Skip to main content

Ayurveda For Detox : An Ancient Approach !

The concept of  detoxifying  the body has become popular in the modern era. But if we take a closer look, we’ll find that Ayurvedic vaidyas have been touting the benefits detoxification for thousands of years. Unlike modern detoxification goals, however, when using Ayurveda for  detox , you are not limited to the digestive system and body — to function smoothly, effectively, and without impairment, the body, mind, and spirit must all be in harmony. Ama ,  Agni  and  Detoxification If we look at digestion through an Ayurvedic lens, we would understand that finding balance through the right kinds of foods, a centered lifestyle, and de-stressing techniques would all contribute to good health. The Sanskrit word for this harmonious state is  Agni , the first word written in the Vedas. Its antithesis is  Ama , which points to a toxic buildup. Ama results not only from dietary issues, but also from emotional, mental, and spiritual imbalances. Fortunately, Ayurveda has a prescription that has

4 Ayurvedic Herbs for Pet Health

A cat and a corgi sit in a field

We’re not alone in cherishing our companion animals. In Vedic mythology, dogs are venerated as symbols of the divine and protectors of the gates of heaven. In Nepal, a yearly festival called Tihar is celebrated to give thanks to dogs for their loyal, protective natures. The Hindu folk goddess Sashti, who assists in childbirth, rides a cat, and in the Hindu tradition, killing a cat is a grave sin.

Early Ayurvedic texts mention veterinary medicine, treatment therapies, and surgeries — centuries ago, animal healer Sali Hotra wrote the veterinary Ayurvedic Materia Medica as a guide to safe and effective herbs for animals. Below are four adaptogenic Ayurvedic herbs and a formula used for pets. Please note that this information is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition, and is for informational purposes only. Consult your veterinarian for any diagnosis and treatment protocol. 

          Dogs at the annual Tihar Dog Festival in Nepal

1. Tulsi

Widely venerated in India as a sacred plant, antioxidant-rich Tulsi provides the same benefits to cats and dogs as it does to humans. It is used in Ayurveda to relieve gastric distress, and is an “amphoteric” herb that promotes immune system efficiency while down-regulating immune system over-activity — it is safe for animals with auto-immune disease. Tulsi can also help to calm hyperactive dogs, and support animals who are under environmental or physical stress. The herb is also recommended for maintaining healthy skin and hair — the ancient Vedic texts recommend Tulsi oil for skin inflammation. Manufacturers of veterinary Tulsi supplements recommend roughly 700 mg. per dose for dogs, and half that for cats — notably, if an animal is prone to low blood pressure, Tulsi may not be recommended as the herb’s calming characteristics may contribute to lowering blood pressure. Tulsi may also slow blood clotting.

2. Ashwagandha

Another Ayurvedic adaptogenAshwagandha is available for pets in several commercial formulations. As with humans, Ashwagandha is viewed as a rejuvenator and restorative for pets, and is also used in formulations for Cushings Disease caused by overactivity of the adrenal glands. This herb is notable for its ability to both energize and calm, and also provides anti-inflammatory action. Some experts recommend the herb for cats with anemia from chronic kidney disease, suggesting that Ashwagandha helps increase oxygen-transporting red blood cells. It is also recommended for calming anxious, frightened animals, helping them to relax and rest. General dosage recommendations range from 200 – 500 mg. twice daily for cats, and 500 – 1000 mg. twice daily for dogs. Please note that this dosage information is for educational purposes only, and not meant to replace your veterinarian’s advice. 

3. Turmeric

This much-researched herb has gained popularity for its joint-supportive characteristics, but it is safe for pets and has several other beneficial properties. Turmeric is used in Ayurveda to support healthy digestive, respiratory, and circulation systems, and is recognized as a strong anti-inflammatory agent. It is recommended for animal joint care, and its anti-inflammatory action is believed to be as effective as steroid drugs.

