Archives for August 2021

Stressbuster Night Tonic

Aug 31, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

This night tonic is a great addition to your evening ritual. With ashwagandha and nutmeg, it is a perfect recipe to support sleep, relax muscles and calm your mind. You can also add ingredients as per your choice.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 10 to 30 Minute
Serves: 2 Cup

Ingredients

½ cup of almonds soaked overnight and peeled
1 ½ cup of water
1 t honey or maple syrup
Extract of 1 vanilla bean
¼ t nutmeg powder
½ t ashwagandha powder
Pinch of salt

Method

Blend soaked almonds until smooth and add water to achieve the desired consistency.
In a saucepan, add almond milk, and mix with all other ingredients and place it over high heat.
Stir or whisk to combine everything and remove before it comes to a boil.
Serve hot/warm.

Serving suggestions

Drink it warm and relax.

Notes

If it gets too thick, add water until you get the consistency you like.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Ashwagandha I Nutmeg

Ashwagandha Nut Butter

Aug 31, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

Ashwagandha is commonly referred to as Indian ginseng, this Ashwagandha-infused nut butter is adaptogenic in nature and is a good source of energy. It rejuvenates the mind and helps the body adapt to stress and external changes.

Good for vata dosha. People with pitta dosha should avoid peanuts.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 10 to 30 Minutes

Ingredients

½ cup of almonds
½ cup of cashews
½ cup of peanuts
½ cup mixture of walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios
2 teaspoons ashwagandha powder
1 teaspoon ghee or coconut oil, if needed

Method

Blend nuts at medium-low speed into a smooth butter paste. Keep adding ghee or coconut oil while blending to attain the butter consistency.
Add Ashwagandha powder and blend again to mix it well.
Store it in an airtight container. Can be refrigerated.

Serving suggestions

Can be used as a spread or topping. It can be used to replace peanut butter.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Ashwagandha I Cashew

Saffron (Kesar) Rice

Aug 31, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Saffron rice or yellow rice is a North Indian aromatic and flavorful side dish that goes well with any Indian curry or lentil dish. It is really easy to make and is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and omega 3. This rice is incredibly fragrant and provides the health benefits of saffron. It is also widely popular in the middle east and Mediterranean regions and is served along with kebabs.

Good for all doshas.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 40 Minutes
Serves: 6 Person

Ingredients

1 and ½ cups of raw Basmati rice (soaked)
1 generous pinch of saffron
3 T of ghee
3 small bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
5 to 6 whole peppercorns
2 small cardamom pods
Salt to taste
Hot water for cooking the rice.

Method

Soak the saffron for 10-12 minutes in 1 tablespoon of water.
Melt ghee in a pot over medium flame. Add bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, salt, cardamom and mix well.
Turn the heat to low flame and add rice and saute with spices for 1-2 minutes.
Add hot water and soaked saffron and boil for 5 minutes uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cover and let it cook until soft over low flame.

Serving suggestions

Can be served with any Indian curry and gravy dishes.
Add milk to cook the rice for a rich taste.

Notes

Saffron is tridoshic i.e it balances all three doshas, easy to digest and helps combating food allergies. Saffron by itself is found to revitalize blood circulation, promote good female reproductive health and also prevent migraines.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Bay Leaves I Black Pepper I Cardamom I Cloves I Cinnamon I Saffron

Food Allergies

Aug 31, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

What is Food Allergies?

A food allergy is a condition that occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a certain food and treats it as harmful to our body and accordingly it responds by triggering allergic reactions. There are two types of food allergies

What are the Symptoms of Food Allergies?

There are various symptoms of food allergy. However, some of the symptoms are common in almost everyone who is suffering from this condition. In most cases, the reaction may be mild but in a few instances, the reaction may be severe and It is called anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of food allergy include vomiting and diarrhea, trouble breathing or tightening in the throat, abdominal cramps. You may also suffer from low blood pressure.

What are the Causes of Food Allergies?

Food allergy can be caused by various reasons. Whenever your immune system identifies certain substances in the food as something harmful it releases an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to counteract the allergen. So,next time if you end up eating even a small portion of that food, your IgE will sense it and your immune system will release a chemical called histamine to your bloodstream and you will start experiencing allergy symptoms.
However, there are some proteins which cause most of the food allergies. Shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab can cause food allergies. Also peanuts, tree nuts such as walnuts can be one of the major causes of skin allergies. Someone might get an allergy from eggs, wheat, soy or even from cow’s milk.

When to see a Doctor?

The symptoms of food allergies seem minor at the beginning but may worsen into severe medical conditions. So, if your symptoms are severe such as difficulty breathing or swelling in different parts of your body you need to seek medical help immediately.
In some cases, you may not develop severe symptoms, but the symptoms are persisting for a long time. This is the time you need to see your doctor.

