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Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicine that has taken over modern times. Although most people are not educated on the roots of Ayurveda, they are educated on the topics of alternative medicine. This type of medicine is frequently known as alternative medicine and is practiced in holistic circles.
Ayurveda utilizes herbs and ancient medicinal practices to ensure that the body is well. This includes, but is not limited to, taking herbal baths, the use of massage and drinking special mixtures that are designed to take the place of Western medicine. Many of these practices are considered safe and non-toxic.
Although these practices are safe, it is important that you purchase a book from a reputable author to ensure that you have a book that has the correct information. If you do not purchase a book with accurate recipes and information, you can create recipes and concoctions that will not help alleviate your symptoms, and may make things worse.
What are the Best Ayurveda Books to read?
This complete guide of the 20 best Ayurveda provides a different level of medcinal practices for everyone and everything. Some of these books are geared towards beginners that are just beginning to learn about Ayurveda while others are written for those that have an extensive amount of experience. There are also books that can provide advice to treat several different ailments.
Best Ayurveda Books: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best ayurveda books that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. Eat Feel Fresh: A Coobook
This book is perfect for everyone and anyone that is searching for Ayurvedic recipes. This book is a plant-based Ayurvedic cookbook. It explains eating an Ayurvedic diet, supplies that you will need in the kitchen, and more. It is also packed with resources, tips for discovering your Dosha, and more that readers will need to know in order to enjoy the benefits of eating an Ayurvedic diet.
Then, this book provides the reader with several recipes using the ingredients that readers were encouraged to stock their kitchen with. These recipes include breakfast, dinner, lunch, potions, green juice and more. There is something provided to ensure that readers are able to enjoy a full day’s worth of Ayurvedic meals, and find ones that suit their tastebuds. Those that are looking for a cookbook or new recipes will enjoy this book. Those that are looking for a book that provides more information on basic philosophies and other home remedies are encouraged to browse through the other books on this 20 best Ayurveda books list.
- Authors: Sahara Rose Ketabi (Author), Deepak Chopra MD (Foreword)
- Publisher: Alpha; Illustrated Edition (October 2, 2018)
- Pages: 256 pages
2. Ayurveda (Idiot’s Guide)
This book comes from a reputable author with plenty of experience in the field. She has previous experience practicing Ayurveda, is a certified Ayurveda practitioner, a holistic health coach and sportss nutritionist. She specializes in combining all of her skills to create ancient Ayurveda practices for the modern mind.
Her book reaches out to those with little to no experience in Ayurveda to educate them on the topics and practices of Ayurveda. Then, this book takes things a step further. It acknowledges that most people do not have the hours it requires to adhere to all traditional practices, and it encourages readers to learn how to apply this to their life. This book uses simple language to make it easy to understand for beginners while educating those that already have knowledge on the topic regarding how to implement practices into their lives.
- Authors: Sahara Rose Ketabi (Author), Deepak Chopra MD (Foreword)
- Publisher: Alpha; Illustrated Edition (August 8, 2017)
- Pages: 352 pages
3. Ayurvedic Home RemediesCreative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All
This is the ideal guide to Ayurvedic practices for anyone that wants to implement this into their lifestyle. It covers a broad range of topics to help the reader understand the basic principles behind Ayurveda. Then, it goes on to explain treatments for several common illnesses and ailments. Recipes are provided for those that would like to treat themselves at home.
This text is ideal for beginners that are ready to jump right in. It does not go in-depth about history or philosophy, something that beginners might not want to read. It does take the time to explain important details of Ayurveda that beginners will need to know. The text is also written for beginners and explains things in simpler terms that those who have no prior experience will be able to understand. Those that already have some knowledge regarding Ayurvedic practices will appreciate the stories and home remedies but might want something more in-depth to match their level of skill.
- Authors: Vasant Lad (Author)
- Publisher: Harmony; 58234th Edition (April 6, 1999)
- Pages: 336 pages
4. Ayurveda: The Science Behind Self Healing
The Science Behind Self Healing is a practical book that is written with the beginner in mind. It begins by exploring philosophies and more behind self-healing. After this, it takes readers on a comprehensive journey exploring every aspect of this practice. Readers will learn about diagnostic techniques used, treatments, diet, and how to implement common herbs and spices into self-treatment and self-healing.
Although this book is written for those that do not have a lot of knowledge on Ayurveda, it can also serve as assistance to those that would like to expand their knowledge. Charts and graphs are used to further explain points to readers, and the plethora of knowledge ensures that every reader will learn something new. Its expansive amount of text on the subject guarantees it’s spot on any list of the 20 best Ayurveda books.
