Ayurveda

Ayurvedic-Concepts    Ayurveda is a millennia-old holistic system of medicine that began in India. It takes a natural approach to all aspects of well-being 1.

    Ayurveda is based on the idea that each person has his/her own internal balance of life forces called doshas (vata – space and air, pitta – fire and water, and kapha – water and earth) 1, which can be altered 2. When body system balance is lost, it can lead to improper digestion and self-cleansing, and therefore accumulation of toxins. The accumulated toxins cause blockage in the minute channels of the body, thus obstructing the movement of energies, giving rise to neuromuscular disorders such as MS. If left untreated, these blockages can result in permanent damage to nerves and tissues 3,4

     Ayurveda uses primarily nutrition, lifestyle changes, and natural treatments to support balance and a return to health. Though the system is very focused on overall well-being, it may use specific treatments for some diseases1. Since the root cause of MS per ayurveda is a body energy disorder5 adversely affecting myelin membrane4, ayurvedic medicine aims to nourish the myelin-producing cells and restore balance to the entire immune system6. The following therapies are commonly applied (according to physical condition and health history):

     Langhana concentrates on removing the accumulation of toxins (known as ama7) and stagnation of pitta/kapha doshas8,9. It may employ purifying methods of panchakarma10, which include oil massage, sweating, rest, and a special diet, as follows:

  • Kitchari – grain mixture (if using rice, basmati is preferable, as it tends to have the lowest level of toxins) enhanced with legumes (mung bean in particular), vegetables, and seasonings such as mineral salt, coriander seeds and leaves (cilantro), cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and asafoetida; it is considered highly nourishing and easy to digest while supporting the detoxification and cleansing process

  • Ghee – clarified butter

  • Essential restrictions on cold drinks, cold food, caffeine, white sugar, dairy, ultraprocessed foods, alcohol, and recreational drugs, all of which should be avoided at least until after panchakarma is completed

     The goal of this diet during the cleansing process is to allow digestive fire (agni) to rest, and to compensate for the slowing of digestion as toxins move back into the gastrointestinal tract 11

     Shamana is generally prescribed for weak or young MS patients, performed for at least 3-4 years. It consists of dietary and other lifestyle regulation, as well as herbal oils and medicines, to detoxify the body and relive the imbalance and stagnation of doshas12,13. Herbal preparations for neurological disorders such as MS include those possessing sulahara (pain relief), balya (strengthening), and rasayana (rejuvenating) properties5,14, as well as herbs well-known to western complementary care, such as ashwagandha, bacopa, and gotu kola15-17 (Maihotra and Sandhir, 2023 Chapter 4: Insights into the neuroprotective strategies to alleviate neurodegenerative conditions: Role of Ayurvedic herbs and their bioactives18.

     Ayurvedic food guidelines are designed to enable general balancing of doshas to support management of and perhaps prevention of neurological challenges. Personalized adjustments for individual requirements are made for key factors such as strength of agni and degree of dosha predominance or aggravation, as well as food allergies and season of the year19.

FRUITS 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Generally most 
 dried fruit

Generally most sweet fruit

Generally most 
 sour fruit

Generally most sweet fruit

Generally most sweet and sour fruit

Generally most astringent fruit

Apples (raw)

Apples (cooked)

Apples (sour)

Apples (sweet)

Avocado

Apples

Cranberries

Applesauce

Apricots (sour)

Applesauce

Bananas

Applesauce

Dates (dry)

Apricots

Bananas

Apricots (sweet)

Coconut

Apricots

Figs (dry)

Avocado

Berries (sour)

Avocado

Dates

Berries

Pears

Bananas

Cherries (sour)

Berries (sweet)

Figs (fresh)

Cherries

Persimmons

Berries

Cranberries

Cherries (sweet)

Grapefruit

Cranberries

Pomegranates

Cherries

Grapefruit

Coconut

Kiwi

Figs (dry)*

Raisins (dry)

Coconut

Grapes (green)

Dates

Mangos**

Grapes*

Prunes (dry)

Dates (fresh)

