Sesame oil, Sunflower oil, Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba), Brahmi/Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Rose (Rosa damascena), Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album), Saffron (Crocus sativus).
Tridosha is a Sanskrit word that describes Ayurvedau2019s three biological forces: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha u2014 collectively known as the doshas u2014 are one of the most foundational concepts in the tradition of Ayurveda. Each dosha is essential to our physiology in some way, and each of them has a very specific set of functional roles to play in the body. That said, when the doshas are out of balance, they can wreak havoc on our health. Imbalances in the doshas are generally caused by unsupportive diet and lifestyle choices, as well as stress or emotional trauma.
All of the doshas contain all five elements (as do all things in nature), but each is predominantly composed of two elements:
Vata embodies the energy of movement and is therefore often associated with Wind (and the Air element). Vata is linked to creativity and flexibility; it governs all movementu2014the flow of the breath, the pulsation of the heart, all muscle contractions, tissue movements, cellular mobilityu2014and communication throughout the mind and the nervous system.
When out of balance, Vata tends to cause fear, anxiety, isolation, loneliness, and exhaustion. It can lead to both physical and energetic depletion, disrupt proper communication, and cause all sorts of abnormal movements in the body, such as tics, tremors, and muscle spasms.
Pitta represents the energy of transformation and is therefore closely aligned with the Fire (and the Water element). Pitta is closely related to intelligence, understanding, and the digestion of foods, thoughts, emotions, and experiences; it governs nutrition and metabolism, body temperature, and the light of understanding.
When out of balance, Pitta causes fiery, reactionary emotions such as frustration, anger, jealously, and criticism. Imbalanced pitta is often at the root of inflammatory disorders, which can affect organs and tissues throughout the body.
Kapha lends structure, solidity, and cohesiveness to all things, and is therefore associated primarily with the Earth and Water elements. Kapha dosha hydrates all cells and systems, lubricates the joints, moisturizes the skin, maintains immunity, and protects the tissues.
When out of balance, Kapha triggers emotions of attachment, greed, and possessiveness and can also create stubbornness, lethargy, and resistance to change. Physically, kapha tends to invite stagnation and congestion in organs and tissues throughout the bodyu2014including the mind.rn