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Basti is the most powerful of the five main procedures of Panchakarma. When treatment is properly administrated, Basti helps to rejuvenate the body, provide strength and longevity, and improve the complexion and the voice. In Ayurveda, there are various recipes for Basti (Ayurvedic enema). A few of these general recipes are listed below, but we must remind you to consult a qualified Ayurvedic Physician, Naturopath or Medical Doctor if you have any major medical problems. Each recipe has benefits and contraindications. These recipes are not meant to heal or cure any specific illness, but nutritional basti can be used to assist with certain nutritional imbalances.
Ayurvedic basti involves the administration of certain herbal preparations in sesame oil into the colon. Since vata is mainly located in the colon and skeletal system, the concoction is introduced rectally. These medicated enemas are used for various specific purposes. However, in general, Basti treatments are used to promote the elimination of the loosened vata dosha out through the rectum. These vata disorders may include constipation, distention of the colon, chronic fever, the common cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, vomiting, backache, neck pain and hyper-acidity.
Basti treatments should not be used with very old or frail people; although a 2 oz sesame oil basti may be helpful if constipation is a significant issue. Enemas should not be given to persons suffering from shortness of breath, chronic abdominal pain, bleeding from rectum, cough, diarrhea, or severe anemia.
Remember that these are just a few general receipes. To truly experience the most profound results based upon your individual needs, contact us and allow Michi to create your next Basti.
Types of Enemas:
Good for everyone (Tridoshic) Basti
4 oz warm sesame oil
4 oz organic raw honey
4 oz warm purified water
Mix them very well, administer as enema, and retain about 15 minutes or longer if possible. Mixture should be warm when using. This enema does not have contraindications.
For extreme vata disorder, such as dementia or nerve disorder
16 oz purified water
1 oz anise seeds
1 oz ashawaganda
1 oz brami
Simmer with lid on, for 20 minutes, cool to body temperature and strain. Then add
2 oz organic raw honey
2 oz sesame oil
1 tsp Himalayab or mineral salt
Mix well, administer as enema, and retain for about 15 minutes or longer. Mixture should be warm when using it.
Oil Basti: used for constipation
4 oz of warm sesame oil. Retain 30 minutes or longer.
Ghee Basti: mostly for inflammation such as colitis
4 oz of warm ghee. Administer into colon. Retain 30 minutes or longer.
Nutritive Enema
2 or 3 capsules of Probiotic
4 oz of warm sesame oil,( or olive oil, sunflower oil)
2 vitamin E capsules
1 teaspoon of Glutamine powder
Mix the above ingredients very well, administer as enema, hold as long as possible. If you have colitis, administer every day the first week, then 2 or 3 times a week thereafter.
Other Nutritive Enemas:
Warm milk, meat broth, bone marrow soup or any other nutritive concoctions may be used in enemas for undernourishment or extreme Vata disorders.
Advise consulting Qualified Ayurvedic Physician before doing this enema.
In the west, many people try spirulina, wheatgrass juice, raw coffee or any other herbs as enema.