One British study cites that Turmeric has anti-cancer characteristics — some veterinarians use the herb to support animals undergoing chemotherapy. According to the American Cancer Society, “Turmeric interferes with cancer development, growth and spread.” Turmeric has also been recommended for animals with gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease. Dose recommendations are one-half to one teaspoon every 12 hours for dogs and one quarter teaspoon every 12 hours for cats. Please note that this dosage information is for educational purposes only, and not meant to replace your veterinarian’s advice. 

4. Triphala

Triphala is a classic Ayurvedic blend of three wild fruits — Amla, aka Amalaki, Haritake, and Bibhitaki. This formula has been used for centuries as a tonic to support digestive fire, or “agni,” and provide a gentle laxative action. Triphala capsules contain antioxidant-rich, immune-supportive, and high in Vitamin C.
According to Dr. Tejinder Sodhi, Triphala is an intestinal cleanser that, unlike other laxatives, first aids in digestion, then helps the body eliminate toxins. Dr. Sodhi also states that Triphala is a “rasayana,” or substance that rejuvenates the body — he recommends this formula for indigestion, anemia, and diabetes.
Notably, Triphala is made with “wild-crafted” fruits, meaning that the Amla, Haritake, and Bibhitake used in the formulation are harvested from undeveloped forest regions rather than domestically cultivated. Because of widespread industrialization in India, many forest environments are subject to pollution and environmental contaminants. ORGANIC INDIA, in partnership with the government of India, has had 800,000 acres of forest certified as organic, so the wild-harvested fruits used in the Triphala formulation are pure and uncontaminated.   

Resources

https://organicindiausa.com/blog/four-ayurvedic-herbs-for-pet-health/

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

11 Calming Herbs to keep your Mind Balanced πŸ’†

          Life is hard. Every day it seems like a new challenge appears to test your patience. You may not realize that chronic stress can also lead to long-term health complications. Living in a constant state of fight-or-flight tells your body to produce too much cortisol which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, mood swings, fatigue, and many other conditions. ( 1 ) While it’s important to take steps to manage stress, certain calming herbs can help strengthen your body’s stress response. Adaptogens are some of the best calming herbs because studies show they might make your body and mind more resilient to external stress. Keep in mind that adaptogens don’t work like prescription drugs for anxiety in that they kick in instantly. Instead, they need a few weeks to build up in your system before you notice the effects. When you need something in a pinch, however, other herbs and  essential oils  – like lavender oil – can ease symptoms almost instantly. 1.  LEMON BALM Lemon balm , also kn

Natural Home Remedies For Minor Burns πŸ”₯

Natural Home remedies for Burns The use of natural remedies given below can be highly effective in managing such minor burns. These remedies are aimed at promoting healing of the damaged skin tissues and minimizing pain. Raw Potato Raw potato can be used to treat minor skin burns. It possesses soothing properties, which help in providing relief from the burning sensation caused by burns. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces redness and inflammation of the skin. It can also reduce the chances of having blisters. Research has proved the beneficial effect of raw potato in the management of minor burns. The histological examination of the burnt area and clinical studies made on the comparable burn wounds treated with either peel of boiled potato affixed to gauze bandages or just gauze dressings showed that the patients treated with raw potato had a faster rate of recovery from the symptoms. It was found that the usage of the potato peel dressing eliminated or reduced desi

Spring Detox Smoothie

When spring arrives, I can't help but think about cleaning up my eating habits. After all, spring detox is a thing (along with spring cleaning, which technically is a detox for your home). That's why I’m sharing with you a smoothie packed with nutrients your body will love. Drink it in the morning and you'll give your body a much-needed boost of energy to get you through the day. Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Matters  Before I get to the actual recipe, I'd like to shine the spotlight on each individual ingredient used in this smoothie. You'll quickly see why this is a great spring detox smoothie worth drinking. Green Tea Not only is  green tea tasty to drink on its own, but it's also full of health benefits. It's high in antioxidants and contains a large amount of catechins, polyphenolic compounds that are thought to exert numerous protective effects, especially for your heart. Green tea is great for your cardiovascular system and