- Authors: Vasant Lad (Author)
- Publisher: Lotus Press (January 1, 1985)
- Pages: 176 pages
5. Ayurveda Beginner’s Guide
A beginner’s guide provides those that have little or no knowledge of Ayurveda with everything that they need to know about the practice. On the plus side, this book provides a basic overview of the principles that are behind the practice. It also covers various techniques that can be used, from essential oils rubbed on the body through meditation and more. It then goes on to explain how these rituals can be practiced in everyday life. This is great for beginners that have little time to spare but would still like to enjoy the benefits of Ayurveda.
On the downside, this book is for beginners. It focuses on starting to work the practice into your life, and not on individuals that are already practicing Ayurveda. There are not a lot of recipes in the text, and it focuses on simpler techniques and practices. This can make it a bit boring for those that are well beyond the beginner phase.
- Authors: Susan Weis-Bohlen (Author)
- Publisher: Althea Press (February 13, 2018)
- Pages: 180 pages
6. Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook
This book is focused on the fact that the body must be properly balanced in order to prevent disease before it happens. One of the ways that this is done through Ayurveda practices is through diet. This cookbook helps beginners learn how to implement Ayurvedic practices into the kitchen, and into their life. If focuses primarily on cooking, leaving out many of the principles and practices that go hand in hand with Ayurveda. For those that are already educated on this topic, it’s a great addition to the library.
Topics are centered around meals per season, giving readers something different to cook given what is usually available in the produce section for that time of the year. This book also provides several everyday recipes that can be made at any time in the year, ensuring that there is a nice collection to choose from.
- Authors: Kate O’Donnell (Author), Cara Brostrom (Photographer)
- Publisher: Shambhala (December 1, 2015)
- Pages: 336 pages
7. Textbook of Ayurveda Volume 1
Those that would like to study Ayurveda in depth will enjoy learning about it through textbooks. This textbook, the first in a series of many, covers the basic principles of Ayurveda. It serves as an introduction to the practice as it teaches students about this ancient Indian medicine. Those that are enrolled in a school of Ayurveda have to take this course as an introduction to the practice.
This book is an introduction, and should not be considered a comprehensive guide to the practice. It does not contain a plethora of recipes, treatments or ways to self diagnose. Instead, it focuses sole on the principles of Ayurveda, teaching that this is much more than a medicinal practice; it is a lifestyle. It explains much more than philosophies and history like other books as it goes in-depth to teach the student one of the most important principles of Ayurveda.
- Authors: Vasant Lad (Author)
- Publisher: Ayurvedic Press; 1st Edition (November 11, 2001)
- Pages: 334 pages
8. Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom
This book is written by someone that was taught the ancient arts of healing by her grandfather in India. She grew up around these practices, and then they were passed down to her through tradition and teaching. This makes her one of the few experts on the topic that has never attended a school for Ayurveda. She shares stories of her youth through the text to both share a little bit about herself and to show that she has a life of experience in Ayurveda.
Although the author has a lifetime of experience in this field, she focuses more on teaching the reader about Ayurveda than on sharing about herself. She teaches readers about common techniques used to treat illnesses, herbs and spices, recipes and more. This book is a well thought out guide to this ancient Indian practice.
- Authors: Acharya Shunya (Author), David Frawley D.Litt. (Foreword)
- Publisher: Sounds True (February 1, 2017)
- Pages: 384 pages
9. Yoga and Ayurveda
This book details carefully how yoga and Ayurveda work in tandem to make sure that your body is healthy and in perfect balance. It explains the benefits, covers certain topics relating to Ayurveda and can be informative regarding how these two things are both necessary for those that want to live an Ayurvedic lifestyle.
This book was not written for beginners. The text was written for those that already have knowledge regarding Ayurveda and are in the process of learning more. The terms in the book are an intermediate level, and it is assumed that the reader already knows what they mean. No glossary has been included. Beginners might get frustrated with this style, but they can still learn a lot. Intermediate level readers will enjoy the book. Those that consider themselves to be experts will find the book a bit boring and more than likely will not learn anything new.
- Authors: David Dr. Frawley (Author)
- Publisher: Lotus Press; Illustrated Edition (July 13, 1999)
- Pages: 350 pages
10. Marma Points of Ayurveda
Marma Points of Ayurveda takes the energy channels that are used in traditional Chinese medicine and applies them to Ayurveda as well as compares them so that readers can understand the difference. These are an important part of ancient medicine. This is because the marma points, also known as chakras or pressure points in other forms of medicine, unlock certain things in the body to help it produce medicinal effects.
This book also teaches the importance of massage, a key element in unlocking the benefits of the marma points. Readers of any experience level can appreciate and learn from the knowledge provided in this book. The text is geared towards people of any experience level. The terms are simple enough that beginners will not feel lost, and experienced readers that already have knowledge on Ayurveda will appreciate the comprehensive coverage of the topic. Illustrations are also provided.
