A Woman s Ayurvedic Herbal A Guide

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 Ancient Herbal Secrets for Healing and Wholeness

D esigned specifically for women, this is an introduction to Ayurveda—

one of the most ancient and holistic forms of medicine in human his-
tory. Developed in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a complete
system for healing and rebalancing the body.
This fascinating book features an A to Z of herbs with their description, history
and uses, and easy-to-prepare home remedies. There is also an A-to-Z section of
ailments that details symptoms and how to treat them using Ayurvedic remedies.

Authoritative text, an easy-to-use format, and delightful original botanical illustra-

tions will make this volume a pleasure to own and a useful home reference.

A BOUT THE A UTHORS

Caroline Robertson is an Ayurvedic consultant
and naturopath. She cofounded the Ayurvedic
Traditional Medicine Association with her
husband, Rana Prasad, an Indian Ayurvedic
physician.

Antonia Beattie is a consultant, writer, and editor

on a wide range of topics. She has explored many
mainstream and alternative therapies.

www.redwheelweiser.com

ROBERTSON_WOM AYURVEDIC CV MX.indd 1 12/23/19 5:10 PM

ROBERTSON_WOM AYURVEDIC CV MX.indd 2 12/23/19 9:08 PM
 A Woman’s
Ayurvedic Herbal

A Guide for Natural Health and Well-Being

CAROLINE ROBERTSON & ANTONIA BEATTIE

!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 1 12/23/19 12:14 PM

 Copyright © 2020
by Caroline Robertson and Antonia Beattie
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system, without permission
in writing from Red Wheel/Weiser, llc. Reviewers may quote
brief passages. Previously published as Ayurvedic Healing in 2002
Lansdowne Publishing Pty Ltd, ISBN 1 86302 722 X

Designer: Stephanie Doyle

Illustrator: Jeff Lang/Tina Wilson
Typeset in Giovanni and Georgia

Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.

Charlottesville, VA 22906
Distributed by Red Wheel/Weiser, llc
www.redwheelweiser.com
Sign up for our newsletter and special offers by going to
www.redwheelweiser.com/newsletter.
ISBN: 978-1-64297-012-8
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
available upon request.
DISCLAIMER
This book is intended to give general information only and is not a
substitute for professional and medical advice. Consult your health-
care provider before adopting any of the treatments contained in
this book. The publisher, author, and distributor expressly disclaim
all liability to any person arising directly or indirectly from the use
of, or for any errors or omissions in, the information in this book.
The adoption and application of the information in this book is at
the reader’s discretion and is their sole responsibility.

Printed in Korea
TWP
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 2 12/23/19 12:14 PM

 Contents

• Introduction: Healing using Cumin 32

Ayurvedic principles 6 Fennel 34
• The three doshas and body types: Frankincense (Indian) 36
Which body type are you? 8
Garlic 38
• The use of herbs in Ayurvedic medicine 12
Ginger 40
Gooseberry (Indian) 42
A–Z of Herbs and Spices
Used in Ayurveda Licorice 44
Aloe Vera 16 Lotus 46
Asafetida (also known as Hing) 18 Marshmallow 48
Basil (Holy) 20 Myrrh (Indian) 50
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) 22 Neem 52
Cardamom 24 Pepper (Long) 54
Cinnamon 26 Pomegranate 56
Cloves 28 Sandalwood 58
Coriander 30 Sarsaparilla (Indian) 60

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 Senna (also known as Cassia) 62 • Vata 82
Shatavari 64 • Pitta 84
Turmeric 66 • Kapha 86
Winter Cherry (Indian ginseng) 68 • Medicinal foods 88
• Lifestyle 90
Healing through Ayurveda • Body therapies 94
• Ayurvedic view of health and disease 72 • Beauty regimes 96
• Preventative health 76
• Purification therapies 78
A–Z of Common Ailments
• Longevity strategies 80 Acne 100
• Food regimes 81 Arthritis 101
Asthma 102
Boils 104
Candida albicans 105
Cholesterol problems 106
Chronic fatigue syndrome 108
Circulation (poor) 110
Cold sores 111
Common cold 112
Constipation 114
Cough/sore throat 115
Cuts, stings, bites 116
Cysts (and fibroids) in the uterus 117
Depression 118

!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 4 12/23/19 12:15 PM

 Diarrhea 120 • Glossary 156
Dry skin 121
• Botanical index 160
Earache 122
Eczema 123
Eye disorders 124
Fever 126
Flatulence 127
Headache 128
Indigestion 130
Infertility 132
Insomnia 134
Liver disorders 137
Memory (loss and improvement) 138
Menopause 140
Menstrual discomfort 142
Migraines 143
Osteoporosis 144
Overweight 146
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 148
Psoriasis 150
Sinusitis/Hayfever 151
Stress and hypertension 152
Urinary tract infections 154
Worms 155

!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 5 12/23/19 12:15 PM

 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
Introduction
Healing using Ayurvedic principles
What is Ayurveda? Known as “the mother
of all healing sciences,” it is the
oldest holistic health system.
Developed in India an estimated
4,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a
complete system for healing and
rebalancing the body. Ayurveda
focuses on empowering individuals
to heal rapidly and easily with the
aid of herbs, diet, body therapies
and lifestyle tools. Ayurveda
uses a range of specific herbs
and spices, some very well
known in the West, such as
cinnamon, cumin, turmeric
and pepper, to detoxify
the body and to calm or
stimulate the metabolism.
Indian traditional herbs
such as brahmi (the brain-
boosting herb) are becoming
very popular in the West as
scientific research confirms
their potency.
The term Ayurveda is derived from
two Sanskrit words that, combined, mean the
wisdom or science of life. The Ayurvedic system
of healing is holistic in that all aspects of a
person’s life and emotions are factored into
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 6
the healing process. The right food,
sleep patterns, exercise, relationships
and spirituality are all considered
important to the health of a person.
To determine what is right for an
individual, Ayurvedic practitioners
abide by the principle that there are
three primary body types—vata, pitta
and kapha (see pages 8–10). Each body
type or constitution (prakriti)
is predisposed to particular
imbalances and is responsive
to specific healing techniques
and lifestyle regimes.
Ayurvedic wisdom is
strongly based on the
fundamental belief that
the elements that make up
the world—ether, air, fire,
water and earth—are also
present in the makeup of the
human body. Every body has
a predominance of a particular
combination of elements (see page
8). Ayurveda is an especially effective
form of healing because it is based
on an understanding of the interrelationship
between human beings and nature, and works
to promote harmony between the two. True
12/23/19 12:15 PM

health and balance is experienced when all these
elements are in balance. When they are out of
balance, symptoms of disease can arise.
Ayurvedic medicine is also based on analyzing
a person’s body type (see pages 8–11), then
treating an ailment according to the requirements
of that type. An Ayurvedic practitioner may
also suggest a diet that balances a person’s
constitution; a detoxification process; lifestyle
changes; massage and the use of color, aromas,
oils, crystals, or medicinal herbs and spices.
The most common herbs and spices now easily
available in the West are described and discussed
on pages 16–69 in terms of their:
• historical or mythological background;
• use in Ayurvedic medicine;
• home remedies; and
• available forms.
Ayurvedic practitioners consider that one of
the most important functions of the human
body is digestion. Often, the early symptoms
of disease can be alleviated by balancing the
digestive fire or agni. The lack of digestive juices
or “fire” leads to the accumulation of undigested
material, or ama, in the body. This material is
toxic waste that circulates through the body
creating symptoms that reduce the quality of life
and one’s life span. By balancing the digestive
fire, these waste products dissolve and are easily
expelled by the body. Spices are incorporated
into Ayurvedic medicine to maintain a proper
level of digestive fire that will promote good
health, a sense of vitality, and a long life. Each
ailment listed in this book (pages 100–155) is
discussed in terms of both its symptoms and
the recommended treatments to alleviate the
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 7
I ntroduction
H ealing U sing A yurveda P rinciples
symptoms, bringing the body back into balance
by the use of medicinal herbs and spices and by
making simple changes to your lifestyle. A case
study will also be given to illustrate practical
management of each ailment.
You can use this list of ailments to discover
how Ayurveda can help you to cope with
specific problems that you may be experiencing.
However, since prevention is always better than
cure, also take time to look at Ayurveda’s advice
on averting disease by matching a person’s body
type with the most beneficial lifestyle. Read pages
72–97 to learn how, by adopting a routine and
lifestyle suited to your body type, you can live a
healthy, happy and fulfilling life. The Ayurvedic
approach to health is an exciting one that, if
pursued in a mindful manner, can provide a
sense of harmony in not only the body but also
the mind and spirit, initiating a heightened sense
of stability and serenity.
THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA
1. General Medicine (Kaya Chikitsa)
2. Pediatrics (Bala Chikitsa)
3. Psychology and Psychiatry (Graha Chikitsa)
4. Ear, Nose and Throat and Ophthalmology
(Shalakya Chikitsa)
5. Surgery (Shalya Chikitsa)
6. Toxicology (Visha Chikitsa)
7. Rejuvenation/Geriatrics (Rasayana Chikitsa)
8. Infertility (Vajikarana Chikitsa)
Chikitsa is a Sanskrit word meaning
treatment or therapy.
12/23/19 12:15 PM
 A Woman ’s A yurvedic H er bal

