Navratri Health Tips

by with 64 Comments Ayurveda

We all are celebrating the spiritual time with Ma Durga during this Navratri . Most of us keep fast and pray to Goddess Durga  (Shakti) on all nine days . As per experts it is considered to be the best time to detox not only physically but mentally as well.But most of us are not aware of the right  way of doing the fast during Navratri. 

First question comes ,what is the scientific logic of keeping fast ? As per ancient science this season is considered as Chaturmas and during this time agno ( digestive fire) is relatively low . Keeping fast this time helps to provide rest to the digestive tract . Fasting during this time not only helps in rejuvenating and detoxifying but it also provides improvement in health disorders like PCOS, Obesity , liver disorders , hormonal imbalances , acne and a lot more .

Navratri is celebrated twice in a year , one during – Vasant – Spring and other during Grishma (Summer). As per Ayurveda this is the time when the season is changing and the body is more vulnerable to diseases . A good diet helps to boost immunity and helps to fight germs . As per Ayurveda Tamasic food items should not be consumed during this time period. Tamasic food includes stale food, Non veg , heavy food , onion , garlic, and fermented food. Satvik food on the other hand helps to boost immunity and rejuvenates body and mind .Satvik food includes fresh fruits, vegetables , milk and  nuts .

Why are foods consumed during Navratri healthier ?

  • During Navratri people generally use grains like buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta) , Water chestnut flour ( singhare ka atta) , amaranth flour ( rajgira)  and millet flour. All these grains are gluten free and much healthier options than wheat .
  • Sendha Salt used in Navratri is good for hypertensive patients .It helps to absorb more minerals .
  • Intake of more fruits increases the intake of antioxidants which helps to fight free radicals and that is the reason skin issues like acne issues are taken care of during navratri. 
  • Intake of nuts like groundnuts, almonds and walnuts provide omega 3 and 6 , which helps in managing cholesterol issues . These foods also give you strength .
  • Intake water 10-12 glasses in a day helps to detoxify the body .

Some people consume food like fried chips , Sago papad, deep fried puri and other unhealthy snacks . Intake of heavy food has a negative effect on body and mind . Try avoiding these food items during fasting .All these food come in the category of Tamasic food . Intake of Tamasik food makes you feel dull and causes many diseased conditions in the body .
So this Navratri do make a decision to improve your physical and mental health . Food For Navratri – Water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta),Buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta),Amaranth flour (rajgira ka atta),Barnyard millet (vrat ke chawal),Cumin (jeera),Black pepper (kali mirch),Rock salt (sendha namak),Green cardamom (ilaichi),Ginger (adrak),Green chilli (hari mirch).Lemon (nimbu).Mint leaves (pudina),Curry leaves,Potatoes,Pumpkin (petha/kaddu),Sweet potato (shakarkandi),Bottle gourd (lauki),Cucumber (kheera),Sago (sabudana),Makhana,Dry fruits,All fruits,Milk and milk products (paneer, curd, ghee, khoya),Sugar,Honey,Jaggery (gur),Coconut and Groundnut oil.
Apart from following a healthy diet during Navratri , also follow a routine which is important for your spiritual growth and mental peace . Here are few activities which you can perform during Navratri :

1. Anulom Vilom Pranayama 

2. Yog Nidra 

3.  Deep Breathing

 4. Laughter Yoga Don’t indulge in excessive physical activity which make you tired .

Do soothing and light Yoga practices .
With all these practices you can see that after 9 days you feel more energetic and more refreshing

Natrural Remedy for sleep Disorder -Insomnia

by with One Comment Ayurveda


Sleep disorders ,  a group of conditions that disturb the ability to sleep well. It involves issues related to the quality, timing, and amount of sleep, which result in daytime distress and impairment in body functioning.

Importance of Sleep:

Sleep is important for both physical and mental health. 

There are two types of sleep that generally occur in a pattern of three-to-five cycles per night:

Rapid eye movement (REM) – It is the time when most dreaming occurs

Non-REM – It has three phases, including the deepest sleep

How much sleep we need completely depends on age and from person to person. As per  National Sleep Foundation it is critical for  adults to tak seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night. 

SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP DISORDERS

  • difficulty in sleep
  • daytime fatigue and weakness 
  • unusual breathing patterns
  • unusual movement or other experiences while asleep
  • lack of concentration
  • Depression
  • weight gain

There are 5 basic types of sleep disorders seen mostly-  

  1. Insomnia- It refers to a condition in which a person is not able to sleep at night . It can be temporary due  to jet lag or sometimes due to  stress , anxiety, hormones, or digestive problems.
  1. Sleep apnea- Sleep apnea is a condition in which there is a pause during sleep. It can also cause you to wake up during the night.
  1. Parasomnias- It comes from a latin word which means  “around sleep,” It is characterized by abnormal sleep behaviors or physiological events that occur with specific stages of abnormal movements during sleep. They include- 
  • Sleepwalking
  • sleep talking
  • Nightmare
  • Bedwetting
  • teeth grinding or jaw clenching

Sleep behaviors aren’t limited to these, though. Any number of potential behaviors can occur while you’re sleeping.

  1. Restless leg Syndrome ( RLS) – It is an immense need to move the legs. Sometimes it is accompanied by a tingling sensation in the legs. While these symptoms can occur during the day, they are most prevalent at night. It is a neurological movement disorder characterized by unpleasant feelings in the legs associated with a need to move. These sensations may include:
  • Aches
  • Burning sensation
  • Tingling
  • Feeling of bugs crawling on the legs
  1. Narcolepsy- In  this condition you suddenly feel extremely tired and fall asleep without warning. This can be profound and may lead to falling asleep in inappropriate situations, such as while working or driving a car.

According to Ayurveda, Insomnia is explained as Anidra. The management or treatment of insomnia in ayurveda comprises of –

1. Shiro dhara (Head Massage)

Shiro means head and Dhara means flow means pouring or applying stimulating oils like Bhringaraj Taila, Til Taila, Ksheerabala taila on the Shira (head) and pressing down on the scalp in gentle, circular motions remarkably soothes the mind. This boosts blood circulation to the central nervous system and helps overcome sleeplessness. 

2. Abhyanga (Body Massage)- means oil massage

This reviving procedure involves a harmonizing full body massage with aromatic essential oils such as almond, rose, jasmine, lavender and sandalwood. 

3. Nasya 

3-5 drops of Anu taila, cow ghee or sesame seed oil in the nostril helps to release stress and tension from the head and improves mental clarity.

4. Medhya Rasayana

A class of herbal medications, Medhya Rasayana literally translates to the rejuvenation of brain power and intellect.

Herbs such as-

  • Ashwagandha- Ashwagandha is an adaptogen which contains an active compound known as triethylene glycol, which works wonders to induce sleep. Ashwagandha treats people with anxiety, stress and exhaustion.
  • Brahmi- Brahmi or Bacopa is one such herb that supports a restful sleep, calms emotional turbulence and also helps improve concentration and alertness. Brahmi, in Ayurveda, is called a brain tonic. This herb that cools the body and mind may provide an effective tonic for pitta dosha. 
  • Shankhpushpi- Shankhpushpi is a herb that contains flavonoids, glycosides and alkaloids that help soothe your nervous system by bringing relief to mental fatigue. It acts as a natural tranquilizer for anxiety neurosis that further helps in sleeping better.
  • Jatamansi- its a brain tonic and a memory enhancer, it also facilitates calmness and relaxation to a hyperactive mind. It helps in inducing sound sleep while rejuvenating and nourishing the nervous system.
  • https://youtu.be/tHgpjIB8mNs

Yoga For Beginners -SUN SALUTATION ( सूर्य नमस्कार)  –  Module 2 

by with No Comment Ayurveda

Hope you have enjoyed the warm up postures in Module 1 . Now time to move further and this time we are doing something which has an impact on your body from head to toe . 

