remarkable property: the Haritaki fruit has 5 (sweet, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent) out of the 6 known elementary tastes (sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent), which through combination, in different proportions, give birth to the entire diversity of tastes existing in nature.This specific combination determines, among other things, the regenerating and revitalizing properties of the Haritaki fruits. Recent scientific researches have shown that the haritaki fruits have important antioxidant properties that contribute in the case of their constant use, to the improvement of the living tissues from the human body. The Haritaki fruits have a rich content of vitamin C, that plays an important part in the improving of the psycho-mental and cognitive functions and contribute at the same time to a better adaptation of the organism to the factors generating stress.
BILVA
 In the oriental spiritual tradition the tree Bilva (Aegle marmelors) represents a living symbol of the spiritual life, being known in India as “SHIVA’s sacred tree”. In Ayurveda, the benefic effects of the Bilva fruits are compared to the benefic virtues of the heavenly ambrosia (AMRITA).Not at random, the Bilva tree in present in India in most of the temples’ gardens consecrated to Shiva and it’s almost permanent in the natural ambiance in which different ritual celebrations of India’s spiritual tradition take place. The mentions referring to the use in therapeutic purpose of the Bilva fruits appear from the ancient Vedic writings and continue in almost all the traditional works of Ayurveda. The famous ayurvedic work “Charaka Samhita” frequently refers to the rejuvenating and revitalizing properties of these fruits, of whose aspect is impressive, through their round shape, of whose diameter often overruns 10cm.The modern scientific researches have shown that the Bilva fruits have a rich content of alpha-tocoferol, the most active compound from the vitamin E class, of whose antioxidant action makes possible the slowing of aging processes. Besides, if they are consumed frequently, the Bilva fruits can help, through the form of the natural vitamin E that they contain, the ones who live in polluted areas and those who, even if they don’t smoke, come sometimes to expose themselves accidentally to the harm of the cigarette smoke that is sometimes present in public places.
AMALAKI
 Well-known in the tradition of the millenary system Ayurveda, the Amalaki fruits (Emblica officinalis) represent an important and rich natural source of vitamin C: between 600mg and 1800mg per 100g of Amalaki fruits. Whether they are used fresh, or as dried powder, the Amalaki fruits generate a powerful strengthening effect. The vitamin C they contain rapidly generates stimulation effects of the cerebral activity. The big quantities of vitamin C contained in the Amalaki fruits are of great help to forestall the drawbacks that usually derive from stressful situations, when the consumption of noradrenalin and adrenaline is much increased. Therefore, Amalaki fruits represent an important natural way to fight against stress and to improve the psychic and intellectual functions. Not coincidentally, these fruits with a strong and pleasant sourish taste, followed by a surprising, sweet, extremely pleasant, intense and refined taste after being well chewed, are used in the traditional ayurvedic formulas for rejuvenation and regeneration.
ASHWAGANDHA
 Known and appreciated as a genuine “Indian ginseng”, the Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera) represents a valuable general revigourant of the organism. In the frame of the traditional system of Ayurveda, the Ashwangadha root is quoted among the most important remedies that allow the establishing of a profound state of relaxation and that also allows the recovering of the emotional balance in a short time. Biochemical researches and clinical studies recently made show that, statistically speaking, thetherapeutic use of Ashwagandha root leads to a considerable decrease of the cortisone and of catecholamine through the urinary secretion. It is known the fact that their excess represents one of the causes of states of stress. The Ashwaganda root contains the withaferine – A, an alkaloid that stimulates the activity of the acetylcholine at the cerebral level. Therefore, the herb contributes to improving memory performances and to the optimization of the cognitive and learning processes. Also, the glyco-withanoloids contained in the herb contribute to the decrease of the states of anger, tension, anxiety and of depressive states. The Ashwagandha root has a slight pleasant sweet taste, for which reason it is possible to take it constantly, for long periods of time. Used in such a way, it contributes efficiently to the recovery of the emotional welfare and the amplification of mental capacities. Besides, the Ashwagandha root confers a more and more lasting independence in maintaining unaltered the psychic positive and sthenic states.
