Kapha prakriti in Caraka Samhita
The text derives each kapha trait from kapha's qualities: unctuous, smooth, soft, firm, dense, slow, steady, heavy, cool and clear. People of this type are described as solidly built, with smooth glossy skin, mild hunger and thirst, little sweat, a slow, steady tread and speech, firm joints, a pleasant voice, and a calm temperament with plenty of strength.
Source: Caraka Samhita, Ca. Vi. 8.96; in Kaviratna's public-domain translation, para 112, pp. 594-595. The traits below are the ones the self-check asks about.
- Solid and compact; limbs full and well developed (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Smooth, soft and glossy (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Mild; I can go a long time without either (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Slowly and moderately (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Neither much; I seldom feel overheated (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- I sweat little (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- I like to sleep, and sleep a lot (AH Sha. 3.101)
- Clear, pleasant and mellow (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Slowly and not much (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Slowly and steadily, with a firm tread (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Firm and well knit (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Slow to start, slow to get agitated (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Calm and even-tempered (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
- Strong, with plenty of stamina (Ca. Vi. 8.96)
Caraka also recognises mixed types, which show the traits of each dosha they combine (Ca. Vi. 8.99), and a balanced type with the good qualities of all three (8.100). A self-check is a self-reflection aid, not a diagnosis; see the evidence section of tridosha theory.
Herbs recorded as reducing kapha
From the Dravyaguna dataset, which records a dosha effect for 27 of its entries. Each name links to the monograph and its sources.
- Agnimantha Premna integrifolia (Clerodendrum phlomidis is also used under this name)
- Amla Phyllanthus emblica (syn. Emblica officinalis)
- Arjuna Terminalia arjuna
- Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
- Bibhitaki Terminalia bellirica
- Black Pepper Piper nigrum
- Brahmi Bacopa monnieri
- Chandraprabha
- Dashamoola
- Ginger Zingiber officinale
- Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia
- Guggulu Commiphora wightii (syn. C. mukul)
- Haridra Curcuma longa L.
- Moringa Moringa oleifera
- Nagarmotha Cyperus rotundus
- Neem Azadirachta indica
- Nimba Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
- Pippali Piper longum
- Saffron Crocus sativus
- Sariva Hemidesmus indicus
- Trikatu
- Triphala
- Tulsi Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum)
- Turmeric Curcuma longa
Recorded as increasing kapha: Bala, Mahanarayan, Shatavari.
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Haridra Single-herb turmeric capsules, traditionally used to support joint comfort and mobility. -
Bowel Kare Traditionally used to support regular, comfortable bowel function.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here.