Yes we are talking about SUN SALUTATION. Surya Namaskara means – bowing down in reverence to the Sun . Surya Namaskara is a series of 12 yogic asanas.It is a daily practice that helps to balance three bio energies in your body i.e, Vata (air) , Pitta ( Fire ) and Kapha ( water) . First let’s talk about the benefits you get from Sun Salutation  (Surya Namaskara)  : 

  • Improve metabolism 
  • Helps to maintain healthy digestion 
  • Helps to lose weight  and burn fat 
  • Improves concentration 
  • Make body more flexible 
  • Strengthen the spine 

How to perform Surya Namaskara 

  1. Pranamasana (Prayer pose)- Stand straight, bring your feet together and your palms together on your chest , breathe normally 
  2.  Hastauttanasana (Raised arms pose)-  Inhale and raise your both arms up above the head, bend the head, arms and upper trunk slightly backward, look up  
  3. Hastapadasana (Standing forward bend)-  Exhale and bend forward from the hips ,  touch the floor with your fingers or palms and   bring the forehead as close to the knees as is comfortable . Do not strain, keep the knees straight  
  4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)-  Place your palms on the floor beside the feet, keep the arms straight,  inhale and bring your left leg back, drop your left knee on the floor and bend your right knee . In the final posture, the left foot, both hands, left knee and toes support the body and the back is slightly arched and the head faces forward, look upwards  
  5. Dandasana (Stick pose)-   Hold your  breath and bring your right leg back then  straighten your hands and knees . Align your body in such a way that it  forms a straight line from the top of your head to your heels. Look at a fixed point in front . 
  6. Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with eight parts)- Exhale and from Plank Pose lower your knees, chest and chin on the floor; the feet will come up on to the toes. In the final position only the toes, knees, chest, hands and chin should touch the floor .The buttocks, chips and abdomen should be raised.
  7. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) – Inhale, keep your hands beside your chest . Slide the chest forward and raise fthe head, the shoulders, then, straightening the elbows . Arch the back into the Cobra Pose and lower the hips and buttocks to the floor . Bend the head back and look upward .  
  8. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward facing dog pose)-   Hold the breath, raise your hips up and lower the head between the arms so that the back and legs form two sides of a triangle . Keep the knees and hands straight ,  push the heels and head towards the floor .
  9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose) – Hold the breath and  bring your left leg forward . Place your palms on the floor beside the left foot and  keep the arms straight . Drop your right knee on the floor and bend your left knee . The back is slightly arched and the head faces forward, look upwards .
  10. Hastapadasana (Standing forward bend)- Exhale and from Half Cobra Pose bring your right leg forward , bend forward from the hips . Touch the floor with your fingers or palms and bring the forehead as close to the knees as is comfortable .Do not strain, keep the knees straight .
  11. Hastauttanasana (Raised arms pose)-  Inhale and raise your both arms up above the head, bend the head, arms and upper trunk slightly backward, look up .
  12. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)- Exhale and return to Tadasana , remain in the same posture for a few seconds , feel the energy movement and start the next round .

Precautions – Do not perform yoga asanas under following conditions 

  • High fever
  • Cough and cold 
  • Coronary artery disease 
  • Hernia 
  • Slip disc 
  • Sciatica 
  • During Menstrual cycle

Start with 5  rounds of Surya Namaskara in the beginning and increase one round every week , this way you can go upto 50 rounds of surya namaskara over a period of time . People who are not able to perform difficult asanas can do Surya Namaskara everyday and get the benefit out of it . 

So what are you waiting for …Start Today ! 

10 Tips  for Parents  – Screen Addiction in Children 

by with One Comment Ayurveda

Nowadays most of the parents are getting worried as most of the time their children are using gadgets with long screen time .  After the Pandemic now many of the children are using laptops for  online study  and due to excessive usage of laptops children are getting affected not only physically but also mentally .

Children are not able to concentrate or focus on anything they are doing like study or any other task . Most of the children in  the age group  of 4-8 years are wearing glasses due to weak eyesight . 

