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 | Generally most sweet fruit | Generally most | 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/
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