The three doshas & body types:

Which body type are you?
In Ayurvedic medicine, there are three major
principles, namely vata, pitta and kapha, around
which the entire science revolves. Vata is the
active principle from ether and air, pitta from
fire and water, and kapha from water and earth.
Dosha Functions
Vata enthusiasm, mobility, circulation,
regulation
Pitta heat, transformation, analysis,
effulgence, courage
Kapha integrity, lubrication, stability, patience,
calmness
Everything in this universe is composed of
all the five elements, but in varying proportions.
The following questions will help you to
determine your body type. Understanding your
prakriti is the first step toward a happy life and
effective health care. This wisdom guides us
to understand the most suitable daily routine,
nutrition, colors, essential oils, herbs and other
therapeutic substances for ourselves. Count all
the checks in each section and grade your answers
as either rarely or mostly. Your predominant
dosha is the one in which the score is higher than
the others. If the scores for two doshas are nearly
identical, then you have a combination prakriti.
Vital Prana

Each of us has a unique proportion of these doshas, (See Prana in

glossary)
known as prakriti or body types. Understanding
our proportion of these elements or doshas is
vital in designing and deciding what is good and
what is bad for us. Nutrient Prana

To get a specific idea of your prakriti, complete

the questionnaire on pages 9–11. The following
summary provides a broad idea of body type Kapha - Water and earth
characteristics.
• a vata type is naturally slim with narrow hips
Pitta - Fire and water
and shoulders and a fluctuating flow of energy;
• a pitta type is generally medium height, size
and weight with an even flow of energy; and Vata - Air and ether
• a kapha type is usually thickset with wide
shoulders and hips and a tendency to be slow
and steady.

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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal T he T hree D oshas and B ody T ypes

Introduction
CHECKLIST FOR AYURVEDIC BODY TYPES

VATA TYPE Healing using Ayurvedic principles

I often feel insecure, fearful
or anxious n n
AIR AND ETHER DOMINANT
I sometimes develop painful
Rarely Mostly or nervous conditions n n
I am hyperactive or do My teeth have spaces between
things rapidly n n them or are irregular n n
I learn and forget easily n n TOTAL
I am enthusiastic and vivacious n n
I have a thin physique n n
I walk quickly and lightly n n
I can be indecisive n n
I have a tendency to constipation n n
I often have cold feet and hands n n
I am frequently anxious
and nervous n n
I am talkative and speak quickly n n
I am sensitive to the cold n n
My mood often changes quickly n n
My sleep is light and short n n
My skin is dry, especially
in the winter n n
I have an active, restless and
imaginative mind n n
My energy tends to come in bursts n n
I use up my energy quickly n n
My eating and sleeping habits
tend to be irregular n n
I don’t gain weight easily, but
do lose it easily n n
My appetite is variable n n
In my dreams I fly, jump or
travel, and I’m often fearful n n
My faith is changeable or wavering n n

!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 9 12/23/19 12:15 PM

 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal

PITTA TYPE I enjoy challenges. When I want

something, I am very determined
FIRE AND WATER DOMINANT and strive to attain it n n
I tend to be quite critical of
Rarely Mostly myself and others n n
I am usually efficient n n My dreams are usually colorful
I tend to be extremely precise and passionate n n
and orderly n n I have a determined faith n n
I am strong-minded and have a I tend to be aggressive n n
forceful manner n n My illnesses are often related to
I feel uncomfortable or easily infection or inflammation n n
tired in hot weather n n I have soft bleeding gums and
I perspire easily n n teeth that are moderate in size n n
Even though I might not always TOTAL
show it, I become irritable
quite easily n n
If I skip a meal or a meal is
delayed, I become uncomfortable n n
One or more of the following
characteristics describe my hair
—early graying, balding or reddish n n
I have a strong appetite n n
I have regular bowel habits—
it would be more common for me
to have diarrhea than constipation n n
I like to set goals for myself and
then try to achieve them n n
I become impatient very easily n n
I tend to be a perfectionist
about details n n
I get angry quite easily, but then
quickly forget about it n n
I am very fond of cold foods
and drinks n n
I am more likely to feel that a
room is too hot than too cold n n
I don’t tolerate foods that are very
hot and spicy n n
I am not as tolerant of
disagreement as I should be
n n
10

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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal T he T hree D oshas and B ody T ypes

KAPHA TYPE
Introduction
I usually do things slowly
EARTH AND WATER DOMINANT
and methodically n n
My dreams are watery, emotional,
romantic or I’m swimming n n
Healing using Ayurvedic principles
I do things in a slow and relaxed
Rarely Mostly My faith is steady and loyal
I am attached, self-centered and
n n
but steady fashion n n occasionally greedy n n
I gain weight easily and lose I am usually prone to diseases
it slowly n n such as fluid retention or
I am quiet by nature and usually mucus buildup n n
only talk when necessary n n My teeth are strong, white,
I can skip meals easily without well-formed and full n n
much discomfort n n TOTAL
I have a tendency toward excess
mucus, phlegm, congestion,
asthma or sinus problems n n
I must get at least eight hours
of sleep in order to feel
comfortable the next day n n
I sleep very deeply n n
I am not easily angered—
I am generally calm by nature n n
I don’t learn as quickly as some
people, but I have better retention
and a good long-term memory n n
I eat slowly n n
Cool or damp weather sometimes
bothers me n n
My hair is thick and strong n n
I have smooth, soft skin or a
pale complexion n n
I have a large, solid body build n n
I often feel unmotivated n n
I have slow digestion n n
I have very good stamina and
physical endurance n n
I generally walk with a slow,
measured gait n n
I am slow to get going in
the morning n n
11

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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
The use of herbs in
Ayurvedic medicine
In Ayurveda, herbs are classified according
to their effect on the human body. An
herb’s impact is seen in a number of
different ways, including its taste, whether it
has a heating or cooling effect, and its impact on a
person’s digestion. In Ayurvedic medicine, herbs,
as well as food and drink, are used in regard to
their tastes. Ayurveda identifies six major tastes—
sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent.
Sweet-tasting herbs, such as fennel, licorice and
marshmallow, may be used for the connective
tissue, as well as for healing broken bones and
helping loosen phlegm during a cold by acting as
an expectorant. Salty and sour tastes are excellent
for aiding digestion, while astringent tastes,
such as tumeric and pomegranate, are good for
wound healing and blood clearing. Pungent-
tasting herbs include a large number of spices
used for culinary purposes, such as asafetida,
black and long peppers, cardamom, cinnamon,
cloves, coriander, cumin, garlic and ginger. These
are used to stimulate circulation and promote
digestion. Bitter herbs, such as aloe vera, help
relieve nausea, stimulate the digestive juices, and
aid in the elimination of toxins, including worms.
Herbs are also classified according to whether
they have a heating or cooling effect. This
classification relates to their taste. Pungent, sour,
12
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 12
and salty-tasting herbs have a heating
energy. Heating the body is very useful,
particularly for aiding the digestive
system. Ayurvedic medicine teaches that all
disease arises from poor digestion or insufficient
“fire.” This fire is called agni. Agni is evident in
all living things and is the driving force behind
life processes. Agni corresponds with the state of
our metabolism, which is in turn governed by
the state of our digestion.
If digestion is poor, toxins can be broken
down and ama is reduced once the digestive fire is
stabilized. Ama is the toxin created by undigested
food. An excess of ama in the body leads to
lethargy, digestive disorders, and cloudy thinking.
In Ayurvedsic medicine, balance is the key to
health. It is important to raise only as much agni
as is needed to burn off the ama. Too much agni
will result in acidic conditions, such as heartburn.
As heating herbs have the ability to increase
agni, cooling herbs can help increase soma. Soma
corresponds with the element of water and governs
the nerves and mind. Cooling herbs are usually
sweet, astringent, or bitter. However, some herbs
can be both, such as Indian Gooseberry, which
is predominantly sour with a cooling energy,
indicating that they can be useful for certain
inflammatory disorders. s
12/23/19 12:15 PM
 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
AID YOUR DIGESTION BY CHOOSING HERBS
ACCORDING TO YOUR BODY TYPE
Type Herbs to increase agni
Kapha Aloe vera, black pepper, cardamom,
cinnamon, cumin, fennel, garlic, ginger
Pitta Aloe vera, coriander, cumin, fennel
Vata Asafetida, black pepper, cardamom,
cinnamon, cumin, fennel, garlic, ginger
Your body type is relevant to what heating or
cooling herbs to take for any health problems,
because these three body types suffer from
different imbalances. For this reason, heating
herbs are excellent for kapha and vata types,
but may aggravate pitta body types. When out
of balance, a kapha type tends toward mucus
accumulation, lethargy, weight gain and diabetes.
Weight loss, gas and loss of strength are some of
the indications that vata imbalance exists. As the
kapha metabolism has a “cold and heavy energy”
and vata has a “cold and light energy,” improving
agni will help these two body types rebalance
themselves. Health imbalances experienced by
pitta body types may include inflammation and
infection. Pitta body types benefit the most from
cooling herbs, as this body type has a “fiery”
energy. Also, a number of herbs are tridoshic, which
means that they are suitable for all body types or
doshas. Such herbs include aloe vera, coriander,
cumin, fennel, rose flowers, saffron and gotu kola.
Herbs are prepared in a great variety of ways
in Ayurvedic medicine. Herbs such as aloe vera
are particularly potent when taken as a fresh juice
(svarasa). Preparing herbs with hot water is called
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 13
T he U se of H erbs in A yurvedic M edicine
either a decoction (kashaya) or a hot infusion
(phanta) and is prepared by heating the herbs and
the water together. This technique can be used to
make pills (gulika) and tablets (vati). A hot infusion
(phanta) is one in which hot water is poured over
the herbs and the herbs are left to steep for a short
time. Leaving the herbs to stand in cold water is
called a cold infusion (sheeta kashaya).
Ayurvedic herbal powders (churnas) are often
combinations of 5 to 20 or more herbs ground
into a fine powder that can be mixed with
substances to aid their assimilation, such as ghee
or honey. Ghee is clarified butter, and can increase
agni for all body types. It is used for both
cooking and for medicinal purposes. Medicated
ghee (gritha) is prepared with herbs appropriate
for both pitta and vata body types. Kapha types
are advised to limit their use of ghee as it can
promote weight gain. Other herbal combinations
include medicated jellies (avaleha) and medicated
wines (asavas and arishtas). Thousands of ancient,
traditional combinations of herbs are still
prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners, such as
trikatu (a compound of ginger, black and long
pepper), which is excellent for purifying the body
and to ignite agni.
The form of the herb most effective for a
condition depends largely on the adjunct it is
given with. These adjuncts are called anupanas and
enhance the absorption and efficacy of the herbs.
TIPS ON PREPARING HERBS
Imbalance in: Substance taken with the herb:
Vata Oil
Pitta Ghee
Kapha Honey
13
12/23/19 12:15 PM
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 14 12/23/19 12:15 PM
 A-Z of Herbs
and Spices