In the modern era digital devices are the best way to learn about the world and other subjects . It is the duty of parents to monitor the screen time for their child . The key to reduce screen time is to provide them options which are more interesting and engaging for them. Most of the time parents say no to screen time without providing any other alternative . 

Here are few practices you can follow to reduce the screen Time :

1. Children learn things faster by observing , so if both parents are always scrolling their phones then the child will also learn the same just by observing . You have to reduce your screen time as well if you want to inculcate the same habit in your child . 

2. Spend quality time with your child which means doing the activity which your child wants to do , so that they don;t miss the screen time .

3. Allow your child to join any sports activity as per their choice

4. Fix the time limit for the screen time for eg 2pm – 2:15 pm (not more than 10 -15 min.)  so that your child doesn’t feel that you are restricting them forcefully . It’s the same as how we fix time for study, similarly we have to set time for screen time .

4. Help your child to understand how to use technology for the benefit of learning something new rather than just wasting time .

5. Plan a digital detox hour  for your family in which no one in the family is going to use any gadget . It’s fun ! 

6. Try to limit the usage of gadgets and limit the screen time without talking too much about it . Don’t make it a big change for your child, just do it in a very light and simple way .

7. If your child is used to of having long screen time and you want to stop this habit all of a sudden , then your child face a lot of behavioural issues like throwing tantrums and misbehaving with parents , It’s like an addiction to screen time and child also need time and proper care during this transition . Start communicating with your child , show them the side effects of long screen time on eyes and behaviour ( in videos or pictures) . Sometimes showing them bad results of their habits can actually work and children stop doing the same .

8. Make sure during this transition your child must be engaged in other activities so that they don’t get bored .

9. Take this as a family challenge where everyone has to participate , you cannot align this only to the child.

10 . Don’t showcase this change as a big challenge , just show your child that it’s just there and in moderation the child can use the gadgets .

Hope these tips are going to create a positive environment at your home and help you to reduce screen time for your child and the entire family .

Share your feedback and results after practicing the above tips in comments.

How to use Turmeric for body and mind 

by with One Comment Ayurveda
Turmeric shake

Do you know why people use Turmeric ? 
As per various scientific studies Turmeric has given benefits : • Boosts Immune System • Fights Against Cancer • Helps Prevents Alzheimer’s • Reduces Stress • Anti-Depressant• Anti-inflammatory• Decreases Risk of Heart Disease • Antioxidant • Age Reversing  

Turmeric has been used in India as a spice  for over 5000 years . Turmeric is the root of Curcuma longa plant .  Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with over 100 pharmacological actions, including powerful antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. For best absorption it’s important to take turmeric or curcumin with black pepper, or for it to be combined with fats , that is why in India people use Turmeric with  Milk .
Turmeric can be used externally and internally both .

Here are the dosage the you can consume 

  • 1/2 – 1 tsp dried turmeric root powder , use certified organic Turmeric 
  • Curmucin – 250 mg ( dosage can be altered as per the diseased condition) 

Simple ways to add turmeric into your diet 

  • Add in vegetable soups 
  • Add in Vegetable pulao 
  • Add in Saute vegetables 
  • Add it to a smoothie 
  • Add  to  eggs
  • Add it to roasted cauliflower   
  • Add it to your lentil soup 

Here are some Interesting Turmeric Recipes : 
1. Golden Milk Recipe 
 Ingredients: • 1 cup of organic whole milk (can be substituted with almond ) • 1 tsp Organic Ghee• ½ tsp of organic turmeric powder •1/4th tsp – Mixture of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom powder • Small pinch of saffron • Raw honey to taste 
Methos : 1. Warm the milk in a small pan , stir occasionally 2. Once warm, slowly add the ghee and spices while continuing to stir. Mix until there are no chunks and the powder has fully absorbed into the milk. 3. Blend all the ingredients in a blender . Serve Warm with honey .
Note : Do not cook honey in milk .

