Drying therapies or rukshana.  
? Astringent therapies or stambhana.      

Lightening therapies can include the administration of six types of elimination therapies such as emesis, purgation, enema and inhalation; control of thirst; exposure to wind and sun; intake of herbs that stimulate digestion; fasting and physical exercise. These are specialized therapies where herbal decoctions and medicated oils are utilized. Elimination therapies can be judiciously used in the case of patients who tend to be corpulent and who suffer from diseases which are caused by aggravated Kapha, Pitta and Vata and affect the blood and excreta.          

Herbs that promote digestion are useful in treating diseases such as vomiting, nausea and anorexia, diarrhea, heart diseases, cholera, intestinal disorders, fever, constipation, belching, heaviness of the body caused by a vitiation of Kapha and Pitta. Fasting and control of thirst will take care of the same diseases in less effective ways. Such diseases which are mild or moderate in strong individuals can be administered during winter (November to February) to patients suffering from skin diseases, obstinate urinary disorders and those who possess a corpulent body together with unctuousness and fluidity. It can also be suggested for those who suffer from diseases of vitiated Vata (Vayu).     

Nourishing therapies can be used effectively for those suffering from emaciation, phthisis, weakness, old age, exertion from long tours and habitual indulgence in sex and alcohol. Such persons are in greater need of this therapy during summer. The kind of nourishing food suggested for this client consists fresh fruit and vegetables, and immune boosting foods (e.g. dairy, herbs). Patients afflicted with hemorrhoids, sprue, or consumption are advised to eat easily digestible, nourishing foods for their dosha. Unction, sleep, enema with sweet-tasting herbs, sugar, milk and ghee constitute universal nourishing devices.          Organic foods are also advised to prevent intake of toxic chemicals, antibiotics, hormones, and GM additives that may further harm the health. 

Oleation therapy uses ghee and oil (vegetarian methods). This therapy is usually done in three ways: oral administration, administration via enema, and topical massage. The simplest way is to drink hot sweetened milk with one or two teaspoonfuls of ghee before going to bed. Ghee is the best because of its power to effectively assimilate the properties of herbs boiled in it. Ghee alleviates Pitta and Vata and is conductive to blood and semen. It has a cooling effect in the body. It also has a softening effect and adds to the clarity of the voice and the complexion. Oil alleviates Vata but does not aggravate Kapha (in moderation). It promotes bodily strength and is beneficial for the skin. It is a hot substance, also a stabilizer and it controls the morbidity of the female genital organs. Special herbs and herbal mixes can be used for injury or fracture (e.g. laxadi bati), trauma, prolapse of the uterus (raspberry leaf), earache (clove oil) and headache. It enhances the virility of a person. It is also useful for those who do physical exercise. ojas-producing herb strengthen semen, Kapha, fat, and marrow. It adds to the physical strength of the individual, especially of the bones.          
 
Fomentation therapy is of thirteen kinds in Ayurveda. This therapy induces perspiration thereby eliminating toxins from the skin. The simplest way to perspire is to wrap oneself in a towel after a hot bath and lie covered till the body stops perspiring. Other methods are to apply external heat like a hot water bottle, hot sand bags and heated stones. Fomentation is used to heal coryza, cough, hiccups, difficult breathing, heaviness of the body, pain in the ears, neck and head, hoarseness of voice, spasmodic obstruction in the throat, paralysis of the face, limbs, the whole body or part of it. It can also help when there is distention of the abdomen; constipation and suppression of urine; stiffness of back waist sides and abdomen; sciatica; dysuria; enlargement of the scrotum; pain and stiffness feet, knee, calf; edema; neuralgia of the upper and lower extremities; diseases due to impaired digestion and metabolism.         

Drying therapy involves the intake of pungent, bitter and astringent substances like cakes made of mustard, sesame, and honey. This therapy is recommended for patients suffering from diseases where the channels of

channels of circulation are obstructed and there is an excessive dominance of the aggravated dosha which is manifested in the vital organs of the body through spastic thighs, gout and severe urinary disorders.  

Astringent therapy reduces or prevents excessive physiological secretions. It can be applied in case of uncontrolled watering of eyes, excessive secretion of ear-wax, profuse menstrual flow and diarrhoea. Ayurveda considers substances like spinach and dates astringent which decrease Pitta and Kapha but increase Vata.         

The herbs used in the therapy of diseases whether they are oils, powders or liquids, work along the lines indicated in the six types of therapies that have been outlined in this chapter. A detailed description of some of the herbs and other substances used in the therapy of a few select diseases follows.    

In every culture there are innumerable little tips and recipes for health care that have survived the test of time and become a part of family folk-lore. Where indigenous systems of medicine are still followed, such instances are numerous and a part of the lives of the people inhabiting those regions. In Ayurveda, there are also a few home remedies that can be safely tried.