Constitutional Types and Herbal Energy

The life force expresses itself on the physical level as different energy patterns that are manifested as Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Ether.  These elements are present in various degree’s and combinations in the human body, plants, and throughout our planet.

Earth - Manifests the qualities of cold, density, firmness, heaviness, and density.
Air - Manifests the qualities of dryness, lightness, mobility, and tends to be colder.
Fire - Manifests the qualities of color, heat, light, and less density.
Ether  - Manifests as emptiness and the positive space within which the other elements' function.  Its qualities are clarity, and subtlety.  At the emotional level it allows fee expression and spirituality.  It is where the individual consciousness becomes aware of cosmic activity.

Each of these elements is present to some degree in everything.  For example, in humans' earth would be characteristic of bones and teeth, whereas, fire would be characteristic of the digestive system.

Energetic Qualities of Herb’s

Herb’s have four main qualities: warmth, coolness, dryness, and moisture.  Some may be more cooling or warming than others.  For example, cayenne is much hotter than black pepper.  Each herb’s energy will affect on the body related to the composition of the elements within it.

Warming Herb’s - Stimulate your metabolism, add heat and increase the body’s energy.  A very heating herb should not be taken over a long period of time as it will have a drying effect which will cause an Air imbalance.

Cooling Herb’s - Counteract excess heat in the body, such as in fevers or inflammations.

Moistening Herb’s  - These have a softening, soothing effect to dry, inflamed, or irritated tissues.  They also strengthen the basic fluid essence of the body, the Water Humour.

Drying Herb’s -  These will dry excess water in tissues by causing a binding action, or stimulating urinary and circulatory systems which will also increase water elimination.  They are good for excess damp conditions such as swelling.

Another way qualities are recognizes is through taste.

The Three Humors and the Constitutional Types

In the body of elements Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Ether interact to create three distinctive patterns of energy called humors.  All of these elements are present in our body, but the predominant ones predispose our temperament and constitutional type.

The Three Humors

• Earth and Water together = Water Humor (Kapha) 
• Fire and Water together = Fire Humor (Pitta) 
• Air and Ether together = Air Humor (Vata) 

Like the elements the humors are expressed in the body’s anatomy and physiology.

Constitutional Types

Some of us are born with strengths in one humor or perhaps even two.  Our temperament at birth may be modified or changed by life’s experiences.  Our mix of humors can predispose us to certain illnesses when we become unbalanced.  Each Humor can act as a positive or negative factor in our lives depending on whether it is in balance with the other two and our current environment.

Fire Type -  Tend to be perceptive, goal oriented, efficient and practical.  The fire type knows their mind.  Physically, they have a good digestive fire, warm circulation, and medium body build, but most are prone to digestive problems, heavy menses, and skin problems.  Fire types should include cooling herb’s or neutral herb’s such as Borage, Burdock, Coriander, Licorice, and Red Clover.  Avoid too many heating or spicy herb’s.

Water Type -  Tend to be strong, steady, calm, and compassionate.  The water type needs financial security and are very attached to their loved ones.  Physically they are a heavier build and are prone to weight problems.  Water retention, and respiratory congestion are also common problems.  Their negative aspects are stagnation, depression, and a rigid attitude.  Herb’s for water types include warming and metabolic stimulants such as Black Pepper, Cayenne, Garlic, Rosemary, and Sage.  Draining herb’s include Juniper, Chickweed, Cleavers, and Dandelion.  Dispersing herb’s include Basil and Yarrow.  Water types should avoid rich or processed food.

Air Type - Tend to be flexible in mind and body, and especially sensitive to their surroundings.  They adapt quickly to change and react well to new things.  The key to air types is variation and irregularity.  Physically they tend to be a lighter frame, with less substance, and cold feet.  They prefer warmth and light.  The air type can be excited and intensely active so they then need periods of rest.  Herb’s for air types include grounding and relaxing or warming herb’s such as Catnip, Chamomile, and Valerian, or moistening herb’s such as Comfrey, Dong Quai, Kelp, Licorice, and Slippery Elm.
Awareness of ones constitutional makeup leads to a greater understanding of oneself.  It assists in determining the best foods, herb’s, and activity in restoring the harmony of the Humour.

Galenical System Classification

Food intake is considered to have a direct action on the four humors - blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.  Eating too many cold, moist foods encourages the phlegmatic Humor and this could lead to mucous.  Eating too many hot, dry foods encourages the choleric Humor (yellow bile) resulting in liver or skin problems.

Examples

Cold - Lettuce, Chicory

Dry - Asparagus, Millet, Coriander, Honey

Damp - Grapes, Radishes, Oatmeal, Barley

Hot - Onion, Mustard Seed, Almonds

Ayurveda System - Taste

The Ayurveda System categorizes according to the six defined tastes.  The humors are regarded as the waste products of digestion.  If food intake leans to much toward one or more humors an imbalance occurs and illness often follows.

Examples

Sweet --  Cashew Nuts, Rice - Sweet tastes increase the body’s secretions, particularly milk or semen and reduce Pitta related problems such as toxins.  Avoid sweet tastes where there is an excess of Kapha such as in arthritis, colds, or chills.

Sour -  Cranberries, Lemon - Sour tastes increase Kapha and Pitta.  These foods stimulate the digestion and are often used for debility.  An excess will lead to muscle weakness and illness related to excess Pitta such as ulcers and liver disorders.

Salty -  Mineral Salts, Seaweed - Salty tastes increase Pitta and Kapha.  They help to retain fluids and cleanse the body by attracting water and loosening toxins.  Salty foods are used as expectorants.  Excesses can lead to premature aging, impotence, and skin problems.

Pungent -  Basil, Cloves, Horseradish - Pungent tastes increase Vata and Pitta and reduce Kapha.  Pungent foods are stimulating and warming so they are used for conditions such as chills, obesity, or depression.  An excess can lead to burning sensations, thirst, and nervous exhaustion. 

Bitter -  Globe Artichoke, Tumeric - The bitter taste is composed of the elements Air and Ether, so it increases Vata, while reducing Pitta and Kapha.  Bitter foods stimulate the digestion to absorb phlegm and can cleanse “fire toxins” from the body, making them useful in treating fevers or skin disorders.

Astringent -  Bilberry, Dried Strawberry Leaves - Astringent tastes are light, cold, and drying increasing Vata but reducing Pitta and Kapha.  Astringent remedies are used for diarrhea or heavy menstruation.  Too many astringent foods are over drying leading to constipation or stiff joints.

Balancing Yin and Yang

Foods are classified to the five element model with five flavors.  Many foods are related to particular organs and acupuncture meridians.  In Chinese medicine foods that are cool, bitter, and salty are more yin in character, while hot, sweet and pungent foods are more yang.  In a hot dry climate yin can be adversely affected so eating an adequate quantity of fruit is one way of feeding this type of energy.  For example, a hot person who is constantly opening windows and walking around in a T-shirt on a cold day may be thirsty and prone to boils, acne, hot flashes, or constipation.  This person should eat more cold bitter foods and avoid pungent foods.

Herbal Medicine can help all of us whether it is for a specific ailment or a tonic that promotes overall health and well being.   We live in a world were we are bombarded with pollutants of all sorts.   Our bodies can only do so much before they become run down and cannot function properly.   Think of your body like your car.   If you do not keep it tuned up it does not perform optimally.    Your body needs your help in staying tuned and running properly.   Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you never had to worry about another cold or how about constantly feeling tired.   These dreams are within your reach.   “Healing Herb’s for the Mind Body and Soul” will become the number one reference book in your home.  

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