!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 15 12/23/19 12:15 PM

 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal

Aloe Vera Believed to be a gift from

Aloe barbadensis, Indian aloe, the “first aid plant”
Sanskrit: Kumari Hindi: Kumari, Gawarpaltra the goddess Venus, aloe vera
FAMILY: Liliaceae has been used as a cure-all
for conditions ranging from
the healing of wounds to the
proper digestion of food.

Description
A perennial,
succulent plant that
grows low to the
ground with narrow,
tapering, thorn-edged,
fleshy leaves that contain
a gelatinous juice. The
color of the leaves varies
from gray to dark green,
with some varieties featuring
light green leaves with
horizontal markings. Leaves
grow to between 1–2 feet (30–
60 cm) long and are arranged
in a circular fashion around
a fibrous root. The plant
produces tube-shaped flowers
that are yellow, red or purple.
The plant grows easily in most
areas of India and other parts
of the world.

16

!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 16 12/23/19 12:15 PM

 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
Historical or mythological
background
Known as the “Plant
of Immortality” by the
ancient Egyptians and the
“Universal Panacea” by the
ancient Greeks, the aloe
vera plant has been used
internally as a digestive aid
and externally for burns as
well as a soothing lotion for
the skin. The Sanskrit name
“Kumari” means “virgin
girl,” which alludes to the
regenerative power of aloe
vera with respect to the female
reproductive system. Its ability
to survive in tropical and
difficult conditions with little
water has led to metaphysical
connotations of aloe bringing
success in the face of adversity.
Modern uses
If taken internally, aloe juice
cleanses the blood, liver and
reproductive system. This
cleansing action is particularly
effective for relieving pitta
conditions such as rashes,
acne, liver disorders,
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 17
A-Z O f H erbs A nd S pices U sed I n A yurveda
menopausal flashes and
painful periods. Externally,
aloe vera is also effective for
vaginal herpes, burns, actinic
keratoses/keratoacanthomas
(sunspots), fungal infections
and eczema. Applied to the
nails, it acts as an effective
nail-biting deterrent.
Available forms
Aloe juice is widely available
from health food stores.
Avoid juices preserved with
ascorbic or citric acid as they
are heating, and thus counter
aloe’s cooling effect. Gel
and cream for external use
can be obtained easily, but
avoid those with lanolin, as
it is also heating. Capsules of
concentrated powder are also
sold at health food stores.
Follow the recommended dose,
as excessive quantities may
cause cramps and diarrhea.
An aloe-based Ayurvedic
wine—called Kumaryasavan—is
used for female reproductive
imbalances and liver
conditions.
Home remedies
For wounds, apply 1/2 tsp aloe
gel with 1/2 tsp comfrey cream,
1
/5 tsp ghee and 1/5 tsp turmeric.
For sensitive or deep burns,
fill an atomizer with:
• 50 ml warm water, 2 tsp
pure aloe vera gel and 1/3 tsp
turmeric;
• Shake well, then add 1 tsp
pure honey;
• Cool in fridge before
spraying on the affected area
twice daily.
If you suffer from inflamed
eyelids, apply a mixture of
1
/2 tsp aloe gel and 1/5 tsp rose
water.
Caution: externally, aloe
vera juice can cause allergic
dermatitis in those with very
sensitive skin.
Kumari expels toxins, and is
a cold, bitter, sweet tonic with
nourishing and rejuvenative
properties. It strengthens vision,
enhances fertility, eliminates
poisons and balances vata.
—Bhava Prakasha Samhita
[An ancient Ayurvedic text]
17
12/23/19 12:15 PM
 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal

Asafetida (also known as Hing)

Ferula asafetida, Hing, “Devil’s dung,” “Food of the Gods’ Used in Indian cooking over
Sanskrit: Hingu Hindi: Hing 2,500 years ago, asafetida
FAMILY: Umbelliferae is renowned for its ability to
alleviate nervous disorders and
gastric irritation when used in
small doses.

Description
A perennial plant with a large,
fleshy root covered with coarse
fibers, from which grows a
central thick stem with many
small branches. The dense
branches sport pale yellow
flowers, and the plant bears
fruit of a reddish-brown color.
The stem, which is covered
with a black bark, is cut just
before flowering. The cut
exudes a thick, milky, pungent-
smelling resin that is collected
when the sap has hardened,
then dried and powdered.
Only a mature plant, one
that has grown to between
5–9 ft (1.8–3 m) high, is cut.
Asafetida grows best in stony,
dry soil in high altitudes, such
as are found in Afghanistan,
Kashmir, Iran, Tibet and the
Punjab.

