Commonly referred to as the "master gland" of the body, the pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an endocrine gland residing at the base of the brain. Occupying the space of a pea, the pituitary regulates bodily functions from water regulation to sexual organ and thyroid gland functions. Considering its bodily importance, it comes as no surprise that maintaining proper function of the pituitary gland is a priority in Ayurvedic health.
Assess
Consult an Ayurvedic physician or guidebook for determining the particular needs of your condition. If you are experiencing a slight defect to your pituitary gland functions, a small supplement of Ayurvedic herbs may occasionally correct the gland weakness. For more serious malfunctions, however, your best place to start will be with your personal physician.
Acquire
Visit your nearest herb shop or health food store and inquire the availability of the following herbs: comfrey, kelp, Punarnava (sometimes called "Boerhaavia diffusa Linn") and Kanchanara (Bauhinia veriegata). Comfrey and kelp are considered among the most consistent herbs for nourishing the pituitary gland, as well as the bones and skin. Buy these loose-leaf herbs in bulk. Often coming in a pill or tonic form, Punarnava is an Ayurvedic diuretic herb and functions as a remedy for treating swelling or inflammation, as well as numbness (symptoms of hypothyroidism and other pituitary malfunctions. Kanchanara, known as Purple Mountain Ebony, is one of the most powerful herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia and comes in a pill or tablet.
Apply
Develop a regimen for taking your herbs. For kelp and comfrey, a daily tea or infusion can be drunk three to five times per day. If using comfrey, fill your jar or container with a handful of herbs and pour in the boiling water. For best results, leave out overnight until the liquid is dark and murky before straining and consuming the infusion. When taking the more powerful herb extracts, such as Punarnava and Kanchanara, carefully follow the directions on your product label as to the proper dosage and potency, as well as possible reactions to other remedies.
Tags: gland functions, pituitary gland, pituitary gland