Archives for August 2021

Burns

Aug 24, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Burns?

Burns is a skin condition that occurs when your skin is severely damaged or injured, which causes the skin cells to die. The person suffering from this condition may experience a severe burning sensation in the affected area of the skin. Burns can be fatal or may lead to serious health consequences if it has a higher degree of severity and needs urgent emergency medical treatment. However, if the intensity of the injury is not that harsh and it is a small area that is affected, it can be recovered by very basic over-the-counter medications.

What are the Symptoms of Burns?

There can be numerous symptoms of Burns depending on the degree of the injury and the stage of the injury. It starts with an excessive burning sensation and then you may experience more severe symptoms like blisters and inflammation in the skin. If the damage is not that severe then you can see a red spot on the affected skin or splotchy skin. If the skin is completely dissolved because of the injury, then you might see white layers on the burned area.

What are the Causes of Burns?

The cause of this condition is widespread. There can be various situations that may trigger burns. The most common cause is exposure to direct fire like heat or flames. Apart from that, some sort of radiation may also cause this condition. Direct contact with electricity or some chemicals may affect your skin which leads to burns.

When to see a Doctor?

As we have already discussed, this injury can be severe, or it can be minor. For minor burns such as accidentally touching an iron, or a frying pan, etc. don’t need any medical interference and can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications. When the injury is severe and concerning a sizable part of the body, immediate hospitalization is needed.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Burns

Preventing burn is only possible by being extra careful during any activities where you think you can get burned. Such as cooking, checking hot water, or any activities that are required to deal with fire like welding, etc. being overprotective at home is also advised like, installing fire alarm or smoke alarm, always keeping an eye on the kids, making an evacuation plan in case of a fire emergency.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Burns

Ayurveda can be useful for treating less severe or minor burns. One of the most useful remedies can be cilantro juice. Drinking this juice 2 teaspoons three times a day can help your wound get healed faster. You can use the pulps externally on the affected area as well. Also, you can try applying an herbal paste made of sandalwood, turmeric, and aloe vera. However, never cover the wound with a bandage. You can rather use some light gauze to protect the medication from rubbing.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Sandalwood | Turmeric | Aloe Vera

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not known.

Colds and Flu (influenza)

Aug 24, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is High Colds and Flu?

Cold and Flu is a very common health condition that occurs mostly during the winter and spring season. You may experience symptoms like body aches, fever, runny nose, congestion, headaches, etc. You also may lose appetite and suffer from poor digestion as the gastric fire might get reduced due to excess Vata in your body.

What are the Symptoms of Colds and Flu?

The person suffering from this condition may experience cough which may be severe sometimes because of the congestion along with runny nose and stuffy nose. Also, body aches and headaches are very common in this condition. You may have a low to moderate fever accompanied by a sore throat and fatigue.

What are the Causes of Colds and Flu?

Various viruses can cause Cold and Flu, however, a particular virus called rhinovirus is mostly caused this condition. These types of viruses enter the human body through the mouth, eyes, or nose and mostly spread through droplets. The droplets of an affected person mostly spread through sneezing and coughing. Additionally, it can spread by hand-to-hand contact with somebody who has a Cold and Flu. Also sharing personal belongings like clothes, towels, utensils, etc. can cause this condition.

When to see a Doctor?

In most cases Cold and Flu is not considered to be a severe ailment and a preliminary treatment can cure this condition at home. However, there are instances where one needs to visit a doctor and a proper examination is needed. If someone is experiencing a high fever, which is greater than 101.3 F (38.5 C) and lasts more than 3 days, you should not wait and see a doctor. Also there might be cases when your fever is returning after a fever-free period, this can be serious and you need to consult a doctor. During Cold and Flu if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or severe sore throat it is time for a visit to the doctor.

Lifestyle Prevention of Colds and Flu

Cold and Flu is a seasonal ailment and can be prevented by taking some safety measures during the season. Washing hands properly is really important as in most cases viruses enter our body through hands. So washing hands with soap at least for 20 seconds is crucial. If soap is not available use hand sanitizers but do not touch your nose, eyes, or mouth without washing hands.
Disinfecting highly touched surfaces of your house and office will surely reduce the chance of getting the flu virus.
Do not share your personal stuff like clothes, towels, and utensils. If you do then wash them properly before using.
Also, try to stay away from the people who are suffering from Flu.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Colds and Flu

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Amalaki | Triphala

Caution:- Don’t Combine Ginger and Aspirin. Ginger and aspirin are both blood thinners and should not be taken together. Therefore it is wise to drink ginger tea—or use any other ginger remedy—either two hours before or two hours after you take any aspirin.

Cold Sores (herpes labialis)

Aug 24, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is High Cold Sores?

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex and are a contagious condition that spreads from person to person. If you have cold sores, you will develop red, fluid-filled blisters and mostly affect the area near the mouth or on other areas of the face. In some exceptional instances, it can be found on the fingers, or inside of the mouth. It generally lasts for two weeks but can stay longer.

What are the Symptoms of Cold Sores?

If you get cold sores for the first time, the symptoms can be widespread and will take time to start showing. It may take 20 days for you to experience any symptoms related to this virus and the sores can last for several days. However, the blisters will disappear in a couple of weeks. Now if you are somebody who has a recurrence of this condition then you may develop less severe symptoms and it may typically appear in the same spot.