KAMALA
 The lotus flowers, (Nelumbo nucifera) play an important part in the frame of different healing traditions of the East. In Ayurveda the lotus flowers (Kamala) are appreciated as being the most efficient sedative and refreshing, being therefore used to reduce inflammations and at the same time for removing states of contraction, tension or stress. In the eastern spiritual tradition the lotus flowers (Kamala) represent a sacred symbol of deep meditative states that can be reached after the consequent practice of Yoga techniques. In the frame of the millenary Yoga system, the lotus flowers (Kamala) are directly associated with states of interiorization and deep yogic meditation. Usually taken under the tongue, as dried powder, the lotus flowers (Kamala) can quickly generate a profound state of mind calmness, inner centering, serenity, inner peace and therefore it rapidly establishes a sublime state of happiness without object (Ananda). The lotus flowers (Kamala) contain lotusine and nucifere, compounds that determine a specific effect of cerebral stimulation and which generate a general state of extremely pleasant relaxation that is felt almost in the whole body. The pleasant state that is generated by the use of the lotus flowers (Kamala) is often appreciated as being the state of “ravishing joy”.
BRAHMI
 Well-known especially in the millenary ayurvedic tradition, the Indian herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) has become nowadays well-known in the entire world, for its multiple beneficial effects on the cerebral functions. The modern studies have shown that the Indian herb Brahmi contributes to the increase of the mental capacity of concentration, to the amplification of the focusing power of attention and to the improvement of the memory performances. The herb contains bacozides and tritepenoid saponines, both being responsible for the improvement of the nervous transmission. In particular, the bacozides, that are the main ingredient contained in the herb, improve the synaptic activity, that leads to the general effect of increasing the mental power. In the ayurvedic tradition, Brahmi is described as being one of the most important herbs with invigorating cerebral effect. Its constant use as dry powder, under the tongue, can determine gradually the appearance of a general effect of improving the intelligence functions that translates especially into the improving effects of the mental functions of planning and problems solving, as well as into the activation of all the cerebral processes that need a rapid processing of information.
Gingko
 The Gingko tree (Gingko biloba) comes from China, but currently it is cultivated almost in the whole world. Even if it has a slow growth, it is likely to reach up to 35 meters high. Its spread is owed especially to the therapeutic virtues of its leaves, known as being used in the traditional Chinese medicine for 3000 years, due to their rejuvenating effects. Not accidentally, in the tradition of Chinese medicine, the Gingko tree is known under the symbolic name of “The fountain of youth and vitality”. The modern scientific researches have shown that the Gingko leaves contain triptofane, essential ingredient for the maintaining of the psycho-emotional balance and of the general welfare state. The Gingko leaves also contain a large scale of flavonoids of whose antioxidant action is responsible for the maintaining of the general wellbeing. Also, through the bioflavonoids that they contain, the Gingko leaves contribute to the bettering of the cerebral and peripherical circulation. Thanks to their specific content, the Gingko leaves are at the same time useful for the improving of the memory functions. Their use as powder, under the tongue, can help us to rapidly regain the psycho-mental balance and it allows us at the same time to awake and increase the state of optimism.
Passiflora
 The name of Passiflora comes from the Italian expression “fior de la passione”. Impressive and triumphant especially through the extraordinary beautiful shape of its flowers, Passiflora (Passiflora incarnata) is a valuable remedy that allows the elimination of the states of anger and tension, anxiety or depression. Passiflora contains a series of flavonoids, which determine the relaxing and deeply calming action that the herb has on the nervous system. The clinical studies and the modern scientific researches that have been conducted on the content of this plant have shown that Passiflora has as main ingredient a monoflavonoid, the chrysene, that acts particularly on the brain, so that the leaves and the flowers of this herb prove to be extremely efficient on the removal of fear without an object or of states of panic, as well as drawbacks and disorders resulting from deep states of emotional stress. The use of Passiflora dry powder establishes the being a profound state of peace and calmness.
