Divine Remedies' 100% Vegetarian, Natural and
Herbal Products
|
|
Herbal Home Remedies Back to main
How to Prepare and Use Herbs, Ghees, and Oils
Herbal Mixtures
USE WHOLE HERBS AND FOODS
Ayurveda believes strongly in the use of whole herbs, foods, and plants. Isolated active ingredients or chemically produced analogues are not equivalent to natural whole food sources.
HOW MUCH TO PREPARE
If you are going to be taking an herbal mixture for several days, weeks, or even months, to save time you will probably want to prepare a fairly large quantity. Then each time you use it, take 1/4 to '/2 teaspoon unless otherwise directed.
In this book formulas for herbal mixtures are given in "parts" rather than in milligrams or teaspoons. For example, a formula may call for
herb 1 herb 2
herb 3
parts 3
herb
3 parts 1/4 part
Choose your own measure, according to how much you want to make. If, for example, you are measuring in teaspoons, you will use
2 teaspoons of herb 1
3 teaspoons of herb 2
1/4 teaspoon of herb 3
If you are making a large batch for long term use, you can measure in tablespoons. A 1- to 2-month supply will require 2.5 to 5.0 ounces of herbs, a palm-size quantity. Again, when you take the herb each time, use only
1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon, as recommended.
WHERE TO OBTAIN HERBS
Most of the herbs mentioned in this book can be obtained in bulk or capsules at a good natural foods store. Always try to get organic, non irradiated herbs. Special Ayurvedic herbs and herbal formulas are available from The Ayurvedic Institute, the suppliers listed in the Resources, and some Indian groceries.
HOW TO TAKE HERBS
Herbs are almost always taken with a vehicle or medium (anupana) to facilitate absorption by the body and to carry the quality of the herbs to the specific tissue or site of the disease. The most common vehicles used in Ayurveda are water, milk, honey, aloe vera, and ghee. Raw sugar may also be used at times. The vehicle varies according to the herb, the illness or condition being treated, your constitution, and other factors. Typically, you might take your herbal dose with a spoonful of ghee or honey; mixed in a cup of warm milk; or laced dry on your tongue and then washed down with some warm or room-temperature water.
USING TRIPHALA
Triphala ("the three fruits") is a wonderful remedy consisting of three of the most important Ayurvedic herbs: amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki. Amalaki works on pitta dosha, bibhitaki on kapha dosha, and haritaki on vata dosha. This compound is rejuvenative and strengthening for all three doshas and all seven dhatus; it balances ojas, tejas, and prana and is also an excellent, mild laxative.
Take triphala in the evening, at least 1 hour after your evening meal. Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon triphala powder to about 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes or until the water is cool enough to drink. You may strain out the herbs before drinking or just leave them at the bottom of your cup.
You may not like the taste of triphala at first-it may taste quite bitter. But if you use
it regularly, your health is bound to improve, and you will eventually find that the taste becomes less unpleasant.
Triphala can also be taken in these ways:
-
Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dry triphala powder on your tongue, and wash it down with warm water.
-
For some people, triphala acts as a mild diuretic and may disturb sleep if taken at night. If you are one of these people, drink the tea in the morning and it will act in about one hour.
-
If you really hate the taste, you can mix the triphala powder with honey and take it that way.
Ghee
HOW TO MAKE GHEE
Two pounds of butter will make one quart of ghee. Put the butter (sweet and unsalted, organic if available) in a heavy, medium-size pot, turn the heat to medium, and heat until the butter melts, taking care not to burn the butter.
Then turn down the heat, cook until the butter just boils, and continue to cook at this temperature. Do not cover the pot, as it is important to boil the water out and separate the solids. The butter will foam and sputter for a while and then begin to quiet down. Stir it occasionally with a stainless steel spatula, scraping the bottom of the pan.
In 12 to 15 minutes your ghee will begin to smell like popcorn and will turn a lovely golden color. Whitish curds will form and separate from the clear ghee. When these whitish curds turn a light tan color and the boiling quiets down, the ghee is ready. Take it off the heat immediately, for it is most likely to burn at this stage. The cooking time should not be longer than 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the kind of pan and the heat source.
Let the ghee cool until it is just warm. The solid curds will have settled to the bottom of the pot. Decant the clear ghee into a container, and discard the curds left on the bottom.
STORING GHEE
Ghee can be kept on the kitchen shelf. It does not need refrigeration. Its medicinal properties are said to improve with age. Don't ladle out the ghee with a wet spoon or allow any water to get into the container, as this will create the conditions for bacteria to grow and spoil the ghee.
EFFECTS OF GHEE
Ghee increases digestive fire and improves absorption and assimilation. It nourishes ojas, the subtle essence of all the body's tissues, strengthens the brain and nervous system, and improves memory. It lubricates the connective tissue and makes the body more flexible. Ghee carries the medicinal properties of herbs to all seven dhatus. It pacifies pitta and vata and is okay for kapha in moderation.
