Herbal Formulas for Common Ailments-மருத்துவம் - ஆயுர்வேத மருத்துவம்

Herbal Formulas for Common Ailments

O mankind! There hath come to you a direction from your Lord
And a healing for the diseases in your hearts--
And for those who believe, a Guidance, and a Mercy.

Qur'an 10:57

The herbal formulas given here are usually easy to obtain and require very little effort to prepare. These remedies are formulated according to the qualities of heat and coldness (garmi and sardi) of each substance and work primarily by rebalancing the temperament of one or more of the four essences of the body. Despite their simplicity, these herbal formulas are quite effective.

Preparation of Remedies

1. Formulas should be prepared according to instructions.

2. When a formula calls for powdered herbs, they should be ground to a fine powder and sieved through a muslin cloth or a sieve of 100 mesh (unless formula says a coarse powder may be used).

3. When herbs are to be made into a decoction (boiled in water), as soon as the water starts to boil, the vessel should be removed from the fire and allowed to sit {:or five minutes; then the liquid should be strained and drunk warm.

4. When a formula calls for a liquid to be reduced to half, the vessel should be kept on a medium fire until about half the water has evaporated by boiling.

5. Sugar, if it is to be added to a formula, should be a fine powder of pure, raw, unrefined sugar, such as that from Mexico. If unavailable, use honey in its place.

6. In some cases, the instructions say to soak an herb overnight. If this cannot be done, the herbs may be soaked for three to four hours, and then simmered five to six hours before using. This method would also be used in winter.

7. When instructed to make a "water" (e.g., ginger water, lime water), soak one to two ounces of the herb or other substance in one pint of pure water for four to six hours. Strain before using.

8. Formulas that are to be preserved and used for more than one day may also be prepared in reduced or lesser quantities than called for. The ratios of each ingredient must be carefully adjusted in such cases.

9. When equal parts of herbs are to be used, each herb should be equal by weight or volume. The quantity to be taken should be decided in light of the dose recommended and the number of days for which the formula is to be prepared at one time.

Storage

1. Decoctions are to be prepared fresh for single doses. Doses should not be made in the morning for evening consumption, or vice versa.

2. Do not expose remedies to direct sunlight, unless that is part of the method of preparation.

3. Containers should be cleaned and dried completely in the sun before formulas are stored in them. Never store herbal formulas in open containers.

4. If a formula is to be kept for more than one day, store it in a well-sealed glass bottle.

5. Label all formulas, especially those that are for external use only. Keep all herbal formulas out of the reach of children. Safety caps are advised for all bottles.

Dosage

Adults (above age fifteen) should be given a full dose. Children may be given the following amounts according to age:

Up to one year = Consult physician

1-2 years = 1/6 of adult dose (consult physician before administering remedies)

3-4 years = 1/4 of adult dose (consult physician before administering remedies)

5-6 years = 1/3 of adult dose (consult physician before administering remedies)

7-9 years = 1/2 of adult dose (consult physician before administering remedies)

10-15 years = 3/4 of adult dose (consult physician before administering remedies)

Weights And Measures

1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
1 pint = 2 cups
1 quart = 2 pints
1 gallon = 4 quarts
1 centiliter = 0.34 fluid ounce
1 deciliter = 3.38 fluid ounces
1 liter = 1.06 quarts
1 decaliter = 2.64 gallons

Less than

a teaspoon = a few grains
1 teaspoon = 1 dram
1 tablespoon = 4 drams
1 teacup = 7 ounces

Administration

1. Remedies are usually taken twice daily, unless otherwise stated. Morning dose should be taken after a light breakfast, and evening dose between 4:00 and 6:00 P.M.

2. Remedies to be taken in the morning should be taken on an empty stomach, immediately after rising and performing toilet and cleansing.

