Archives for August 2021

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Aug 30, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

What is Fibrocystic Breast Disease?

Fibrocystic breasts disease is a condition that occurs when you develop lumpy or rope-like texture in your breast tissue due to excess fluid or cell build up. This can cause blockage, swelling of the breasts, ache, etc. It’s not at all unusual to have fibrocystic breasts.

What are the Symptoms of Fibrocystic Breast Disease?

The most common symptom of Fibrocystic Breast disease is breast tenderness and discomfort. That may exacerbate during the premenstrual cycle. The individual with this condition can experience a lump in the breast mostly near the armpit. Also, a sudden emergence or desertion of palpable benign masses in the breast can be a symptom of this condition. There, maybe instances when you may notice a non-bloody discharge leaking from the nipples without even squeezing. They are mostly green or dark brown.

What are the Causes of Fibrocystic Breast Disease?

Even though there are not enough studies to prove the exact causes of fibrocystic breast changes, some specialists believe that reproductive hormones may be one of the causes.
The breast discomfort and lumpiness of the breast tissues can be often experienced during menstrual cycle due to fluctuating hormone levels

When to see a Doctor?

Fibrocystic breast changes are very common in most cases. However, there may be some instances where you need medical involvement. If you are experiencing breast pain that is worsening, then you may need to visit a doctor. Also, when the lump is getting bigger and making it uncomfortable, book an appointment. There might be a need for medical urgency if your lump is persisting, and it is firm and prominent.

Lifestyle Prevention of Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Since the causes of this fibrocystic breast disease are not known, prevention is tough. However, some measures can be taken to avoid having this condition.
Wearing a firm bra can help you keep your breast in proper shape that may prevent any build-up in your breast. Because the bras that are designed by professionals mostly help in circulating blood properly. Also wearing a proper sports bra during working out is important. Avoiding caffeine to some extent can help you. Eating healthy and avoiding fat is also advisable. Massaging your breast properly with warm oil is also a great way to prevent this condition as that improves mastic tissue and encourages lymphatic drainage into the armpits.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Fibrocystic Breast Disease

To help prevent fibrocystic breasts, use the following herbal formula:

2 parts of kutki
2 parts of chitrak
5 parts punarnava

This herbal mixture (½ teaspoon twice a day) will help to avoid the buildup of kapha in the breast that precedes the advancement of fibrocystic tissue.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Chitrak | Katuki

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known.

Fever

Aug 30, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Fever?

Fever is a health condition that increases your body temperature to fight against viruses and infections or other illnesses. Having a fever indicates that there is something wrong happening in your body which is not common. The fever is not a cause of concern unless it reaches 103 F (39.4 C). However, if the fever is not going away and staying for more than one week even after taking over-the-counter medicine, it may be a cause for worry even if the fever is not very high.

What are the Symptoms of Fever?

Tracking symptoms for fever is very easy and straightforward. You will know you have a fever if your temperature increases beyond its normal range. Generally, a normal body temperature for humans is between 97 to 99 F.

However, the severity and serious causes of fever can be identified just by tracking other symptoms which you may experience along with the high body temperature. Symptoms such as sweating, chills and shivering, fatigue, dehydration, body aches and headaches, and irritability can determine the degree of seriousness of this condition. In more severe cases you may experience febrile seizure. However, febrile seizure is more common in children between 6 months and 5 years.

What are the Causes of Fever?

The causes of fever can be various. The most common causes are viruses and infections. When your body identifies any virus or infection, it increases the temperature to fight them. Apart from that, some more situations cause fever. Heat exhaustion is also one of them. Specific inflammatory conditions, for instance, rheumatoid arthritis — inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium). A malignant tumor can cause fever. If you are undergoing any treatment that may also trigger this condition because of some medications.

When to see a Doctor?

