Earth Dais Blog

This blog is an introduction to the ORGANIC INDIA Shatavri herbal supplement. Shatavri is one of my favorite herbs and one that I take almost daily, almost always combined with other deep core vitality tonics like Ashwagandha and Guduchi. Shatavri is one of the best all around herbs for women for sure, and one of the best sources of appropriate phytoestrogens.

What is in the Capsule

In each capsule is 400 mg of the root of Shatavri, Asparagus racemosus, with hundreds of molecules including phytoestrogenic steroidal saponins shatavarins I-X.

Name Translation

Shat means “100” and vri means “root” so Shatavri means the 100-rooted one, and indeed a typical Shatavri plant has hundreds of foot long white juicy nutritious roots. One of the many words for husband, vari is derived from the tendency of husband being the root of a family, and so Shatavri is often translated as “100 husbands,” implying that Shatavri is so fantastic at rejuvenating all aspects of a woman’s reproductive system that she can easily have 100 husbands.

Shatavri is pronounced shtaavree. Some people call it Shatavari with two or three long a’s. There really is only two a’s in the word, not three, the first being very short and the second being long.

About the Tagline: “Hormonal Balance”

Hmmm… a suitable tagline and again, there is so much more! Just by virtue of how much our world and our bodies are inundated with estrogenic xenobiotics I would readily say that there is not a person in this world who is not at some level experiencing hormonal imbalance. Humans are destroying entire species and are forcing them into extinction as their masculinity is robbed from all the xenobiotics we put in their environment. Shatavri is great for everybody!

Wellness Categories Suitable for Shatavri

The following categories are based on the fact that, along with Ashwagandha and Guduchi, Shatavri is one of the best herbs for increasing what is called ojas in Sanskrit, which is the density of core vitality, the essence responsible for the basis of immunity and also the fundamental support of reproductive function. The sweet roots of this wild asparagus are as delicious as the sprouts of its cultivated cousin, making this valuable herb a bonafide “superfood.” Traditionally it is one of the most effective herbs for supporting both male and female reproductive health – its dozen or so phytoestrogenic molecules being just one of about ten different mechanisms by which it offers so much support.

Adaptogen /AntiStress

Shatavri is an adaptogen especially appropriate for reproductive health. Combines with the Joy! formula, the Vitality formula, and the Ashwagandha supplement.

Long Life Rasayana

Rasayanas are those adaptogenic herbs especially known to be so deeply rejuvenating that they promote long life, mental acuity and youthful vigor. Combines with the Joy! formula, Tulsi-Holy Basil formula and Tulsi Tea for this, especially my favorite, Tulsi Gotu Kola Tea!

Antioxidant Anti-aging

Many of Shatavri’s actions are mediated via potent antioxidants. Combines with Tulsi-Holy Basil and the Liver Kidney formula for antioxidant potency.

Women’s Wellness

Shatavri is a fantastic food for a woman’s well being, from menarche to menopause, from PMS to pregnancy, from cooling emotions to enjoying wonderfully lubricious sex. Without a doubt, Shatavri is one of the best all around herbs for women and one of the best sources of appropriate phytoestrogens. I say “appropriate” because in my opinion not all phytoestrogens are always appropriate, for instance soy based phytoestrogens. Combines well with the Turmeric formula and Tulsi-Holy Basil which are both excellent herbs for women. Note that I intentionally placed the Woman’s Wellness category 4^th, though it could easily be first. I did this just to support men to also take this incredible herb. I do, almost daily!

Lactation

Beyond even the likes of fennel and fenugreek, Shatavri is the best galactagogue most good herbalists know. In fact, in my experience, you have to watch the dose as it quickly causes leaking. Remember if you having trouble with lactation be careful not to take too many bitter or pungent substances as they can dry your milk. A little pungent is good to help digest your food, but not too much.

Men’s Wellness

Ashwagandha and Shatavri combine to make a fantastic male reproductive tonic, aphrodisiac and sexual endurance enhancer. (And protector against xenoestrogens). Combines well with the Ashwagandha supplement.

Immunity

Like mother’s milk, Shatavri is one of these sweet tonics that packs a potent pro-immunity punch. Combines well with the Immunity formula and with the Chyawanaprash supplement.

Detox

Like a rose, Shatavri is soft and sweet, with gossamer beauty… and with thorns! Following the doctrine of signatures I feel these thorns show up medicinally in all the hepatoprotective/detox activity of Shatavri. Usually sweet juicy herbs are not what you reach for when it comes to detox. Sometimes folks are too weak for detox and need more gentle care until they are ready for a deeper detox situation. Shatavri is good for this, especially when combined with Turmeric formula and Triphala at night.

Energy

Vast and sundry are the forms of energy and Shatavri is deeply nourishing core sustainable enduring cool sweetness energy whose overflow can be used as readily for exploring sexuality as it can for meditating on Spirit. As I have mentioned, combines with Ashwagandha.

Xenobiotics Protection

Without going into a rant, again, though I am piqued (I will save that for a blog dedicated to xenobiotics), allow me to say that one of the main ways that Shatavri is a gift to us today is how it helps protect against xenoestrogens. In these days our food and environment are being thoroughly infused by xenoestrogens, man-made estrogens that are destroying sexual function and causing so much harm to humans and most other species in our ecosystem. Pesticides, paints, plastics, and so many other chemicals are xenoestrogens, capable of mimicking estrogens and producing horrible results. Hmmm… wonder why you can’t even recognize the shape your body has become? The phytoestrogens of Shatavri are one of the best ways to protect yourself from the horrific tragedy of xenoestrogens.

Why is ORGANIC INDIA Shatavri Superior?

Because of its high water content and very thin skin, Shatavri is a hard herb to process and keep clean. ORGANIC INDIA’s Shatavri is grown organically and biodynamically on our farms and processed responsibly.