Lifestyle Prevention of Food Allergies

Preventing food allergies is very tough. The only way to avoid it is to stay away from the food which causes you allergies. So identifying the allergy-causing food is the key. Try to quickly recognize the allergic reaction to food and act accordingly.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Food Allergies

Some of the Ayurvedic remedies are effective in treating food allergies. If you are not sure which is causing you the allergy, then use the following remedy
Roast some cumin, fennel, and white sesame seeds, and eat a handful after meals. This is really going to help you boost your immune system to fight against the allergies.
You can also try purgation remedy. For that Take 1 teaspoon of amalaki or sat isabgol (psyllium husks) at night. Add the herbs to 1 cup of hot water, let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes, and drink.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Amalaki | Isabgol

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Cumin | Fennel | White sesame seeds

Fluid Retention (Oedema)

Aug 31, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Fluid Retention?

Fluid retention is a serious health condition that occurs when extra fluids develop within your body in the circulatory system or inside the muscles. This condition can cause swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, and legs. In women, it is more common during pregnancy or before their menstrual period. Less movement may also cause this condition. Like those who are physically disabled have a higher chance of getting affected by this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Fluid Retention?

The symptoms of Fluid Retention include swelling of the affected body parts, mostly in the legs, feet, ankles, and hands. One may experience aching as well. You may have stiff joints. In some serious cases, rapid weight gain can be seen. Other symptoms may be pitting and non-pitting oedema. In the case of pitting oedema, when you press the affected areas, the skin may hold the indent for a few seconds whereas in the case of non-pitting oedema skin will not hold an indent.

What are the Causes of Fluid Retention?

The cause of Fluid retention can be many. One of the most common causes is standing or sitting for a long period. Less mobility will lead to fluid build-up, and it may end up swelling. During pregnancy, a woman can develop fluid retention. During the menstrual cycle, fluid retention may be possible. Some medications such as oral contraceptive pills, antihypertensives, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also cause this condition. In some severe burn cases, one may experience fluid build-up as well.

When to see a Doctor?

Fluid retention can be a cause of other serious illnesses so whenever you are experiencing any signs of fluid retention, please see your doctor. Fluid retention can be symptomatic for heart, kidney or liver disease.

Lifestyle Prevention of Fluid Retention

Preventing Fluid retention is not always possible if it is due to any underlying disease. But other than that, this condition can be prevented by following some preventive measures. Such as a low salt diet, avoiding alcohol consumption, working out, clean eating, avoid sitting for a long time, etc.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Fluid Retention

Abhayanga
Mridu Virechana
Lepa
Raktamokshana

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Arjuna | Punarnava | Shilajit | Shunthi | Haridra

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known.

Flatulence

Aug 31, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Flatulence?

Flatulence is a medical term for farting, and it occurs when someone releases accumulated gas from the digestive system through the anus. This is a very normal process and is experienced by almost all. Excessive flatulence happens when you have indigestion due to some particular food or bacteria in your intestine.

What are the Symptoms of Flatulence?

The symptoms of flatulence are very embarrassing at times. Passing wind which is smelly and creating a loud sound is awkward if you are in a public place. You also may experience abdominal distension and discomfort. People may often feel rumbling in the lower abdomen.

What are the Causes of Flatulence?

Flatulence can be caused by several factors. However, the most common cause of flatulence is indigestion. Other than that, if someone swallows air by any chance, he may experience farting. Intestinal bacteria may also trigger flatulence. Some high fiber foods cause this condition. If you are intolerant to lactose or short-chain carbohydrates and end up eating which contains that will surely make you suffer from flatulence.

When to see a Doctor?

In most cases, flatulence is not a matter of concern. This is a very common condition that is experienced by almost all. However, if you notice other symptoms which are accompanied by flatulence then this may indicate a severe health condition. Symptoms such as heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, swollen abdomen, etc are the signs of more serious ailments and need to be examined by the doctor.

Lifestyle Prevention of Flatulence

Preventing flatulence is very difficult as this is a very common condition. However, some preventive measures can be considered in controlling the condition. Eating clean and healthy is very important. Daily working out will surely help. Understanding your food tolerance is important to avoid that food that may cause you problems. If you still have flatulence you should try Ayurvedic medicines.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Flatulence

Some of the Ayurvedic medicines can help you get rid of this condition; such as Hingwastakachurna, Hinguvachadi churna, Ajamodha churna, Avipattikara churna.
Ayurvedic therapies like Nitya virechana, Basti in the form of DashamoolaNiruhavasti
Ginger juice or warm ginger water helps alleviate flatulence.
The glass of warm water with half spoon of Ghee and a pinch of Asafoetida (Hing) at bedtime.
If one is experiencing constipation, pain, and unnecessary flatulence then one can take triphala powder at bedtime

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Ginger | Cumin (Jeera) | Fennel | Triphala | Asafoetida

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known.