Kiwi**

Figs

Melons

Lemons*

Watermelon

Figs (fresh)

Lemons

Grapes (red, purple)

Oranges

Limes*

 

Grapefruit

Mangoes (green)

Limes*

Papaya

Peaches*

 

Grapes

Oranges (sour)

Mangoes (ripe)

Pineapple

Pears

 

Kiwi

Peaches

Melons

Plums

Persimmons

 

Lemons

Persimmons

Oranges (sweet)*

Rhubarb

Pomegranates

 

Limes

Pineapple (sour)

Papaya*

Tamarind

Prunes

 

Mangoes

Plums (sour)

Pears

Watermelon

Raisins

 

Melons

Rhubarb

Pineapple (sweet)*

 

Strawberries*

 

Oranges

Tamarind

Plums (sweet)

  
 

Papaya

 

Pomegranates

  
 

Peaches

 

Prunes

  
 

Pineapple

 

Raisins

  
 

Plums

 

Strawberries*

  
 

Prunes (soaked)

 

Watermelon

  
 

Raisins (soaked)

    
 

Rhubarb

    
 

Strawberries

    
 

Tamarind

    

* in moderation ** rarely 

VEGETABLES 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Generally frozen, raw or dried vegetables

In general, vegetables should be cooked

In general, pungent vegetables

In general, sweet and bitter vegetables

In general, sweet and juicy vegetables

Most pungent and bitter vegetables

Artichoke

Asparagus

Beet greens

Artichoke

Cucumber

Artichoke

Beet greens**

Beets

Beets (raw)

Asparagus

Olives, black or green

Asparagus

Bitter melon

Cabbage* (cooked)

Burdock root

Beets (cooked)

Parsnips**

Beet greens

Broccoli

Carrots

Corn (fresh)**

Bitter melon

Potatoes, sweet

Beets

Brussels sprouts

Cauliflower*

Daikon radish

Broccoli

Pumpkin

Bitter melon

Burdock root

Cilantro

Eggplant**

Brussels sprouts

Squash, summer

Broccoli

Cabbage (raw)

Cucumber

Garlic

Cabbage

Taro root

Brussels sprouts

Cauliflower (raw)

Daikon radish*

Green chilies

Carrots (cooked)

Tomatoes (raw)

Burdock root

Celery

Fennel (Anise)

Horseradish

Carrots (raw)*

Zucchini

Cabbage

Corn (fresh)**

Garlic

Kohlrabi **

Cauliflower

 

Carrots

Dandelion greens

Green beans

Leeks (raw)

Celery

 

Cauliflower

Eggplant

Green chilies

Mustard greens

Cilantro

 

Celery

Horseradish**

Jerusalem

Olives, green

Cucumber

 

Cilantro

Kale

artichoke*

Onions (raw)

Dandelion greens

 

Corn

Kohlrabi

Leafy greens*

Peppers (hot)

Fennel (Anise)

 

Daikon radish

Mushrooms

Leeks

Prickly pear (fruit)

Green beans

 

Dandelion greens

Olives, green

Lettuce*

Radishes (raw)

Jerusalem artichoke

 

Eggplant

Onions (raw)

Mustard greens*

Spinach (cooked)**

Kale

 

Fennel (Anise)

Peas (raw)

Okra

Spinach (raw)

Leafy greens

 

Garlic

Peppers, sweet, hot

Olives, black

Tomatoes

Leeks (cooked)

 

Green beans

Potatoes, white

Onions (cooked)*

Turnip greens

Lettuce

 

Green chilies

Prickly pear (fruit, leaves)

Parsley*

Turnips

Mushrooms

 

Horseradish

Radish (raw)

Parsnip

 

Okra

 

Jerusalem artichoke

Squash, winter

Peas (cooked)

 

Olives, black 

 

Kale

Tomatoes (cooked)**

Potatoes, sweet

 

Onions (cooked)

 

Kohlrabi

Tomatoes (raw)

Pumpkin

 

Parsley

 

Leafy greens

Turnips

Radishes (cooked)*

 

Parsnips

 

Leeks

Wheat grass, sprouts

Rutabaga

 

