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The Three Doshas and Plants
The three Doshas exist in plants as they do in all nature. Kapha plants are characterized
by luxuriant growth, abundant leaves and sap; they are dense, heavy, succulent, and contain
much water. Vata plants have sparse leaves, rough, cracked bark, crooked, gnarled branches,
spindly growth habits, and contain little sap. Pitta plants are brightly colored with bright
flowers; they are moderate in strength and sap, and the latter may be poisonous or burning in
its effect.
Soils, climates, geographical zones, and countries can similarly be classified by Dosha. Through
this we can understand the life-forms produced by them and how to adapt to them.
The root and bark of plants (representing the elements of earth and water) tend to work on Kapha
conditions. The flowers (as fire) tend to work on Pitta. The leaves and fruits (as air and ether)
tend to work on Vata.
The Three Doshas and the Treatment of Disease
To use herbs, or to apply effectively any form of therapy, it is necessary to know the unique
constitution of the individual, as well as the specific nature of the disease. Western Medicine,
and to some extent, western herbalism, lacks this science of individual constitution.
The same disease may occur in different constitutions, and as such must be treated differently.
Asthma, for example, may be due to deranged Kapha, excessive water in the lungs; deranged Vata,
nervous hypersensitivity of the lungs; or deranged Pitta, an accumulation of damp-heat in the lungs.
The same treatment cannot work in every case. Merely to know that a certain herb "works" on a certain
disease may not reveal a definitive cure.
On the other hand, the same constitutional problem, the same aggravated dosha, may give rise to
various diseases, and as such all can be treated the same way--by decreasing the aggravated dosha.
High Vata, for example, may manifest as sciatic pain, arthritis, constipation, headaches, dry skin,
gas and indigestion, all of which can be relieved by a single line of treatment.
Knowing which disease an herb treats gives us one reference line. Knowing the constitution on which
it works yields yet another cross reference line. Considering both we are much more able to pinpoint
a truly effective treatment.
Reprinted with permission from The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad,
Lotus Press, P. O. Box 325, Twin Lakes, WI 53181. ©1986 All Rights Reserved
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The Yoga of Herbs
by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad
For the first time, here is a detailed explanation and classification of herbs, using the ancient
system of Ayurveda. More than 270 herbs are listed, with 108 herbs explained in detail. Included
are many of the most commonly used western herbs with a profound Ayurvedic perspective. Important
Chinese and special Ayurvedic herbs are introduced. Beautiful diagrams and charts, as well as detailed
glossaries, appendices and index are included.
http://www.ayurveda.com/products/books.html
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