Vata prakriti in Caraka Samhita
The text derives each vata trait from vata's qualities: dry, light, unsteady, abundant, swift, cool, rough and clear. People of this type are described as slight and dry-skinned, light sleepers who talk a lot, move quickly and restlessly, take things in fast but retain them less well, feel the cold, and have joints that crack.
Source: Caraka Samhita, Ca. Vi. 8.98; in Kaviratna's public-domain translation, para 114, pp. 596-597. The traits below are the ones the self-check asks about.
- Slight and lean; veins and tendons show (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Dry and rough, tends to crack (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Rough and coarse, as are nails and teeth (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Lightly, quickly, and not the same way two days running (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Cold: I feel it quickly, shiver and stiffen (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Light and short; I wake easily (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Thin, weak or hoarse; it cracks or breaks (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- A lot, and fast (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Quickly and restlessly; hands, feet or eyes always moving (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Crack or click when I move, stand or sit (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Quick to start, quick to get agitated (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Quick to feel fear; likes, dislikes and moods change fast (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
- Not much physical strength (Ca. Vi. 8.98)
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 vata
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)
- Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
- Bala Sida cordifolia
- 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.
- Mahanarayan
- Moringa Moringa oleifera
- Pippali Piper longum
- Saffron Crocus sativus
- Sariva Hemidesmus indicus
- Shatavari Asparagus racemosus
- Trikatu
- Triphala
- Tulsi Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum)
- Turmeric Curcuma longa
Recorded as increasing vata: Nagarmotha, Neem, Nimba.
Available from Age Ayurveda
This encyclopedia is published by Age Ayurveda. The products below are ours, and are listed here because they contain one of the herbs above.
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Acid Relief Traditionally used to support comfortable digestion after meals. -
Grow and Glow Hair Oil A herbal hair taila, traditionally used to support scalp health and hair strength. -
ADHD Ease Herbs traditionally used to support mental clarity, calm and attention. -
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.