Peas

 

Lettuce Mushrooms

 

Spaghetti squash*

 

Peppers, sweet

 

Mustard greens

 

Spinach (cooked)*

 

Potatoes, sweet, white

 

Okra

 

Spinach (raw)*

 

Prickly pear (leaves)

 

Onions

 

Sprouts*

 

Pumpkin

 

Parsley

 

Squash, summer

 

Radishes (cooked)

 

Peas

 

Taro root

 

Rutabaga

 

Peppers, sweet, hot

 

Turnip greens*

 

Spaghetti squash

 

Potatoes, white

 

Watercress

 

Sprouts (not spicy)

 

Prickly pear (fruit, leaves)

 

Zucchini

 

Squash, winter, summer

 

Radishes

   

Taro root

 

Rutabaga

   

Watercress*

 

Spaghetti squash*

   

Wheat grass, sprouts

 

Spinach

   

Zucchini

 

Sprouts

     

Squash, winter

     

Tomatoes (cooked)

     

Turnip greens

     

Turnips

     

Watercress

     

Wheat grass, sprouts

* in moderation ** rarely 

GRAINS

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Barley

Amaranth*

Bread (with yeast)

Amaranth

Bread (with yeast)

Amaranth*

Bread (with yeast)

Durham flour

Buckwheat

Barley

Oats (cooked)

Barley

Buckwheat

Oats (cooked)

Corn

Cereal, dry

Pancakes

Buckwheat

Cereals (cold, dry)

Pancakes

Millet

Couscous

Pasta**

Cereal (cold, dry)

Corn

Quinoa

Muesli**

Crackers

Rice (brown, white)

Corn

Couscous

Rice (all kinds)

Oats (dry)

Durham flour

Rice cakes**

Couscous

Crackers

Seitan (wheat meat)

Polenta**

Granola

Wheat

Crackers

Granola

Sprouted wheat bread 

Rice (brown)**

Oat bran

 

Durham flour*

Millet

Wheat

Rye

Oats (cooked)

 

Granola

Muesli

  

Pancakes

 

Millet

Oat bran

  

Pasta

 

Muesli

Oats (dry)

  

Quinoa

 

Oat bran

Pasta**

  

Rice (basmati, wild)

 

Oats (dry)

Polenta**

  

Rice cakes

 

Polenta

Rice cakes**

  

Seitan (wheat meat)

 

Quinoa*

Rye

  

Spelt

 

Rice (basmati, wild)*

Sago

  

Sprouted wheat bread

 

Rye

Spelt

  

Tapioca

 

Seitan (wheat meat)

Tapioca

  

Wheat

 

Spelt*

Wheat bran

  

Wheat bran

 

Sprouted wheat bread

     

Tapioca

     

Wheat bran

* in moderation ** rarely

LEGUMES 

Vata

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Adzuki beans

Lentils (red)*

Miso

Adzuki beans

Kidney beans

Adzuki beans

Black beans

Mung beans

Soy sauce

Black beans

Soy beans

Black beans

Black-eyed peas

Mung dal

Soy sausages

Black-eyed peas

Soy cheese

Black-eyed peas

Chick peas (garbanzo)

Soy cheese*

Tur dal

Chick peas (garbanzo)

Soy flour

Chick peas (garbanzo)

Kidney beans

Soy milk*

Urad dal

Kidney beans

Soy powder

Lentils (red & brown)

Lentils (brown)

Soy sauce*

 

Lentils, brown & red

Soy sauce

Lima beans

Lima beans

Soy sausages*

 

Lima beans

Tofu (cold)

Mung beans*

Miso**

Tofu*

 

Mung beans

Urad dal

Mung dal*

Navy beans

Tur dal

 

Mung dal

Miso

Navy beans

Peas (dried)

Urad dal

 

Navy beans

 

Peas (dried)

Pinto beans

  

Peas (dried)

 

Pinto beans

Soy beans

  

Pinto beans

 

Soy milk

Soy flour

  

Soy beans

 

Soy sausages

Soy powder

  

Soy cheese

 

Split peas

Split peas

  

Soy flour*

 

Tempeh

Tempeh

  

Soy milk

 

Tofu (hot)*

White beans

  

Soy powder*

 

Tur dal

   

Split peas

 

White beans

   

Tempeh

  
   

Tofu

  
   

White beans

  

* in moderation ** rarely 

DAIRY 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Cow’s milk (powdered)

Goat’s milk (powdered)

Yogurt (plain, frozen or fruited)

Most dairy is good!

