Essays

The science of Ayurveda is a unique holistic system, based on the interaction of body, mind and spirit- In Ayurveda, the origin of all aspects or existence is pure intellect or consciousness. Energy and matter are one. Energy is manifested in five elements-ether, air, fire, water and earth- which together form the basis of alt matter. The treatment or Ayurveda is based on Indian herbs, which has a healing energy. Herbs are green in color and are tender. They have a unique flavor and intoxicating aroma. Ayurveda has focused on the various aspects of herbs and their practice in our day- to-day life. Specific emphasis is given on the preparation and storage of herbs followed since ancient time. Each Indian herb has a distinct quality and each of them is used for different purposes. There are mainly three different categories of herbs: mild, strong and toxic,

Herbalists mainly use mild herbs because they have nutritive, energetic and therapeutic values without causing reactions or toxic effects. Each of the herbs has their own distinct flavor, which are caused by specific biochemical agents. Sweet indicates there is sugar in the herb, sour indicates the presence of an acid, bitter means it possibly contains an alkaloid, and salty indicates sodium or mineral salts are present. There are various qualities of a herb. They are regarded as the most friendly way of treatment by the healers around the world. Herbs are applied to treat diseases solely according to their therapeutic properties and chemical constituents. Treatment include washes and enemas or the application of poultices as well as massage with warm herbal oil; burning incense, the use of precious stones and metals, and ritual purification for unbalanced mind and emotions,       

Traditional cultures throughout the world apply herbs according to their energetic effects on the body. Today, Ayurveda flourishes side by side with Unani Tibb and Western conventional medicine and is actively encouraged by tile Indian government as an inexpensive alternative to Western drugs, Ayurvedic herbal treatment is the most natural way or curing a disease, as it has no side effects and after treatment complications. That's why it is regarded as the most safest and inexpensive healing.

Various herbs have various effects on our body. Herbs work by supplying the body with many different nutrients that tone and revitalize. Because of their diverse chemical formation, they are effective in small doses and produce few side effects. Some herbs work as general tonics that cleanse, nourish and rebuild on a cellular level. Others have an affinity for a specific system or organ, and may be used to treat related imbalances or symptoms. They work gently and naturally to support the body's own heating process. Medicinal plants are classified on the basis of their action. Keeping in mind their composition they are divided into        

Doshprashaman (Pacifying the doshas)

Dhatupradushan (Vitiating the dhatus)

Swasthahita (Maintaining and propagating health)

Herbs help in various functions of the body systems. Like for e.g. the herbs help as an appetizer, they help in the digestive process, they help in the absorption of-food etc. Herbal treatment is a gentle, effective and non-invasive form that works best for non-life threatening situations. Herbal treatment can be quite effective if it is used in proper manner. Right herbs should be given for the right kind of disease. Herbs can he used as a preventive medicine. It is used to strengthen the immune system- They may also provide a boost to the immune system when under attack by flu, viruses or bacterial infection. For serious illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, and autoimmune disorders, herbal treatment can serve as a very effective complimentary therapy to allopathic treatment. They provide nourishment and support for the body as it undergoes more intense forms of treatment that may reduce life force.                                  

Herbal treatments are available in a variety of forms, for both internal and external use. Internal forms include taking tinctures, teas, encapsulated herbs, fresh herbs, flower essences, and essential oil dilutions. External forms of treatment include using herbal and essential oil blends, liniments, salves and lotions topically, as compresses with heat or cold, in baths, as massage oils or body wraps, and through inhalation. Looking at various aspects of herbal treatment it can be said that that herbal treatment are good in various cases compared to other forms of treatment as it has less of side effects.