How to Pacify Kapha Dosha?

Kapha dosha is one of the three doshas according to the principles of Ayurveda. This dosha governs all the lubrication and structure of the body and mind. It controls the seven tissues of the body- reproductive tissues, bones, muscles, blood, nutritive fluids, marrow, and fat. Kapha dosha contains solid waste elements as well as water. This dosha is responsible for brain functions, joint and respiratory health. Imbalance of Kapha dosha produces symptoms that are related to these systems.

There are several diseases that are related to Kapha dosha imbalance such as indigestion, obesity, excessive salivation, mucus over production, drowsiness, whitish colored urine, urticaria etc.

Home Remedies to Pacify Kapha Dosha

1. Amla

Amla is the most effective herb used in Ayurveda. Amla refers to ‘sour’ which is the predominant taste of it. Amla is rich in vitamin C, B complex, iron, phosphorus, and calcium. This herb balances the Kapha dosha due to its astringent and dryness properties. It is useful in treating diabetes, urinary tract infections and bleeding disorders. It also improves the visual power.

Steps to follow:

• Consumption of amla powder with a teaspoon of honey daily.
• Consume amla powder with water or add it to face mask for natural glow of the skin.

Another step:

• You may also consume four teaspoons of amla juice with an equal quantity of water in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. Neem

Neem is used in Ayurvedic medicines as an antiseptic to fight against bacteria and virus. This herb contains alkaloids and its bark, flower, seeds etc are used for various medicinal purposes. It imparts cooling effects on the body. It is useful in treating fever, anorexia and various skin disorders. This herb balances the Kapha Dosha.

Steps to follow:

• Make a paste of neem leaves.
• Apply this paste on the affected area.

Another step:

• A decoction of neem leaves is useful in treating infections.

3. Garlic

Garlic is the most potent herb used widely in Ayurveda. This herb acts a cardiac tonic and it is coolant in nature. It is one of the rare herbs which has five tastes except sour. It is useful in treating constipation, bloating, skin diseases, worm infestation, and abdominal tumors.

Steps to follow:

• Make a paste of garlic and add milk and water to it.
• Boil this mixture on low heat until it remains to 40 ml.
• Filter it.
• Consume this mixture two times a day.

4. Long Pepper

Long pepper is also known as pippali and this term is used for its fruit. Its fruit is more useful which is unripe. Its root is also a useful part. This herb pacifies the Kapha dosha and balances the Vata and Pitta dosha. It is useful in treating several disorders like indigestion, asthma, COPD, diabetes, ascites, etc. It relieves ama and improves intelligence. It also helps to prevent liver damage and improves the appetite.

Steps to follow:

• Consume 2 to 3 gram of pepper powder with honey daily
• Soak pippali powder in hot water for a while.
• Mix one teaspoon of ghee in this lukewarm water.
• Consume this daily in a dose of 30 to 50 ml.

5. Radish

As per Ayurveda, radish is advised to be had on a daily basis. Its fruits and flowers are useful in treating several diseases. Its root contains alkaloids and flavonoids. Its seed acts as a purgative and diuretic. This herb balances all the three doshas and plays a major role in pacifying Kapha Dosha.  It improves the taste and useful in anorexia. It is useful in treating urticaria, eye and throat disorders.

Steps to follow:

• Consume boiled barley along with a teaspoon of ghee and radish juice.

Another step:

• Chop 1 to 2 big radish roots and add 3 to 4 cups of water in it.
• Keep this water for 1 to 2 hours and then filter it.
• Consume this water daily.

6. Triphala

Triphala is a combination of three herbs Haritaki, Vibhitaki and Amlaki. This acts as a natural herbal bowel cleanser. It is rich in antioxidants that inhibit the oxidation process and it is also useful in diabetes, dandruff, hair fall, and liver disorders.

Steps to follow

• Mix teaspoon of Triphala powder in 2 cups of water.
• Boil this mixture until it reduces to half.
• Filter this water.
• This is used for eyewash in the case of eye infections.

7. Chitrak

Chitrak is used as an anti-atherogenic, cardiotonic, hepato-protective and neuroprotective. This herb eliminates the toxins or ama from the body. It pacifies the Kapha dosha and balances the other doshas. This herb is administered with cow urine for the treatment of leucoderma. It improves the digestive strength and increases the appetite. It acts as an absorbent which absorbs the excess moisture from the intestines.

Steps to follow:

• Make a paste of chitrak bark and apply this paste on the affected joints.
• Tie it gently with gauze.
• You may also gently massage the paste mixed with coconut oil on the affected part.

Tips for balancing Kapha dosha:

1. Stay warm in cold and damp weather.
2. Do vigorous exercises regularly that include biking, jogging, hiking etc.
3. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
4. Avoid heavy, oily and cold foods.
5. Consume light, warm and dry foods.
6. Stimulate your body and mind on a daily basis.