Butter

Buttermilk

Butter

Cheese (hard)*

Cheese (soft)

Cottage cheese

Cow’s milk

Ghee

Goat’s cheese

Goat’s milk

Ice cream*

Sour cream*

Yogurt (diluted, spiced)*

Butter (salted)

Buttermilk

Cheese (hard)

Sour cream

Yogurt (plain, frozen or fruited)

Butter (unsalted)

Cheese (soft, not aged, unsalted)

Cottage cheese

Cow’s milk

Ghee

Goat’s milk

Goat’s cheese (soft, unsalted)

Ice cream

Yogurt (freshly made, diluted)*

Butter (salted)

Butter (unsalted)**

Cheese (soft, hard)

Cow’s milk

Ice cream

Sour cream

Yogurt (plain, frozen or fruited)

Buttermilk*

Cottage cheese (from skimmed goat’s milk)

Ghee*

Goat’s (unsalted, not aged)*

Goat’s milk, skim

Yogurt (diluted)

* in moderation ** rarely

ANIMAL FOODS 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Lamb

Beef

Beef

Buffalo

Beef

Chicken (white)

Pork

Buffalo

Chicken (dark)

Chicken (white)

Buffalo

Eggs

Rabbit

Chicken (dark)

Duck

Eggs (white only)

Chicken (dark)

Fish (freshwater)

Venison

Chicken (white)*

Eggs (yolk)

Fish (freshwater)

Duck

Rabbit

Turkey (white)

Duck

Fish (sea)

Rabbit

Fish (sea)

Shrimp

 

Eggs

Lamb

Shrimp*

Lamb

Turkey (white)

 

Fish (freshwater, sea)

Pork

Turkey (white)

Pork

Venison

 

Salmon

Salmon

Venison

Salmon

 
 

Sardines

Sardines

 

Sardines

 
 

Seafood

Seafood

 

Seafood

 
 

Shrimp

Tuna fish

 

Tuna fish

 
 

Tuna fish

Turkey (dark)

 

Turkey (dark)

 
 

Turkey (dark)

    

* in moderation ** rarely 

CONDIMENTS

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Chocolate

Black pepper*

Chili pepper

Black pepper*

Chocolate

Black pepper

Horseradish

Chutney, mango (any)

Chocolate

Chutney, mango (sweet)

Chutney, mango (sweet)

Chili Peppers

 

Chili peppers*

Chutney, mango (spicy)

Cilantro

Gomasio

Chutney, mango (spicy)

 

Cilantro*

Gomasio

Dulse*

Kelp

Cilantro

 

Dulse

Horseradish

Hijiki*

Ketchup**

Dulse*

 

Gomasio

Kelp

Kombu*

Lime

Hijiki*

 

Hijiki

Ketchup

Lime*

Lime pickle

Horseradish

 

Kelp

Mustard

Sprouts

Mango pickle

Lemon*

 

Ketchup

Lemon

Salt*

Mayonnaise

Mustard (no vinegar)

 

Kombu

Lime pickle

Seaweed*

Pickles

Scallions

 

Lemon

Mango pickle

Tamari*

Salt

Seaweed*

 

Lime

Mayonnaise

 

Soy sauce

Sprouts

 

Lime pickle

Pickles

 

Tamari

 
 

Mango pickle

Salt (in excess)

 

Vinegar

 
 

Mayonnaise

Scallions

   
 

Mustard

Soy sauce

   
 

Pickles

Vinegar

   
 

Salt

    
 

Scallions

    
 

Seaweed

    
 

Soy sauce

    
 

Sprouts*

    
 

Tamari

    
 

Vinegar

    