3. Herb preparations to be taken after meals should be consumed five to fifteen minutes after eating a main meal.

4. Formulas to be taken at bedtime should be taken two hours after the evening meal.

5. The quantity indicated to be "taken as such" is meant to be a single dose.

6. Vehicles such as milk, water, soda water, and tea have been mentioned for some formulas. In such cases, the vehicle usually is one cup, unless stated otherwise.

7. Where no vehicles are mentioned, the remedy should be taken with water (in winter, with lukewarm water).

 

Caution:

Some of the formulas use rose petals. Almost all commercially grown roses are treated with toxic chemicals. Use only organically grown roses in these formulas. If in doubt, use another formula.

The Formulas

Anemia
Paleness of whole body, eyes, and fingernail beds. Swelling of face and feet, especially in the morning. General weakness, giddiness, loss of appetite, and sometimes diarrhea.

Instructions: Light diet, with fresh fruits and foods such as chicken soup, liver extract, beets, carrots, spinach, and fenugreek, is advised. Avoid fatty foods.

FORMULA 1

6 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
6 teaspoons red rose petals

Preparation: Boil in 1 1/2 cups water and strain.

Dosage: Twice daily.

FORMULA 2

4 teaspoons ground Indian cinnamon
8 teaspoons honey
8 cups pomegranate juice

Preparation: Dissolve cinnamon and honey in pomegranate juice.

Dosage: 2 teaspoons in 1/2 cup of water, as needed.

FORMULA 3

1 teaspoon purslane
1 teaspoon sweet basil
1 teaspoon gum arabic
9 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup rose water

Preparation: Fry first three ingredients in olive oil for ten minutes. Remove and soak in rose water for one hour.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon several times per day.

Angina Pectoris
Pain in the chest muscles in the area of the heart, due to cold (sardi) imbalance.

Instructions: Avoid exposure to cold air.

FORMULA 1

1 teaspoon fenugreek
2 teaspoons honey

Preparation: Boil fenugreek in 1 1/2 cups of water, strain, and add honey.

Dosage: Twice daily.

FORMULA 2

1 teaspoon rose oil
4 teaspoons sweet almond oil

Preparation: Thoroughly mix two oils together.

Dosage: Rub on chest, morning and evening.

Arthritis
There is pain and/or stiffness, without swelling, in one or more joints. Sometimes fever.

Instructions: Avoid sour and spicy (garmi) foods. Take walks in the morning, but avoid exposure to very cold air.

External Treatment: Rub with oil of amber and frankincense.

FORMULA 1

1 teaspoon powdered valerian root
1 teaspoon chamomile
1/2 teaspoon hops
1 teaspoon hay saffron

Preparation: Mix first three ingredients in 3 cups water and bring to boil. Remove from heat at first sign of boiling. Add saffron and steep for twenty minutes. Strain.

Dosage: 1/2 to 1 cup before bedtime.

FORMULA 2

6 teaspoons ginger
6 teaspoons caraway seeds
3 teaspoons black pepper

Preparation: Combine into a fine powder and preserve.

Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon with water, twice daily.

Asthma
Asthma occurs in spasmodic attacks of difficult breathing. When experiencing the asthma attack, the person should sit forward with the head resting on the hands and elbows on the knees. The face turns pale, and there is a wheezing sound in the breath. After extended coughing, the person usually emits a small amount of phlegm.

Instructions: Avoid exposure to cold air. Avoid cold (sardi) and sour foods.

External Treatment: Rub chest with oil of sweet almond.

FORMULA 1

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Preparation: Pour 1 1/2 cups hot water over the ginger.

Dosage: One teaspoon, lukewarm, at bedtime.

FORMULA 2

1/2 teaspoon skunk cabbage
1/2 teaspoon horehound
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon bayberry bark
1/2 teaspoon powdered valerian root
3 ounces molasses

Preparation: Grind all herbs fine and mix with molasses.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon in cup of hot tea, as needed.