18

!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 18 12/23/19 12:15 PM

 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
Historical or mythological
background
Believed to have first grown
from the semen of a god
of fertility, the herb has
long been associated with
increasing sexual libido.
Asafetida has been used
in Indian cooking since
ancient times and has also
been planted in gardens as
an insect deterrent. Because
asafetida contains a volatile
oil containing sulphur, the
powder has also been used
in magical ceremonies to
banish negative energies in
the shape of demons and
other evil spirits.
Modern uses
Asafetida is one of Ayurveda’s
primary remedies to combat
excess vata. It breaks down
toxins and promotes their
elimination through its
diuretic and laxative action.
The powdered resin is a
powerful remedy for flatulent
colic, asthma, painful periods
and arthritis. For centuries, it
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 19
A-Z O f H erbs A nd S pices U sed I n A yurveda
has been used in mild cases of
epilepsy, hysteria and a range Asafetida is tasty, pungent and
hot; expels worms and cures
of psychological imbalances.
vata and kapha disorders,
A pinch of asafetida added to
especially bloating, intestinal
beans and potatoes neutralizes obstruction and pain. It also
their gassy effect. The lightly improves eyesight.
roasted powder, combined —Raja Nighantu
with warm sesame oil, can [An ancient Ayurvedic text]
be gently massaged into a
baby’s stomach to rapidly
long pepper, asafetida, ajwan
relieve colic.
and rock salt. Take 3/4 tsp of
this mixture in 1/5 cup warm
Available forms
water or buttermilk after
The most powerful form of
meals three times a day.
asafetida is the pure resin sold
To relieve infant colic, roast
in Indian and Asian grocery 1
/3 tsp asafetida powder in
stores. This needs to be grated
2 tbsp sesame oil. Allow the
or boiled for use. The second
mixture to cool slightly and
best option is the powder,
massage it on the baby’s
which is often sold in regular
stomach in the direction of
supermarkets and Asian stores.
the colon (clockwise when
This is sometimes mixed with
facing the baby).
wheat and turmeric, and is
therefore unsuitable for those
with a wheat sensitivity.
Home remedies
For gas, abdominal distension,
period pain and poor appetite,
mix 1 tsp each powdered
ginger, cumin, black cumin,
19
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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
Basil (Holy)
Ocimum sanctum, Sacred basil
Sanskrit: Tulasi Hindi: Tulsi
FAMILY: Latiatae
20
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 20
Along with the lotus, basil
is one India’s most sacred
herbs. It is used for soothing
the nerves, clearing the
sinuses and strengthening
feelings of compassion
and courage.
Description
Holy Basil is an annual bush
that grows to a height of
1–2 ft (30–60 cm). The plant
features small to medium
aromatic grayish-green leaves,
and its flowers are lavender
in color. There are two kinds
of Holy Basil. One, called Sri
tulsi, is the most common and
is grayish-green in color; the
second kind is called Krishna
tulsi and is characterized by
its purple leaves. The plant is
grown throughout India and
Europe and requires well-
drained soil and a sunny and
well-sheltered position.
12/23/19 12:15 PM
 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
Historical or mythological
background
Holy basil is grown around
Indian temples and in Hindu
households. Used as a symbol
of hospitality, it repels insects
if hung from doorframes
and windowsills. Tulasi,
the Sanskrit word for “Holy
Basil,” or “the incomparable
one,” was Krishna’s beautiful
consort until she was cursed
to take birth in the form of a
tree. Worshipping this sacred
tree and wearing neck beads
made from its wood is said
to bestow spiritual blessings
upon the wearer.
Modern uses
Ayurvedic sages claim that
by planting a holy basil tree
in one’s yard and consuming
five leaves daily, illness is kept
at bay. This herb is especially
therapeutic for those with
asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis,
throat ailments or a sensitive
respiratory system. Holy basil
is also a potent blood purifier,
useful for many infectious
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 21
A-Z O f H erbs A nd S pices U sed I n A yurveda
conditions, including stings,
toxemia from poisonous bites
and mercury poisoning from
amalgam fillings. Gentle and
safe, it is ideal for children at
the onset of fevers, earaches,
sore throats and stomachaches.
Applied topically, the leaf
juice is very soothing for
bites, stings, boils, acne
and ringworm.
Available forms
Though common basil
is readily available, holy
basil is generally sold only
by Ayurvedic clinics or
Indian grocery stores. The
unadulterated leaves and buds
can be made into a tea or
crushed into juice. To enjoy
holy basil’s full advantages,
grow one in the northeast area
of your garden.
Home remedies
In Gandhi’s ashram, holy basil
tea was served with ginger.
This is an appealing substitute
for those wanting to give up
caffeinated tea. Miraculous
results can be achieved in
relieving acne, tinea, bites,
stings and ringworm if pure
holy basil juice is smeared
over the affected area. Place
the leaves in a juice blender
with a little pure water to
make a juice. For coughs,
colds and sinus problems,
try the following recipe: in a
mortar and pestle, grind
10 holy basil leaves with
3 black peppercorns. Place this
in 2 cups boiling water, add
1 tsp grated ginger, and
simmer uncovered until
reduced by half. Strain,
allowing the mixture to cool
for a few minutes before
stirring in 1 tsp honey. Take
one cup of this tea three to
four times a day.
Holy basil is pungent, bitter,
hot and fragrant; balances
kapha and vata; cures worms,
microbial infections and
anorexia.
—Raja Nighantu
[An ancient Ayurvedic text]
21
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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
Brahmi (also known as Bacopa Monnieri)
Bacopa monnieri, Thyme-leaved gratiola,
Water hyssop, Indian pennywort
Sanskrit: Brahmi, Sarasvati Hindi: Barama-manduki
FAMILY: Scrophulariaceae
22
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 22
With a name meaning divine
creative energy, Brahmi is
used to stimulate the brain
and improve a person’s
memory and ability to learn.
It helps relieve stress, and is
also an excellent hair tonic.
Description
Brahmi is a creeping plant
that spreads on the ground
in marshy areas, forming
into mats. The herb has dark-
green succulent leaves that are
rounded, relatively thick, and
spatulate or wedge-shaped.
The leaves are connected
to the stem by light-green
succulent branches. Its flowers
are small and either blue or
whitish in color. Brahmi
grows in the Himalayas near
fresh or brackish water or
marshy areas.
Historical or mythological
background
The herb’s connection with
learning and clarity of purpose
is well established. Its Sanskrit
name, “Saraswati,” refers to
12/23/19 12:15 PM
 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
the goddess Saraswati, the
epitome of Supreme Wisdom
and Learning. In Hinduism,
Lord Brahma is the creator of
the universe. Since the plant
helps the mind to focus, yogis
and meditators take brahmi to
enhance their spiritual focus.
Modern uses
Brahmi is Ayurveda’s top brain
rejuvenator. Recent research
has established its efficacy in
restoring memory, improving
concentration and repairing
the brain’s neural pathways. As
such, brahmi is an invaluable
herb for brain injuries,
Alzheimer’s disease, strokes,
nervous breakdowns, epilepsy
and mental fatigue. Whereas
many mental stimulants
produce hyperactivity, brahmi
is relaxing. It also increases
one’s resilience to stress and
trauma. Brahmi hair oil has
been used for millennia as an
effective remedy for insomnia,
psoriasis, fever and hair loss.
Though not its primary use,
brahmi is also combined with
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 23
A-Z O f H erbs A nd S pices U sed I n A yurveda
other herbs to help relieve
rheumatism and asthma.
Available forms
Many traditional Ayurvedic
brahmi preparations are
in a ghee medium, which
helps it to cross the brain–
blood barrier. One of these
preparations is called Brahmi
ghritham. Brahmi tablets or
fluid extracts are available
from health food stores, the
internet and through direct
marketing companies. Pure
brahmi powder is sold at
Ayurvedic clinics.
Home remedies
To improve your
concentration and to prevent
gray hair, you can make a
simplified version of the
traditional oil—Brahmi
thailam—at home by heating
200 ml sesame oil with 100
ml coconut oil, and adding to
it 1/2 cup fresh whole brahmi
plant, 1 tbsp ground fresh
gooseberries, 1 tbsp licorice
root and a 25 gram (1 oz)
piece of sandalwood (this
can be replaced by 10 drops
of pure sandalwood essential
oil, which can be added at the
end). Bring everything to a
boil, then simmer for
20–30 minutes. Strain and
cool before storing in a dark
glass bottle. Apply this
slightly warmed oil to the
scalp, leaving on for
30 minutes daily.
Caution: If you have high
blood pressure, only take
brahmi under medical
supervision.
Brahmi is bitter in taste,
pungent in post digestion
and lubricating. It is life
enhancing, cures respiratory
conditions, kapha and mental
imbalances. Brahmi slows
ageing, improving the memory,
voice and metabolism.
—Sodhala Nighantu
[An ancient Ayurvedic text]
23
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 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum, Cardamom seeds
Sanskrit: Ela Hindi: Elachi
FAMILY: Ginger
24
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 24
An excellent digestive aid,
cardamom is useful for
asthma and other respiratory
conditions, as well as helping
the mind and heart to
experience joy and clarity.
Description
Cardamom is a perennial
plant that grows as an upright
stem supporting leaves and
flowers or fruit. The narrow,
tapering leaves are two-
toned, being dark green,
with a smooth texture on the
upper side and light green
underneath. The flowers are
small and yellow, and the
plant has an oval-shaped fruit
pod containing the seeds of
the cardamom. The plant is
grown successfully in southern
India and in other areas of
India, as well as in Guatemala,
Tanzania, Sri Lanka and
Burma. It is best grown in
soil that is loamy (a rich, dark
soil), and in a warm, humid
climate.
12/23/19 12:15 PM
 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
Historical or mythological
background
In Ayurvedic medicine,
cardamom has been used since
the 4th century bc, especially
as a digestive and as an aid
to alleviate the symptoms
of obesity. There are two
types of Indian cardamom—
Malabar cardamom and
Mysore cardamom. In India,
cardamom was also renowned
for its ability to give clarity
and a sense of joy to the user.
Ancient Arabs used the herb as
an aphrodisiac, and the Greeks
and Romans used cardamom
as a perfume. The ancient
Egyptians chewed the seeds to
help keep their teeth clean.
Modern uses
As cardamom bestows a sweet
voice and breath, the seeds
are often added to desserts or
chewed after a meal. Those
with a vata or kapha imbalance
find the spice particularly
beneficial for coughs, colds
and asthma, as it clears the
passages of mucus congestion.
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 25
A–Z of
Cardamom also reduces the
gassy indigestion to which
vata types are prone. For loss
of appetite and indigestion,
cardamom seeds are often
given with ginger. Recent
research indicates that
cardamom has the unique
action of detoxifying the body
of caffeine and codeine.
Available forms
Cardamom pods, powder or
seeds are readily available
from supermarkets, green-
grocers and spice shops. The
pods are best when a little
green and can be gently
crushed before use as an
infusion or as an addition to
rice or vegetable dishes. The
seeds are more potent when
freshly crushed in a mortar
and pestle or spice grinder.
Cardamom is pungent, cold,
light and balances vata and
kapha. It is excellent for
treating respiratory and
kidney conditions.
—Bhava Prakasha Samhita
[An ancient Ayurvedic text]
H erbs and S pices U sed in A yurveda
Since the resulting powder is
very concentrated, only small
quantities are required, about
1
/5 tsp per person, depending
on the dish.
Home remedies
An excellent combination with
cardamom for mucous flus,
colds, coughs and indigestion
is called Thaalesapathraadi
churnam.
For a homemade version,
mix together:
• 2 tsp black pepper powder;
• 3 tsp ginger powder;
• 31/2 tsp long pepper powder;
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder;
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder; and
• 1/2 tsp ground palm sugar.
Take 1/2 tsp mixed powder with
1 tsp honey in 1/4 cup warm
water three to four times daily
until the symptoms subside.
Add a pinch of cardamom
and black pepper to yogurt,
cheese or warm milk to reduce
the mucus buildup that may
result from eating or drinking
dairy products.
25
12/23/19 12:15 PM
 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal

