Ayurveda medicine has strong holistic foundations and incorporates yoga, controlled diet, massage, herbal remedies, and therapeutic plant oils. From an Ayurvedic perspective, each individual has elements of the 3 Doshas (Energy of the body and mind), Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, but has one dominant, which determines his/her body type. To counteract imbalances of the Doshas therapeutic plant oils are very suitable. The 7 (seven) Chakras are energy and transfer points in Ayurvedic tradition; they are thought to vitalize the physical body, the emotional body, and the mind. Essential oils can support the opening of the Chakras and therefore promote physical, mental, and spiritual balance.
Some suggested western-style Aromatherapy Essential oils for Doshas balance (for reference only).
ESSENTIAL OILS AND THE DOSHAS
VATA
Heating and Moisturizing Essential Oils
VATAChamomile, Lavander, Clary sage, Pine, Orange, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lemongrass.
PITTA
Cooling and Drying Essential Oils
PITTAChamomile, Lime, Fennel, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Lemongrass, Angelica, Cumin, Clary sage
KAPHA
Heating and Drying Essential Oils
KAPHAChamomile, Orange. Juniper, Ginger, Basil, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Rose, Clove, Thyme, Lemongrass
AYURVEDIC INDIAN ESSENTIAL OILS / ATTARS
BETEL LEAF (Piper betle)
Pacifies Vata and Kapha and aggravates Pitta in excess
CHAMPA (Michelia alba)
Pacifies Pitta and Kapha and increases Vata in excess
DAVANA (Artemisia pallens)
Balances Vata, Kapha and Pitta
GUL HEENA (Lawsonia alba)
Pacifies Pitta, suitable for Kapha
JATAMASI* (Nardostachya jatamansi)
Pacifiies Vata and Kapha and Pitta in excess
KEWDA (Pandamus odoratissimus – attar)
Pacifies Pitta and Kapha, increases Vata in Excess
LIME (Citrus medica)*
Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha
LOTUS (Nelumbium speciosum)
Pacifies Pitta, Vata, increases Kapha in excess
MOGRA (Jasminium sambac)*
Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha
RHU KHUS (Vetiveria zizanoides)*
Pacifies Pitta, Vata, increases Kapha in excess
SAFFRON (Crocus sativus)
Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha
TULSI or TULASI (Ocimum sanctum)
Pacifies Vata and Kapha, aggravates Pitta in excess
TURMERIC (Curcuma longa)
Pacifies Vata and Kapha, alleviates Pitta in excess
AMLA (Emblica officinalis)
Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha
ASHWAGANDHA (Whitania somnifera)
Pacifies Vata and Kapha, aggravates Pitta in excess (if used in large amounts)
BRAHMI (Bacopa moniera)
Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha
BLACK SESAME Seeds (Sesamum indicum)
Pacifies Vata and Kapha, alleviates Pitta in excess
Some Essential oils grown and produced in Asia have quite different chemotypes or belong to the same plant family but do not share the same variety with the same European, Middle East and American counterparts: therefore it is always recommended to check the Latin description of the variety of each plant-oil.
