Ayurveda Glossary:
Herbs, Terms & Practices for Modern Wellness
Your Guide to Ayurveda Language
This Ayurveda Glossary is your complete guide to understanding the essential Ayurvedic terms, herbs, and practices that bring balance to body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in the ancient “science of life,” Ayurveda offers practical wisdom for modern wellness, from core concepts like the Doshas and Agni to supportive tools such as the Neti Pot, Triphala, and Turmeric. Whether you are new to Ayurveda or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this glossary makes it easy to explore Ayurvedic herbs, daily rituals, and healing practices in a clear and accessible way.
💡 Don’t forget to check out our Ayurveda Glossary FAQ at the end of this guide for quick answers to common questions!
A
Agni
The digestive fire that governs how we metabolize food, thoughts, and emotions. Strong agni leads to efficient digestion, absorption of nutrients, and mental clarity, while weak agni can cause ama (toxins) to build up. Ayurveda teaches that maintaining balanced agni is the foundation of health.
Ama
The toxic residue of incomplete digestion, often described as sticky, heavy, and foul-smelling. Ama accumulates when food, thoughts, or emotions are not processed properly. It can obstruct channels (srotas) and is considered the root of many diseases in Ayurveda.
Ashwagandha
An adaptogenic root known as “Indian ginseng,” used to strengthen the nervous system, reduce stress, balance Vata, and improve sleep. Ashwagandha also supports reproductive health, vitality, and resilience to modern stressors.
Ayurveda
Meaning “science of life,” this holistic healing system originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda emphasizes balance among the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), seasonal living, mindful eating, and daily self-care rituals to support long-term well-being.
B
Basti
A cleansing therapy that uses medicated oils or decoctions administered rectally as part of Panchakarma. Considered the most effective treatment for Vata disorders, basti nourishes tissues, lubricates channels, and removes deep-seated toxins.
Brahmi
A revered brain tonic herb that calms the nervous system, enhances memory, concentration, and mental clarity. Often used in students, meditators, and those experiencing anxiety or mental fatigue.
Bhuta
The five great elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—that form the foundation of Ayurvedic philosophy. All matter, including the human body and mind, is composed of these elements in varying proportions.
C
Chyawanprash
A rejuvenating herbal jam made with amla (a potent source of Vitamin C), ghee, honey, and over 30 herbs. Traditionally used to boost immunity, respiratory health, and vitality. Taken daily, it is considered a rasayana (rejuvenative).
Cumin
A pungent, slightly bitter spice that stimulates agni without aggravating Pitta. Widely used in Ayurvedic cooking to aid digestion, reduce gas, and balance all three doshas.
Circulation (Srotas)
The network of physical and subtle channels in the body that transport blood, nutrients, waste, and prana (life force). Blocked srotas lead to disease, while clear channels promote vitality.
D
Dashamula
A classical herbal formulation made of ten roots. It is anti-inflammatory, grounding, and particularly effective for balancing Vata dosha. Often used for respiratory issues, pain, and nervous system support.
Dhatu
The seven bodily tissues (plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, marrow, and reproductive tissue) that sustain the body. Healthy dhatus contribute to strength, immunity, and longevity.
Dosha
The three bio-energies—Vata (air + space), Pitta (fire + water), and Kapha (water + earth)—that govern physical and mental processes. Each person has a unique doshic constitution (prakriti), and imbalances (vikriti) are the root of illness.
Dual Dosha
A constitution where two doshas are equally dominant, such as Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, or Vata-Kapha. Dual dosha individuals embody traits of both doshas and must carefully balance lifestyle and diet to prevent one from becoming excessive. For example, Vata-Pitta types may experience both anxiety (Vata) and irritability (Pitta) when out of balance.
E
Eladi Oil
A herbal oil blend traditionally used for skin health. Applied externally in massage, it soothes irritation, nourishes the skin, and calms the nervous system.
Elaichi (Cardamom)
A sweet, cooling spice that aids digestion, freshens breath, and balances excess Pitta. Often added to teas and desserts for its aromatic and carminative properties.