NOTE: People who have high cholesterol or who suffer from obesity should be cautious about using ghee.
HOW TO MAKE MEDICATED GHEES
Ghee is a highly effective anupana (vehicle) for carrying herbs to the deeper tissues of the body. Hence many remedies are made by cooking herbs into ghee. Examples include shatavari ghee, brahmi ghee, tikta ghrita (bitter ghee), triphala ghee, and many others. The process is quite lengthy, and you will probably prefer to purchase these medicated ghees (and medicated oils as well). But if you wish to make it yourself, proceed as follows:
First, make the ghee, as described above.
Next, make a decoction of the desired
herbs by cooking 1 part dry herbs to 16 parts of water, or about 1/2 ounce of herbs per cup (8 ounces) of water. Boil the herbs slowly over a low flame until the water is reduced to one quarter its original amount. For example, 4 cups would be reduced to 1, or 1 cup to 1/4 cup. Then strain out the herbs. This process takes several hours. The liquid can be used as a prepared medicinal decoction, but in this case, you are going to use it for your medicated ghee.
Finally, mix equal parts of ghee and the herbal decoction, and cook it over a low flame until all the water evaporates.
Medicated Oils
Medicated oils (amla oil, brahmi oil, bhringaraj oil, garlic oil, clove oil, and others) are made the same way, except that you use oil instead of ghee in the final stage.
NEEM Oil
Neem oil is an herbalized oil made from cooking neem leaves in a base of sesame (usually)
or some other oil. It is not pure neem extract, which would be too strong. Neem oil is generally available from suppliers of Ayurvedic products.
How Long to Take a Remedy
The general rule is to use remedies until your symptoms disappear. This may take from a few days to a few months, depending on the severity of the disease or condition, how long you have had it, how motivated you are to get well, and other factors.
In addition to taking your remedies, please also look into the underlying causes of your condition. You may need to rethink your diet, daily routine, exercise program, and so on. Simply taking herbal remedies, without making some changes in your lifestyle, will probably not be sufficient to override the behavior patterns that caused your illness in the first place.
So use your common sense. If the condition is chronic, it is unrealistic to expect that something that has persisted for years is going to disappear in a week or a month. On the other hand, if your condition is serious, and you are diligent with your remedies and make appropriate lifestyle changes, and still the symptoms persist, you need to see your doctor for help. |
|
Our Products |
| 100% Pure Vegetarian |
The natural herbs present in Male Support helps to Cure Erectile dysfunction naturally. The herbs increase power, stamina ...........Know more
$ 28.95  |
Chander Prabha is an ancient Ayurvedic formula for many difficult to cure diseases. It is an excellent cure for Premature ejaculation, sexual weakness due to diabetes, effective herbal remedy for Erectile dysfunction. It has special role in treatment of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, polycystic kidneys, renal failure and...........Know more
$ 59.95 |
Female Support is purely a herbal formulation without any
chemicals added into it. The ingredients are frequently used in
Ayurvedic system..........Know more
$ 22.95 |
Total Heart Support is purely a herbal formulation without any chemicals added into it the ingredients ...........Know more
$ 23.95 |
Trim Formula is purely a herbal formulation
without any chemicals added into it. The ingredients are frequently
used in Ayurvedic system ...........Know more
$ 21.95 |
 Diabetes
Support is purely a herbal formulation without any chemicals added
into it. The ingredients are frequently used in Ayurvedic system of
medicine. ...........Know more
$ 19.95 |
Arthritis Support is purely a herbal formulation without any chemicals added into it. The ingredients are frequently used in Ayurvedic system of medicine............Know more
$ 22.95 |
|
 This product has its roots in Ayurveda-ancient herbal
healthcare system of India .According to Ayurveda the balance of 3
energies- Vata, Pitta and Kapha.........Know more
$ 17.95 |
The herbs in this product act synergistically to control
vitiated Vata” “Pitta” and “Kapha” thus help in improved memory and
concentration...........Know more
$ 21.95 |
Continuous stress leads to imbalance of Vata and consequently other
energies. The herbs in this product act synergistically to control
vitiated vata ...........Know more
$ 23.95 |
 The herbs in this product act synergistically to
control vitiated Vata” “Pitta” and “Kapha”. These 3 energies of the
body...........Know more
$ 22.95 |
 These herbs
act together in a synergistic manner and controls acidity,
flatulence, gas and also constipation. These are the complex
indigestion problems...........Know more
$ 19.95 |
 Brahmi Chawyanprash is a
‘Rasayana' Jam, made up of Amla (Indian Gooseberry) and 48 other
life enhancing, vitality promoting herbs...........Know more
$ 28.95 |
 Atirasadi Churna is a potent combination of rejuvenating
herbs used in Ayurveda since 5000 B.C. for stamina, strength. ..........Know more
$ 29.95 |
 These rare herbs are nature's answer to moderate to severe forms of inflammation, swelling and pain. This herbal powder contains...........Know more
$ 22.95 |
 Yakrit Plihantak Churna is a herbal mixture of rare herbs to improve liver function. It helps the liver in clearing away the toxins..