Energetics

For those interested in the energetics of Shatavri it is a cooling herb that decreases Vata, balances Pitta and increases Kapha and it has the sweet and bitter tastes.

Dose

Shatavri is a very safe herb, if it is properly processed. When I am in the jungles of India I will eat handfuls of it for lunch. I would recommend 2-3 capsules 2-3 times daily though the traditional dosage is more than that. Often best taken with Tulsi Tea, which amplifies and balances almost everything you take with it.

Language is such a powerful and creative tool of evolution, and when it comes to powerful languages, Sanskrit is truly epic in its scope and depth. So lets investigate what we can glean about the Vedic views of menstruation and menopause by looking at the words that the sages and tradition found most suitable to describe this spanda, this pulsating regenerative facet of life expressing itself and continually flowing as ayus, the continuity of consciousness.

The basic term for “all things menstrual” is artava which means “belonging or conforming to the seasons or periods of time” and also, “that which belongs to many seasons.” Everybody knows that a woman’s moon flows according to the Moon and thus, compared to a male, she is instinctively more tuned in to the rhythms of nature. Thus the menopausal woman must make effort to retain and deepen this awareness to the changeless patterns of change.

Menstrual blood is given names like kusum and pushpa, meaning flower or blossom, or phala, meaning fruit, or jivarakta, meaning the blood of life! A woman in her wisdom years has accomplished her opportunity to be a channel of “the blood of life” and now must be a channel of the wisdom of life, wisdom being the “blood” of the spirit, that which gives life and nourishment to the spirit. She transitions from jivarakta, the blood of life, to jivagnana, the wisdom of life.

Rtu which means a point in time, and from which our word “rhythm” arises is also the name for menstrual discharge, for the fertile time 16 days after, and for the heterosexual genital intercourse at that moment, at that Rtu optimized to ensure the true wellness of the child, the mother, and the whole tradition!

Rajas is another word specifically for the menstrual blood. I know that many people think that the Vedic and Yogic culture considers menstrual blood to be dirty and unclean. Any menstruating woman who has tried to get into a traditional Vedic temple only to be turned away (how do the gatekeepers know which women is on her moon I have not figured out yet) may feel a bit gypped, marginalized and even a bit like an ostracized pariah. But please, it is not about being “dirty” or bad in anyway, it is just that that blood is seen as being incredibly potent liquid divisiveness itself, in the sense that blood has the power to create twoness, mother and child, like nothing else can. And as temples are more about Oneness rajas is not allowed because of its beautiful power about generating multiplicity. What is giving birth if not the ultimate in life dividing itself! And so a woman precluded from entering a temple can know that she above all is a Temple to Life.

There are several telling words describing that time when menstruation has stopped. One is viraja, meaning free from agitation, pure and possible to be whole. This term viraja can offer insight into how in the wisdom years a woman has the opportunity to become whole, to become who and what she truly is, to rise as a paragon of woman. I know there is are cultural biases in place that would lead us to believe that the teenage waif is the paragon or perhaps the super soccer mom. These two younger seasons of woman are of course resplendent in their myriad ways, and alas, if you do not see how the matriarch is the truly epic woman, the complete woman, then work on being able to see what you are looking at, and hold space for that. Having spent high quality time in the high Himalayas with hundreds and hundreds of phenomenally powerful and beautiful Tibetan matriarchs I might have an advantage in the ability to recognize this without a shadow of doubt.

Vigata is another word describing the cessation of menstruation and ovulation. It means to be free of opposites, free of trouble, and free of the world. This indicates that the post menopausal woman has the opportunity to immerse herself in the truth previous to the seemingly endless bickering of polar opposites, and rise into a hue of transcendence of sorts, abiding free of any duty less than the matriarchal governance of the whole.

You know, it is just possible, that if we all held space for the matriarch to rise again, en masse in our global village, that that adoration alone, that focused act of simple common sense, would save the world from the trajectory of environmental and cultural collapse that arrogant blind greedy men have set us upon.

This blog is dedicated to both Zora Neale Hurston and the Matriarchs of Kham, for their eyes are watching Goddess.

Thank you,

Prashanti

This blog gets a bit technical in places, like right away, and also gets pretty incendiary in its indictment of the horrors generated by arrogant myopic cretinous greedy males, but please plow through it as it is very important to this planet and all upon her.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular-signal–regulated kinases (ERKs), are key players when it comes to governing a vast plethora of very important cellular trajectories including cell proliferation, apoptosis (cell death), and the cell maturation required to perform individual functional roles. There are many ways that ERKs pathways can be activated including cytokines and growth factors as well as estrogens. However, if an estrogen is like a bee trying to land on a flower and trigger a reaction, then a xenoestrogen is like a little tornado tossing that bee about and causing no end of disturbances.

XE’s produce very strong cellular signaling effects similar to the oscillating patterns elicited by E2 where the estrogen alternates turning the signaling up and down over a period of time (technically called a nonmonotonic nongenomic response).

In the graph below the black dots are the “instructions” your estrogen normally gives to cellular signals of how to act and react. The blue diamonds are the same “instructions” when there are xenoestrogens in the body.

As you can see, physiological endogenous estrogens cause changes in ERKs in a way that oscillates with time. Xenoestrogens cause similar but typically smaller changes. However, when they are combined, as they are in almost all humans and most other species on the planet then the changes in the ERK is drastically changed with the frequency and amplitude of the oscillations varying extensively. What this translates to is that all the actions, all of them, that estrogen accomplishes in the body, are either sped up and/or slowed down and/or amplified and/or diminished, sometimes all within 30 minutes. And what is all the more disconcerting is that the xenoestrogen’s yo-yo effects occurring all over the bodymind are often reverse dose dependent, where smaller doses have larger effects. The bodymind’s response profiles are further complicated as the fluctuations are dependent on the life stage the woman/person is in, which is to say dependent on which type of estrogen is dominant, and also on the person’s individual constitution. Does this kind of hard-to-predict weird wavering of your physiology, emotions, temperature, metabolism and even your intellect and anatomy sound at all familiar to you? And I have not even mentioned the epigenetic effects of xenoestrogens.