2.Turmeric Cinnamon Infusion 
Ingredients 
Water – 150 ml ( 1cup) Turmeric – 2 gms Cinnamon – 1 inch stick Black pepper – 3-4 crushed Honey – 1 tsp (Optional) 
Method :
  Bring water to a boil and simply add in the ingredients. Steep for 10-15 minutes.   

3. Almond Turmeric Smoothie

Ingredients :
1. Almonds milk (100 ml) 2. Banana – 1 3. Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp4. Honey 1 tsp
Method : Add all  of the ingredients into the blender and blend for 30-45 seconds.  

How to use Turmeric for skin 
For Acne: Mix turmeric 1/2 tps powder with rose water. Apply a facial mask for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water . 
Oily Skin:  Add 1 tbsp of sandalwood powder, a pinch of turmeric and 2 tsp rose water . Apply for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water .
For Aging :  Mix equal portions of turmeric powder and besan with water. Apply evenly to the face. Let dry. Rinse off and scrub with cold water. 
For Sunburn : Mix 1 tsp Turmeric powder  + 1 tsp Aloe vera gel , apply on the affected area . keep it for 10 min then wash with cold water .

How to maintain Healthy Relationship 

by with 2 Comments Ayurveda

Ayurveda not only helps you to maintain physical and mental health  but it also helps to maintain healthy relationships . Once you understand the concept of Tridosha ( Bio energy) of your friends and family members , you will be able to manage them well . Thus ayurveda helps you improve your relationships .
Here are some glimpse of Tidosha (Bio-energy) 

Vata ( Air) –  These personalities are very quick in action , change their thoughts and ideas quickly and most of the time they are unpredictable . Positive features of Vata personalities are , they are creative and enthusiastic .Pitta ( Fire )  –  These personalities are very disciplined and very punctual . They have leadership qualities and have a systematic approach to do things .
Kapha ( Water)  – These personalities are very stable and slow . Most of the time due to lethargy they don’t participate in any physical activity and thus tend to gain weight . Positive features of Vata personalities are their immune system is very good and their nature is relaxed and calm.

To build a healthy relationship you must understand that you cannot ask another person to change . Most of the time relations come to an end when the person is expecting change in others and it doesn’t happen . Each personality is different and you cannot change it . Each individual has its own way of thinking and doing the tasks .

Communication also plays an important role in building strong relationships . Each person has its own habit of feeling and talking with others . For eg. Vata changes mood rapidly and often gets anxious with small problems. Pitta personalities get angry very fast and have a dominating nature . Kapha are soft spoken and easy going type of personality .

Here are some Tips to Manage healthy relationships :

1. Always care for yourself –  When you are physically and mentally fit then only you will be able to manage your relationship. Anyone talking to you get positive vibes when you are happy and healthy . So give enough time for your body and mind and do some sort of physical activity and meditation . Eat healthy , fresh , home cooked food to create a positive energy in your body . Show gratitude for what all you have in your life . 

2. Understanding –  It is very important to have understanding in any relationship . Always give time to understand the things before you jump to any conclusion or decision . Always discuss your expectation rather than just thinking that the other person can realize by themself. 

3. Show Care-  Don’t get shy to show your caring nature whether it’s your partner, child or parents . Sometimes it is important to show with your gestures how important the other person is in your life and how much you care for them . Play with your child what they want to play, help your wife in household chores and take out some time to sit and chit chat with your parents . These small gestures make a lot of difference in the life of your loved ones .

Some activities You can do together with your family and friends :

1. Gardening 

2. Yoga or any other physical activity 

3. Group Laughter Yoga or Couple Laughter Yoga

4. Cook food together 

Laughter yoga is best medicine to make your relationship.

To know more – Learn Laughter Yoga

Learn Laughter Yoga

Basic Laughter Yoga Training

Advance laughter Yoga Training

Laughter Therapy For Depression

Laughter Therapy for work Place or Office

Laughter Therapy for Insomnia

Art of Meditation

enjoy your relationship

Natural Remedies for Stress and Anxiety

by with 6 Comments Ayurveda

Nowadays people with busy lifestyle face a lot of anxiety and stress issues. Sometimes it’s related to health , job , personal relationship , study or financial issues. People are using a lot of medication to sort out these issues , these drugs provide you temporary relief but these medications have a lot of side effects . 