F
Fenugreek (Methi)
A warming spice and medicinal seed used to balance Kapha and Vata. It supports lactation, regulates blood sugar, and reduces inflammation in the body.
Food as Medicine
A foundational Ayurvedic principle: food is the first line of treatment. Choosing meals according to one’s dosha, season, and digestive capacity helps prevent imbalance and disease.
G
Ghee
Clarified butter praised for its nourishing, lubricating, and digestive qualities. Ghee supports brain function, joint health, and enhances the potency of herbs as a yogavahi (carrier).
Guduchi (Giloy)
A powerful immune-modulating herb known as “the root of immortality.” Guduchi balances all three doshas, detoxifies the liver, and supports resilience against infection.
Guna
The three qualities of nature that influence the mind: sattva (clarity and harmony), rajas (activity and restlessness), and tamas (inertia and darkness). Mental balance comes from cultivating sattva.
H
Haritaki
One of the three fruits in Triphala. Known as the “king of medicines,” it cleanses the digestive tract, nourishes tissues, and supports longevity.
Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda prescribes thousands of herbs in teas, oils, powders, and pastes to restore balance. Common examples include turmeric, neem, and tulsi.
Hridya
Substances beneficial for the heart, both physically and emotionally. These include herbs, foods, and practices that cultivate compassion and joy.
I
Ida Nadi
A subtle energy channel associated with the moon, cooling energy, rest, and introversion. Balanced ida fosters calmness and emotional stability.
Immunity (Ojas)
The essence of all tissues, ojas is the vital energy that governs immunity, vitality, and spiritual strength. Low ojas manifests as fatigue, poor resistance, and anxiety.
Isabgol (Psyllium Husk)
A fiber supplement that relieves constipation, supports digestive regularity, and helps clear excess Pitta and Ama from the colon.
J
Jatharagni
The primary digestive fire located in the stomach and small intestine. It controls the strength of all other metabolic fires in the body.
Jivaka
A concept linked with vitality and longevity. It emphasizes life energy and the body’s innate ability to heal.
Jatamansi
A calming root herb that balances the mind, relieves stress, and promotes deep sleep. Often used as a natural sedative and memory enhancer.
K
Kapha
The dosha formed by water and earth. Kapha provides stability, structure, immunity, and lubrication. When imbalanced, it can cause lethargy, congestion, and weight gain.
Kutki
A bitter herb used for liver detoxification, balancing Pitta, and promoting bile secretion. Especially useful in jaundice and sluggish digestion.
Kosha
The five layers or sheaths of existence: annamaya (physical), pranamaya (energy), manomaya (mind), vijnanamaya (wisdom), and anandamaya (bliss).
L
Licorice (Yashtimadhu)
A sweet root that soothes the respiratory tract, nourishes tissues, and balances excess Pitta. It is also rejuvenative for the adrenal glands.
Lepa
Herbal pastes applied externally for healing, beauty, or detoxification. Commonly used in skin conditions and joint pain.
Lifestyle (Dinacharya)
Daily rituals such as tongue scraping, oil pulling, abhyanga (oil massage), yoga, and meditation, all designed to maintain health and harmony with natural rhythms.
M
Marma Points
Subtle vital points where energy and physical structures meet. There are 107 marma points in the body, used in healing, massage, and yoga.
Meditation (Dhyana)
A practice of focused awareness to calm the mind, balance doshas, and cultivate sattva. Considered an essential daily ritual.
Manjistha
A blood-purifying herb that supports lymphatic circulation, reduces skin inflammation, and balances Pitta.
N
Nasya
A therapy involving the application of medicated oils through the nose to cleanse sinuses, sharpen the mind, and balance prana.
Neem
A bitter, detoxifying herb used to purify the blood, support skin health, and balance Pitta and Kapha.
Neti Pot (Jala Neti)
A cleansing tool used with warm saline water to rinse nasal passages, improve breathing, and support pranayama practices.