Melissa
 Having an extremely pleasant flavor, Melissa (Melissa officinalis) is one of the herbs of whose vivid presence in the gardens of herbs’ lovers is almost permanent. Even a mere touch of its leaves gives an extremely pleasant and calming olfactory trace. Melissa leaves contain geraniol, substance of whose antioxidant effects have been certified by numerous modern scientific studies. Besides, both the geraniol, and the rozmarinic acid and the flavonoids contained in the Melissa leaves determine the existence of a large scale of benefic effects that the herb exerts in the psycho-mental sphere. Discorides enumerates Melissa among the most efficient healing herbs that were used by the ancient Greeks for the treatment of anxiety disorders. The use of dry powder of Melissa leaves improves the performances of memory, stabilizes emotional fluctuations, reduces and removes states of anxiety and psychic tension. It is an excellent sedative. In the 17th century, John Evelyn, a famous naturalist of those times, appreciated Melissa for its strong energizing action that it determines especially at the psychic and mental level. Used either fresh or dried, Melissa can make rapidly disappear the states of melancholy, the ailing emotivity and depression, replacing them quickly with a sthenic psychic state, full of confidence and joy.
Hardhay
 Hardhay (Hypericum perforatum) has become famous, especially in the West, thanks to its antidepressive virtues. Recent statistic studies show that there are currently millions of Americans that use the natural remedies in which the hardhay is the main ingredient. The main purpose of the use of natural remedies based on hardhay is especially the improving of psychic and emotional states and the removal of tendencies to depressive states that occur especially among those who live in the great urban throngs. Most of the persons that use the natural remedies based on hardhay often do it in preventive purpose, especially because the hardhay confers them an excellent psychic wellbeing. The modern scientific studies have proved that hardhay contains at least 10 compounds that are responsible for the beneficial effects on the nervous system. For example, the hyperforine contained in hardhay determines especially the balancing emotional effects. Hardhay also contains hypericine and flavonoids, all these contributing to the constant maintaining of a positive psycho-mental state, that allows to overcome successfully stressing situations, anger, tension and anxiety. Used constantly as dry powder, hardhay can make possible the maintainance of a predominant state of calmness and good mood that allows us to fully enjoy what is wonderful and happy in life.
Echinacea
 Originating from North America, Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) has become known in almost the entire world for its imunostimulent properties. The modern scientific researches have shown that the herb contains cicoric acid, a compound from the group of the polifenolies, on which it has been established that it considerably increases the efficiency of the immune system. The cicoric acid intensifies the interferon and immunoglobine production, contributing through these to the improvement of immunity. Besides, the cicoric acid has also antioxidant properties. Therefore, the constant use for some periods of time of the remedies that contain Echinacea leads to a rapid increase of the natural capacity of the body’s defense against bacterial or viral infections. Besides this, the herb fully contributes to the decrease and then to the removal of tiredness, emotional disorders and depressive states. The general stimulating effect of Echinacea makes it possible that in a short time a sthenic state of good mood appears, allowing the fast redefining of the inner motivation to be active and confident in that which is good and beautiful.
Valerian
 Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is one of the most efficient healing herbs with sedative effects. Its name comes from the Latin word “valere” that signifies “welfare”. In the traditional way the valerian root is used as a natural sedative that determines an efficient action of relaxation at the level of the whole central nervous system. Carefully studied by the researchers even from the beginning of the 20th century, the valerian root contains over 150 compounds. Among these, an important place has the gamma-aminobutiric acid, aminoacid that is considered to be an important inhibitory of the neurotransmitters and which is found in almost 40% of the brain synapses. The many clinical studies have shown that this natural compound, present in the valerian root, determines the improving of memory and of cognitive functions and removes tiredness or weakness associated to states of anxiety, anger or stress. Besides, the gamma-aminoburitic acid contained in the valerian root has at the same time an important nutritional value. This is why the use of the natural remedies that contain valerian makes possible the regeneration of the nervous system’s functions and the establishment of a profound state of relaxation that facilitates at the same time a restful sleep. As the many researches and clinical studies the valerian root have shown, a remarkable fact must be remembered and that is: even in the case of a repeated intake of the valerian root, over long periods of time, it has absolutely no negative impact on the state of vigilance or on the response speed to nervous stimuli, processes that take place normally in the state of wakefulness.