...........Know more
$ 22.95
|
 When the uric acid is very high and the
toe joint is very much involved. It is also effective in other type
of arthritis as it relieves “Vata” and removes the toxins from
within the body............Know more
$ 23.95 |
 The
herbs Bharangi, Kantkari and Shirish act as powerful antihistaminics
and are effective in treating acute and chronic Asthmatic attacks. It is nature's best anti-allergic formula...........Know more
$ 23.95 |
 They act in a synergistic manner to help body get
rid of extra fat. This formula not only removes fats but also
corrects carbohydrate and protein metabolism ...........Know more
$ 24.95 |
 This product is a combination of unique herbs
to effectively control diabetes. The herbs Bitter gourd, Gymnema and
Eugenia has their definite role in bringing the level of diabetes
under control...........Know more
$ 22.95 |
This herbal powder is a slight modification of
classical Ayurvedic formula “Pushyanug” churna. The herb Saraca
indica naturally balances...........Know more
$ 21.95 |
This
formula is particularly effective in treating constipation and is
non habit forming. These herbs are multipurpose and are useful in
vision problems, high cholesterol...........Know more
$ 21.95 |
It is rich in most vitamins
like Vitamin D, A (The antioxidant beta-carotene), C and E and even traces
of B12, one of the very few plant sources of this vitamin...........Know more
$ 18.95 |
 The fruit is has the
highest content of vitamin C of any natural occurring substances in
nature. Amla is most useful treatment of
ulcers and hyperacidity... ...........Know more
$ 18.95 |
 The bitter gourd has excellent medicinal
virtues. It is antipyretic tonic, appetizing, stomachic and
laxative. The bitter gourd is also used in native medicines of Asia...........Know more
$ 18.95 |
 Arjun Saar is the combination of best herbs described
in ancient Ayurvedic texts as the most effective treatment for blood
pressure and heart problems...........Know more
$ 18.95 |
|
 Mutrakrichantak Churna is a safe and effective
combination of kidney supporting herbs used in Ayurveda Mutrakrichantak is purely a herbal formulation without any
chemicals added into it. ...........Know more
$43.00 |
 Neem is nature's best anti-biotic without any side effects. Neem Capsules are best natural Remedy for Acne. The dosage for Acne is 2 capsules twice daily. Neem cleanses the blood and removes acne within few days...........Know more
$31.00 |
 Ashwagandha is popularly known as Indian Ginseng. It gives strength and stamina of a horse. Ashwa literally means Horse. The root is used for medicinal purpose. Ashwagandha extract, which we use is one of the best quality extract in the world. ...........Know more
$31.00 |
 Garcinia is a tree that is native of south india, Malaysia, Singapore. The fruit of this tree is known as Mangosteen in these countries. The rid of the fruit contains HCA (Hydroxycitric acid) which is very useful for ...........Know more
$ 41.00 |
 Guggul is a tree which grows wildly in deserts of western India, pakistan and other parts of the world. The resin of this tree is taken and the extract is very useful for 'Vata' pains. It is useful for cleaning up the ...........Know more
$ 41.00 |
The meaning of Shilajit In Sanskrit is Rock Like, SOMETHING STRONG LIKE A ROCK ,which eventually delay your degeneration of body...........Know more
$ 41.00 |
 Tulsi is a small herb, popularly known as Holy basil in west. It is in fact have very religious importance for Hindu community in India. Hindu's worship Tulsi for many reasons. It can heal diseases...........Know more
$ 31.00 |
 Guggul is a collective name of various gum resins extracted from trees according to the Ayurvedic Science. This purifying and rejuvenating compound is used traditionally to treat inflammatory conditions...........know more
$49.00
|
 Kachnaar is a tree, which is basically very astringent. Astringet herbs are found to be very useful in Cancer and other related problems, especially lymph nodes enlargement, lymphoms, Hodgkin's disease...........know More
$ 22.45 |
 Gandhak is Sulphur in English language. Gandhak is useful natural skin remedy. It's very useful in Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis and the effect is increased if used with Neem capsules. The skin texture is revived and the glow comes back. It...........Know More
$ 22.95 |
|
|
| Recommended By MD (Ayurveda) Doctor |
|
View Cart 
Secure Site | Shipping and Return Policy | Privacy Policy