The Three Doshas

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The Three Doshas and Plants The three Doshas exist in plants as they do in all nature. Kapha plants are characterized by luxuriant growth, abundant leaves and sap; they are dense, heavy, succulent, and contain much water. Vata plants have sparse leaves, rough, cracked bark, crooked, gnarled branches, spindly growth habits, and contain little sap. Pitta plants are brightly colored with bright flowers; they are moderate in strength and sap, and the latter may be poisonous or burning in its effect. Soils, climates, geographical zones, and countries can similarly be classified by Dosha. Through this we can understand the life-forms produced by them and how to adapt to them. The root and bark of plants (representing the elements of earth and water) tend to work on Kapha conditions. The flowers (as fire) tend to work on Pitta. The leaves and fruits (as air and ether) tend to work on Vata. The Three Doshas and the Treatment of Disease To use herbs, or to apply effectively any form of therapy, it is necessary to know the unique constitution of the individual, as well as the specific nature of the disease. Western Medicine, and to some extent, western herbalism, lacks this science of individual constitution. The same disease may occur in different constitutions, and as such must be treated differently. Asthma, for example, may be due to deranged Kapha, excessive water in the lungs; deranged Vata, nervous hypersensitivity of the lungs; or deranged Pitta, an accumulation of damp-heat in the lungs. The same treatment cannot work in every case. Merely to know that a certain herb "works" on a certain disease may not reveal a definitive cure. On the other hand, the same constitutional problem, the same aggravated dosha, may give rise to various diseases, and as such all can be treated the same way--by decreasing the aggravated dosha. High Vata, for example, may manifest as sciatic pain, arthritis, constipation, headaches, dry skin, gas and indigestion, all of which can be relieved by a single line of treatment. Knowing which disease an herb treats gives us one reference line. Knowing the constitution on which it works yields yet another cross reference line. Considering both we are much more able to pinpoint a truly effective treatment. Reprinted with permission from The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, P. O. Box 325, Twin Lakes, WI 53181. ©1986

 

 

 

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