Here in this blog we will be discussing a few practical and simple solutions to this problem .

1. Chamomile tea –  Chamomile flowers are soothing in nature , infusion or tea made up of Chamomile flowers helps to relieve stress and anxiety .

2. Nuts and Seeds – Almonds , Walnuts , flaxseeds are rich sources of omega 3 , include these healthy snacks in your diet .

3. Nature Walk – Take out time to walk in nature for 15 min everyday , fresh air and colours of nature energises your body and makes your mind more relaxed .

4. Cut down Caffeine –  Caffeinated drinks cause inflammation in your body  , so avoid tea and coffee as much as possible .

5. Antioxidants –  Include antioxidant food in your diet such as berries , oranges , amla , cucumber, peaches in your diet .

In Ayurveda texts many herbs are mentioned which helps in managing stress and anxiety , these herbs act as a nervine tonic .

Ksheerabala Tail –  A light head massage with Ksheerabala tail on the scalp helps to relieve the anxiety .

Brahmi –  Brahmi helps to improve memory and nourishes cells of the nervous system.

Yoga and Meditation :

1. Meditation helps a lot in dealing with stress and meditation , to begin with you can sit at one place in Sukhasana ( any comfortable pose like cross leg) and focus on your breathing . There are many other ways of doing meditation liks OM chanting , Yoga Nidra and Singing bowl therapy .

2. Pranayama : Deep breathing exercises also helps to soothe your nerves ,  When you do deep breathing you inhale more oxygen which energises your body . 

3.Laughter yoga is best medicine to reduce stress and anxiety.

To know more – Learn Laughter Yoga

Learn Laughter Yoga

Basic Laughter Yoga Training

Advance laughter Yoga Training

Laughter Therapy For Depression

Laughter Therapy for work Place or Office

Laughter Therapy for Insomnia

Art of Meditation

Manage your relationship 

You can always take help from a counselor to manage your relationship issues . Communication is the best tool to manage relationships. In most of the cases people make perceptions without knowing the true facts . In case you have some doubt or problem with a person , go and talk to the person ,find a solution and move on . Don’t be stuck in one place, keep moving . 

Whenever you have an argument with a person try to not drag the same for a longer duration in your mind rather think how the problem can be resolved . 

Key Point –  We can’t change or do anything for others but we can always change our own mindset and actions .

Laughter yoga exercises to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Sun Salutation-सूर्य नमस्कार -Module 1

by with 5 Comments Ayurveda

Sun is the source of energy for the entire world and keeping this in mind our ancient sages created this unique way of energising the entire body . Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar if done in morning sun rays then it increases its benefit , also when it is done with Mantras suggested then it also gives you mental strength . 
Surya Namaskar is a sequence of 12 Yoga asanas performed at one go . One thing has to be remembered that once you move backward then inhale and when you are moving forward the you have to exhale . 

Here are 12 mantras for 12 postures 

  1. ॐ मित्राय नमः ।
  2. ॐ रवये नमः ।
  3. ॐ सूर्याय नमः ।
  4. ॐ भानवे नमः ।
  5. ॐ खगाय नमः ।
  6. ॐ पूष्णे नमः ।
  7. ॐ हिरण्यगर्भाय नमः ।
  8. ॐ मरीचये नमः ।
  9. ॐ आदित्याय नमः ।
  10. ॐ सवित्रे नमः ।
  11. ॐ अर्काय नमः ।
  12. ॐ भास्कराय नमः ।
  13. ॐ श्रीसवितृ-सूर्यनारायणाय नमः ।

One who performs Surya Namaskar everyday get tremendous health benefits . Here we are elaborating some of the benefits which you get with this unique technique .

1. Provide strength to muscles and joints 
Due to stretching in Surya Namaskar it strengthens muscles , joints and ligaments . It also improves the flexibility of the body and improve the functioning of internal organs .