And what does a typical species’ deep body intelligence do with all this chaotic information caused by toxic xenoestrogens? From an Ayurvedic point of view, one of the themes it may present to the woman’s phenome is like an epigenetic abortion of reproductive ability. The deep intelligence of life and the species suddenly believes that this woman is too unstable to be a suitable mother within the species and that her ability to reproduce should be withdrawn until the time she is healthy enough. What this looks like is the experience of distorted ovulation initially and eventually full menopausal symptoms.

Often the allopathic system looks at normal functions of a woman as a disease, for instance pregnancy and menopause. Of course, we know these are not diseases, but in the case of many women in their 20’s and 30’s, though menopause may not be a disease, for them it is very likely a poisoning. Truly, a woman can be totally healthy, doing all the right practices and protocols, but if there are xenoestrogens in her life, then she may experience quite negative symptoms, as a result of this poisoning.

I know my view could be construed to be harsh, even incendiary, but this is the psyche of life and her strategies being expressed against this insidious power of the xenoestrogens we made that, if left unchecked, could humans to go extinct. I actually really love the irony of it and marvel at the deep wisdom of life at meta-levels where the fullness simply allows dysfunction to dissolve into a random collection of fossils.

Please do not worry about yourself when it comes to xenoestrogens. Worry first about all the species that we have no right to terminate. Then think of the ecosystem in general and worry about how you can protect it. Then worry about those people involved in the manufacture of the xenoestrogens and the application of them, like the farmers! Finally, fifth on the list, if you have any time left, then worry about yourself.

Thank You

Prashanti

This blog is an introduction to the ORGANIC INDIA Joy! Formula Herbal Supplement.

Adaptogens increase systemic resilience to any kind of stress, and tend to have special affinities for various structures and/or functions in the body. For instance, Tulsi is an adaptogen that has a special affinity for the digestive and metabolic processes in the bodymind. This formula, designed by my dear ally Dr. John Douillard, includes four herbs that are adaptogens that also have special affinities for supporting cognitive function. Less stress in the bodymind supports more joy.

What is in the Capsule

There are four herbs in this formula:

• There are 202 mg of the aerial portions of Bacopa/Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) with potent antioxidant polyphenols including the jujubogenin glycosides bacoside A, bacoside A3, bacopasides I to X and bacopasaponin C
• There are 45 mg of the aerial portions of Centella/Brahmi/GotuKola (Centella asiatica) with potent antioxidant Polyphenols like Flavanoids (quercetin, kaempferol, catechin and rutin) and Triterpenes/Saponins (asiaticosides, asiatic acid, madecassic acid)
• 30 mg of the whole herb of Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) with Alkaloids and Flavonoids
• There is 23 mg of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) with Alkaloids (Withanine) and Adaptogenic Triterpenoid Saponin (Withanolides, including many Withaferins).

You may wonder why I include the phytochemistry here. Know that these herbs have hundreds of great molecules, each one of them a strong force, together forming a balanced pharmacy. Western drugs are single molecules but tend to be incredibly difficult to manage as they are innately imbalanced. This is why some western drugs, even when properly taken are one of the major causes of death. This is also one of the many reasons why herbs tend to be so safe!

Name Translation

Brahmi means “Divine” and also refers to Saraswati, the Goddess of Speech, Creativity and sacred Knowledge. Ashwagandha means to be as strong and valuable and vivified as a stallion, and Shankhapushpi literally means a “conch shaped flower,” which helps us to identify the true Shankhapushpi.

About the Tagline: “Uplifts Mood”

Joy! contains four fabulous nutritive “long-life” adaptogens with potent antioxidants that have special affinities for the brain and nervous system as well as for circulation. Less stress and clear cognitive powers = uplifted mood for sure.

Wellness Categories Suitable for the Joy! Formula

The following categories are based on the fact that both Brahmis, Bacopa and Centella, as well as Ashwagandha and Shankpushpi are amongst the world’s most powerful adaptogenic herbs. They are neuroprotective, helping replenish and nourish the nervous system while positively interacting with the adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems. They prevent accumulation of lipid and protein damage and promote increased circulation to the brain and increase energy without stimulating the adrenals. It contains approximately 10% phenols, which are powerful antioxidants supporting anti-aging properties. Joy! optimizes your physiological terrain to be suitable for the neurochemistry of joy.

Mood

Four cognitive function adaptogens in one formula increase joy by reducing stress. Combines very well with the Tulsi-Holy Basil supplement and even better with Tulsi Tea, especially Tulsi Gotu Kola Tea.

Adaptogen / Anti-Stress

Four adaptogens in one formula increase joy by reducing stress. Note all the adaptogenic saponins in the formula.  Combines well with Tulsi-Holy Basil and the Vitality Formula.

Energy

High frequency bitter mind herbs increase energy by releasing the energy bound by congestion in the mind and brain. We like this kind of energy, our own! Combines well with Tulsi-Holy Basil.

Cardio/Circulation

Centella and Bacopa are renown to improve microcirculation in and out of the capillaries as well as support healthy levels of blood pressure via releasing nitric oxide from the endothelium (inner lining of the blood vessels) as well as numerous additional salubrious actions on vascular smooth muscle and Ca(2+) homeostasis. Combines well with Turmeric and Neem to support the blood.

Brain & Memory

These four herbs are all called medhya rasayanas, rejuvenatives that help optimize neurochemistry, often via the prevention of lipid peroxidation, and many other mechanisms.  See “Long Life Rasayanas” below.

Detox

Bacopa and Centella are excellent for clearing/opening nervous system tissue. Combines with Turmeric and Neem for this, as well as the Liver Kidney Formula and Tulsi Cleanse Tea.

