In Ayurveda, Basti is an enema consisting of herbal oils or medicated decoctions. There are many different kinds of recipes for this Ayurvedic enema.
Before trying these recipes that I am going to share with you, see to it that you have consulted a medical doctor or a qualified Ayurvedic Physician first if you are suffering from any type of serious health issues.
Each of these recipes provides benefits as well as side effects. They are not intended for healing certain illnesses, but only to help with various nutritional imbalances. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that they are not recommended to be used by old people.
Basti is considered to be the most effective out of the 5 major Panchakarma procedures. It involves administering medicinal herbs in sesame oil by using an enema kit. These herbal enemas produce different healing benefits. In general, they are all effective in promoting the removal of the softened Vata dosha. Vata disorders consist of constipation, colon distention, kidney stones, chronic fever, sexual disorders, hyperacidity, neck pain, back pain, and the common cold.
Because Vata is chiefly found in the colon, the solution is administered rectally. Once administered, Basti assists in rejuvenating the body, providing strength and improving complexion.
Keep in mind that enemas should never be administered to individuals experiencing chronic abdominal pain, severe anemia, shortness of breath, cough, or diarrhea.
Various Types of Basti Enemas:
1. Tridoshic Basti
Ingredients:
• 4 oz raw honey (organic)
• 4 oz sesame oil (warm temperature)
• 4 oz filtered water (warm)
Instructions: Mix the ingredients well. Administer as an enema, retaining for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure that the solution is warm before using it. This enema is recommended for everyone as it doesn’t have any side effects.
2. For those with a serious VATA disorder, like nerve disorder or dementia, here is a recipe you can try.
Ingredients:
• 1 oz anise seeds
• 1 oz brami
• 1 oz ashwagandha
• 16 oz pure water
Instructions: Put all the ingredients in a pot. Simmer for 20 minutes without taking off the lid. Let it cool to room temperature, strain, then add these ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 oz sesame oil
• 2 oz honey
Instructions: Mix thoroughly. Make sure that the solution is warm before administering it. Retain for at least 20 minutes or longer.
3. Oil Basti
Ingredient:
• 4 oz of sesame oil (warm temperature)
Instructions: Make sure that the solution is warm before administering it. Retain for at least 30 minutes or longer. This solution is best used for constipation.
4. Ghee Basti
Ingredient:
• 4 oz of ghee (warm)
Instructions: Make sure that the solution is warm before administering. Retain for at least 30 minutes or longer. This solution is best used for treating inflammation colitis.
4. Nutritive Enema
Ingredients:
• 2 to 3 Probiotic capsules
• 4 oz of either olive oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil (warm)
• 1 tsp of Glutamine powder
• 2 capsules of vitamin E
Important reminder: For those who are suffering from colon inflammation, you may opt to add 10 drops of any of these non-alcoholic herbal tinctures: goldenseal, Echinacea, marshmallow root, comfrey, slippery elm, or geranium
Instructions: Combine the ingredients carefully. See to it that the mixture is warm before administering. Retain for as long as you can. For those who are suffering from inflammation colitis, this recipe is recommended to be administered every day during the first week, then twice a week subsequently
5. More nutritive enemas:
For serious Vata disorders, here are more ingredients you can use to create an enema solution:
- Meat broth
- Warm milk
- Bone marrow soup
- Spirulina
- Wheatgrass juice
- Coffee
Consult a qualified Ayurvedic Physician first before trying and administering these enemas.