Ashwaghanda Otherwise known as Winter Cherry, Ashwaghanda is sweet and heating and especially good for Vata conditions. An excellent tonic and has aphrodisiac properties, known to give vitality and energy while also being a sedative, and calming to the nervous system. Known as the ginseng of Ayurvedic herbs, building marrow and semen and regenerating hormones. Works on improving the memory and is an effective herb for clarity of thinking. Externally good for skin conditions.

Brahmi Gotu Kola! An already well known and well used herb, balances all three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Brahmi is most known to enhance and rejuvenate memory, working on the nervous system and said to be the most important rejuvenative herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is the main revitalizing herb for the nerves and brain cells, increasing intelligence, memory and strengthening the immune system and the adrenals. Helpful in psoriasis and hair loss.

Bhringaraj Balances all three doshas, known as "ruler of the hair" as it promotes growth of head hair. Works on the tissues of blood, bone, marrow and plasma and the circulatory, nervous and digestive systems. Indicated for premature graying and balding, skin diseases and mental disorders. A preventative to the aging process, helping to rejuvenate teeth, hair, sight, hearing and memory. Mainly used for Pitta conditions. Bhringaraj is used widely in India as a hair oil, being a potent herb for hair growth and also for calming the mind and promoting sound sleep.

Haritaki This means " carries away" because it is known to carry away all diseases. This herb regulates Kapha and rejuvenates Vata, imparting the energy of pure awareness (as represented by Shiva). Works on all the tissue elements and acts as a rejuvenative, tonic, astringent, laxative, expectorant (promoting discharge of kapha mucous from lungs). Externally relieves skin conditions and soothes the skin. Henna Used traditionally as a hair dye, bringing shine and strengthening hair, and as a decorative paint on the palms of hands and on the feet, henna has many other uses. In addition to its cooling effects, several other medicinal properties are attributed to henna. It is used as a coagulant for open wounds, cooling and healing the skin, especially on the scalp, preventing skin conditions such as eczema.

Jatamansi Also known as Muskroot and Indian Spikenard, this herb balances all doshas, working on the circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. A very beautifully aromatic herb, jatamansi is good for the complexion, removing blood impurities and skin conditions. It's sedative properties increase awareness, it's aromatic properties purify the air, known to bring serenity and balance.

Methi Also known as fenugreek seeds, excellent as a hair tonic, stimulating the scalp, promoting hair growth. A rejuvenative and nerve tonic.

Neem Indicated for skin diseases, especially of a heating Pitta nature, neem is an extremely effective blood purifier. It is known to cool fevers and clears the toxins found in most inflammatory skin diseases, also one of the best skin disinfectants and healing agents.

Shatavari This powerful herb strengthens the female organs, enhancing fertility and sexual vitality. Works on the reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems. Excellent herb to cool Pitta and to bring moisture and lustre to the skin, while nourishing the cells and tissues, Shatavari soothes and protects the dry and inflamed membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys and sexual organs.

Tulsi Known as Holy Basil, Tulsi is one of the most sacred plants of India. Basil opens the heart and mind, bestowing the energy of love and devotion. Basil strengthens the immune system, increasing prana or life force and improving the memory. A nerve tonic, improving absorption and strengthening the nerve tissue, also used externally for various skin conditions. This plant is found in most East Indian households as it absorbs positive ions, energizes negative ions, and liberates ozone from the suns rays.
Spices and Seeds


Almond Sweet and heating and therefore best for Vata, but beneficial to all, almonds are a 'sattvic' food which increases ojas or life essence. They are highly nutritive, rejuvenative, and also act as an aphrodisiac. Good for the heart, the reproductive system, and building strong bones. High in essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, protein and the trace mineral boron which is known to possibly regulate calcium metabolism.

Black Pepper Known as Marich in Sanskrit, which is a name for the sun. These potent little seeds contain good amounts of solar energy and so contain similar properties. Pungent and heating, black pepper is good for Kapha and Vata, working on the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems. The digestive fire known as Agni, is energized by black pepper, destroying toxins and helping to digest food. Used with honey, it is effective in clearing excess mucous from the lungs and sinuses, drying up secretions. Also good for colds and sore throats in a tea with turmeric and honey.

Cardamom A fragrant spice, used in most chai recipes, cardamom is one of the mildest but most effective digestive stimulants. Removes excess Kapha from the stomach and lungs, and combined with fennel, it acts a soothing digestive for nervous stomach disorders in children. The queen of spices (just ask the spice mistress), cardamom stimulates the heart and mind and offers clarity and joy.

Cayenne A heating stimulant, cayenne is also known as the 'fruit of the sun' with it's potent amounts of solar energy. Works on the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems, particularly effective in burning toxins from the colon. Can aggravate high Pitta due to it's extreme heating properties, but good to enhance the action of other herbs.

