Detoxifying herbs to balance the Doshas

According to the ancient Indian Ayurvedic tradition, the health of our body derives from the harmony of the three vital energies that inhabit our body: the Dosha Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Derived from the combination of the five fundamental principles of Nature (Water, Air, Earth, Ether, and Fire), the Dosha describe the energetic constitution at the basis of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Present in every human being, the three Dosha are the source of our vitality and vigor. The predominance of one Dosha over the others, however, determines an imbalance that weakens our body, exposing it to fatigue, irritability, and infections. By listening to our body, we can identify the first signs of this energetic imbalance: heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, slow and difficult digestion warn us of the need to restore the right harmony between the Dosha. Ayurvedic medicine gives us the gift of special botanicals capable of acting on our Dosha and restoring the harmony necessary for our well-being: purifying herbs. Do you want to learn more about these herbs and how to use them? Keep reading! What are purifying herbs? Purifying herbs are all botanicals capable of releasing our body from the accumulation of toxins and excess fluids by stimulating the functions of the liver, kidneys, intestines, and lymphatic system. They are a class of botanicals rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and therapeutic virtues that increase our natural defenses by strengthening our internal organs. However, not all purifying herbs are the same: some accelerate cellular metabolism and have a diuretic action, while others are rich in minerals and help keep us hydrated. In the presence of an energetic imbalance, it is therefore important to choose purifying botanicals with qualities that are most suitable for balancing the excess Dosha, to avoid worsening the imbalance between our internal forces. Let's discover together which purifying herbs are most suitable for each Dosha of Ayurveda! Purifying herbs to balance Vata Consisting of the elements Ether and Air, Vata is the Dosha that regulates the movement of our vital force. Ayurveda describes Vata as a Dosha that is light, cold, dry, and rough. Its energy is responsible for breathing, circulation, and activates our nervous system, making us inspired and creative. When in balance, Vata allows us to be aware of our thoughts, emotions, and our five senses. An excess of Vata, on the other hand, risks causing dehydration, fatigue, dry skin, and dull complexion. These symptoms are accompanied by nausea and irregular appetite, leading to constipation and abdominal bloating. The best purifying herbs to balance Vata include botanicals and roots rich in minerals and warm energy. Turmeric, Nettle, Horsetail, Juniper, and Licorice contain the nutrients necessary to harmonize Vata energy by stimulating the functions of our intestines. The high concentration of minerals also prevents dehydration and lightens the workload of the kidneys. Purifying herbs to balance Kapha Consisting of the elements Earth and Water, Kapha is the Dosha that governs the structure of our body. Solid, heavy, and stable, according to Ayurveda, Kapha strengthens the natural defenses of the heart and lungs, giving us resistance and vigor. When in balance, Kapha makes us calm and patient, keeping obsessions and negative thoughts away from the mind. An excess of Kapha, on the contrary, risks causing a deep sense of attachment to material things, lethargy, and lack of motivation. Combined with a diet rich in sweet or salty foods, the imbalance of Kapha also causes water retention, slow digestion, and a feeling of heaviness immediately after meals.

The most effective purifying herbs to balance Kapha include botanicals with diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties capable of accelerating metabolism and facilitating the activity of our intestines.

Birch, Gentian, Artichoke, and Burdock are among the most recommended botanicals to rebalance Kapha. Diuretic and rich in antioxidants, they purify the liver and facilitate intestinal functions.

 

Purifying herbs to balance Pitta

Consisting of the Fire and Water elements, Pitta is the Dosha responsible for digestion, metabolism, and assimilation

As the principle of energy and heat, Ayurveda describes Pitta as sharp, fiery, and light. Its energy is located in the stomach and small intestine, where it governs our ability to experience emotions and learn from experience.

When in balance, Pitta ensures exceptional ability to communicate thoughts and emotions, combined with a strong and decisive personality.

An excess of Pitta, on the other hand, makes us irritable, jealous, and unable to accept change calmly. These states of anger are often accompanied by inflammations of the stomach and intestines, with ulcers and feverish conditions.

The recommended purifying herbs to balance Pitta include botanicals with a bitter and astringent taste, rich in refreshing qualities.

Mint, Dandelion, Green Tea, and Boldo are rich in adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, useful for preserving the natural gastrointestinal balance and instilling tranquility in situations of intense physical or emotional stress.

 

How to prepare a purifying herbal tea

Now that you know the most suitable purifying herbs to balance the Dosha energy, all you have to do is discover how to prepare a great infusion to enjoy their benefits.

First of all, it is good to not combine more than 5 herbs in the purifying infusion: by using a greater number of botanicals, in fact, we risk neutralizing their active principles.

Select the most suitable purifying herbs for your needs, balance their quantity based on volume: if the plant has a larger volume, use fewer grams; if it has a smaller volume, add more to the mixture.

Let the purifying herbs steep in boiling water for a few minutes, carefully strain, and after adding a pinch of Licorice to sweeten, the purifying herbal tea is ready!

Remember to drink the infusion 30 minutes before meals or in the afternoon, as consuming large amounts of water during main meals tends to slow down digestion.

Do you want to immediately experience the properties of some of these powerful botanicals? Then always keep in your home our Purifying Herbal Tea based on Artichoke, Boldo, Birch, Nettle, Dandelion, Mint, and Licorice: a real remedy for the liver and intestines!

 

Try our Purifying Herbal Tea

 

Posted by Terza Luna