Sleep

Herbs that support the mind to be its clear and calm self will promote restful sleep. Combines well with the Peaceful Sleep formula and with Ashwagandha.

Long Life Rasayana

Rasayanas are those adaptogenic herbs especially known to be so deeply rejuvenating that they promote long life, mental acuity and youthful vigor. This formula is that! Combines with Tulsi-Holy Basil and the Memory formula.

Why are ORGANIC INDIA Herbs Superior?

These herbs are organic, biodynamic herbs grown consciously by us, and very importantly, processed by us. Poor processing is the fastest way that you can attenuate the power of herbs. Also, many of these herbs, for instance Shankapushpi are “volunteers” growing amidst our other herbs. For instance, you will find Shankapushpi in our Senna and organic Psyllium fields in Rajasthan.

Energetics

For those interested in the energetics of this formula, it is cooling, it is Sattvic, and it increases Vata dosha, decreases Pitta dosha, and decreases Kapha. It is dominant in the bitter taste and has some of the sweet taste as well!

Dose & Precautions

These are very safe herbs.  I would recommend 2-3 capsules 2-3x daily. Often best taken with Tulsi Tea, which amplifies and balances almost everything you take with it, and Tulsi is also one of the cognitive function adaptogens.

This blog is an introduction to the ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric Formula. This formula has a very broad range of ways that it supports wellness. In fact, Turmeric is often called the most overall useful herb by experts, and to compile descriptions of how it supports health and vigor would take a very large book. I know, I have actually written a small introductory book to Turmeric, and just this introduction is 108 pages.

What is in the Capsule

The ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric formula has three ingredients:

• 370 mg of the rhizomes of organic Turmeric (Curcuma longa), loaded with powerful polyphenols like the three curcuminoids that give Turmeric its distinctive color, and literally hundreds of other potent molecules.

• 80 mg of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract that has been standardized to 95% curcuminoids.

• 50 mg of organic Ginger rhizome which contains pungent molecules like gingerol and shogaol. ORGANIC INDIA uses Ginger rather than Black Pepper to increase absorption. Ginger and Black Pepper both increase heat in digestion and work equally as well, but some people find Black Pepper agitates their stomach.

The rationale of this formula is that you first have the whole herb so that you get the broad range of actions that result from the synergy of hundreds of Turmeric’s molecular constituents. Then you have the extract for a strong spike of potency right in the center.  And finally, to assist in the assimilation and to increase the bioavailability of the formula, Ginger is added. By the way, the meaning of the Sanskrit name for Ginger, Vishwabesaj, is “universal medicine,” which gives a hint of why Ginger is often added to formulas to optimize them.

Name Translation
To help me understand and remember an herb’s nature I find it valuable to know the etymology of the names of herbs and in this case it is quite likely that Turmeric comes, via the French language, from the Latin root Terra Merita meaning “Worthy Earth.” This of course reminds us of the millennia of respect that this beautiful golden rhizome has earned, as well as its broad spectrum deep grounded support it gives us, like the earth under our feet.

About the Tagline: “Healthy Inflammation Response”
The tagline focuses on what Turmeric has become very famous for: “The Turmeric formula supports healthy inflammation response,” “Healthy inflammation response” or as I like to call it “Healthy anti-inflamm-aging response.”

Wellness Categories Suitable for Turmeric
The following categories are based on the fact that Turmeric has actions ranging from building, cleaning and moving the blood; to supporting digestion at all levels from the stomach, to the liver and the colon; to nurturing enduring joint health as well as having several potent mechanisms for boosting immunocompetence. It is no surprise that many prominent herbalists and healers from a wide variety of traditions around the world agree that Turmeric is one of if not the most all-around useful herb in their repertoire. Note that many cultures also use Turmeric internally as their main herb to ensure skin health, and women in India have long credited Turmeric for their beautiful skin.

Inflammation Response
Clearly, it is one of the best herbs humans have to support a healthy response to inflammation. Combines well with Neem and Tulsi-Holy Basil for this.

Detox
One of the ancient Vedic herbs required for deep purification, and is an herb that can cleanse all systems of the body. Combines well with Triphala and the Liver Kidney formula.

Joint/Bones/Tendon Health
Turmeric supports inflammation response and is an analgesic that allows anyone to go deeper into their work or workout with less risk of injuries. Combines well with the Complete Flexibility formula.

Histamine Response
Turmeric is first-reach herb when histamines rage out of balance. When I have a booth at outdoor festivals in spring the Turmeric is quickly sold out just for this reason. Combines well with Triphala and the Memory formula (yes, the two brahmis also are good for a healthy histamine response).

Antioxidant
Turmeric has some of the most potent antioxidants that we know that, by the way, can actually potentiate endogenous antioxidants like glutathione and SOD. So Turmeric strongly supports the body’s ability to create super-potent antioxidants. Combines with the Liver Kidney formula, Tulsi-Holy Basil, and Amalaki.

Adaptogen
Many top herbalists call Turmeric the world’s most valuable all-around herb. Turmeric is a worthy pharmacy to be used daily for optimal wellness. Turmeric’s “best all around herb” status shows its adapatogenic properties. Combines well with the Joy!, Vitality, Chyawanaprash and Memory formulas as an adaptogen.

Digestive
Helps noon-time (stomach), mid-night (liver) as well as early morning (colon assimilation) digestive functions. Combines with Tulsi-Holy Basil and Tulsi Tea.

Immunity Category
Absolutely one of the best herbs for optimizing immune function as it supports the “Big 4” of the Immune System: 1) Heamatopoesis, which is the formation of all the white and red blood cells; 2) Supports healthy management of microbes; 3) Supports healthy histamine function; and 4) Supports healthy cytokine function which results in maintaining healthy response to inflammation. Of course, combines well with the Immunity and Tulsi-Holy Basil formulas for this.