* in moderation** rarely

NUTS 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor*

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

None

Almonds

Almonds (with skin)

Almonds (soaked/ peeled)

Almonds**

Charole

 

Black walnuts

Black walnuts

Charole

Black walnuts

 
 

Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts

Coconut

Brazil nuts

 
 

Cashews

Cashews

 

Cashews

 
 

Charole

Filberts

 

Coconut

 
 

Coconut

Hazelnuts

 

Filberts

 
 

Filberts

Macadamia nuts

 

Hazelnuts

 
 

Hazelnuts

Peanuts

 

Macadamia nuts

 
 

Macadamia nuts

Pecans

 

Peanuts

 
 

Peanuts

Pine nuts

 

Pecans

 
 

Pecans

Pistachios

 

Pine nuts

 
 

Pine nuts

Walnuts

 

Pistachios

 
 

Pistachios

  

Walnuts

 
 

Walnuts

    

* in moderation ** rarely 

SEEDS 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Popcorn

Chia

Flax

Halva

Pumpkin

Sesame

Sunflower

Tahini

Chia

Sesame

Tahini

Flax

Halva

Popcorn (no salt, buttered)

Psyllium

Pumpkin*

Sunflower

Halva

Psyllium**

Sesame

Tahini

Chia

Flax*

Popcorn (no salt, no butter)

Pumpkin*

Sunflower*

Psyllium**

 
  
  
  
  

* in moderation ** rarely 

OILS 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Flax seed

For internal and external use (most suitable at top of list):

Sesame

Almond

Apricot

Corn

Safflower

For internal and external use (most suitable at top of list):

Sunflower

Avocado

Apricot

Coconut

Flax seed **

For internal and external use in small amounts (most suitable at top of list):

 

Ghee

Safflower

Ghee

Olive

Corn

 

Olive

Sesame

Canola

Primrose

Canola

 

Most other oils

 

Olive

Safflower

Sesame (external)

   

Soy

Sesame (internal)

Sunflower

 

External use only:

 

Flax seed

Soy

Ghee

 

Coconut

 

Primrose

Walnut

Almond

 

Avocado

 

Walnut

  
      
   

External use only:

  
   

Avocado

  
   

Coconut

  

* in moderation ** rarely 

BEVERAGES 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Alcohol (hard; red wine)

Alcohol (beer; white wine)*

Alcohol (hard; red & sweet wine)

Alcohol (beer; dry white wine)*

Alcohol (hard; beer; sweet wine)

Alcohol (dry wine, red or white)*

Apple juice

Almond milk

Apple cider

Almond milk

Almond milk

Aloe vera juice

Black tea

Aloe vera juice

Berry juice (sour)

Aloe vera juice

Caffeinated

Apple cider

Caffeinated beverages

Apple cider

Caffeinated beverages

Apple juice

beverages**

Apple juice*

Carbonated drinks

Apricot juice

Carbonated drinks

Apricot juice

Carbonated drinks

Apricot juice

Chocolate milk

Berry juice (not cran)

Carrot juice

Berry juice (sweet)

Cherry juice (sour)

Berry juice

Coffee

Carob*

Cherry juice (sour)

Black tea*

Chocolate milk

Black tea (spiced)

Cold dairy drinks

Carrot juice

Chocolate milk

Carob

Coffee

Carob

Cranberry juice

Chai (hot spiced milk)

Coffee

Chai (hot spiced milk)*

Cold dairy drinks

Carrot juice

Iced tea

Cherry juice

Cranberry juice

Cherry juice (sweet)

Grapefruit juice

Chai (hot spiced milk)*

Icy cold drinks

Grain “coffee”

Grapefruit juice

Cool dairy drinks

Iced tea

Cherry juice (sweet)

Pear juice

Grape juice

Iced tea

Grain “coffee”

Icy cold drinks

Cranberry juice

Pomegranate juice

Grapefruit juice

Icy cold drinks

Grape juice

Lemonade

Grain “coffee”

Prune juice**

Lemonade

Lemonade

Mango juice

Miso broth

Grape juice

Soy milk (cold)