Cinnamon A sweet, aromatic spice,

Cinnamomum cassia, “Blume’, Ceylon cinnamon, True cinnamon
Sanskrit: Tvak Hindi: Dalchini, Darucini cinnamon is used for both
FAMILY: Lauraceae culinary and medicinal
purposes. It stimulates
digestion and energizes
the circulation, heart
and kidneys.

Description
True cinnamon is the dried
inner bark of the laurel tree,
while common cinnamon
is often from the cassia tree.
The laurel tree is a tropical
evergreen that grows up to 56
ft (17 m) high. It has ovate
leaves that are two-toned—dark
green on top and light green
underneath. The tree has small
white or yellow flowers that
bear purple berries. The bark is
smooth and yellowish in color,
and is rolled, pressed and dried
to make cinnamon sticks. If
from the cassia tree, the sticks
or quills are light brown to
tan in color; the sticks from
the laurel tree are much lighter
in color and finer in quality.
Cinnamon is native to Sri
Lanka and southern India.

26

!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 26 12/23/19 12:15 PM

 A W oman ’ s A yurvedic H erbal
Historical or mythological
background
Cinnamon has been used
as a medicine since ancient
times. The Egyptians imported
cinnamon in huge quantities
for a variety of reasons,
including the flavoring
of beverages and for their
embalming processes, as
cinnamon also acts as a
preservative. In Roman times,
the Emperor Nero burned a
huge supply of cinnamon at
his wife’s funeral to signify
his deep sense of loss at her
death. In the 15th and 16th
centuries, the spice inspired a
number of explorations and,
after the invasion of Sri Lanka
by Portugal, the King of Sri
Lanka was forced to give a
large amount of cinnamon as
a tribute to the Portuguese.
Modern uses
The wonderful warming
quality of cinnamon
stimulates the circulation
and heats chilled lungs and
kidneys. Cinnamon essential
oil is often combined with
!ROBERTSON_WOMENS AYURVEDIC_FIXED.indb 27
A–Z of
clove oil to act as a painkiller
and antiseptic when applied
directly to toothaches.
Cinnamon sticks are an
essential ingredient in Indian
chai tea, which soothes sore
throats, coughs and colds.
Cinnamon also stimulates the
appetite while easing nausea
and vomiting. Ayurvedic
remedies for gas, hiccups
and backache often include
cinnamon.
Available forms
Cinnamon bark can be
purchased in the form of
sticks or powder. The sticks
can be placed in a blender to
obtain the strongest ground
cinnamon. Cinnamon essential
oil is also available from health
food stores. A powerful remedy
with cinnamon for respiratory
conditions, Elatwagadi
churnam is available from
Ayurvedic clinics.
Home remedies
For a lovely warming tea at the
onset of a cold, flu or cough,
H erbs and S pices U sed in A yurveda
try the following recipe. Mix
2 cups of boiling water with
the following ingredients:
• 2 cinnamon sticks;
• 2 cloves;
• 2 black peppercorns;
• 8 thin slices of ginger root
(or 1 tsp grated ginger);
•2 cardamom pods (slightly
bruised); and
• 5 holy basil leaves.
Simmer the mixture, partially
covered, for 10 minutes. Strain
and add 1 tsp honey or palm
sugar. Drink one cup three
times a day.
Caution: If you are suffering
from hemorrhaging, do not
use cinnamon, as its heating
properties can aggravate
bleeding.
Cinnamon is sweet, bitter and
decreases vata and pitta.
It is a cooling and fragrant
reproductive tonic that
improves the complexion.
—Bhava Prakasha Samhita
[An ancient Ayurvedic text]
27
12/23/19 12:15 PM
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
 am most grateful to you. When you have time, I hope you will
send me your photograph—we have not one of you—and
also a few lines to cheer up our long dull days. How I wish we
could afford to go away for a change! I dare say Honor has
told you that at first I was the one who was to have gone out
to you, but afterwards it was decided by the prudent ones of
the family (Jessie and Honor) that I was to remain at home.
Still I have always had a sort of feeling that I belonged to you,
because for three whole days I was the chosen one, and
could hardly eat or sleep, I was so happy. Excuse this
rambling letter; I am not a bit clever, like the others, but I am
ever
“Your loving niece,
“Fairy.
“P.S.—Is Honor engaged yet? She never mentions any
admirers.”
It was the epistle of a Cinderella, and yet all her life Fairy had been
made the family queen. Honor’s cheeks crimsoned with anger (her
aunt imagined that it was the flush of shame or a guilty conscience)
as she thought of the various little privations of her own and Jessie’s
life, that Fairy might go softly; of the miles she had tramped, the
shabby clothes she had worn for Fairy’s sake. It was but the other
day that she had sent her eight pounds out of her allowance, instead
of spending it on that pink ball-dress. Now that she was absent,
there was, as Mr. Kerry had bluntly indicated, a larger margin for
luxuries at home; it was really too bad that Fairy should write out to
simple Aunt Sara, in this martyr-like vein.
Honor looked vexed, as she raised her eyes and met her aunt’s
gaze—an inquiring gaze.
“And so the other child wanted to come?”—handing the letter from
Honor to her husband. “And you never told me, you that are so free
and open. Tell me now, since her mind was so set on it, what
prevented her?”
 “Aunt Sara, Fairy is not strong, not fit for long journeys or
excursions, late hours, or a foreign climate. Our doctor said it would
be madness for her to venture, and that was one reason. She
changed her mind of her own accord. She has always been the
family pet.”
“But you mention one reason. What was the other?”
Honor now became scarlet. “It was no harm—I would rather not
say,” she stammered; “you will know some day,” and she looked
desperately distressed.
“I wonder if she would come out now?” said Mrs. Brande,
musingly. “We can put up two as easy as one. Eh, P.? The Hadfields
expect Gerty in November. She might come with her, and get five or
six months’ fun after all. It will give her something to talk of in future,
and unless I’m mistaken, she will give people something to talk
about. Eh, P.?”
Mr. Brande was slowly perusing his niece’s letter, but it did not
appeal to him; it had a cringing fawning smack. Bright-eyed,
impetuous Honor could never have penned such an epistle.
“There is a letter on the ground that you have not seen, Mrs.
Brande,” said Mark Jervis, as he picked it up.
“So there is, I declare; it is from Mrs. Primrose. I’m sure she wants
me to see about getting her house aired. She is rather late up this
season.” Mrs. Brande ran her eyes over the paper, and gave vent to
an expression of genuine dismay.
“What is the matter?” inquired her husband quickly.
“She cannot get away for ten days, and she is afraid to keep the
child down there any longer, the heat is so awful. She wants me to
take her?”
“O Lord!” ejaculated Mr. Brande. “We would sooner take anything
—short of small-pox. Wire at once—no room here—there are
telegraph forms on my writing-table.”
“Too late,” groaned Mrs. Brande; “she has sent her off—‘trusting,’”
quoting the letter, “to my ‘well-known kindness and good nature!’ I’m
a great deal too good natured, that’s what I am,” said Mrs. Brande,
with unusual irritation. “The child and ayah are actually at the station
now, and will be here the day after to-morrow.”
“Then I shall clear out, if I can possibly manage it,” said her
husband, emphatically.
“What is there about this child, Uncle Pel, that throws you and
Aunt Sara into such a panic?”
“Panic! I thank thee, niece, for teaching me that word! Yes; the
very word—panic. Oh! I forgot you and Jervis here are new-comers,
but most of the North-West have seen, or heard of, or suffered from
‘Sweet Primrose.’”
“Sweet! What a name! A play on words, I suppose,” said Honor.
“And a gross misfit,” growled Mr. Brande.
“Pray give us a few more particulars, sir,” urged Mark. “Prepare us
—put us on our guard.”
“She is six years of age—an only child—‘cela va sans dire.’
Extremely pretty, and graceful, and intelligent.”
“Ah, I believe I shall like her,” said the young man, with an
appreciative nod. “I am prepared to be her champion. I’m rather fond
of children—especially pretty little girls.”
“She is as sharp as a surgical needle, active, greedy, restless,
prying—with a marvellous memory for the conversations of her
elders, and an extraordinary facility in relating them! The things that
child has said, with the air of a little innocent saint; the secrets she
has divulged to a whole room; the malapropos questions she has put
——”
“Pelham!” interrupted his wife sternly, “if you are going to repeat
any of them, please wait until Honor and I have left the verandah.
The child is innocent enough,” she explained to Mark, “but
mischievous, and she delights in seeing her elders look miserable.
Oh dear me! dear me! I wish the next ten days were over. Ben can’t
abide her, and no wonder—she dropped hot wax on his nose; and
last time I had her here, she tried on every one of my best caps and
bonnets, and threw them all over the place. But that was not the
worst. At breakfast, one morning, she heard Mr. Skinner telling some
story of a horse he had bought, which turned out to be a screw, and
she clapped her hands in great glee and screamed, ‘I know what that
is! I heard mother say that you were an awful screw.’ I thought I
should have had a fit, and Mr. Skinner has never put a foot inside
this house from that day.”
 CHAPTER XXV.
SWEET PRIMROSE JUSTIFIES HER
REPUTATION.