- Authors: Vasant Lad (Author), Anisha Durve (Author), Jack Forem (Editor), Yvonne Wylie Walston (Illustrator)
- Publisher: The Ayurvedic Press; Paperback Edition (February 16, 2015)
- Pages: 368 pages
11. The Ayurveda Way
This book is not written like other books on the topic, with each new section divided into chapters. Instead, readers will enjoy reading over 100 essays on different topics. The essays cover things such as minimizing stress, how to improve digestion, how to sleep better, and more. Some of them also include recipes to help aid in digestion or to help with relaxation to promote a peaceful night’s rest. Some people enjoy this style of book, but others find different organizations to be irritating.
Throughout this book, the author covers many different topics and talks of her own experience with Gurus. She also discusses her ancestors at great lengths throughout the essays. This adds to her credibility as an author on the topic and helps the reader learn the principles and practices behind Ayurveda the same way that she did, something that is both refreshing and easy to understand.
- Authors: Ananta Ripa Ajmera (Author)
- Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (April 19, 2017)
- Pages: 343 pages
12. Practical Ayurveda
This book was created for both beginner and intermediate levels. Those that are just learning about the Ayurvedic lifestyle can learn a lot from this book. It covers a broad range of topics, including man of the aspects of this lifestyle. Readers will learn about foods, home remedies, the importance of meditation and yoga and more. The language used is also easy to read for beginners.
Those that already know quite a bit about the Ayurvedic lifestyle can learn a little bit more. They will understand the language and have the opportunity to learn about different ways that they can implement Ayurveda into their life.
Those that are already experienced in the practices of Ayurveda will find that this book is a bit beneath their current level, however. The language is simpler so that beginners can easily understand it, and it covers a little bit on a wide range of topics instead of going as in-deth as experienced readers might prefer.
- Authors: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre (Author)
- Publisher: DK (June 5, 2018)
- Pages: 224 pages
13. Ayurveda and the Mind
This book focuses on one key aspect of Ayurveda: the mind. It details how several different aspect of Ayurveda are used to help heal the mind at a deep, subconscious level. Tips include the use of yoga, diet and other techniques that most people experienced in Ayurveda are already familiar with.
This book is written for those that already have an extensive amount of knowledge on the topic. Larger words and specific terms are frequently used, making it hard to understand for some beginners. Beginners that would like to take the time to look up words,etc. will have a deeper understanding of Ayurveda once they make it through the book. Experienced readers will not have a problem reading the text if they are already familiar with the terms used in Ayurveda practice. This book was not intended for beginners.
- Authors: David Dr. Frawley (Author)
- Publisher: Lotus Press; 1st Edition (March 21, 1997)
- Pages: 358 pages
14. Ayurveda Cookbook for Two
This book provides information as well as recipes. It informs the reader of how to discover your dosha as well as how to eat for your dosha. Readers that take the time to learn this will learn which recipes apply to them, and which do not.
In addition to that, this book provides a plethora of recipes that can be used daily. Several utilize fresh vegetables that are available year round and spices that can be found in most health food stores. This makes it more convenient for busy families to find the ingredients that they need.
This book is also touted as a vegan cookbook, or a vegan Ayurveda cookbood because of the lack of meat used. Instead, plant based ingredients are used.
It’s important to note that this book is designed for beginners. The recipes are simple, the explanation of doshas is easy for beginners to understand and the ingredients are never going to raise an eyebrow.
- Authors: Zachary Might (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (May 24, 2019)
- Pages: 140 pages
15. Textbook fo Ayurveda Volume 2: A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment
This book builds on the material that was learned in the first volume, and then expands on that material to educate readers on clinical assessment, a very important part of practicing any type of medicine, including Ayurveda. This book covers a wide range of diseases and disorders from an ancient Ayurvedic approach with a modern twist to make it applicable in the modern world. Students will be able to tell where their patients or themselves are at in a disease so that they can properly treat them.
This book is another important resource for those that want to live an Ayurvedic lifestyle. It can provide readers with the knowledge that they need to treat themselves and students with vital information that they will need when they begin practicing in the real world. Those that are simply interested in learning more about this practice will find the wealth of information astounding. It is important to note that it does not cover the principles of Ayurveda and the history as much as some other books do. It is designed to teach a student, not for entertainment purposes.