Most of the time fever can be treated by over-the-counter medicines as this condition is usually self-limiting. It generally disappears within a few days after it heals the body from toxins and infections it was fighting with. However, there are some instances or severe cases where you need medical intervention. If the fever is above 103 F and lasts more than 3 days, it is a sign of severe infection and needs to be treated by a physician. Also, if the fever comes with other severe symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, vomiting, seizure, then it is time to visit a doctor. Individuals who suffer from chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or any other respiratory ailments need special attention.

Lifestyle Prevention of Fever

Prevention of fever is possible by reducing exposure to viruses and infectious illnesses. This can be possible by taking some preventive measures such as washing your hands properly from time to time.
Most of the time we encounter viruses through our hands and mouth. So, washing hands before eating, after using toilets, after petting animals, and after coming back from outside is very important. Hand hygiene plays a really important role to avoid any contact with viruses. So, try to carry hand sanitizers and use them when you don’t have access to soap or hand wash. Also, try to cover your mouth and nose whenever someone sneezes or coughs. Do the same when you sneeze or cough so that you don’t infect others.
After the pandemic, we have learned that immunity plays an important role to fight any sort of virus. So try to add immunity-boosting herbs and spices to your diet and also work out daily to boost your body’s immune system. Drink plenty of water.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Fever

Cilantro juice is an easy remedy for fever. Simply add 1/3 cup of cilantro leaves to 1/3 cup of water and mix in a blender. Strain the mixture and keep the liquid only. 3 times a day take 2 tsp of the mixture to help lower temperature.
Another great fever reducer is made from Lemongrass, Tulsi (Holy Basil), and Fennel. Take 1tsp total of equal portions of Lemongrass, Tulsi (Holy Basil), and Fennel and boil in 1 cup of water for at least 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and drink liquid when cool enough. This mixture is a very effective diaphoretic that will make you sweat. The sweating will help lower your fever.
Coriander, cinnamon, ginger tea is a great fever reducer. Make 1 tsp mixture of 2 parts coriander, 1 part cinnamon, and 2 parts ginger and steep in hot water for 10 minutes. You can drink this mixture every few hours till the fever reduces.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known.

Fatigue

Aug 30, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Fatigue?

Fatigue is a health condition that affects your mental and physical health. Physical fatigue is mostly caused due to overwork or not taking enough rest. Also, physical fatigue may be caused by some underlying health conditions. On the other hand, mental fatigue is caused by not doing enough or not working hard enough. This type of fatigue can be out of boredom or lack of motivation.

What are the Symptoms of Fatigue?

The symptoms of fatigue include, Long-lasting drowsiness, Light-headedness, irritability, low appetite, decreased immunity, delusion, Blurred eyesight, etc.

What are the Causes of Fatigue?

Physical fatigue can be caused by several other ailments. You may experience fatigue due to low gastric fire. It can also be caused by weakness in your liver. Anemia can be a major cause of fatigue. A special type of virus, named Epstein-Barr virus may be one of the causes of Fatigue. Apart from that, lack of sleep and working too hard may cause this condition as well. When it comes to mental fatigue, low adrenal energy and stress are the major causes.

When to see a Doctor?

There are some obvious explanations for Fatigue. Such as unusual exertion, stress, lack of sleep, etc. These can make you reasonably exhausted. However, despite no such activities, if you still have a feeling of exhaustion or continue to feel unusually lethargic, sluggish, and drained of energy, your fatigue may be the cause of a more serious health condition and you need to visit a doctor for a check-up and proper diagnosis of your unexplained fatigue

Lifestyle Prevention of Fatigue

If the fatigue is caused by some obvious reasons and not by any underlying disease, then it can be prevented by following some preventive measures. The most important thing is to follow a healthy and balanced diet. Having a proper portion of multi nutrients as per your physical activity and health condition is very important. Daily working out will also help you prevent fatigue as your body will start adjusting with strenuous physical activity, hence you will not get tired easily. Drinking enough water is equally important as eating clean. So do not forget to drink water as per your body’s requirements. Sleeping at least 6 to 8 hours a day is very important to rest your body properly.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Fatigue

Triphala helps regulate excess Pitta in the body as well as eliminating toxins
Shatavari also reduces excess Pitta
Turmeric helps to prevent bouts of tiredness
Ashwagandha helps to calm and strengthen the nervous system

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Triphala | Shatavari | Turmeric | Ashwagandha

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Triphala | Turmeric | Neem | Manjistha

Coconut Chutney

Aug 30, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

This dip is a traditional south indian condiment that is served with almost every south indian dish. It is made with fresh coconut and helps in improving bowel movement and other digestion related issues.