Two days after this conversation, Sweet Primrose was kicking her
long legs in Rookwood verandah, as she lay flat on the matting,
absorbed in a picture-book. A picture-book, no matter how quaint,
novel, or voluminous, never lasted this young lady for more than five
minutes—as Mrs. Brande well knew. She would toss it scornfully
aside, and once more begin to wander to and fro with her wearisome
little parrot cry of “Amuse me, amuse me!”
At present she was on her good behaviour. She had taken an
immense fancy to Mark, and she was surprisingly polite to Honor;
and as she was undoubtedly a most lovely little creature, with
delicate features, wistful violet eyes, and hair like spun silk, the
young people were inclined to make much of her, and to believe that
Mr. and Mrs. Brande were a prejudiced elderly pair, who did not
know how to take the right way with children; and this particular child
was disposed to favour them with a great deal of her society—and
they enjoyed it.
She accompanied them about the garden,—generally walking
between them, tightly holding their hands. She spent a considerable
time every morning in Honor’s room, fingering all her knickknacks,
unfolding her handkerchiefs, upsetting pin-boxes, and watching with
undisguised interest how Honor did her hair.
The result of the inspection being, that at breakfast she was in a
position to announce to the company the following gratifying
statement—
“I saw Honor doing her hair; it’s long and real, like mine,” with a
conceited toss of her blonde locks—“down to here,” indicating the
length on her own small person. “She does not put on bits, like
mamma. Mamma’s fringe is all pinned on, with long pieces that
fasten it at the side, like this,” demonstrating their situation with tiny
tell-tale fingers; “or like you,” turning to Mrs. Brande. “I saw your
plait!”
“Well, I hope you admired it!” rejoined the lady, with somewhat
staggering sang froid. “It grew on my own head once.”
And Sweet, finding that the topic was not a painful one, ceased to
pursue it.
She was fond of sitting on Mark’s knee, with her arm closely
locked round his neck, her cheek pressed against his, looking at
pictures or listening to stories. Indeed, he seemed (as Mrs. Brande
remarked) to have hypnotized her. Ben still distrusted the child, so
did Ben’s grandpapa and grandmamma; but every one else
appeared to think that Sweet Primrose was now quite a pattern—a
reformed character. She went down to the band, exquisitely dressed,
in fluffed out petticoats and fine silk stockings, in charge of her fat,
jewelled ayah; there she secretly administered pinches right and left
to other children, and rudely criticized their clothes. She strolled into
the ladies’ room, ostensibly to look at the picture papers; and she
was, among her elders, so quiet, so piano, such a dainty, flounced-
out little mortal, that old acquaintances could hardly realize that this
was their own original and most disagreeable “Sweet.”
It was Mrs. Brande’s birthday, and Mrs. Brande’s birthday had not
been forgotten by her friends. There were cards, letters, and little
presents from some of the “boys,” a lovely sachel from Honor
(secretly manufactured as a surprise), bouquets, an exquisite silver
lamp from Mark Jervis, which she remarked to Honor “must have
cost the poor boy a frightful sum!”—last, not least, a silver
photograph-frame, with “Ben’s respects.”
Mrs. Brande’s face was radiant. She went straight up to Mark with
her presents in her hands.
“It was too bad of you to buy me such a grand present, and just
what I was longing for—and Ben. That was your idea too! Do you
know that I have a great mind to give you a kiss,” she said
threateningly.
Sweet, who was playing with her porridge, stiffened with
expectation, and awaited further developments with a pair of
enormous eyes.
But Mrs. Brande did not carry out her menace—no; she merely
said—
“You are only a boy, and I’m an old lady. How old are you, by the
way, eh? I must make a note of your birthday.”
“I was twenty-six last April.”
“Twenty-six! Why, you don’t look it by five years,” sitting down
before the teapot and a pile of letters and little parcels which lay
beside her plate.
“Pelham always gives me diamonds,” she went on, “but I have
plenty; and, in case you might suppose he had forgotten me this
time, he has given me a large cheque for the new Orphanage; so I
have done splendidly.”
“Did you get any chocolates?” asked Sweet, anxiously.
“No, my dear; but I’ll buy a box for you after breakfast.”
“And is this really your birthday?”
“Yes. Why? Doesn’t it look like it?” triumphantly.
“I thought it was only ladies who had birthdays,” remarked this
charming little guest, with a severe air; “and Mrs. Dashwood says
you are not a lady.”
“Well, not by birth, my dear, though I dare say I am as well-born as
she is; and, anyway, I take the pas of her in all society.”
“Whose pa?” was the sternly put question.
As Mark and Honor greeted this query with a burst of laughter, the
mite looked excessively pleased with herself.
 “You will soon find her quite in her best form,” muttered Mr. Brande
from behind the Pioneer. Then added, in French, “She has been
pretty good for a week, and that’s her very longest interval. I saw her
down at the fowl-house before breakfast, Honor, with your smart
white-silk parasol.”
“Mamma always talks just as you do when she is talking about me,
or about anything she does not want me to know,” cried Sweet,
vivaciously. “I’ve done my breakfast,” slipping off her chair, “and I’m
going down to see the syce’s children. Oh, won’t I pull their hair;” and
she darted away.
Sweet was possessed of a demon of unrest that morning—nothing
pleased her for more than two minutes, and her indolent ayah calmly
left the task of entertaining her to others. Little Miss Primrose never
played games, or dressed dolls, or made shops—indeed, Sweet’s
tastes were far too advanced for these tame juvenile delights; they
had palled years previously. It afforded her far keener pleasure to
harry her elders, and to rule her fellow-housemates with a scourge.
She wandered aimlessly about, with her piteous shrill cry of,
“Amuse me, amuse me! Oh, will no one amuse me!” She had tired of
Honor’s hats and new dresses, of chocolates, of Mark’s stories; and
her irritating and monotonous appeal had become as maddening as
the constant slamming of a door.
“Look here, Sweet. I have a grand idea,” said Mark at last. “Would
you like me to draw your picture?”
“And colour it?” she asked judicially.
“Yes; and put in your blue sash, and all.”
“And my necklace?”
“Certainly—your necklace too, if you please.”
“Then do—do—do it this instant minute!”
“You must wait till I get my drawing things and paints; and you will
have to sit quite, quite still for a whole hour. If you cannot do that,
there will only be an ugly picture! Do you understand? My easel and
things are at Haddon Hall. I must send for them; so if you like to go
and smarten yourself up, you can.”
He had scarcely ceased to speak, ere the vain little creature
strutted straight off to her own room, loudly calling for her ayah in
imperious Hindostani.
Mrs. Brande could hardly believe her eyes when an hour later she
came into the verandah, in some trepidation, to see what made
Sweet so quiet, and discovered the “little blister,” as she mentally
called her, seated demurely on a chair, as rigid and motionless as a
statue.
“See, I’m having my picture took,” she chirped out. “But I must not
move. Please look how far he has got,” nodding towards Mark, who
was painting away steadily, though rather embarrassed by the loss
of the use of his left arm.
Mrs. Brande and Honor went over to examine the portrait,
expecting to see a feeble little outline, something done just for good
nature, and to keep the child quiet. But they almost started, as their
eyes fell on a roughly sketched-in head—the living, breathing face of
Sweet, looking at them from the canvas, with her best—in short, her
“angel” expression.
“Well, I never! Why—you are a regular artist!” gasped Mrs. Brande
at last.
“A very irregular one,” he answered with a laugh. “I have not
painted a portrait for more than a year. Of course I have, like every
one who comes up, and can hold a brush or pencil, attempted the
snows! But my snows are simply like a row of blobs of cotton wool. I
cannot do landscapes, though I am pretty good at faces and
animals.”
“I should rather think you were,” said Mrs. Brande, emphatically.
“Is it pretty?” called out the model imperiously. “Is it pretty, like
me?”
“Who said you were pretty?” demanded Mrs. Brande.
“Every one says, ‘Oh, what a pretty little girl!’”
 “It is much too nice for you, I can tell you that.” To Mark, “It is
wonderful. Why, you could make your fortune as a portrait painter!”
“So I have been told, perhaps because there is no chance of my
ever putting the advice into practice. I can catch the likeness, and
make the picture resemble my sitter, but I cannot finish. After a
certain point, if I go on, I spoil the whole thing.”
“Oh, please,” whined a small voice in acute agony, “don’t spoil
me!”
“No need, you are quite spoiled enough,” rejoined the artist with
unusual emphasis.
“Why did you never let us know of this talent, Mark? What a
pleasure to your friends,” said Mrs. Brande, leaning heavily on his
chair. “I wish you would make a little tiny sketch—of—Ben?”
“No sooner said than done. I must leave this to dry for to-day, so
call up the next victim; I have another block ready. Ben, old man, I
am going to hand you down to posterity.”
Ben did not make half as good a model as Sweet, probably
because he had not one atom of personal vanity. Every now and
then he disturbed his “pose” by dashing at some mocking little devil
of a squirrel, who peeped through the trellis-work, and dared him to
do his worst! He dared, and it invariably came to nothing.
How the morning had flown! When “P.” appeared at two o’clock,
his wife rushed at him with two pictures—a sketch of Sweet, and a
half-worked-in outline of Ben, to the life.
“Ben is splendid!” he exclaimed, “the twinkle in his eye, the white
spot on his lip, and his Sunday-go-to-meeting expression. Ah! and let
me see—my ‘Sweet,’ her most angelic and butter-would-not-melt-in-
my-mouth look! Beautiful child!” apostrophizing her. “I think I can
manage to remember you without the assistance of a speaking
likeness!”
“Uncle Pelham, how can you be so horrid!” remonstrated Honor,
taking him in to lunch.
 Luncheon (tiffin) was an exceedingly merry meal. It is well that we
cannot see into the future, for dinner was the most dismal repast that
the present tenants had ever discussed under the red-tiled roof of
Rookwood.
Mark Jervis had been ten days with the Brandes, and had never
found an opportunity yet of opening his heart, or telling his secret to
Miss Gordon. Now that he was under the same roof, his hopes fell
low, and his courage ebbed. He believed that she would be
extremely indignant when she heard the truth from his own lips, viz.