Cinnamon Pungent and sweet, this aromatic bark of tree is an effective spice for strengthening and enhancing the flow of circulation. Particularly good for Kapha and Vata, as it is heating and acts to strengthen the heart and promote agni or digestive fire. It is a widely used home remedy for colds and flu, and aids in the absorption of other medicines.

Clove These dried flower buds are an effective stimulant, dispelling colds and easing coughs. Aromatic and pungent, cloves are good for Kapha and Vata. The volatile oil works as an analgesic, numbing the affected area and relieving pain. A highly aromatic spice, cloves lend themselves well to energizing brews and masalas.

Cocoa Who does not get euphoric about the cocoa bean? A gift indeed from the divine, used wisely and taken in moderation, it provides many amazing benefits. The cocoa bean contains theobromine, a mild stimulant and also contains the chemical phenlethylamine, a naturally occurring amphetamine found in the brain, which has euphoric side effects. Cocoa also contains Polyphenols, known as phytonutrients, which exhibit antioxidant activity. Antioxidants may have a role in reducing the risk of some diseases by helping guard the body's cells from damage by free radicals. We are not referring to the common candy bar, but good quality organic cocoa or dark chocolate are known to offer these wonderful benefits.

Coconut Sweet and cooling, this richly nutritious food is abundantly excellent for Pitta and Vata and for Kapha in moderation. A wonderful tonic, the water being used for fasting, healing and detoxification and the fleshy part primarily for building ojas (life essence). Scientific research proves now what the Vedas have known since ancient times, that the saturated fatty acids and derivative compounds found in coconuts and coconut oil have significant benefits for a healthy immune system and metabolism. Coconut water contains a full range of B vitamins with the exception of vitamin B6 and B12. The Lauric acid found in the coconut has been used for centuries in cosmetic products as it is lubricating and nourishing for the skin. It has also been recognized for its unique properties in healing food use, with its antiviral, and antibacterial functions. Also, recently published research has shown that natural coconut fat in the diet leads to a normalization of body lipids, and improves the immune system's anti-inflammatory response, (thus making this an especially good food for Pitta). Try cracking open a fresh coconut and experience all of it's gifts.

Coriander Whether it's the green leafy fresh cilantro or the grounding earthy coriander seed, this is a food to always have on hand. The cilantro leaf acts as a cooling balm to Pitta or a bitter refreshment to Kapha and the seeds are humbly gracious to all doshas. Famous in Ayurveda as one of the three spices (along with fennel and cumin) used to balance and reset the body and mind, coriander is used for digestive disorders and to help in the assimilation of other herbs. Works on the digestive, respiratory and urinary systems, valuable for Pitta skin ailments and digestive issues where other pungent digestive spices are usually contraindicated.

Cumin Pungent, bitter and cooling, this aromatic seed in the shape of the crescent moon, holds it's own mysterious power. Pungent, bitter and cooling, cumin makes up the balancing triad with fennel and coriander. Used to alleviate all three doshas, cleansing and detoxing the blood, strengthens the metabolism and relieves digestive ailments.

Fennel That lovely slightly 'licorice tasting' seed eaten as a digestive at the end of a meal in India, is a sweet and cooling spice that works to balance all the doshas. Part of the three spice blend along with cumin and coriander, which aids in digestion, assimilation, and clears stagnation, works well on it's own to promote menstruation, increase the flow of milk in nursing moms, alleviate abdominal cramping and for cooling and calming the nerves. This makes fennel a specially therapeutic spice for fiery Pitta.

Flax Seed A much talked about seed as more research shows the beneficial qualities of this versatile and nutty food. Particularly good for Vata with it's Omega 3 essential fatty acids which taken in the proper quantity and in combination with a balanced diet, protect the body against heart disease, asthma, allergies, inflammations, dry and rough skin, diabetes and adrenal and brain function to name a few. Also claimed to increase overall vitality of skin, hair, eyes, and as a tonic to the immune system. Best for Vata, but in moderation, an important addition to a well rounded diet for all constitutions.
Ginger A must have in every kitchen apothecary, the fresh rhizome brings flavor, pungency and sweetness to food and is used widely as a digestive. Also an excellent remedy for respiratory conditions of Kapha and Vata, ginger is an invigorating spice and is known as 'the universal medicine' for its versatility and healing properties. Also used for arthritic conditions to clear stagnation in the joints and for stimulating blood flow. Can also be used as a poultice for areas of pain. Excellent when used as a tea for colds and coughs. Increases agni (digestive fire).

