The notes below are designed to give prospective readers an idea of what to expect from the book, and to aid in making a decision on whether to buy it.
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy, Dr. Light Miller, ND
This is an excellent book that cannot possibly be captured well in these notes. I would strongly recommend buying a copy if you have any interest in Ayurveda. While it does have some discussion of Aromatherapy, it is so much more than just that. I had/have no interest in Aromatherapy but still found it to be an excellent book.
General Notes
Different treatments need to take place for different doshas. Treat the doshas, not the end symptoms.
The Ayurveda wisdom comes from old wise men (rishis) in the Reg Veda (4,500 years old) and the Atharva Veda (3,500 years old).
You must be aligned with your true self.
5 constitutions:
1. Earth = stability
2. Water = change
3. Fire = transformation
4. Air = dynamic
5. Ether = space.
Vatta = aether + air (Fall and winter, old age). Pitta = Fire + water (summer and fall, adult). Kapha = Water + earth (winter and spring, childhood). Long descriptions of each are provided.
6 tastes:
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Bitter - raises vatta, lowers pitta
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Astringent - raises vatta, lowers pitta and kapha
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Sweet - raises kapha, lowers vatta and pitta
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Sour - raises pitta and kapha
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Salty - raises pitta and kapha
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Pungent - raises kapha
Vata should increase sweet, sour, and salty.
Pitta should increase sweet, bitter and astringent.
Kapha should increase pungent, bitter, and astringent and avoid salt, sour, and sweet.
See p. 40-61 for each type and the best diet. Really great stuff!
Ama are toxins we did not digest.
We need to eat earlier.
Herbs and oils used by Egyptians with mummies and used to avoid the black plague (it worked).
Stream pressed oils cheapest and worst, cold pressed much better, CO2 very best but expensive.
Fresh herbs are the best, dried herbs are second best, oil is third best.
When sick can inhale or use a compress.
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Colds = eucalyptus, rosemary, camphor
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Flu = thyme and cajeput
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Depression = bergamot, geranium, and lemongrass
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Sinusitis = Angelica, eucalyptus, neroli, cypress, and yarrow
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Cough = hyssop, sage, anise, and sandalwood
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Fever = chamomile
For dental care: vattas use neem oil, myrrh, cypress; Pittas use peppermint, angelica, geranium, and lavender. Kaphas use fennel, sage, rosemary, and bergamot.
Lots of skin care, hair care, menopause, pregnancy, meal tips, and it’s just too much to list here.
In terms of carrier oils vatta can use any but sesame and hazelnut are best. Pitta are most sensitive and can use olive, sunflower, and coconut. Kapha heating oils like alma or mustard are great.
Burns - mix lavender, chamomile, gold chamomile, and yarrow.
Antiseptic - mix pine, lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Antifungal - mix thyme, yarrow, chamomile.
Mental clarity - mix rosemary, basil, chamomile and mint.
Aphrodisia oils vary by type - see page 131. For example Vattas tend to like saffron, rose, jasmine, vanilla, and lotus. Pittas do well with saffron, chamomile, and others. Kaphas do well with cinnamon, black pepper, yarrow, and others.
Chapter 20 discusses gemstones and essential oils. Agate founds for vattas. Amber calms kids and vatta. Amethyst improves immunity and calms. Aquamarine is good for liver. Azurite is good to calm. Benitoite is good for thyroid. Betyl is good for digestion. Diamonds amplify everything. This is only a small subset. Buy the book if you want it all.
There is an excellent appendix that goes over all the key aspects of each of the herbs.