Sugar Balance
Along with Tulsi-Holy Basil, Fenugreek and Bitter Gourd, Turmeric is well known to be one of the best herbs for balancing blood sugar levels. Combines well with the Sugar Balance, Liver Kidney, and Tulsi-Holy Basil formulas. And definitely combines well with a healthy diet

Optimal Weight
Many are the ways that Turmeric supports optimal weight. Combines well with the Tulsi-Holy Basil, Trikatu, and Triphala formulas. I tell you, the ‘T’ formulas really are a rockstars, and no-joke, you can cover a good 85% of all imbalance removals and wellness empowerments with the 4Ts. I think of this a lot! You do not need many herbs when you have a few really high quality and really talented herbal allies around.

Energy
Supports deep pure enduring energy that is balanced and thus allows you to be more active for longer periods and also supports a more restorative sleep, which also gives you more energy. Combines well with Memory and Ashwagandha.

Cardio/Circulation
One of the best herbs on the planet for circulation. Combines well with the Heart Guard and Tulsi-Holy Basil formulas.

The All Categories Category
Wouldn’t it be fun if you went to a health food store and they had a bottle of Turmeric in every single category of the Herb/Vitamin department?  Turmeric would be the herb that could pull that off!

Why is ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric Superior?
Now you know about Turmeric, but why is the ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric Formula superior? First of all, ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric is organically and biodynamically grown by tribals in Orissa, in Eastern India, known for its highest quality Turmeric. We also grow some of it on our own farm north of Lucknow. Also, this Turmeric Formula combines the whole herb with a concentrated extract with a bioavailability potentizer.  Most Turmeric sold is not the whole herb with extract, but rather just an extract. Thus those products will not have the broad range of Turmeric’s action, and also, the spike of potency in those products will not be balanced by the presence of the whole herb, as it is in the ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric Formula, which is an excellent potent balanced formula for all ages and constitutions.

Dose
Turmeric is a very safe herb, and for thousands of years billions of people have consumed several grams per day. I would recommend 2-3 capsules 2-3x daily. Often best taken with Tulsi Tea, which amplifies and balances almost everything you take with it.

Dosha/Element/Energetics code:
For those interested in the energetics of Turmeric it is for the most part tridoshic, balancing all doshas, it is Sattvic, and it has the pungent, bitter, astringent, and sweet tastes

Recommended Reading:

Turmeric: The Ayurvedic Spice of Life; Prashanti de Jager with Foreword by David Frawley; VidyaSagar Publishing; Pioneer Imprints; 2010 which you can get from ORGANIC INDIA or via your local bookstore.

The Yoga of Herbs (Dr David Frawley and Dr Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, 1992) is a great herb book

Thank you and Fare Thee Well!

Prashanti

“Why use herbs for medicine?” Considering how fundamental that question is it is certainly not asked enough, nor answered enough for that matter. Here are some thoughts and views to consider, not just for deciding if you want to use more herbal medicine in your life, but also to help you analyze the appropriate amount of non-herbal medicines that you want to engage with.

1.  Herbs are our Nature, Natural Health and Empowerment Allies

Herbs are our nature, deeply connected with us for the 200,000 years that we have been a species, so much so that they are intrinsic natural bonds at levels that we are not even aware of. Herbs speak the language of our cells like a rich soil speaks to the flourishing tree from which it grows. In the present time one of the greatest sources of imbalance is separation from nature. Like a walk through an ancient forest, herbs are a direct link to nature, our nature. In the world of artificial and synthetic entities, herbs are authentic family to us. Where artificial synthetic foreign substances are more like Babel, herbs are like Eden.

2.  Herbs are Time-Tested to Support our Every Structure and Function

Though our skillful intentional use of herbs likely started 50,000 years ago or more, the documentation of the use of herbs effectiveness to support every aspect of our bodymind goes back at least 5000 years. The validity of a scientific test depends a lot on sample size and test duration. Turmeric has been used by billions of people for thousands of years, as opposed to synthetic drugs which are tested for a matter of months on a few hundred people only, and are not tested at all for long term effects and safety.

3. Herbs are Food, our Daily Medicine, Loaded with Micronutrients

All healing traditions have long recognized that optimizing diet can heal the majority of imbalances. However, where most of our food is macro-nutrition, meaning it is mainly carbs, fats and proteins, herbs are loaded with micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals and special molecules like bioflavonoids and phytoestrogens. Macro-nutrition is more form and fuel supporting and micronutrients are more function and energy supporting. Everybody needs the vast excellent micronutrients available in herbs to support greater functionality and robust metabolic energy levels.

4. Herb Intelligence Enhances our Cellular Intelligence

When we consume herbs to invoke a given action within us often we are borrowing the herbs intelligence and ability to do that action for itself. For example, when we take herbs to boost our immunity we are borrowing the herbs immune system to boost our own. Because plants are so much older than us, their molecular devices and energetic strategies can be more developed and have a broader spectrum of activity, especially when used synergistically with our own innate strategies.

5.  Herbs are the Mother source of Medicines

Because herbs are such effective and safe medicines, each one often bursting with hundreds of different healing molecules, most pharmaceutical drugs were developed directly from herbs after ethnopharmacological investigations revealed the herbs traditional uses. The original Mother source of Medicines is often a healthier and cost effective option and more pro-wellness than artificial imitations.

6. Herbs can be used for Market Driven Sustainability

By buying herbs that are grown organically, biodynamically and socially responsibly, the money that you are spending on those herbs is directly going to support a healthier, purer and more powerful earth and much more empowered farmers.  Organic biodynamic fair trade herbs are simply good for you and good for the planet and good for the farmer. This is market driven sustainability, where the dollars of the consumers determines what will survive in this world.