Mango juice

Papaya juice

Miso broth*

Orange Juice

Mango juice

Tomato juice**

Miso broth

Pineapple juice

Mixed veg. juice

Papaya juice

Peach nectar

V-8 Juice

Orange juice

Tomato juice

Orange juice*

Rice milk

Pear juice

 

Papaya juice

V-8 juice

Peach nectar

Sour juices

Pineapple juice*

 

Peach nectar

Sour juices

Pear juice

Soy milk (cold)

Pomegranate juice

 

Pineapple juice

Rice milk

 

Pomegranate juice

Prune juice

Tomato juice

V-8 Juice

Prune juice

 

Sour juices

 

Rice milk

  
 

Soy milk (hot and well-spiced)*

 

Soy milk

Vegetable bouillon

  
 

Vegetable bouillon

    

* in moderation ** rarely 

HERBAL TEAS 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Alfalfa**

Ajwan

Ajwan

Alfalfa

Licorice**

Alfalfa

Barley**

Bancha

Basil**

Bancha

Marshmallow

Bancha

Basil**

Catnip*

Clove

Barley

Red Zinger

Barley

Blackberry

Chamomile

Eucalyptus

Blackberry

Rosehip

Blackberry

Borage**

Chicory*

Fenugreek

Borage

 

Burdock

Burdock

Chrysanthemum*

Ginger (dry)

Burdock

 

Chamomile

Cinnamon**

Clove

Ginseng

Catnip

 

Chicory

Cornsilk

Comfrey

Hawthorne

Chamomile

 

Cinnamon

Dandelion

Elder Flower

Juniper berry

Chicory

 

Clove

Ginseng

Eucalyptus

Mormon tea

Comfrey

 

Comfrey*

Hibiscus

Fennel

Pennyroyal

Dandelion

 

Dandelion

Hops**

Fenugreek

Red Zinger

Fennel

 

Fennel*

Jasmine**

Ginger (fresh)

Rosehip**

Ginger (fresh)

 

Fenugreek

Lemon balm**

Hawthorne

Sage

Hibiscus

 

Ginger

Mormon tea

Juniper berry

Sassafras

Hops

 

Ginseng*

Nettle**

Kukicha*

Yerba Mate

Jasmine

 

Hibiscus

Passion flower**

Lavender

 

Kukicha

 

Jasmine

Red clover**

Lemon grass

 

Lavender

 

Juniper berry

Red Zinger**

Licorice

 

Lemon balm

 

Kukicha

Violet**

Marshmallow

 

Lemon grass

 

Lavender

Yarrow

Oat straw

 

Licorice

 

Lemon balm

Yerba Mate**

Orange peel

 

Marshmallow

 

Lemon grass

 

Pennyroyal

 

Nettle

 

Mormon tea

 

Peppermint

 

Oat Straw

 

Nettle

 

Raspberry*

 

Passion flower

 

Passion flower

 

Rosehips

 

Peppermint

 

Peppermint

 

Saffron

 

Raspberry

 

Raspberry

 

Sage

 

Red clover

 

Red clover

 

Sarsaparilla

 

Sarsaparilla

 

Sarsaparilla*

 

Sassafras

 

Spearmint

 

Sassafras

 

Spearmint

 

Strawberry

 

Spearmint

 

Strawberry*

 

Violet

 

Strawberry

 

Wintergreen*

 

Wintergreen

 

Wintergreen

   

Yarrow

 

Yarrow

     

Yerba Mate

* in moderation ** rarely 

SPICES 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

None

All spices are good!

