Ayurveda is an ancient and holistic approach to healthy living. The term comes from two Sanskrit words translated to mean “life science” or “life knowledge.” This practice, created by Indian sages, dates back more than 5,000 years, with more recent popularity and acceptance in the West.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, “the basic principle of Ayurveda is to prevent and treat illness by maintaining balance in the body, mind, and consciousness through proper drinking, diet, and lifestyle, as well as herbal remedies.” The goal is to balance the doshas (energies). To find out more about your constitution, check out this link from The Ayurvedic Institute: ayurveda.com/pdf/constitution.pdf.
Ayurveda incorporates breathing exercises, massage with oils, mantra-based meditation, and the utilization of herbs — the latter of which is our focus today. Growing herbs and incorporating them into our diet is easy. Herbs can add flavor to our meals, baked goods, and teas.
Here are some good perennial herbs to grow in our local climate. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and chamomile (Chamomilla recutita/Chamaemelum nobile) are calming herbs historically used for anxiety, insomnia and indigestion. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has been used for centuries for relieving chest congestion and as a topical antiseptic. Because the benefits of sage (Salvia officinalis) are so numerous, please refer to the website of Andrew Weil, M.D., at drweil.com for a detailed list.
Saving the best for last and the only annual in today’s lineup: my personal favorite is holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as tulsi. This jewel is one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Tulsi is a sacred herb in the Hindu religious tradition and has a clove-like flavor. I use it exclusively for a cup of afternoon tea. I also harvest and dry the leaves so I have plenty of tulsi throughout the winter. I then save the seeds for re-planting the following year. Tulsi is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is also reported to be an adaptogen and quite an effective stress reliever.
Did you know that the World Health Organization recognizes Ayurveda as a traditional system of medicine? For more information, see the National Institutes of Health website at: nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm.
If you are considering using herbs for medicinal purposes and/or more than what is normally required in cooking or the occasional cup of tea, please contact your health care provider. Because, if a plant has the ability to heal you, then it also possesses the ability to harm you. Just because it’s natural does not mean it’s always safe.
Kelley Rawlsky has an M.S. in horticulture and is the director of Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to bringing horticulture education and therapy to the community. For more information: PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook at Bringing People and Plants Together.