7. Herbs work on Physical and Energetic levels of our being.

Though we tend to be fixated on the physical, we are more the spirit within the physical body than some state of physicality. Successful medicine should address that which embodies us, our bodies, and also that which we are, our spirits. Plant medicine is Spirit medicine.

To a large extent the question of “Why use herbs for medicine?” actually segues quickly into an inquiry of what health truly is, and if health is about a natural state of empowered harmonious balance then where do we find our allies to health and what will the nature of those allies be?

This blog is an introduction to the ORGANIC INDIA Tulsi-Holy Basil herbal supplement formula. Tulsi has such a strong capability of invoking true wellness via so many different mechanisms that it is considered by many to be, arguably, the #1 herb of the Yogic, Ayurvedic and Puranic traditions.

Note that this blog also goes a long way in describing the benefits of the whole line of Tulsi Teas of course, as Tulsi is one of the rare herbs that both is extremely effective and also has fantastic taste!

Again, this formula has a very broad range of ways that it supports wellness. In fact, Tulsi is easily the most respected and revered herb in India, where millions of people daily accomplish rituals in praise and gratitude for this incredible herbal ally, not to mention consume her.

 What is in the Capsule

There are three ingredients in the Tulsi Formula:

• 133 mg  of Krishna Tulsi leaf and flower with molecular constituents including eugenol, caryophyllene and ursolic acid
• 133 mg  of Rama Tulsi leaf and flower with molecular constituents also including eugenol, caryophyllene and ursolic acid
• 133 mg of Vana Tulsi leaf and flower and it also has eugenol, caryophyllene and ursolic acid as well as many other more citrus chemotype molecules.

The first two, Krishna Tulsi, a 4-7 foot tall, deeply magenta colored bush-like herb, and Rama Tulsi, 3-4 foot tall and emerald green in color, are varieties of the same species, Ocimum sanctum (aka Ocimum tenuiflorum) and have a clove-like chemotype. Vana Tulsi is Ocimum gratissimum, and, as I said, has a more citrus chemotype molecules. The combination of the three creates a full spectrum of potency and flavor for that matter.

There are many more very potent and powerful molecules in Tulsi, and at least a doxen of them have at least 500 articles written about them in the international peer-reviewed scientific journals, and so I will expound upon them in another blog.

Name Translation:

Tulsi has many interesting meanings, one of which is “That which invokes balance,” and another is “The incomparable One.” Speaking of names, Tulsi is also called Holy Basil, but I find this name  both confusing and slightly denigrating so I recommend that you call this magical herb by the name Tulsi, actually pronounced more like “Toolasee,” with the “a” in there being very short. Speaking of magic, Tulsi is often referred to as Tulsi Ma, suggesting a recognition that Tulsi is a higher being than “just” the plant she seems to be, higher than even human beings. Look for the blog on the mythology of Tulsi.

About the Tagline: “Anti-Stress, Anti-Aging”

Yes, a suitable tagline or catchphrase for the Tulsi-Holy Basil formula is “Anti-Stress & Anti-Aging.” I can live with that, as I am sure you can.

Wellness Categories Suitable for Tulsi

The following categories are based on the fact that for over five millennia, the esteem that Tulsi has earned makes it one of the most cherished and truly legendary of India’s healing herbs. From general well-being to acute critical imbalances, Tulsi’s magnanimous healing nature is used and honored daily by millions. Modern research has confirmed dozens of Tulsi’s traditionally known actions and therapeutic uses including its remarkable adaptogenic and anti-stress activities, as well as its powerful support for the immune system.

Adaptogen / AntiStress

Tulsi is considered one of the best adaptogens. Note that our own Dr. Narendra Singh, formulator of many the products created by ORGANIC INDIA, is the scientist who did the original research of Tulsi as an adaptogen in the 1960’s. Tulsi-Holy Basil combines well with the Joy! formula and the Vitality formula.

Antioxidant

Many of Tulsi’s actions are mediated through its array of potent antioxidants. Combines with Neem, Trikatu and Chyawanaprash as a good source for antioxidants

Digestive

Tulsi is especially good for digestion that is slow or congested. Tulsi also has a reknown ability to assist in emotional digestion as well. Combines well with Triphala and Trikatu to support digestion and a healthy metabolism.

Immunity

Tulsi boosts immune response and supports a terrain unsuitable for infections, while supporting heamatopoesis, the creation of new white and red blood cells deep in the bone marrow. Combines with Turmeric, Immunity, and Chyawanaprash to support immunity.

Long Life Rasayana

Rasayanas are those adaptogenic herbs especially known to be so deeply rejuvenating that they promote long life, mental acuity and youthful vigor. Tulsi is a Rasayana and combines well with the Joy! formula as well as with Amalaki and Chyawanaprash for this.

Why is ORGANIC INDIA Tulsi Superior?

Our Tulsi is organic, biodynamic and sustainably grown while taking care of thousands of farms and tens of thousands of farmers in North India. Also, our Tulsi is a synergistic blend of the three types of Tulsi.

Dose

2-3 Capsule 2-3x daily.  Often best taken with… you guessed it, Tulsi Tea.  No known precautions are typically propounded, though one should restrict the use of any pungent substance to some extent if you are both lactating and have a delicate/vata constitution.  Tulsi is a very safe herb, and for thousands of years billions of people have been consuming it daily.

Energetics

For those interested in the energetics, Tulsi tends to decrease Vata, balance Pitta and decrease Kapha, and also is for the most part tridoshic, balancing all doshas. It is one of the most sattvic of herbs, and it has the pungent and bitter tastes. Note that for some constitutions short term use of pungents may decrease Vata, and long term use may end up increasing it. All things in balance.

Recommended Reading:

• Tulsi, the Queen of Herbs by Dr Narendra Singh and Dr Ralph Miller
• The Yoga of Herbs (Dr David Frawley and Dr Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, 1992) is a great herb book

Thank you and Fare Thee Well!