Lemon Cooling and cleansing, lemon has been known to healers as a purifying substance for the body and particularly the skin. Highly astringent, lemon clears stagnation and firms the skin, tissues and other organs. Even though it is sour in taste, it's cooling aspect relieves Pitta, the sour taste balances Vata and as an expectorant, clears Kapha. A refreshing squeeze of fresh lemon in warm water first thing in the morning, promotes regular elimination and readies the body for good digestion for the day.

Lemongrass Subtle and refreshing, cooling, pungent and bitter, this fragrant herb is also known as Malabar grass. Relieves digestive ailments and acts as a coolant to the body. Causes perspiration and increased elimination through the skin, ridding the body of impurities and clearing stagnation.

Hemp Nut Nutty and delicious, the hemp seed is a tiny nut packed with potent nutrients and essential fatty acids. Hemp nuts have a high content of the two essential fatty acids (EFA's) Omega-3 and Omega-6, which in proper balance helps in prevention or treatment of a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, menopause, osteoporosis, psoriasis and acne. Essential to tissue growth and proper metabolism, these critical EFA's cannot be produced by the body and need to be present in the diet. Similar in taste to the sunflower seed, these cooling seeds in many ways are akin to flax, wonderful for Pitta and extremely nourishing for all the doshas.

Mustard Seed Pungently popping, heating, stimulating and very flavorful, mustard is a perfect spice for Kapha and also good in moderation for Vata. Dry and pungent, clears the sinuses and eases cough and colds. A healing external poultice for pain, inflammation, headache, and sciatica.

Nutmeg Pungent and heating, nutmeg is known for it's sedative properties in calming the nervous system. Acts as a wonderful sleep tonic in warm milk or rice milk before bed. Nutmeg increases absorption in the small intestine in combination with other spices such as cardamom and ginger. A nerve tonic for Vata and an effective digestive. This heady, fragrant spice is also a known aphrodisiac.

Paprika The rich red-earth color of this feisty pepper offers a glimpse into it's fiery nature. Paprika is a pungent and heating spice with a subtle sweetness, stimulating for Kapha and warming for Vata. This robust pepper offers relief from digestive troubles, increases the metabolism and promotes good circulation.

Poppy Seed Whenever toasting poppy seeds, one may think about how Dorothy from 'The Wizard of Oz', fell asleep in a field of poppies. Off course these nutty little seeds themselves are not narcotic, however they do calm the nervous system and induce a restful sleep. Akin to nutmeg in it's sedative, digestive properties, poppy seeds are effective in balancing Vata nervous digestive orders and promoting good agni (digestive fire). When used as a spice, these pungent seeds. like hing (asafoetida) are an antidote to the gaseous nature of beans.

Rosemary A most fragrant and pungent herb. rosemary, like sage offers a purifying, cleansing action on the body and has an invigorating effect on the mind. Sipping on rosemary infused tea in the Spring and Fall, warms Vata and acts as a digestive, and clears excess water from Kapha, allowing a 'flushing of the system, through urination and perspiration. Also a refreshing tea occasionally in the winter for Pitta. Dried or fresh, this is an herb to always have on hand.

Sesame Seed (Tila) So nourishing and so satisfying, these magical sweet seeds are the base of all our Gomasalas. Whether a toasted and ground paste, a silky rich oil or those crunchy seeds themselves, these versatile seeds are rich in oils and minerals which strengthen the bones and muscles and act as a rejuvenative tonic especially for Vata. In Ayurveda, sesame seeds are known as sattvic, which means clarity, purity and wisdom, and so produces these qualities on the body and the mind.

Saffron So concentrated is the stigma of the crocus flower, that only a tiny bit produces a potent effect. Known as a tonic especially for the female reproductive system, saffron promotes healthy tissue growth in the body and acts as an aphrodisiac. One of the best cooling spices for Pitta, saffron regulates liver function and rejuvenates the blood (circulation) and metabolism. Soothes menstrual pain and promotes fertility.

Sage If you have ever participated in a traditional sweat lodge or a smudging ritual, you will have experienced one of the key qualities of Sage. A purifying herb, used for reducing emotional blocks and clearing the mind, Sage also functions to clear excess Kapha in the form of liquids in the body. It works to dry out mucous in the throat and lungs and can be used as a gargle or as a topical wash to heal bleeding sores. Sage also acts as an antispasmodic and as such is particularly good for calming the heart muscles.

Thyme Fragrantly pungent and heating, thyme has very similar properties to sage and forms the classic triad along with rosemary as a pungent, clearing herbal blend. Medicinally makes an excellent tea in the cold and flu season.

Pumpkin Seed Sweet and heating, pumpkin seeds are a good nutritious snack for Vata types. Very high in protein, fiber, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorous, as well as the amino acids arginine and glutamic acid. They also contain some calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium, folate, and niacin. All these minerals and rich protein nutrients add up to anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic bone strengthening benefits.