2. Improve Glow on face 

Surya Namaskar improves the blood circulation which brings glow on the face . It also delays the sign of ageing .

3. Improves digestion 

Surya Namaskar improves circulation toward the intestine resulting in better digestion . It also eases the flatulence .

4. Helps in Weight Loss 

Surya Namaskar improves metabolism which helps in weight management . During these postures abdominal muscles stretch and help you to lose belly fat .

5.  Reduces stress and anxiety

Surya Namaskar relaxes the body and keeps the mind calm . It helps in good night sleep. It improves the functioning of the nervous system and helps to manage anxiety .

6. Helps in Detoxification

Due to the rhythmic breathing process it improves the oxygen supply in blood . It also improves the flow of lymph and enhances the detoxification process .

Remedies to prevent cough and cold during season change -Happy Summers

by with One Comment Ayurveda

Time to welcome the Summers ……. but with this change of season there is a very common problem which most children , adults and old age people suffer from that is cough and cold . Here in this blog we will find out some of the common herbs which you can use to prevent this problem . First and foremost during this change of season you have to take care of your throat and nasal passage as these are the route from where germs enter your body . 
Tips to take care of your throat and nose :

  • Put 2 drops of sesame oil or cow’s ghee in both nostrils at bedtime everyday 
  • After having a meal gargle with warm  Turmeric water , 2-3 times a day 
  • Avoid cold , sour and fried food .

Herbs to prevent cough and cold 

1. Tulsi Holy basil is available in each Indian home and people worship Tulsi  . Most of us are not aware of the benefits we get from Tulsi . In ancient science this is the most sacred plant .Tulsi nourishes body , mind and spirit.

Botanical name – Ocimum tenuiflorum

Tulsi in Sanskrit means “one that is incomparable”. 

Rasa( taste) – pungent

Virya (energetic effect) – heating

Vipaka (Post digestive effect) – Pungent

Tulsi balances kapha in the lungs and vata in the head and nerves, it also soothes vata in the digestive tract. It helps to manage Meda Dhatu ( fatty tissue ) and thus helps in controlling weight .

How to consume Tulsi 

Take 4-5 leaves of Tulsi Leaves and boil in 150 ml of water for 2-3 min, then take this water 2-3 times a day . You can also add black pepper and cinnamon to this infusion.

Contraindication- during pregnancy as it leads to uterine contractions

2. Licorice (Mulethi) 
Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is used in Ayurveda in the management of respiratory disorders. It is also used in the treatment of chronic acidity and acidity .It also boosts immunity . Licorice water is used to relieve pain in the sore throat . It helps in pacifying Vata and Pitta. 
Botanica name – Glycyrrhiza glabra
Rasa- Madhura ( Sweet)Virya – Sheet (Cold )Vipaka – Madhura ( Sweet)
How to Consume  Mulethi 
Take 2-4 grns of Mulethi Powder and add 1 tsp organic honey  , take this 2 times a day .
Contraindication – Patient suffering from hypertension must avoid high doses of Mulethi .

3. Black Pepper ( Kali Mirch) 
Botanical Name –  Piper Nigrum 
Rasa- Katu ( Pungent) Virya –  Ushna ( heating) Vipaka – Katu (Pungent) 
It helps in balancing Vata and Kapha dosha in the body . It is also beneficial in digestive disorders like flatulence , gas and bloating . It is beneficial in respiratory problems . Black pepper can be used in the form of powder and a docotion can be made with black peppercorns .

How to consume Black Pepper 1. Take 3-4 black peppercorns and boil in 150 ml of water . You can also add cloves and ginger in the decoction.2. Take 2 gms of black pepper powder with  1 tsp honey or lukewarm water , twice in a day .Contraindication- during pregnancy

4. Chyawanprash
In ancient times this preparation was taken by a Chywan Rishi to rejuvenate his physical strength . That is the reason why it is called Chyawanprash . It is a combination of more than 25 herbs which all are rich in  natural minerals like  iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and zinc . Most important ingredient of Chyawanprash is Amla.
It helps to boost immunity  and can be taken by all age groups . It also rejuvenates skin, hair and all tissues of the body . It improves fertility and provides strength to the body .

