Ayurveda (Sanskrit for “science of life”) is a system of traditional medicine. It has a long history in India, where it is still practiced as a preventative measure for disease. In the western world it is considered a form of alternative medicine. Ayurveda is based on the concept that there are five elements that compose the universe, including the human body: earth, water, fire, air and ether. Three regulatory types, or doshas – vata (wind/air), pitta (bile), and kapha (phlegm) – are important in regard to the body. There are so many books on the subject, which was traditionally handed down orally, that it’s hard to pick only five, but here are my choices:
The Handbook of Ayurveda by Shantha Godagama (2004)
This book is a concise introduction and an excellent book to start with if you are unfamiliar with Ayurveda. Overall, a basic book that will reveal the importance of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, and makes a complex subject accessible.
Ayurveda: Life, Health, and Longevity by Robert E. Svoboda (2004)
This book is an excellent introduction to the subject by an author with a good writing style for explaining the theory and philosophy of Ayurveda. Dr. Svoboda claims the distinction of being the first Westerner to graduate from an Ayurvedic college, and be licensed to practice in India. He is currently on the staff of Kripalu, a center for yoga and health in Massachusetts. If you are serious about Ayurveda, you will perhaps want to start with this book.
Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide by David Frawley (2001)
This edition is an expanded version of the 1989 original edition. This is a small book and a great introduction to the system. With it you can find out your body type, determine what diet you should follow for balance in your system, and various remedies and aids for healing.
Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume One: Fundamental Principles (2001)
Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume Two: A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment (2007)
by Vasant Lad
There should be one more book coming in this series, based on Dr. Lad’s classroom teaching in his Ayurvedic Studies Program. The reviews on the cover of the first book include positive ones from his colleagues, Dr. David Frawley, and Deepak Chopra. The second book builds upon the first. These are textbooks, so if you want some in-depth information, these are your best bet. Dr. Lad is also connected with the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, as well as the founder of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Heaven’s Banquet: Vegetarian Cooking for Lifelong Health the Ayurveda Way by Miriam Kasin Hospodar (2001)
This book is distinct among Ayurvedic cookbooks because it features not only the standard Indian dishes, but uses Ayurvedic principles on dishes of many types of cuisines, including paella, moussaka, and a really delicious hummus recipe with coconut and cashews. There is a section called “The Ten Commandments of Bean Cookery,” which is great reading. As a vegetarian for 40 years I have quite a few vegetarian cookbooks, and this one is one of my favorites.
There are many connections between most of the authors I selected, as they have worked and/or continue to work together in the field. While you can find many additional books that are worthy, I selected these by some of the frontrunners in the field. Most of these authors have also written other books, which you may want to check out.
