AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON IMPROVES-FOCUSReduces scattered thoughts. Creates a steady mind. Includes herbs that relax (for Vata) and herbs that stimulate (for Kapha).Nourishing, sour foods and herbs with warmth and low glycemic index work best to reduce feelings of scatteredness. INGREDIENTS WITH IMPROVES-FOCUS QUALITY
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Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Kefir, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Sauerkraut, Sour Cream, Strawberries, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar, Yogurt
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Apple Cider Vinegar, Basil, Cherry, Cranberry, Kefir, Lemon, Red Wine Vinegar, Rosemary, Sauerkraut, Sour Cream, Strawberries, Tamarind, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar
FIREResembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry.Acai, Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Honey Dew, Red Wine Vinegar, Strawberries, White Vinegar, Yogurt
LIVOTONICAn herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.FruitsAcai, Apple (cooked), Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Lemon, Lime, Strawberries, TamarindApple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Basil, Blackberry, Cherry, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Rosemary, Strawberries, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar
ALKALIZINGAn herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.Apple (cooked), Basil, Blackberry, Blueberry, Buttermilk, Cherry, Cranberry, Honey Dew, Lemon, Lime, Strawberries, Umeboshi Plums
SATTVICSattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.Apple Cider Vinegar, Cherry, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Rosemary, Sauerkraut, Sour Cream, Strawberries, White Vinegar, Yogurt
RAJASICRajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.Acai, Apple (cooked), Blackberry, Blueberry, Buttermilk, Cherry, Honey Dew, Kefir, Umeboshi Plums, Yogurt
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Acai, Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, White Vinegar
POLYPHENOLSPolyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types.Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Lemon, Red Wine Vinegar, Strawberries, White Vinegar
RED-BLOODRed blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Sauerkraut, Strawberries, Tamarind, White Vinegar
SIALOGOGUEA sialogogue increases saliva. Sour foods are often great sialogogues, and increase output of all exocrine glands. Salty taste is very moistening as well. Bitter, pungent and sweettastes also increase salivary output but to a lesser degree. Astringents.Acai, Basil, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Rosemary
ANTIDEPRESSANTHerbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.Basil, Lemon, Lime, Rosemary, Strawberries, Tamarind
DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestion.Acai, Basil, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Strawberries
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Acai, Blueberry, Rosemary
BRAIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability.Apple Cider Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, White Vinegar
HEPATOPROTECTIVEAn herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Honey Dew, Yogurt
TONICA tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Basil, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Honey Dew, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Sauerkraut, Strawberries, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Apple Cider Vinegar, Basil, Cherry, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Rosemary, Sauerkraut, Tamarind, White Vinegar
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Basil, Cranberry, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Rosemary, Tamarind, White Vinegar
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Basil, Blackberry, Blueberry, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Strawberries, White Vinegar
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Apple Cider Vinegar, Basil, Cherry, Lemon, Red Wine Vinegar, Rosemary, Sauerkraut, Tamarind, White Vinegar
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Acai, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cranberry, Honey Dew, Lime, Strawberries
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Buttermilk, Kefir, Sour Cream, Tamarind, Yogurt
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Apple Cider Vinegar, Basil, Red Wine Vinegar, Rosemary, White Vinegar
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Buttermilk, Kefir, Sour Cream, Yogurt
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Basil, Buttermilk, Cranberry
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Sour Cream
OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.Acai, Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Blueberry, Buttermilk, Cherry, Cranberry, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Kefir, Lemon, Lime, Red Wine Vinegar, Sauerkraut, Sour Cream, Strawberries, Tamarind, Umeboshi Plums, White Vinegar, Yogurt
SOURSour refers to anything fermented or acidic.Acai, Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackberry, Buttermilk, Cranberry, Green Mango, Lemon, Red Wine Vinegar, Rosemary, Strawberries, Tamarind, White Vinegar
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Acai, Apple (cooked), Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Green Mango, Honey Dew, Strawberries, Tamarind, Umeboshi Plums
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Basil, Lemon, Rosemary
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Basil, Rosemary
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Basil, Rosemary
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Rosemary
RESINOUSResinous substances often contain sap in them, such as rosemary, or herbs such as cedar, frankincense, and guggulu.Honey Dew
BLANDBland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.Liver GallbladderAcai, Apple (cooked), Apple Cider Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, Strawberries, White VinegarLemon, Strawberries
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).Yogurt
ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH IMPROVES-FOCUS QUALITY
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Amalaki, Eleuthero Ginseng, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Ginseng, Chinese, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Schisandra, Triphala
DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestion.Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Eleuthero Ginseng, Ginseng, Chinese, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Hyssop Powder, Schisandra, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag)
ANTIDEPRESSANTHerbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.Amalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Eleuthero Ginseng, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag), Vomit Therapy (Vamana)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Amalaki, Eleuthero Ginseng, Ginseng, Chinese, Hyssop Powder, Schisandra, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag)
STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.Amalaki, Eleuthero Ginseng, Ginseng, Chinese, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Schisandra
TONICA tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.Nerve StimulantBrahmi - Gotu Kola, Eleuthero Ginseng, Ginseng, Chinese, Hyssop Powder, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag)Amalaki, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Schisandra, Triphala
SIALOGOGUEA sialogogue increases saliva. Sour foods are often great sialogogues, and increase output of all exocrine glands. Salty taste is very moistening as well. Bitter, pungent and sweettastes also increase salivary output but to a lesser degree. Astringents.Amalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Ginseng, Chinese, Schisandra
BRAIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability.Amalaki, Eleuthero Ginseng, Ginseng, Chinese, Schisandra
HEPATOPROTECTIVEAn herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Amalaki, Eleuthero Ginseng, Ginseng, Chinese, Schisandra
ADAPTOGENHerbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Hawthorne Berry & Flower
POLYPHENOLSPolyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types.Brahmi - Gotu Kola
SATTVICSattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.Hawthorne Berry & Flower
RED-BLOODRed blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.Schisandra
LIVOTONICAn herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.Garcinia Cambogia Fruit
FIREResembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry.Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Ginseng, Chinese, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Hyssop Powder, Schisandra, Triphala, Vomit Therapy (Vamana)
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Eleuthero Ginseng, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Ginseng, Chinese, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Hyssop Powder, Schisandra, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag)
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Triphala, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag), Vomit Therapy (Vamana)
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Hyssop Powder, Triphala
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Amalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Hyssop Powder, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag)
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Amalaki
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Hawthorne Berry & Flower
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Eleuthero Ginseng, Ginseng, Chinese, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Hyssop Powder, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag)
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Amalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Schisandra, Triphala
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Amalaki, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Schisandra, Triphala
SOURSour refers to anything fermented or acidic.Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Ginseng, Chinese, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Schisandra
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Eleuthero Ginseng, Hyssop Powder, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag)
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag)
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Hyssop Powder
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Amalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Eleuthero Ginseng, Ginseng, Chinese, Hawthorne Berry & Flower
ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.Mind Stress SleepBrahmi - Gotu Kola, Ginseng, Chinese, Hawthorne Berry & Flower, Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag)Amalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Triphala
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING MIND-STRESS-SLEEPImproves-focus Recipes Listed By StrengthBrowse By PopularityAbout the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. |
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