Ayurvedic Herbs for Kapha Dosha
Kapha dosha offers us solidity and structure. It is a combination of the earth and water elements and thus has the qualities of slow, heavy, cold, dense, and sweet. Kapha holds the body together, lubricating and protecting it. Its primary site in the body is the stomach. Kapha in balance is tender, steady, and loving. Kapha imbalance, however, looks more like greed, possessiveness, and attachment. Physically it may manifest as carrying extra weight, congestion, too much sleep, a sense of lethargy or feeling “stuck.” Balancing kapha offers the opposite of its heavy qualities. To reduce kapha, people with kapha prakriti (your special constitution at birth) or kapha vikriti (your current state of being) need warmth, stimulation, and lightness. They also need the balancing tastes of astringent, pungent, and bitter foods. Too much sweet is not a good idea for kapha folks. They are already very sweet!
Kapha-Balancing Herbs and More
Some Ayurvedic herbs to help curtail excess kapha include: turmeric, chitrak, ginger, manjistha, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, arjuna, and bibhitakii. These herbs are warming and stimulating and help to support circulation and a healthy digestive fire. Banyan’s kapha supplements include kapha-pacifying formulas like Healthy Kapha, Lung Formula, Kapha Digest, and Trim Support. A few supportive lifestyle tips for kapha individuals are:
- Avoid or minimize foods that are sweet, sour, or salty
- Eat warm food with heating spices like chili or black pepper
- Opt for honey over refined sugars
- Drink liquids at room temperature or warm
- Stimulate your body and mind on a daily basis
- Massage with Kapha Massage Oil
- A vigorous exercise routine
- Lively and invigorating music, smells, experiences, and company
You can find more Ayurvedic tips on balancing kapha dosha here.
The Doshas
We are all made up of all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha), which are a combination of the Five Great Elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—though usually one or two of the doshas is predominate. Ayurveda acknowledges that we are part of nature and nature is part of us. By understanding these energies on a more personal level and how they take form in our bodies and our lives, we are better equipped to manage and be responsible for our lifestyle and health choices. Banyan Botanicals is committed to helping people apply Ayurvedic principles, practices, and products for happier, healthier lives. Our Customer Service team is available to answer any questions you may have from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST Monday-Friday, 800-953-6424.