Bedwetting
FORMULA 1

1 teaspoon pomegranate flowers
1 teaspoon ground sesame seeds
1 teaspoon gum acacia
1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds
Dark brown sugar (gur), as needed

Preparation: Fry coriander seeds in a cast-iron skillet until they are lightly burned. Mix in other ingredients, except brown sugar, and make a fine powder. Add brown sugar to equal the amount of powdered herbs.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon at bedtime.

FORMULA 2

3 teaspoons ground dried water chestnut
3 teaspoons raw sugar

Preparation: Make a fine powder of dried water chestnut and mix with sugar.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon, twice daily.

FORMULA 3

1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon mastic herb
3 ounces honey

Preparation: Grind and mix the first three ingredients, add honey, and mix well.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon, morning and evening.

Bronchitis In Children
Breathing is rapid, and there is a hollow sound beneath the ribs while breathing. Cough, pain, and high fever are often present. Face becomes red and nostrils dilate while breathing. Child becomes restless.

Instructions: Avoid exposure to cold air. Take liquid diet.

FORMULA 1

2 teaspoons cut licorice root
2 teaspoons linseed
12 teaspoons honey

Preparation: Boil the first two herbs in 1 1/2 cups water for ten minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey.

Dosage: Two to three times per day.

FORMULA 2

1 teaspoon oil of garlic
3 teaspoons honey

Preparation: Mix ingredients together.

Dosage: Allow child to lick up a small amount with tongue, three times per day.

Colic
Acute pain in abdomen and constipation. Abdomen is distended. Flatulence and gurgling sound are present.

External Treatment: Massage body with rose oil or sweet almond oil. Recommended foods: Green pea soup, chicken soup.

FORMULA 1

2 teaspoons wild basil

Preparation and Administration: Grind with water to make a paste, and apply to abdomen.

FORMULA 2

1 teaspoon peppermint leaves

Preparation: Boil leaves in 1 cup water for three minutes.

Dosage: Drink glassful twice daily.

FORMULA 3

6 ounces rose water, honey water, or fennel water

Dosage: Drink once per day.

Common Cold
Attacks of sneezing, watery discharge from nose, headache, cough, malaise, sometimes mild fever.

FORMULA 1

1 teaspoon violet flowers

Preparation: Boil for three minutes in 1 cup of water and strain.

Dosage: Twice daily on empty stomach.

FORMULA 2

1 teaspoon wheat husk
5 black peppercorns
1/6 teaspoon salt

Preparation: Boil ingredients in 1 cup water for three minutes, and strain.

Dosage: Twice daily.

FORMULA 3

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon bark, broken into bits

Preparation: Boil in 1 1/2 cups water for ten minutes, strain, and sweeten with honey.

Dosage: Twice daily.

Constipation
Instructions: Consume leafy green vegetables, fruit juice, and plenty of water. Avoid sugar, candies, and all sweets. Avoid straining the bowels. Establish habit of going to toilet at regular times.

FORMULA 1

5 teaspoons minced dried dates
5 teaspoons almond, mashed into a pulp
10 teaspoons honey

Preparation: Grind the first two ingredients separately, combine, and add honey.

Dosage: 3 teaspoons twice daily.

Note: This formula also useful for hemorrhoids and chronic constipation.

FORMULA 2

1 teaspoon senna leaves
1 teaspoon ground ginger (dried or fresh)
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon rock salt

Preparation: Make a fine powder of all ingredients.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon with water at bedtime.

 

Cough

FORMULA 1

1 cup ginger water
2 teaspoons honey

Preparation: Mix ingredients together.

Dosage: Two or three times per day.

FORMULA 2

2 teaspoons poppy seed
3 teaspoons cut licorice root

Preparation: Boil in 1 cup water for ten minutes and strain.

Dosage: Twice daily.

Diabetes
Frequent and excessive urination, excessive thirst, weak appetite, and general debility are common signs. Sugar is present in the blood and urine. The presence and amount of sugar in the urine should be determined by a test administered by a physician.