that he was the millionaire! Moreover, “that diabolical child,” as, alas!
he had now begun to call her, never left them alone, or out of her
sight for one second. He had become an ardent convert to Mr. and
Mrs. Brande’s views—though he kept his conversion strictly to
himself!
That same afternoon he found that his opportunity was
approaching. Sweet was engaged to a children’s party, Mrs. Brande
was pledged to attend a mothers’ meeting. Mr. Brande, who was
busy over some returns, said—
“Honor, you and Jervis go up the forest road and I will be after you
in a quarter of an hour. No ponies, we will walk, and give ourselves a
colour, and an appetite. You may as well take Ben, and give him a
run among the monkeys.”
Honor and her escort set out, he with his arm still in a sling, and
they walked briskly along the wide sandy carriage-road that wound
up and up, at a very gentle slope among the pines. It was a
delicious, still afternoon; the aromatic smell of the woods had
impregnated the thin hill air, and acted on their spirits like
champagne.
“Our nephew,” alluding to Ben, who was cantering gaily ahead,
“seems to be enjoying himself,” remarked Jervis.
“He does; this is his favourite road. That was a happy thought
about his present!”
“Yes,” with a smile, “I’m glad Mrs. Brande was so pleased. Mrs.
Sladen helped me with suggestions.”
 “Poor Mrs. Sladen. She says that only for you she would have
been killed the day that Toby Joy sent you both down the khud—that
you put out your arm and saved her, and you won’t even allow her to
say so.”
“No, indeed; I certainly will not.”
“Colonel Sladen has been winning, and I have great hopes that he
may allow her to go home this season.”
“I hope he will, with all my heart; if I were her, I would remain at
home, for good.”
“She has not seen her children for five years, and little things
forget so soon.”
“Not always,” significantly. “Our little friend has a wonderful
memory!”
“No, no; but ordinary children. Sweet is extraordinary. Colonel
Sladen has won ever so much money from Captain Waring, and if it
pays her passage, for once gambling will have done some good. All
the same, I wish he would do something better with his money.
Uncle Pelham says it is such a frightful example to other young
men.”
“Yes; and he has no luck. He might just as well draw a cheque,
and send it to the secretary to distribute among the members, for it is
only a loss of time, and would amount to precisely the same thing in
the end.”
“Minus the delightful excitement of gambling, you forgot that! It
seems too bad to squander money in that way—when there is such
poverty and misery everywhere. Even a few pounds can do
wonders, and change people’s lives altogether. Sometimes it
appears to me that money is in wrong hands—and its owners don’t
recognize their responsibilities.”
“A great fortune is a great responsibility,” remarked her companion
gravely. “It is so hard to know when to give, and when not to give. I
think people with moderate incomes have much the best of it.”
 “It is a capital joke, if any one could but hear us—deploring the
drawbacks of wealth, you and I—the two poor relations. At least I
speak for myself,” with a merry smile.
“And I must speak for myself. I have long wished to tell you
something, Miss Gordon. I have rather shirked doing it, because I’m
afraid you will be vexed; but——”
The sudden snapping of a twig on the edge of the bank
overhanging the road caused him to glance up. There stood a large
leopard, in the act of springing; like a flash it alighted just a yard
behind them, and then bounded back with poor Ben in its mouth! It
all was the work of two seconds.
“Oh, Ben—poor Ben!” shrieked Honor, frantically. “Let us save
him; we must save him.”
Jervis snatched the alpenstock from her hand, and ran up the
bank. Leopards are notorious cowards; the brute halted one instant,
dropped his prey, and sprang lightly away among the undergrowth.
But, alas! poor Ben was stone dead; three minutes ago he had
been full of life, now a bite in his throat had ended his happy
existence; there he lay, with his eyes wide open, fixed in an
expression of frozen horror. His death was on him almost ere he
knew it; he was dead as he was carried off the road.
As he lay limp across Honor’s lap, her tears trickled slowly, and
dropped on his still warm body.
Aunt Sara—who was to tell her? Oh, what an ending to her
birthday! And she had often dreaded this end for Ben—almost as if it
was a presentiment, and had always been so urgent to have him
home by sundown. There was scarcely a house in Shirani that had
not paid toll to the “lugger buggas,” as the natives call them, who
were specially keen about dogs—short-haired dogs, and who hung
about paths and cookhouses in their vicinity after dark. But this
murder had been done in broad daylight, long ere it was even dusk.
“Come, Miss Gordon,” said her escort, “you really must not take on
like this; you have only known him three months, and——”
 “Don’t say he was only a dog!” she interrupted indignantly.
“Well then, I won’t, and I feel most awfully cut up myself. Yes,” in
answer to her upward glance, “I am indeed. It is something to know
that his end was instantaneous—he scarcely suffered at all.”
“And how is this to be broken to them?”
“Mr. Brande is coming after us. I will go and tell him, if you will wait
here. No, on second thoughts, that would never do to leave you
alone, and that brute in the wood—not that I believe he would face a
human being. Ah, here comes your uncle.”
The tragedy was gradually broken to Mrs. Brande, and deep was
her grief when her little dead dog was brought in, and laid at her feet.
All the native household mourned (whether sincerely, or from their
servile instincts, who shall say?). The only one who did not mourn
was Sweet, who candidly exclaimed, as she cut a happy caper—
“Nasty ugly dog! I am so glad he is dead!”
Fortunately Mrs. Brande did not hear her, or she would probably
have sent her straight out of the house, to test the comforts of the
dâk bungalow.
Poor Mrs. Brande had cried so much that she was not fit to be
seen; she did not appear at dinner. Next morning Ben’s unfinished
sketch called forth another flood of tears, and she was not
presentable all the forenoon.
Meanwhile Sweet posed for her portrait, and chattered incessantly.
She had been to a large party, and no other little girl had worn gold
bangles, or pink garters with satin rosettes. So she had frankly
assured her audience, Mark and Honor—the latter was surrounded
by quite a stack of books, and intent on solving an acrostic in the
World.
“The tea was pretty good,” continued Sweet, affably. “I got nine
crackers and a fan, and a little china doll quite naked; but the sweets
were not Pelitis’s, only bazaar-made, I am sure. Percy Holmes tried
to kiss me, and I scratched his face, and he cried. Such a Molly! I
shall always call him Baby Holmes!”
 Thus she babbled on garrulously, with her infantile gossip.
Suddenly she seemed struck by an important thought, and gravely
asked, with a widening of her big violet eyes—
“What does detrimental mean—de-tri-men-tal?” pronouncing the
word as if she had got it by heart.
“You had better ask Miss Gordon,” replied Mark. “Miss Gordon,
there is a dictionary at your hand.”
“Oh, what does it matter?” exclaimed Honor, who was beginning to
be rather distrustful of Sweet’s seemingly artless questions.
“Find out, find out!” cried the imp, swinging her legs impatiently to
and fro. “I want to know, and I am sitting very nicely—am I not?”
Mark made a sign to Miss Gordon to humour her, adding—
“I never saw such a small person for picking up big words.”
“Here it is,” said Honor, at length, “and much good may it do you!”
reading out—“Detrimental—injurious, hurtful, prejudiced.”
“That’s what Mrs. Kane said he was,” pointing a gleeful finger at
the young man. “A shocking detrimental, and that Mrs. Brande was a
fool to have him here.”
“Sweet! How dare you repeat such things?” cried Honor, with
blazing cheeks. “You know it is very wrong. What a naughty little girl
you are!”
“But she said it,” boldly persisted Sweet; “and she is grown up.”
“She was joking, of course; grown people often joke.”
“She said a great deal. She said that——”
“Hus-s-sh! We don’t want to hear tales,” breathlessly interrupted
Honor.
“She said,” screamed a piping triumphant voice, high above the
hus-s-sh, “he was in love with you!”
“Now,” cried Honor, her passion having risen beyond all control, as
she surveyed the pert, self-complacent little model—she dared not
look at Mark Jervis—“I told you not to repeat stories. I have told you
that over and over again, and yet you delight in doing it because it
annoys people—and you do it with impunity. No one has ever
punished you—but—I shall punish you.”
And before Mark guessed at what was about to happen, Miss
Gordon—actively precipitate in her resentment—had snatched the
picture from the easel before him, and torn it into four pieces!
“There!” she cried breathlessly, “you can get off that chair at once,
Sweet. Mr. Jervis has done with you.”
Sweet opened her great violet eyes, and gazed in incredulous
amazement. Never had she been so served. She had always
hitherto made people angry, uncomfortable, or shocked, and gone
scathless, and had invariably enjoyed what is known in sporting
circles as “a walk over.”
Never had she seen such an angry young lady. How red her
cheeks were—how brightly her eyes glittered. Then Sweet’s gaze
fastened on her own picture, her mouth opened wide, and gave vent
to an ear-splitting yell, as she tumbled off her chair, like a canary off
its perch, and lay on the verandah, kicking and screaming.
“After all,” said Jervis, with an air of humble deprecation, “you
need not have been so angry with the poor little beggar; she only
spoke the truth.” (That he was a detrimental, or that he was in love
with her—which?)
Attracted by vociferous shrieks, Mr. and Mrs. Brande rushed upon
the scene from opposite doors. The languid ayah also appeared, and
raised up her sobbing charge, who now and then varied her sobs by
a shrill squeal of fury.
“What is it?” cried Mr. Brande, eagerly appealing to Honor and
Mark. “I thought you were putting her to torture—at last!”
“What is it, dearie? What is it? tell me!” pleaded Mrs. Brande.
“Come to me, lovey, and tell me all about it, doatie. There now—
there now,” making dabs with her handkerchief at the child’s eyes.
 “That,” suddenly stiffening herself in the ayah’s arms, and pointing
a trembling finger at the guilty party, “that pig girl, tore up my pretty,
pretty picture, because—I told her Mrs. Kane said that Mark was in
love with her—she did say it, at the tea to Mrs. King, and that beast
of a girl has torn my picture—and I’ll tell my mamma, I will—I will—
and Mrs. Kane did say it—and Mrs. King said——”
“For Heaven’s sake, take her away!” shouted Mr. Brande,
excitedly.
Thereupon Sweet was promptly carried off, kicking desperately,
and still shrieking out, “She did say it. She did—she did—she did!”
 CHAPTER XXVI.
THE RESULT OF PLAYING “HOME, SWEET
HOME.”

