Introduction To Herbal Ayurvedic Nutrition

At Akesis Life we use Ayurvedic nutrition as we operate within the biological laws of nature.

Literally, Ayurveda translates as the Science of Life and Longevity. It is the oldest recorded literature on medicine and healthcare, dating 5,000 years, which originated from the region which is modern day India. Its text is devoted to healthcare.

However, this science is not merely about curing diseases and ailments. It is more precisely a Science of Prevention of diseases. It renders a complete and profound understanding of the human body system until the quantum level – as a manifestation of core energy systems, and how we are inherently connected with the governing dynamics and laws of Nature. Ayurveda makes it possible for us to identify our unique nature (“prakruti”) and presents to us resources needed to live in harmony with our unique self, with life and the world around us. This physical, mental, emotional and environmental harmony is the basis of a disease-free life.

“Ayurveda is the knowledge that indicates the appropriate and inappropriate, happy or sorrowful conditions of living, what is auspicious or inauspicious for longevity, as well as the measure of life itself.” Charak Samhita I.41 (Charak Samhita is the written treatise on Ayurveda, which originally appeared at the turn of the first millennium B.C )

“You herbs, born at the time of birth, more ancient than Gods. O plant, with this hymn I sing to you, our Mother and our God.” – Hymn from the Rig Veda, a Vedic scripture more than 4,000 years old.

Herbs are a unique aspect of the plant kingdom and have a special place as a healing resource in Ayurveda. They have higher concentrations of prana (life force) or food energy in holistic terms. In the language of modern nutrition, herbs have vital active minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidant vitamins and compounds, antibacterial and anticancer polyphenols.

Herbal plants are inherently products of nature, which directly utilize and transmute vital life-sustaining energies of the sun, wind, earth, and water for humankind. It is little wonder the word planet contains the word “plant” in it – no plant, no health, no life, no planet! Their natural protein codes are easily absorbed and assimilated by the natural human body, without debilitating side-effects.

Holistically Herbal Ayurvedic Nutrition contains higher concentrations of Prana or Life Force

Most herbs are cleansing in nature, as they help clear the internal body systems of potentially malign micro-organisms when consumed on a daily basis. In fact, they support and strengthen the human immune system in the long-term, as opposed to the depletive effect of many a modern pharmaceutical drug. The world today is going organic and herbal in every aspect of mind-body care, after suffering the harsh side-effects of modern allopathic drugs for far too long.

One outstanding example of the Ayurvedic science of herbal nutrition is the ubiquitous use of the herb turmeric (curcumin). This is considered an immunity (ojas) elixir by Ayurveda. Turmeric is used generously in Indian cuisine on a daily basis.

It is recommended by Ayurveda to heal skin and intestinal inflammatory conditions and to naturally regulate blood sugar among other things. Today, modern science has confirmed beyond a doubt the anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin. Cancer research studies have revealed the benefits of curcumin in blocking out glucose which would otherwise feed cancer cells.

Herbal nutrition was an integral part of life and healing even in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese cultures. The science of herbs had reached very sophisticated levels of formulations and applications.

The herbal beauty secrets of Queen Cleopatra continue to inspire our quest for eternal beauty. Our quest for the “Herb of Immortality” or the “Sanjeevni Booti” as mentioned in an ancient Indian epic has encouraged various expeditions into the Himalayan wilderness in search of this elixir of youth and immortality.

The healing tradition of the medieval Arabic culture called the “Unani” system of medicine has proven to be a highly effective system of herbal healing over the centuries. All these traditions share scientific principles common to Ayurveda.

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