Ajwan

Basil (fresh)

Salt

All spices are good

 

Ajwan

Allspice

Black pepper*

 

Ajwan

 

Allspice

Almond extract

Caraway*

 

Allspice

 

Almond extract

Anise

Cardamom*

 

Almond extract

 

Anise

Asafoetida (hing)

Cinnamon

 

Anise

 

Asafoetida (hing)

Basil (dry)

Coriander

 

Asafoetida (hing)

 

Basil

Bay leaf

Cumin

 

Basil

 

Bay leaf

Cayenne

Dill

 

Bay leaf

 

Black pepper

Cloves

Fennel

 

Black pepper

 

Caraway

Fenugreek

Ginger (fresh)

 

Caraway

 

Cardamom

Garlic

Mint

 

Cardamom

 

Cayenne*

Ginger (dry)

Neem leaves*

 

Cayenne

 

Cinnamon

Mace

Orange peel*

 

Cinnamon

 

Cloves

Marjoram

Parsley*

 

Cloves

 

Coriander

Mustard seeds

Peppermint

 

Coriander

 

Cumin

Nutmeg

Saffron

 

Cumin

 

Dill

Oregano

Spearmint

 

Dill

 

Fennel

Paprika

Tarragon*

 

Fennel*

 

Fenugreek*

Pippali

Turmeric

 

Fenugreek

 

Garlic

Poppy seeds

Vanilla*

 

Garlic

 

Ginger

Rosemary

Wintergreen

 

Ginger

 

Marjoram

Sage

  

Marjoram

 

Mint

Salt

  

Mint

 

Mustard seeds

Savory

  

Mustard seeds

 

Nutmeg

Star anise

  

Neem leaves

 

Orange peel

Thyme

  

Nutmeg

 

Oregano

   

Orange peel

 

Paprika

   

Oregano

 

Parsley

   

Paprika

 

Peppermint

   

Parsley

 

Pippali

   

Peppermint

 

Poppy seeds

   

Pippali

 

Rosemary

   

Poppy seeds

 

Saffron

   

Rosemary

 

Salt

   

Saffron

 

Savory

   

Savory

 

Spearmint

   

Spearmint

 

Star anise

   

Star Anise

 

Tarragon

   

Tarragon

 

Thyme

   

Thyme

 

Turmeric

   

Turmeric

 

Vanilla

   

Vanilla*

 

Wintergreen

   

Wintergreen

* in moderation ** rarely 

SWEETENERS 

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Maple syrup**

Barley malt

White sugar**

Barley malt

Barley Malt

Fruit juice concentrates

White sugar

Fructose

Honey**

Fructose

Fructose

Honey (raw)

 

Fruit juice concentrates

Jaggary

Fruit juice concentrates

Jaggary

 
 

Honey

Molasses

Maple syrup

Maple syrup

 
 

Jaggary

 

Rice syrup

Molasses

 
 

Molasses

Rice syrup

Sugar cane juice (dried, fresh) 

 

Sugar cane juice (dried, fresh)

Turbinado

Rice syrup

Sugar cane juice (dried, fresh)

Turbinado

 
 

Turbinado

  

White sugar

 

* in moderation ** rarely 

FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

Vata 

Pitta 

Kapha 

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Avoid

Favor

Barley greens

Brewer’s yeast

Vitamins: K

Aloe vera juice*

Bee pollen

Amino acids

Minerals: calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc

Royal jelly

Spirolina

Blue-green algae

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D,

E, P (bioflavonoids) and folic acid

Amino acids

Bee pollen**

Royal jelly**

Minerals: copper, iron

Vitamins: B2, B6, C, E, P (bioflavonoids), and folic acid

Aloe vera juice

Barley greens

Brewer’s yeast

Minerals: calcium, magnesium, zinc

Spirolina

Blue-green algae

Vitamins: A, B1, B12, D and K

Minerals: potassium

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B12, D, and E

Aloe vera juice

Amino acids

Barley greens

Bee pollen

Brewer’s yeast

Minerals: copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc

Royal jelly

Spirulina

Blue-green algae

Vitamins: B6, C, P (bioflavonoids), and folic acid

 
 
 
 
 
  
   
   
    

* in moderation ** rarely 

In addition to nutritional and herbal interventions, massage and physical activity – primarily yoga 20 – are integral components of ayurvedic management of MS symptoms, and are covered in-depth in their respective sections

 

References

1. Lad V. Ayurveda: A Brief Introduction and Guide. The Ayurvedic Institute. Accessed September 7, 2024, https://ayurveda.com/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide/