Prashanti

I know that a lot of women reach for phytoestrogens to assist them in ensuring their peri-menopausal transitions are as smooth as possible, and of course, this is a good idea and it makes sense.

1) Avoid sugar, starches and processed foods.
Let me tell you: though herbs are great allies during this transition, at the end of the day, lifestyle trumps herbs in this situation. So a peri-menopausal woman has to have a diet and daily routine that supports her general wellness, of course, and specifically, one of the most important facets to keep balanced is her sugar metabolism. Equilibrium of sexuality-centric molecules and metabolic processes has a very close correlation and without doubt, within this know that insulin is a potent regulator of all human sexual hormone production and that it also modulates their signals at receptor level. So avoid excessive starches, especially starches from genetically new grains and all the processed foods made from them.

So besides taking care of diet and specifically attenuating the “starch bombs,” here are a few arenas where a peri-menopausal woman can be supported.

2) Consume more phytoestrogens to support hormone balance
Not all phytoestestrogens are created equal, so I would stick to Shatavri which has over 10 very powerful and congenial phytoestrogens that have thousands of years of successful use behind it. Red Clover, especially if you harvest it yourself, is one of my favorite herbs for this as is Lady’s Mantle. Also the lignans in flax are phytoestrogenic as is Evening Primrose Oil.

3) Consume more sattvic metabolic balancing herbs
Tulsi is such a beautiful ally of women in so many ways and this is one of them to be sure. Also Turmeric is renown to help here in support of healthy balanced metabolism at all levels, from the stomach to cells within the uterus. And you can’t go wrong with Nettle!

4) Consume more liver herbs
Though many hormones are governed by the various endocrine glands, the liver’s influence is never more than one step removed, if that. And so we take liver herbs to optimize the terrain to support healthy metabolism of hormones. This includes Katuki, Shatavri (yes, Shatavri has some serious liver support to her), Tulsi-Holy Basil, Turmeric, Neem and Bhumyamalaki. Also, I have had great luck with using Brahmi, both Bacopa and Centella (as in our Memory Formula)  in this case. I know people tend to think of Brahmi as a cognitive herb, which it is, but it also is one of the primary liver/blood/hormone herbs as well.

5) Consume more mineral management herbs
A champion herb here is Cissus, also known as Harjor, which is the key herb in the Osteoseal Formula. Hormones like Calcitonin, the hormone responsible for bone structure, fluctuate. Cissus is known to support healthy Calcitonin function and has many other mechanisms by which it supports healthy bones.

Which herbs to take here depend to some extent on the individual, however, you can use this list as a general guide. And remember, it is lifestyle that will support you most, especially a life time of lifestyle.

Thanks

Prashanti

ORGANIC INDIA’s Immunity Formula is multi-talented when it comes to promoting immunity by the deep reorganization of vital functions and intricate antioxidant interplay.  In fact, most people would place the two constituent herbs in the top ten of the most important of the 3,600 main herbs used in India.

What is in the Capsule
There are three herbs in this formula:

• 165 mg of Kutki (or Katuki) rhizome (Picrorrhiza kurroa is the Latin binomial) with kutkiol, kutkisterol, kutkoside, picrorhizin, and picrosides
• 55 mg of Krishna Tulsi / Holy Basil leaf and flower (which is Ocimum sanctum) with eugenol, caryophyllene and ursolic acid
• 55 mg of Vana Tulsi leaf and flower (Ocimum gratissimum) also with eugenol, caryophyllene and ursolic acid as well as other more citrus chemotype molecules

Name Translation
Katuki, its Sanskrit name, literally means “sharp, bitter, pungent.”  Kutki is a diminutive version of Katuki and is the local and the Hindi name for this stellar herb.

About the Tagline:  “Boost Immune Response”
The tagline is “Boost Immune Response” which is very true, but there is another tagline, a whole other type of tagline that is possible:  “This formula won the new product of the year award at Natural Products ExpoWest in 2011.” Now that is a serious tagline given the tens of thousands of new products that emerge every year, and one that we are obviously proud of. And “Boost Immune Response” is also quite good.

Short phrase summary
What I mean by intricate antioxidant interplay I actually can’t get into too much as I would move toward DSHEA-unfriendly topics, but know the dance that these phytomolecules support at both the cellular biology and the molecular biology is absolutely mind blowing, and even if I told you, you may be too astounded to believe me. (The Federal Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act prohibits us from claiming that our herbs can treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.)  So again, the short phrase summary: is “Promotes Immunity by the deep reorganization of vital functions and intricate antioxidant interplay.”

Wellness Categories Suitable for the Immunity Formula
The Immunity Formula boosts and improves immune system response and increases adaptogenic resilience to free radical damage and environmental toxins and stress. Much of its profound activity is mediated through antioxidants. Many immunity supportive substances are simply anti-pathogen and are germ-theory based. This formula is terrain theory based and actually reorganizes the body to be strong and resilient while also having several other classic mechanisms by which to successfully support immunity.  Note that Kutki is a cold and intense herb which is balanced by Tulsi’s warmth and soothing factors.

Immunity
Supports many types of immunity including both cell mediated and humoral mediated, and both terrain-based and germ-based theories/views. Combines well with Neem and Chyawanaprash.

Adaptogen / Anti-stress
Both of these herbs are great adaptogens, and the formula is an especially good adaptogen for anyone requiring extra liver/kidney support. Combines well with the Joy! Formula and with the Vitality Formula as a liver/metabolism boosting adaptogen.

Antioxidant
Fantastic source of antioxidants, especially those that support Liver function and that also increase endogenous antioxidants like SOD (Superoxide dismutase), Catalase, and Glutathione. Combines with the Tulsi-Holy Basil Formula and Turmeric Formula.