Sage
 It is said that when you plant and then carefully take care of the sage in the garden, it will then offer you the gift of a long and happy life. In the antiquity, sage (Salvia officinalis) was considered to be the herb that helps the old people enjoy life like the young ones. Even from those times, sage leaves were used in numerous natural preparations for improving memory. In Latin language its name means “to heal”, just because of the fact that sage leaves have healing properties in almost all types of illnesses, for which reason it was considered a real panacea. The sage is part of the aromatic herbs. Beside eucalyptol, sage leaves contain also other substances with a strong antioxidant role. Comparative physiochemical studies have shown that sage has antioxidant effects almost as powerful as the different varieties of thyme. Sage leaves can be used in multiple manners both fresh and as dry powder. Chewed whole, either fresh or dry, sage leaves can rapidly generate a state of psychic energisation, casting away amazingly fast states of anxiety, restlessness, fear or depression. Used systematically by those who know it, sage can soon lead to the improving of attention and of vigilance. At the same time it encourages the refinement of the sensory perceptions and it may fully contribute to the amplification of benefic creative intelligence.
Cardamom
 Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a plant that comes from the south of India. Brought from the East for its extremely flavoured taste and for its antitoxic properties, cardamom is now used in Europe also for coffee flavouring, due to the fact that it neutralizes, to a certain extent, the harmful effect of caffeine. The Arabs, good knowers of the herb’s powers, are the ones who called it “the seed of love”. Cardamom is appreciated as aphrodisiac, reawakening not only the sexual appetite, but especially “the inner fire of love”. An extremely simple and efficient preparation in case of physical or nervous tiredness or lack of sexual appetite is obtained by mixing a fresh egg yolk with a little spoon of honey and a tip of grinded cardamom seeds. An extremely delicious and nourishing desert is the integral rice with milk and honey spiced with cardamom, coriander, ginger, and saffron and of course with cardamom seeds, all these in equal quantities. Cardamom seeds are also used for making cakes, to which they give an exquisite flavor.
Basil
 From the herbs used for healing purpose, basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the one known and appreciated currently almost in the whole world. Even from the time of ancient Greeks, basil was significantly named “the king of healing herbs”, the Greek term “basileus” having exactly the meaning of “king”. Basil comes from India, its growth spreading even from antiquity in the south of Europe. Having an extremely pleasant and refined flavour, basil was and continues to be used to the flavouring of different dishes, among others also because of its digestive properties. The volatile oil present in its leaves contains linalol, eugenol and anetol. Basil is unanimously appreciated as a herb that can encourage spiritual awakening. The specific flavour of basil generates in the immediate ambiance an ineffable state of sacredness, in this way producing in the being of those who let themselves penetrated by its pleasant scent, a spontaneous orientation of the mind towards the good and luminous thoughts. The constant use of dry powder from basil leaves is extremely beneficial for those who seek to awake in their inner universe a state of harmony between the heart and the mind.
Fennel
 Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is appreciated to be an excellent fortifier, even from the time of ancient Greece. Fennel can successfully replace any other exoticherb, being a very strong stimulant for digestion and generally for the organism’s functions. Fennel is often considered to be a food that is at the same time a valuable natural remedy. Fennel seeds represent a very good flavoring for sweets. Together with aniseeds and cinnamon, one can obtain an extremely tasty and flavoured combination for sweet dishes, for cakes or fruit salads. Sweet milk with fennel seeds is an excellent remedy for the irritable, quarrelsome, angry or anxious persons. The recipe of preparation is the following: in a glass of hot sweet milk add a little spoon of fine grinded powder of fennel seeds, then let to cool off. Drink it immediately with small swallowings. The powder of fennel seeds, administered separately, rapidly generates a state of psycho-mental energisation, increasing in this way the vigilance and determining the establishment of a good mood.
Chickweed
 Present in wide areas from Asia and Europe, chickweed (Stellaria media) is relatively common, but less known and appreciated in rapport with its wide spreading. The modern scientific researches have shown that the herb contains triptofane, beside the lavonoids, cumarines, saponines, mucilages, triterpenoids, sicilium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Emollient, fine and with a pleasant taste, the chickweed generates sedative effects on the psychic and on the mind. It contributes to a much better psychic and mental relaxation, it gives a state of calmness and it helps the establishment of a profound interiorizing state, characterized by much enhanced lucidity.