How to consume Chyawanprash 
Take 5 gms ( 1 tsp) of Chyawanprash with lukewarm milk or water once or twice in a day .

5. Honey  Honey is a natural sweetener derived from the nectar of flowers by bees . It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It helps to boost immunity . In children honey can be used during milk cough and cold . One thing that you always have to remember –  Do not put honey in any hot food or beverage as honey loses its property when it comes in contact with heat . 

How to consume honey 
Take 5 gms of honey once or twice in a day .

Happy Summers

If you have any question, please write in comments.

Healing with sound therapy and benefits of sound therapy

by with 18 Comments Ayurveda

The science of Ayurveda teaches us how to live in harmony by using five basic elements of the Universe like Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Space . Today in this blog we will explore the element space and air , because sound can travel only via air . If there is no air there is no sound . In Ayurveda there is a correlation between five basic elements and senses for eg.  Earth- Smell (Gandh) ,Water- Taste (Ras) , Fire – Vision (Roopa), Air- touch (sparsh)  , Space – Sound (Shabd).

When you are taking a walk in nature you can easily hear the sound of birds chirping, the sound of leaves moving with wind , sound of waterfall or flowing water in the river , all these natural sounds provide temporary solace. Apart from external sounds we can hear the internal sounds as well .

In our ancient texts sound is used as a healing tool , specially in Rigveda Mantras .Sound therapy includes music , chanting and Tibetan singing bowl.

How does sound heal ?

As you know everything around us like plants, rocks , stars , tables  etc. vibrates at a particular frequency even the human body vibrates at a particular frequency. Whenever our body’s natural vibration gets imbalanced or disturbed it leads to some sort of illness in our body and mind . Sound therapy realigns the frequency of the body at its normal pattern.

Let’s talk about different healing sounds 

1. Music 

We always use music to alter our mood . Depending on the kind of music you are listening to, it can alter your mood . In many health centres music therapy is used to heal many patients . 

  • Vata Prakriti –  Vata balanced with slow , light and soft music with low tones , like folk music due to its rhythmic nature .
  • Pitta Prakriti – Pitta balanced with soothing and medium tone music, like flute, violin etc.
  • Kapha Prakriti –  Kapha balanced with energizing and higher tones , like tabla, piano and water drum .

2. Tibetan Singing Bowls

Tibetan singing bowls are handmade bowls made up of various kinds of metals . Mostly it’s a combination of metals like bronze, copper, nickle,  tin etc. When someone strikes these bowls with a wooden mallet various sounds are produced . Nowadays there are many singing bowl therapists who provide therapy with singing bowls on the chakra points . Sound waves produced by the bowls spread through blood, flesh, bones and relax them . These sound waves release the energy blockages in the body .https://youtu.be/ipVCovq8Rds

3. Kirtan 

Kitan means practice of chanting and repetitive singing  of the divine . One does not need any singing voice to be a part of the Kirtan. This is one of the paths of Bhakti where devotees sing from the heart. .

In various studies sound therapy showed results in pain , anxiety and tenderness.

4. Mantras 

Mantra originated from the word “Man” which means to think or to meditate . Mantra is basically a tool or instrument to meditate . Each mantra has its own energy and sound and it impacts the physical body, mind and spiritual body as well. Ancient texts like Rig veda are composed of Mantras only . Examples of Mantra – Om . Gayatri Mantra and Mahamrityunjaya Mantra etc. Om is the Universal sound.

Some people also chant mantras using a Mala with beads .After repeated practice mantra becomes a part of your subconscious mind. One can chant mantras loudly or internally as well .

In Mantra chikitsa there are various mantras for various disorders (fever, cough, headache). In Ayurveda it has been suggested to chant Mantra prior to cooking , eating food and even prescribing herbs to the patients .

So this is the right time to add sound healing in your life , you can use above techniques to keep yourself mentally and physically fit .

Start Now !