Nidra
Restful sleep, one of the three pillars of life in Ayurveda. Balanced nidra supports immunity, digestion, and mental stability.
O
Ojas
The refined essence of all bodily tissues, representing vitality, resilience, and spiritual energy. Strong ojas results in glowing skin, stable emotions, and robust health.
Oil Pulling (Gandusha/Kavala)
An oral practice where oil is swished in the mouth to detoxify, strengthen gums, and improve digestion.
P
Panchakarma
A series of five cleansing and rejuvenating therapies: vamana (emesis), virechana (purgation), basti (enema), nasya (nasal therapy), and rakta mokshana (bloodletting). Considered the ultimate detox in Ayurveda.
Pitta
The dosha of fire and water, governing digestion, metabolism, and transformation. Imbalanced Pitta causes anger, ulcers, and inflammation.
Punarnava
A diuretic herb that rejuvenates the kidneys, reduces water retention, and balances Kapha and Pitta.
Q
Qualities (Gunas of Doshas)
Vata is dry, light, and cold; Pitta is hot, sharp, and oily; Kapha is heavy, slow, and moist. Understanding these helps tailor diet and lifestyle.
Quinoa (Modern Adaptation)
A non-traditional grain adapted into Ayurveda for its sattvic qualities, suitable for Kapha and Pitta constitutions.
R
Rasayana
Rejuvenative therapies, herbs, and practices that slow aging, boost immunity, and restore balance.
Rasa
The first bodily tissue (plasma), and also the “taste” of food. Both are vital for nourishment, vitality, and emotional well-being.
Rudraksha
Sacred seeds used in malas for meditation. Believed to balance the nervous system and enhance spiritual energy.
S
Sattva
The quality of clarity, balance, and harmony. Ayurveda encourages cultivating sattva through food, meditation, and right living.
Shirodhara
A therapy where warm herbal oil flows gently onto the forehead, deeply calming the nervous system and aiding sleep.
Shatavari
A cooling adaptogen and women’s health herb that nourishes the reproductive system, enhances fertility, and supports lactation.
Srotas
Channels in the body responsible for transporting nutrients, energy, and waste. Blocked srotas cause imbalance and disease.
T
Tridosha
The combined action of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When these three are in harmony, health prevails.
Triphala
A blend of three fruits—amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki—used for gentle detox, digestion, and longevity.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Known as the “queen of herbs,” tulsi strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, and balances Vata and Kapha.
Turmeric (Haridra)
A golden spice with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cleansing properties, often used to heal wounds and support digestion.
U
Udana Vayu
A subtype of Vata governing speech, upward movement of energy, and self-expression.
Ushna
The quality of heat, associated with Pitta. Foods and herbs classified as ushna stimulate digestion and circulation.
V
Vata
The dosha of air and space. It governs movement, creativity, and nervous system function. When imbalanced, it can cause anxiety, dryness, and restlessness.
Virya
The energetic potency of food or herbs: heating (ushna) or cooling (shita). This quality influences how a substance affects the doshas.
Vidanga
A digestive herb used for expelling parasites, reducing ama, and stimulating metabolism.
W
Wellness (Swastha)
Defined in Ayurveda as a state where doshas are balanced, agni is strong, dhatus are nourished, and the mind is calm.
Warm Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
A self-care ritual involving warm herbal oils to nourish the body, calm Vata, and promote restful sleep.
X
Xerosis (Dryness)
A condition of dry skin and tissues, often due to excess Vata. Managed through oil massage, hydration, and grounding foods.
Y
Yoga
Ayurveda’s sister science, offering physical postures, breathwork, and meditation to balance doshas and cultivate sattva.
Yogavahi
A carrier substance (like ghee or honey) that enhances the potency and absorption of herbs.
Z
Zandu Balm
A modern Ayurvedic-inspired remedy for muscle aches, colds, and congestion.
Zingiber (Ginger)
A warming root used to boost digestion, reduce nausea, and strengthen immunity. Known as the universal medicine in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda Glossary FAQ
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