Archives for August 2021

Crunchy Breakfast Oatmeal

Add a nutty crunch of toasted walnuts and pecans to your creamy bowl of breakfast oats. Cook with banana, berries, and apple for vata, pitta, and kapha respectively for natural sweetness and doshic balance.

Good for Vata dosha.
For pitta, avoid dry fruits and add fresh berries.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Serves: 2 person

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 Tablespoon ghee (preferably cow’s ghee)
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (unsalted)
  • ½ Tablespoon dried/fresh blueberries or any other berries you like
  • ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon

Method

  1. Add oats and water to a pot and bring it to a boil.
  2. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Take a shallow pan and melt the ghee over medium-high flame.
  4. Toast the nuts and remove them from heat.
  5. Add the cinnamon to oatmeal and serve with toasted nuts and fresh berries.

Serving suggestions

Tastes delicious with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, or a spoonful of ghee.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Indian-style Quesadillas

These quesadillas are less oily and lighter than traditional ones and are ideal for both lunch and dinner. Enjoy them with a big bowl of avocado mash for a rich and delicious experience.

Good for Vata and Pitta.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Serves: 2 person

Ingredients

  • ½ cup cottage cheese/paneer preferably fresh and spreadable
  • 1 teaspoon ghee
  • Salt to taste (preferably Himalayan salt)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon finely chopped green chili
  • A pinch each of coriander powder, cumin powder, and dry mango powder
  • 1 t  finely chopped mint leaves
  • 2 large chapatis (rotis)

Method

  1. Mash the paneer in a small bowl and mix with spices, fresh mint and green chilies
  2. Heat ghee in a pan and add the paneer mixture. Cook till gets creamy
  3. Take a chapati and press the paneer mixture evenly on half of the chapati with a spatula
  4. Fold the second half on top and press firmly
  5. Heat the quesadilla on both sides on the pan with a little bit of ghee.
  6. Roast till golden brown on both sides.
  7. Repeat with 2nd chapati. Serve hot

Serving suggestions

For lunch serve with a salad and for dinner serve with steamed greens

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition that occurs when you have an infection or inflammation in the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. This makes the white part of your eye look pink and is also called Pink Eye. It can also become reddish if the blood vessels are inflated in the conjunctiva.

What are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis include redness in one or both eyes with itchiness. A grainy feeling in one or both the eyes. Eye pain is also a very common symptom of this condition. Discharge of fluid during the day and in the night it forms a crust which makes it difficult for you to open your eyes in the morning.

What are the Causes of Conjunctivitis?

There can be various causes of conjunctivitis. But it is mostly caused by viruses and bacteria. Some allergens may also cause this condition. Some chemical splash in the eye or any foreign object stuck in the eye can also cause conjunctivitis.

When to see a Doctor?

As we all know, the eyes are the most delicate and the most important organ of our body. So, any complications to your eyes need medical supervision. Same for conjunctivitis. If you experience light sensitivity or blurred vision, rush to a nearby eye specialist. Also, if you suffer from severe eye pain, visit a doctor.

In most cases, conjunctivitis should get better within 12 to 24 hours with proper medications. If it doesn’t improve within this time frame then you need to make an appointment with an eye doctor.

Lifestyle Prevention of Conjunctivitis

  • Some safety measures can prevent conjunctivitis. Good hygiene practice is really important to control the spread of pink eye.
  • Do not touch your eyes with your hand or in case you have to then wash your hands properly. Try not to share any personal belongings with anyone including eye cosmetics and personal eye care items. Use clean towels and washcloths.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Conjunctivitis

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known

Constipation during pregnancy

What is Constipation during pregnancy?

Constipation during pregnancy is a very common condition caused by an irregular bowel movement due to some obvious factors that a pregnant lady faces. Learn more about Constipation in pregnancy and its Ayurvedic remedies.

What are the Symptoms of Constipation during pregnancy?

Almost all the constipated person experiences some typical symptoms and there are no exceptions for the pregnant women. Hard stools, less recurrent bowel movements, pain on passing a bowel motion, passing wind more frequently, cramp-like pain in the tummy are the usual symptoms for constipation.

What are the Causes of Constipation during pregnancy?

There are some typical causes of constipation. But not drinking enough water and not eating enough fiber are the most common factors that cause constipation. During pregnancy, some hormones may affect your poop movements and make them slower. Also, you may experience extra pressure due to the baby and womb growing. During pregnancy, most women take iron supplements. That can also cause constipation.

When to see a Doctor?

Constipation during pregnancy needs more care than normal time. So, if you notice any complications like, blood in the stool, pain in your tummy or often vomiting, visiting a doctor is a must.