Good for all doshas. The kapha and vata balancing properties can be enhanced by adding asafoetida.

Prep Time: 12 Minutes
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Serves: 3 Cup

Ingredients

2 cups of fresh shredded coconut
1 ½ inch of ginger
1 T cilantro leaves
1 small green chili
Water as needed for blending in a smooth consistency
Salt to taste
1 T of coconut oil
½ t black mustard seeds
½ t cumin seeds
4 to 5 curry leaves
1 pinch of asafoetida
½ t fresh lime juice
1 dried red chili

Method

Blend coconut together with ginger, green chilli, and cilantro into smooth paste, add water as necessary.
For tempering, melt coconut oil in a saucepan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing, and curry leaves, and dried chili. Wait till the seeds sputter.
Pour the oil mixture over coconut dip, squeeze lemon juice and add salt.
Can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Serving suggestions

Served with almost every south Indian dish. You can add mint leaves and garlic cloves for extra flavor.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Asafoetida I Curry Leaves I Cumin Seeds I Cilantro I Mustard Seed I Ginger

Cilantro (Coriander) Mint Chutney

Aug 30, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Cilantro chutney is a versatile Indian dip that goes with every Indian meal, especially snacks and appetizers. It is made with fresh cilantro and is not only tasty but also promotes digestion.

Good for all doshas.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Serves: 1 Cup

Ingredients

1 ½ Cups of roughly chopped cilantro leaves (leave the tender stems)
½ cup mint leaves
1 green chili or 1 jalapeno
½ inch of Ginger
½ t cumin seeds
A pinch of black pepper powder
Salt to taste
2 t lemon juice
½ t sugar/honey
¼ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt

Method

Blend all the ingredients together in a blender. You can also use a mortar pestle for a rough textured chutney.
You can add small quantity of water to aid the blending,
Serve instantly. This chutney can be stored in the refrigerator for ⅔ days

Serving suggestions

This dip goes with everything and can even be used as spread for sandwiches, rolls, and wraps.

Notes

Add more yogurt if the chutney is too spicy

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Black Pepper I Coriander I Cumin Seed I Ginger I Mint

Upma (Savory Cream of wheat)

Aug 27, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Upma is a a savory breakfast preparation from southern part of India. It is made with bear mush or cream of wheat. It is easy to prepare and can also be served as a side dish with other meals. It can be modified in a number of ways to incorporate your favorite vegetables and spices.

It is good for all 3 doshas

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Serves: 2 persons

Ingredients

1 cup Semolina or Cream of wheat
1 ¼ T Ghee (preferably cow’s)
1 t each of mustard seeds and cumin seeds
A pinch of asafoetida
4 to 5 fresh curry leaves
½ tsp turmeric (optional)
1/2 t finely chopped green chili
1 T chopped shallots
1 T carrots (optional)
1 T green peas (optional)
Chopped cilantro for garnish
Salt to taste preferably Himalayan salt
3 cups of water

Method

Roast the cream of wheat until golden brown and fragrant in a dry pan over medium flame and set aside.
Heat ghee in a saucepan, then add mustard and cumin seeds.
When the seeds sputter, stir in other spices, shallots, chili, curry leaves, carrots, and peas, and saute until onion turns golden brown.
Add salt and water, bring it to a boil and then add the roasted semolina.
Stir continuously to prevent lumps and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes till grains swell up.
Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Serving suggestions

Add lemon juice or plain yoghurt for enhanced flavors.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Asafoetida I Cumin Seeds I Curry Leaves I Mustard seeds I Turmeric