- Authors: Vasant Lad (Author), M.A.Sc. (Author), Glen Crowther (Editor), Laura Humphreys (Editor), Yvonne Wylie Walston (Illustrator), Angele Werneke (Illustrator)
- Publisher: The Ayurvedic Press; 1st Edition (January 31, 2007)
- Pages: 416 pages
16. Ayurvedic Self-Care Handbook
Rituals are an important part of living an Ayurvedic lifestyle. These can help the mind, body and soul stay in balance with one another, providing the chance for the body to prevent disease. Unfortunately, everyday stress and nervous energy have become a part of everyday life. Self-care and self-care rituals can be used to combat that, helping keep the body in alignment.
This text provides a comprehensive guide to rituals, complete with rituals for every season, common ailments and for different times of the day. Regardless of when you need a ritual, this book has one. The text is easy enough to read that beginners will find it a nice addition to their current collection. A large amount of rituals will help experienced readers find something new that they can incorporate into their everyday life.
- Authors: Sarah Kucera (Author), Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar (Foreword)
- Publisher: The Experiment (April 2, 2019)
- Pages: 304 pages
17. Textbook of Ayurveda Volume 3
A classic textbook that covers common topics those practicing Ayurveda will need to know. These topics include things like home remedies, therapies like yoga, and incorporating diet into the Ayurvedic lifestyle. It also covers herbal substances and the three doshas, both of which are vital to practicing a Ayurvedic lifestyle.
This book is designed for students that have already completed the first two volumes, but can also be a wonderful resource for those that already know the principals behind Ayurveda and would like to incorporate more of it into their life. This book is a comprehensive resource that covers a large amount of material, making it a nice addition to any Ayurveda library. Those that are first learning about this will appreciate the wealth of knowledge, and those that are already experienced will more than likely learn something new.
- Authors: Vasant Lad (Author), Glen Crowther (Editor), Yvonne Wylie Walston (Illustrator)
- Publisher: The Ayurvedic Press; 1st Edition (April 16, 2012)
- Pages: 668 pages
18. 365 days of Ayurveda
Instead of providing the reader with a wealth of information as a textbook would, this book helps the reader take control of their life, and their health, from the first page. It does give a brief overview of Ayurveda but then focuses on things that the reader can do daily to transform their own life. It provides daily advice that pertains to mental, spiritual and physical well-being.
Instead of having to take the time to learn about Ayurveda, owners can simply follow the text in this book to practice the same ancient Indian methods that many spend years learning. While you implement them into your life, you will slowly learn more about Ayurveda and the methods that you need to use in order to prevent disease and stay healthy. You can also read this book to learn about quick and simple techniques to use and then implement them as you choose.
- Authors: Dr. Rhonda K Egidio (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (November 15, 2019)
- Pages: 405 pages
19. 25 Day Ayurveda Cleanse
This book provides a great way to head into an Ayurvedic lifestyle. A plan that is tailored to your dosha will be delivered, giving you recipes and advice to help you cleanse your body from the inside out. It will start by clearing the toxins from your body, and then will cater to your dosha to help you achieve optimum health. There are also exercises included that are easy to incorporate into your lifestyle, such as yoga.
Most people will enjoy the graphic pictures of the recipes, and that the recipes are easy to follow. Those that already live an Ayurvedic lifestyle will find the text to be a boring repeat, and will more than likely not learn anything new. This book is designed to be for beginners that are accustomed to living a Western lifestyle and would like to make a change.
- Authors: Kerry Harling (Author)
- Publisher: Page Street Publishing; 1st Edition (May 28, 2019)
- Pages: 224 pages
20. Complete Book of Ayurveda
This book reads like a textbook, making it an exceptional resource for intermediate and experienced readers. It is packed with knowledge pertaining to Ayurveda. This includes the principles that are associated with the practice, common beliefs and a vast amount of knowledge on common topics that those interested in Ayurveda need to know, such as the waste system, the body needing to be aligned, etc.
The book further expands on this knowledge by providing readers with various remedies for common ailments. It informs the reader on how to prevent disease through various Ayurvedic practices as well. Beginners that do not mind the terminology will appreciate the wealth of knowledge that they will have after reading this book. It is one of the most comprehensive books on this list. It does cover a wide variety of topics, but it is important to note that the recipes section is rather limited.
- Authors: Hans H. Rhyner (Author)
- Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (June 8, 2017)
- Pages: 672 pages
Choosing the Best Ayurveda Books
Ayurveda is an ancient practice that continues to increase in popularity as the risks of Western medicine become more well known. As more people turn to ancient medicinal techniques, such as Ayurveda, they are turning to books likes these to learn more. When shopping for the best Ayurveda book for you, it’s important to make sure that it contains the information that you are looking for and that it meets your experience level to guarantee that you enjoy it, and are able to understand the text. Beginners can opt for books that are written for experienced readers, but they will spend a portion of their time looking up words that they do not understand.