Digestive
Help immunity and the liver and digestion follows. The Tulsi-Holy Basil Formula is also a great digestive. Kutki is a master herb at what I refer to as midnight digestion, meaning liver digestion, and Tulsi is a master herb when it comes to noontime digestion, meaning stomach/pancreas and the small intestines. Combines well with the Tulsi supplement and with Tulsi Tea, especially our new Tulsi Ginger Tea, Tulsi Chai Masala Tea or the new Tulsi Cinnamon Rose Tea!

Liver
You will be hard pressed to find a better hepatoprotective herb than Kutki! Simple. What Arjuna is to heart health, what Tulsi is to metabolic health, so Kutki is to liver health.  Combines well with Neem, Turmeric Formula, Triphala Formula and the Memory Formula for supporting liver health (Yes, the two herbs of the Memory Formula are great liver herbs in and of themselves!)

Detoxification
Kutki is one of the best herbs in Ayurveda to help detox liver, kidney and blood.  Combines well with the Triphala Formula and Neem for this, as well as our new Tulsi Cleanse Tea.

Long Life Rasayana
Rasayanas are those adaptogenic herbs especially known to be so deeply rejuvenating that they promote long life, mental acuity and youthful vigor.  Combines well with the Joy! Formula, the Memory Formula, the Tulsi-Holy Basil Formula and Tulsi Tea for this.

Why is ORGANIC INDIA Kutki Superior?
Kutki is a rare High Himalayan herb endangered in the wild, hence a significant amount of effort is being made to sustainably wild-cultivate it at altitudes of 10,000 and more. Almost all the Kutki in the market is wild and very irresponsibly harvested.  Please make triple sure regarding the source of your Kutki, and be tricky about your inquiries, don’t obviously just “lead the witness,” but act a bit uninformed and have them tell you EXACTLY where their Kutki comes from. Full transparency and accountability is required to protect these epic herbs from extinction. Please help.

As far as Tulsi goes, we have been growing our own Tulsi via thousands of farms in North India, converting them from the tyranny of corporate agriculture to certified organic biodynamic fair trade havens. Our Tulsi is our flagship herb and it is fantastic quality.

Energetics
For those interested in the energetics of the Immunity Formula it is overall slightly cooling, it increases Vata slightly especially in long term use, balances Pitta and metabolism and decreases the congestion of Kapha. The formula has the pungent and bitter tastes.

Dose
2 Capsule 2-3x daily.  Often best taken with Tulsi Tea, especially Tulsi Ginger Tea and the new Tulsi Cleanse Tea.

There has been some press that medicinal products from India, especially Ayurvedic formulas, may have heavy metals in them. A recent JAMA article went off on this, bashing Ayurveda something serious in the doing. What is up with this you may wonder? Know that some of it is just sensationalism; some of it is pharmaceutical-based entities attacking their greatest nemesis: Wellness and that which produces Wellness; and some of this is true.

Because there has been some heavy metals found in some Triphala fruits sold by some companies, I will use Triphala specifically as an example and give you five reasons why you can rest assured ORGANIC INDIA products are as heavy-metal free as possible. (Yes, every plant on earth will have some tiny amount of gold or whatever heavy metal in it).

1) Organic Sustainable Wild Forest Super Fruits
Our Triphala super fruits are wild fruits sustainably harvested from the vast jungles of Central India. Other companies use cultivated Triphala fruits which are renowned to be neither as pure nor as potent as ours, the beautiful wild fruits. And by using sustainable wild fruits we, and thus our customers, participate in market driven sustainability.

2) Our Processing Centers Are Certified Organic
Most people think that only a food or an herb can be certified organic. Actually, a farmer and a processing center can also be certified. So when all three are certified organic then you really know that the end product will be as well. Why process a certified organic herb in a toxic machine that is cleaned with toxic solutions? Our processing facilities are certified organic as well, so all processing is stringently monitored by organic certifying agencies and thus must be tested for the presence of heavy metals. Other companies tend to not have certified organic processing facilities. We also have ISO 9002 and GMP (Good Manufacturing Processes) certification which means we have the strictest manufacturing accountability.

3) ORGANIC INDIA Focuses on Potent Whole Herbs
We focus on whole herb formulas, not man-made medicines from herbs and substances that have little or no accountability to sources. It is often in the medicine making process that things like lead are added. We are very whole herb centric, and very proud of this fact.

4) We Do Not Use Gems or Minerals in our Formulas
We do not use any Rasa Shastra, the science of using minerals and gems in and as medicine. Other companies who do run the risk of having lead in their formulas. We do not. Note, when done properly, Rasa Shastra is an epic form of medicine, it is just that you have to be very, very good at it. Again, ORGANIC INDIA is a whole herb company.

5) Our Triphala meets Ayurvedic Doctor/Herbalist Standards
Our Triphala meets the standards of caring, aware, informed, experienced, and trained Ayurvedic Doctors: Dr Narendra Singh and myself, and is not sourced according to the penny-pinching dictates of a business man who only has money as their bottom line. Narendra and I both are in one mind when it comes to quality and our bottom lines are quality (potency, purity and effectiveness) and sustainability first, money third. We are adamant about this. Years ago, I personally was part of the team that set up our Triphala sourcing in the Jungles. As an Ayurvedic Doctor I demand the highest quality, which is actually the original genesis of ORGANIC INDIA (I could not find good quality herbs for my clinic in India so I started to generate my own). I know this sourcing was set up according to my standards.

Always, all Products are Tested
Finally, a 6th reason why you can be assured we have no heavy metal contamination in our herbs is that we are constantly testing for this as this is part of our ISO 9002 certification of manufacturing accountability and our GMP good manufacturing procedures certifications.

Always demand the best for you from an herb company, as this will demand the best for the ecosystem as well. And know often it is the low priced herbs that are low quality and thus are not so great for the environment so please be OK with paying higher prices for high quality, as it is one thing you can do to protect the environment.

Thank you,

Prashanti