It may appear in a ludicrous light to most people, but it was,

nevertheless, a solemn fact that Mrs. Brande fretted so dreadfully
after her dog, that her medical adviser (Dr. Loyd) suggested to her
husband: “A few days’ change, just to get her mind off it! You
frequently go for a week’s trip among the hills—go now.”
Such an excursion did not mean the wild, trackless jungle, but a
country intersected by good roads and bridle-paths, dotted at
reasonable intervals by comfortable rest-houses. Neither the
sympathy of her friends, nor a neat little grave and head-stone
inscribed “Ben,” had had the smallest effect in taking the keen edge
off the bereaved lady’s grief; and she would have nothing whatever
to say to a sweet little pup which Mark had procured for her, but
indignantly hustled it out to the Ayah’s go-down. No, there was
nothing for it but the prescribed expedition. Mrs. Sladen was to have
been one of the party, but failed (as usual) to obtain leave from
home. Mr. Jervis would gladly have joined them, but he dared not
absent himself from Shirani, in case the expected summons might
arrive whilst he was absent. The long marches would have afforded
capital opportunities for tête-à-têtes with Miss Gordon—he would
have told her all as he rode by her side; the only difficulty was, that
he was now rather doubtful as to whether Miss Gordon would be
interested in his confidences? Her indignation when Sweet had
blurted out the most sacred secret of his soul had opened his eyes,
and when he had ventured to add that the child had spoken the truth,
Miss Gordon had simply withered him. Yes, Waring was right when
he had spoken of her haughty eyes. Her anger had eventually
passed over like a short thunderstorm, and she had meekly
apologized for her outbreak, but without the smallest or faintest
reference to his remark—as possibly being beneath notice.
“You have seen me in a rage before,” she had declared—“not that
that is any excuse for me, but rather the reverse. Of course I had no
business to touch your drawing, and I am exceedingly sorry that I
gave way to such a mad impulse. I wanted to give that wretched
child a lesson, and I caught at the first weapon that I thought would
punish her. I don’t often behave in such a shameful and unladylike
way, I do assure you.”
And he assured himself that he might keep his real identity and his
fine prospects locked for ever in his breast as far as she was
concerned. The two days occupied in preparing for the march he
spent in finishing Ben’s portrait. He held himself a good deal aloof;
he seemed silent and out of spirits; and Mrs. Brande confided to her
husband that she was sure his wrist was hurting him—he had been
making too free with it, and she gave him many instructions on the
subject ere they parted, he to return to Haddon Hall, and she to lead
the way out of the station. He was to go up every day and have a
look at Rookwood, cast his eye over the poultry and ponies, and see
that the ferns were properly watered; in other words, Mr. Jervis was
left as caretaker in charge—a token of unexampled confidence.
What a long time it seemed since he had come to Shirani! he
thought, as he trotted up the cart-road, after having put his friends
well on their journey. The chances were that his father would never
send for him—still, he would remain at his post until October, and
then go home. He would not be sorry to see Uncle Dan once more,
to tell him yarns, and to unpack his collection of presents, to look
round the clubs, and hear all that had been going on during the
season, and to try his young hunters out cubbing.
Yes; it was all very well to have modest ideas, but the pinch of
poverty was another affair, and he and poverty were gradually
establishing quite a bowing acquaintance. He was dunned for joint
bills—unpleasant joint bills—small accounts, that made him feel
small to think that they had been unpaid; shoeing bills, gram bills,
gymkana subscriptions, wood and charcoal, and even milk bills. He
would find it a tight fit to pay off old scores and leave sufficient
money for their passage. He saw his own private funds shrinking
daily; nevertheless, he was resolved not to apply to his uncle for
money, nor to exceed his draft of six hundred pounds. Why should
his uncle pay for his short-sighted folly? he had told him to keep the
money in his own name, and, nevertheless, he had given Clarence a
free hand. But then, in his wildest moments, he had never supposed
that the purse that supplied Captain Waring’s wants, wishes,
weaknesses, must be practically bottomless. “What a fool I have
been!” he said to himself. “I have lived like an anchorite, and Waring
like a prince; he has squandered every penny of my money, and
turns about and blames me—for—leading him into temptation!”
Mrs. Brande, in her comfortable Mussouri dandy, Mr. Brande and
Honor riding in advance, wound along the steep sides of forests—
over passes and down ravines—travelling all the time through
exquisite scenery in the clear hill air, where everything looks fresh,
and the outlines of the trees and mountains are sharply defined
against a cloudless sky. They halted each night at a different
bungalow, marching about fifteen miles a day, and arriving at their
resting-place early in the afternoon. On the third day, they came to a
small out-of-the-way forest hut, which contained but a verandah, and
three rooms, and two of these were already occupied.
Such a state of affairs was unparalleled. The earlier arrivals were
two engineers on survey, and a lady travelling alone. Mr. Brande
looked excessively blank, he would have to rig up some kind of
shelter in the verandah, for they had not brought tents, and whilst he
was conferring with Nuddoo, Honor strolled away with her violin. She
liked to play in solitary places—where all kinds of musical vagaries,
and occasionally her own compositions, were unheard by mortal
ears.
She climbed the long sloping hill at the back of the bungalow, and
sitting down below a great clump of bamboos and elephant grass,
began to play soft melancholy music, that seemed to have exquisite
words.