SRINGATAKA
 Sringataka (Trapa natans) or the “water chestnut” is known in ayurvedic tradition as one of the most important herbs with revitalizing virtues. In India, in the rural environment, Sringataka fruits powder was used as a substitute for cereal flour, especially by those who followed certain purifying diets. In the Hindu communities, the flour of Sringataka fruits was included in the fasting before th religious holidays, for the preparation of small cakes or small breads, slightly roasted. The plant is rich in mineral elements, especially calcium (20 mg per 100g). In Yoga practice, the powder of Sringataka fruits is used for the amplification of vitality and for stabilizing mind fluctuations. The use of Sringataka fruits powder gives a profound stability of the mind and it allows entrance to a superior state of contemplation. The state of “immobility” of the mind that results from the use of Sringataka fruit powder makes the plant useful to those who intend to improve in the accomplishment of the yogic technique LAYA YOGA. The constant use of this vitalizing plant creates the premises of an expanded dynamization at the level of ANANDA MAYA KOSHA, facilitating in this way the access to a profound inner state of happiness.
Vervain
 Known for over 5000 years, vervain (Verbena officinalis) is a healing herb used in different traditions of the world. During the ages, vervain was appreciated as “the herb of love”. In the Middle Ages it was used for the preparation of some magic potions, that were able to tame the passionate nature of the warriors. Vervain is known and used also in Indian tradition. In the Yunani medicine, vervain is used as tonic, antifebrile, but especially as sedative, for the treatment of nervous disorders. In China, vervain was used to treat the states of irritation, stress and anxiety, because it was known for its profound calming and relaxing effect, that give a very good state at the psychic and mental level. What is remarkable in the vervain’s case is especially its special quality of shaping in a beneficial way the roughness specific to the masculine nature that is not harmonized sufficiently. The use of natural preparations from vervain or of the dry powder of this plant can lead to the appearance in the men’s being of an deep state of emotional openness towards the feminine nature.
LAJJA
 In the East, Lajja (Mimosa pudica) is a herb highly appreciated for the beauty of its flowers as well as for its sensibility. Lajja is a plant sensible to touch. The Vedic tradition and the ayurvedic one mentions that this herb, if wisely used, can transfer its special property also in the subtle structure of the human being that uses it properly, amplifying this way the tactile sensibility and the refinement of the perception through touch. The modern laboratory researches have shown that Lajja contains calcium, mimosine, as well as some substances of the adrenalyne’s type, that all together can lead to an accentuation of the sensory receptivity in the case of the human being. In the ayurvedic tradition, the Lajja root is especially appreciated for its tonic aphrodisiac virtues. As aphrodisiac, the Lajja root increases the erotic sensibility and refinement. From the point of view of taste, it is extremely mucilaginous and sweet. Constantly used, for a certain period of time, Lajja root helps very much the increasing of an inner state of coherence and it also amplifies the state of harmony between the vital and the emotional spheres.
KUMARIKA
 The name of the Indian herb Kumarika (Smilax chinensis) comes from the Sanskrit word “kumari” that means “young girl” or “virgin”. The name suggests the intense state of purity that the plant can generate in the human being that uses it properly. The herb is used not only in the ayurvedic tradition, but also in the entire east-Asiatic region. The Kumarika root is very much appreciated for its regenerating effects. In Ayurveda, Kumarika root is characterized as having a prevalent sweet astringent taste. The herb contains saponines and flavonoids. These generate calming effects and lead to the harmonization of the psycho-emotional state of the being. The use of the dry powder from Kumarika root encourages the installation in the being of an intense state of calmness and of mind clarification. In the past the herb was frequently used by the yogis because it confers a much bigger ability to perceive distinctively the elevated subtle energies and eases at the same time mental concentration, through the elimination of the parasite mental fluctuations. In Yoga practice, the Kumarika root is very useful when the aspirant seeks to generate in his inner universe a disposition as favourable as possible for the accomplishment of deep meditations and of long duration.
Article from The Book of the International Yoga Symposium, Costinesti 2009
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