Instructions: Avoid sweets and sweet fruits. Avoid such carbohydrates as white potato, sweet potato, and rice. Mild exercise is advised.

FORMULA 1

2 teaspoons crushed cumin seeds

Preparation: Make a fine powder.

Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon, with water, twice daily.

Diarrhea
Instructions: Eat a light diet. Avoid chili peppers and spicy foods.

FORMULA 1

1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1 teaspoon powdered cumin
1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon

Preparation: Combine all three powders, add honey, and mix into a thick paste.

Dosage: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, three times daily.

FORMULA 2

3 teaspoons powdered ginger
5 teaspoons fennel seed honey, as needed

Preparation: Grind ginger and fennel into a powder. Add honey to make thick paste.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon in tea, three times daily and before bedtime.

FORMULA 3

6 ounces Madjool dates
3 teaspoons myrrh rose water, as needed

Preparation: Make a fine powder of first two ingredients, then mix with rose water to moisten. Make fingernail-sized pills.

Dosage: Two pills, twice daily.

Dysentery
Frequent bowel movements, sometimes mixed with mucus and blood, gripping pain, and pain in abdomen.

Instructions: A diet of yogurt and rice is advised.

FORMULA 1

10 pomegranate flowers

Preparation: Grind flowers with 1/2 teacup water. Strain.

Dosage: Twice daily.

FORMULA 2

2 teaspoons green leaves of rose bush

Preparation: Grind with 1/2 teacup of water. Strain.

Dosage: Twice daily.

Headache
Headache is of different types, sometimes felt in different parts, or all over the head. Nausea and vomiting may also be present.

FORMULA 1

3 teaspoons lavender flowers
3 teaspoons coriander seeds
5 black peppercorns

Preparation: Grind all ingredients into fine powder.

Dosage: Take one-half of dose with water, early in the morning, then rest in bed for thirty minutes.

FORMULA 2

1 teaspoon Spanish saffron
1 teaspoon gum myrrh
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation: Make a fine powder of all ingredients, add a little water, and mix well into a paste.

Administration: Put the paste onto a piece of clean cotton cloth, and apply to one or both temples.

FORMULA 3

6 teaspoons jasmine water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Preparation: Dissolve the salt in the jasmine water and preserve in a clean glass dropper bottle.

Dosage: Two drops in each nostril, twice a day or as needed.

FORMULA 4

(for migraine)

1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds

Preparation: Grind with 3 tablespoons water and strain.

Dosage: One or two drops in nostrils.

Hemorrhoids
Constipation, passing of hard stool with blood, burning and irritation in anus, and discomfort in sitting. Presence of pile mass in anus. Blood may ooze out after bowel movement.

Instructions: Exercise lightly. Light diet with green vegetables is advised. Avoid hot spices.

External Treatment: Rub anus with rose water or other flower water to soothe.

FORMULA 1

1 teaspoon henna leaves

Preparation: Grind henna leaves into powder with 1 cup water. Strain and let sit for twenty minutes.

Dosage: Drink 1/2 cup twice daily.

FORMULA 2

1/8 teaspoon coriander leaves
1/8 teaspoon red clay earth

Preparation: Grind to make a paste and apply to anus.

FORMULA 3

3 teaspoons marshmallow
3 teaspoons dill

Preparation: Put herbs inside a clean sterile cloth; wet with warm water.

Application: Apply to anal area for half-hour at a time.

Indigestion
Feeling of heaviness in stomach after eating. Lack of appetite, nausea, flatulence, and vomiting. This condition is usually due to faulty, irregular diet, especially eating before the previous meal is fully digested.

FORMULA 1

1 teaspoon fennel seeds
I teaspoon cardamom seeds

Preparation: Make a fine powder of the seeds.

Dosage: 1/6 teaspoon with water twice daily after meals.

FORMULA 2

1 teaspoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon dried ginger
1 teaspoon cloves

Preparation: Grind fennel, ginger, and cloves into a fine powder. Add honey to make a thick paste. Preserve in a glass jar.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon fifteen minutes after each meal and at bed-time.