2. Lad V. Doshas: Their Elements and Attributes. The Ayurvedic Institute. Accessed September 7, 2024, https://ayurveda.com/doshas-their-elements-and-attributes/

3. Ayurveda TfMSi. Ayu Karma Ayurveda. Accessed September 7, 2024, https://ayukarma.com/treatments/multiple-sclerosis

4. Ayurvedic Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Ayur Bethaniya Hospital. https://www.ayurbethaniya.org/ayurveda/diseases-their-ayurvedic-treatment/Multiple-Sclerosis-Treatment#:~:text=Causes%20of%20Multiple%20Sclerosis&text=Multiple%20Sclerosis%20may%20occur%20as,as%20Kapha%20Roga%20in%20Ayurveda

5. Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: Ayurvedic Perspective and Management. SaiAyush Ayurveda. Accessed September 7, 2024, https://saiayush.in/blog/understanding-multiple-sclerosis-ayurvedic-perspective-and-management/

6. Ayurvedic Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis in India. Livonta Global. Accessed September 7, 2024, https://www.livontaglobal.com/multiple-sclerosis-treatment/#:~:text=Multiple%20Sclerosis%20Treatment%20in%20Ayurveda,undigested%20food%20which%20produces%20toxins

7. Sowmaya KS, Khader, A. Multiple sclerosis an ayurvedic approach – a critical view. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2019;4(6):200-204. 

8. Choudhary A, Khan, S., Sharma, L., Aggarwal, N. A review on the dashavidha langhana (10 types of fasting). World J Pharm Pharmacuet Sci. 2020;10(1):1233-1240. 

9. Hebbar JV. Langhana Therapy – A Unique Ayurvedic Treatment Princple. Easy Ayurveda. Accessed September 7, 2024, https://www.easyayurveda.com/2014/10/16/langhana-therapy-a-unique-ayurvedic-treatment-principle/

10. Team. TA. Virechana Panchakarma Treatment. TATA AIG General Insurance Company. Accessed September 7, 2024, https://www.tataaig.com/knowledge-center/health-insurance/virechana-panchakarma-treatment

11. Introduction to Panchakarma. The Ayurvedic Institute. 

12. Ayurvedic Treatment Multiple Sclerosis. Authentic Ayurveda Center. Accessed September 7, 2024, https://authenticayurvedacentre.com/ayurvedic-treatment-multiple-sclerosis/#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20Shamana%20therapy,promising%20alternative%20to%20traditional%20treatments

13. 7 Steps of Detoxification According to Ayurvedic Home “Shamana” Therapy. Everest Ayurveda. 

14. Sanker VM, Thippeswamy, D., Chikkanna, U, Ramakrishhna, K.K. Ayurveda herbs and herbal preparations in the management of neurological disorders. In: Muradlidhara M, Rajini, P.S. , ed. Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations in Neurological Disorders. Elsevier; 2023:577-586:chap 21.

15. Gohil KK, Patel, J.A., Gajiar, A.K. Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010;72(5):546-556. 

16. Kundu P, Yasuhara K, Brandes MS, et al. Centella asiatica promotes antioxidant gene expression and mitochondrial oxidative respiration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Res Sq. Oct 6 2023;doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-3393042/v1

17. Wijeweera G, Wijekoon N, Gonawala L, Imran Y, Mohan C, De Silva KRD. Therapeutic Implications of Some Natural Products for Neuroimmune Diseases: A Narrative of Clinical Studies Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2023;2023:5583996. doi:10.1155/2023/5583996

18. Malhotra S, Sandhir, R. Insights into the neuroprotective strategies to alleviate neurodegenerative conditions: Role of Ayurvedic herbs and their bioactives. In: Muralidhara M, Rajini, P.S., ed. Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations in Neurological Disorders. Elsevier; 2023:113-140:chap 4.

19. Lad V. Ayurvedic Food Guidelines. The Ayurvedic Press. 

20. Thakur P, Mohammad A, Rastogi YR, Saini RV, Saini AK. Yoga as an intervention to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. J Ayurveda Integr Med. Apr-Jun 2020;11(2):114-117. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2019.04.005

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