Lifestyle Prevention of Constipation during pregnancy

  • Prevention of constipation is possible by changing diet and lifestyle habits. Constipation is caused when you don’t drink enough water. So try to add plenty of fluid to your diet. Also adding complex carbohydrates and fibers such as whole grains and cereals in your diet is recommended. Taking a sufficient quantity of green vegetables and fruits is important to prevent or cure constipation. Taking warm water after each meal has been a great home remedy for this condition.
  • During pregnancy generally, there is a reduction in physical activity which sometimes creates complications. So, working out is important. Even a long walk can help you. Try not to drink a lot of caffeine-containing drink and avoid smoking

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Constipation during pregnancy

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Triphala i Haritaki I Trivruth

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known.

Colitis

What is Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a serious health condition that affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. This condition is caused when you develop inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. This condition is also called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A person who is suffering from this condition may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps, rectal bleeding, etc. However, the symptoms will not show suddenly. It will develop over a period. The cure of this condition is not known but certain medications can greatly reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease.

What are the Symptoms of Colitis?

The symptoms depend on the severity of the disease. In some severe cases, a person may experience serious symptoms like rectal bleeding, fever, weight loss and acute diarrhea with blood. In most of the cases it starts with abdominal discomfort and pain. Sometimes you may experience cramps as well.

What are the Causes of Colitis?

The possible cause for ulcerative colitis can be an immune system malfunction. While your immune system attempts to battle off an overrunning virus or bacterium, an unusual immune reaction triggers the immune system to attack the cells in the intestinal region, which may cause inflammation and lead to this condition.

Diet and stress can exacerbate the condition but is not the cause. However, doctors are still not sure what causes ulcerative colitis and it is still unknown.

When to see a Doctor?

Ulcerative colitis is a serious illness and needs medical intervention to reduce its intensity. So if you notice any of the following symptoms, without a further delay, consult a doctor.
Abdominal discomfort or pain, Blood in the stool, diarrhea with blood which is not going with the over-the-counter medications. Also if you have a fever which is lasting more than a day or two with the other symptoms, then you may be suffering from a severe infection and need to visit a doctor.

Lifestyle Prevention of Colitis

  • The exact prevention of colitis is unknown as the causes are unknown. However, lessening the intensity of the disease is possible by some preventive measures.
  • A person suffering from ulcerative colitis should never opt for any spicy food. Also drinking alcohol and consuming tobacco should be stopped completely. Any foods that may irritate your colon should be avoided.
  • If a person suffers from this condition, they generally have a weak colon. Strengthening the colon is important. Leg lifts are a great workout for them to strengthen the wall of the colon. You can lift both the legs or one at a time if you find it difficult initially. All you have to do is to lie flat your back and lift the legs gradually keeping the knees straight. This is a very common exercise to strengthen the core.
  • Some Yoga postures can also help you bolster your colon. Try postures like Chest-Knee, Plow-nose, Locust-Pose, etc.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Colitis

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Shatavari, Shanka bhasma, Kama dudha and Sanjivani mix | Aloe Vera gel
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Andrographis paniculata extract, Aloe Vera gel, Wheatgrass juice, Plantago ovata seeds, Boswellia serrata gum resin

Chilblains

What is Chilblains?

Chilblains or CHILL–blains is a skin condition caused by the inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin due to frequent contact with cold but not freezing air. These are very painful inflammation and are also known as pernio. Apart from pain, it can also cause severe itching, red patches, swelling and mostly affects hands and legs.

What are the Symptoms of Chilblains?

The symptom of Chilblains completely depends on the degree of intensity. Some of the common symptoms may include swelling or inflammation of the skin, burning sensation on the affected areas, one may develop small, itchy red areas on the skin of legs and hands. The person suffering from this condition can notice the changes in skin color. It may turn blue from red and may become more painful.

What are the Causes of Chilblains?

This condition is caused by the cold weather. Too much cold can trigger small blood vessels close to the surface of your skin to stiffens and the moment you warm up, these vessels would expand rapidly affecting blood to leak into adjacent muscles and tissues, which will lead to swelling. This disorder can be the response to cold exposure and rewarming.

When to see a Doctor?

In most cases, it doesn’t need any intervention from a doctor. However, if someone is experiencing severe pain then it is advisable to talk to a physician. Also, if the symptoms are staying more than two weeks and not improving then there is a possibility of an infection and need assistance. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation should be very cautious and if you see any complications visit a doctor.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Chilblains

Limiting exposure to cold can help in preventing this condition. Wearing adequate winter wear during cold weather is important. Trying to dress in layers of baggy clothing and water-resistant footwear is best. Additionally, try to cover all exposed skin during cold weather in case you are going out. Keeping hands and feet warm and dry is very crucial.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Chilblains

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Neem Oil | Triphala | Sesame seeds | Lemon juice | Turmeric
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not known.