FORMULA 3

1 teaspoon rock salt
1/2 cup ginger water
1/2 cup lime water

Preparation: Mix, preserve in glass bottle, and expose to sun for three or four days.

Dosage: Mix 1 teaspoon with 1/2 cup of water. Take twice daily, after meals.

FORMULA 4

1-3 drops peppermint oil

Preparation: Mix 1-3 drops of peppermint oil with 3 ounces water.

Dosage: Drink as needed.

Inflammation Of Gums And Toothache
Swollen, reddened, painful gums. Person may become restless and agitated because of toothache.

FORMULA 1

1 cup ginger water
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation: Mix salt with ginger water.

Administration: Apply by dipping finger in water and rubbing on gums.

FORMULA 2

Oil of clove, as needed

Administration: Apply to gums or aching tooth.

FORMULA 3

3 teaspoons vinegar

6 teaspoons rose water

Preparation: Mix vinegar and rose water in glass.

Administration: Gargle with solution three times per day.

Loss Of Hair
FORMULA 1

2 cups roots of fig tree
1 quart coconut oil or olive oil

Preparation: Dry out fig roots in shade for three days. Then crush roots and immerse in oil for fifteen days. Strain and preserve in glass bottle.

Administration: Massage on scalp at bedtime. Leave on overnight.

Obesity
FORMULA 1
(to curb excessive appetite)

1 teaspoon valerian root
1 teaspoon nutmeg

Preparation: Grind the two herbs into fine powder.

Dosage: 1/6 teaspoon, thirty minutes before meals, with water.

FORMULA 2

1 teaspoon lime juice

Dosage: Take with 1 cup water in the morning on an empty stomach.

Vaginal Itching
Itching and burning in vagina; burning sensation while urinating. Restlessness.

Instructions: Avoid close, tight-fitting underwear, especially made of nylon or other synthetic fabrics. Acute cleanliness of the vaginal area is required. Bathe immediately after urinating and after sexual intercourse.

FORMULA 1

3 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 teaspoons lily-of-the-valley root
1/2 teaspoon pomegranate flowers
1/2 teaspoon rosehips

Preparation: Pound and grind into powder. Sift.

Dosage: 1 to 2 teaspoons daily with buttermilk or a glass of juiced green grapes.

Painful Menstruation
This condition is preceded by severe pain in the thighs, pubic region, and groin. Sometimes heavy nausea and vomiting occur. Usually blood flow is very scanty.

FORMULA 1

1 teaspoon gum myrrh
1 teaspoon juniper berries

Preparation: Boil in 1 cup of water. Strain.

Dosage: Take in morning for seven to ten days after menstrual period has ended.

FORMULA 2

1 3/4 teaspoons powdered rhubarb

Preparation: Dehydrate and make into a fine powder.

Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon of rhubarb powder with water twice daily, for one to two weeks following end of period.

FORMULA 3

1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon wild rue
1 teaspoon wormwood
1 teaspoon rose hips
1 teaspoon chopped figs
4 teaspoons honey

Preparation: Boil all ingredients in 1 cup water for five minutes. Strain and preserve.

Dosage: Consume in tablespoon doses twice a day for three days. Stop for three days. Then repeat dose.

Sleeplessness
FORMULA 1

1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon lettuce seeds

Preparation: Boil in 1 cup water, strain, and sweeten with honey.

Dosage: Twice daily.

FORMULA 2

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon stick

Preparation: Boil in 1 cup water for five minutes, strain, and sweeten with honey.

Dosage: Twice daily.

FORMULA 3

3 drops rose oil
3 drops violet oil
1 ounce sweet almond oil

Preparation: Thoroughly mix the three oils and preserve.

Administration: Apply to scalp, ears and soles of feet before retiring. A small amount can be applied to the anus as well.

Herbal Formulas for Common Ailments

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