When you are exposed to this virus for the first time, you may experience symptoms like fever, sore throat, headaches, etc. Also, you may suffer from painful gums, muscle aches and can have swollen lymph nodes.

What are the Causes of Cold Sores?

As discussed, this virus is contagious and like all other contagious viruses, this spreads from person to person. The herpes simplex virus can be caused by encountering people who have this virus. Sharing cosmetics, foods, or clothes with an infected person can trigger this condition.

When to see a Doctor?

In most cases, cold sores can be treated with home remedies. Some herbal home remedies can help in minimizing discomfort and pace up the recovery process. But just in case you are suffering from regular cold sores, you need to consult a doctor. Because in that case, you may need to have prescribed medication for limiting the frequency and pain. Also, if the virus spreads to your eyes or you are running a fever, then see a doctor.

Lifestyle Prevention of Cold Sores

Preventing cold sores completely is not possible as it spreads from person to person, and it is difficult to understand if someone is infected by their appearance. But if you avoid sharing clothes and foods, or any other personal belongings, then you might reduce the risk of getting infected.
However, preventing the recurrence of Cold sores is possible by observing your triggers. Such as, exposure to the sun may cause cold sores then you should apply zinc oxide. If you are stressed and getting cold sores, you can try relieving stress by practicing various stress management techniques. Avoid kissing and having oral sex if your partner has cold sores.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Cold Sores

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not known.

High Cholesterol

Aug 24, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol is a health condition that occurs when there is an increased level of (lipids) fats in the blood due to metabolic disorders. This is predominantly affecting those individuals who are having a low liver function or reduced thyroid movement. It may also transpire to individuals whose diet is very kaphagenic.

There are two types of cholesterol, HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein). HDL is often called “Good” cholesterol and LDL is called “Bad” Cholesterol. So, the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL is more important than the overall cholesterol level in your body.

What are the Symptoms of Cholesterol?

This condition has no such symptoms. It can only be detected by a blood test. A physician may suggest you keep your cholesterol checked frequently if you are overweight or if you have high blood pressure. Also, it is advised to check your cholesterol regularly if you smoke a lot.

What are the Causes of Cholesterol?

There can be various causes of High Cholesterol. If you are suffering from certain medical conditions, you may develop this condition. Medical conditions like HIV, Hypothyroidism, Lupus, or chronic kidney disease. However, Cholesterol levels can get exacerbated by some kinds of medicines for other health problems like cancer, acne, high blood pressure, HIV, etc.

When to see a Doctor?

The normal level of cholesterol is between 160 and 190. So, if your cholesterol level is within that bracket, no need to worry. Just in case you have a higher level than recommended, you should immediately reach out to your doctor. Because the high cholesterol level can create many health issues like cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, stroke, and heart problems. It is advised to keep your Cholesterol level checked every 5 years as there won’t be any symptoms which makes it hard to find out. However, if you are obsessed or over the age of 65 then checking the cholesterol level annually is advised.

Lifestyle Prevention of Cholesterol

Some healthy changes to your lifestyle can help you prevent this condition. Keeping your body weight under control is one of the most important things when It comes to preventing high cholesterol. So, keep a watch on your diet and opt for more vegetables and fruit-based diets and avoid animal fats. Smoking is also one of the key factors for having high cholesterol levels. So quit smoking. Also, try to minimize sweet intake as much as possible. Try to add hot water and honey to your diet which will help you cut fat and keep your cholesterol level under control. Working out daily is good for keeping yourself healthy so that is also important for preventing this condition. Try to do walking or add some cardio and Yoga to your daily workout routine. Yoga postures like shoulder stand, peacock, cobra, spinal twist, and sun saluting help in preventing many ailments including this one.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Cholesterol

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not known.

Bursitis

Aug 23, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is caused by an inflammation of the little fluid sacs around the shoulder, knee, and other parts of the body. Bursitis is similar to arthritis and is a Pita condition. Treatment is similar to what you would do for arthritis.

What are the Symptoms of Bursitis

Typical: Feel achy or stiff, Hurt more when you move or press on it, Look swollen and red.

What are the Causes of Bursitis

Repetitive movements like tennis or movements above the head like lifting something to a top shelf.
Tasks like cleaning floor on your knees
Damage or injury in the area
Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and infection.

When to see a Doctor?

Consult your doctor if you have:

Disability joint pain
Sudden inability to move a joint
Excessive swelling, redness, bruising or a rash in the affected area
Sharp or shooting pain
Fever

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Bursitis

Using kneeling pads: Use some type of padding to reduce the pressure on your knees if your job or hobby requires a lot of kneeling.
Lifting properly: Bend your knees when you lift. Failing to do so puts extra stress on the bursae in your hips.
Wheeling heavy loads: Carrying heavy loads put s stress on the bursae in your shoulders. Use a dolly or a wheeled cart instead.
Taking frequent breaks: Alternate repetitive tasks with rest or other activities.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight places more stress on your joints.
Exercising: Strengthening your muscles can help protect your affected joint.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Bursitis

Taking kaishore guggulu (1 tablet 3 times a day) should help. This herbal remedy is available by mail from various sources of Ayurvedic herbs.
Application of sandalwood paste will be soothing. Make the paste by taking 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder and adding sufficient water to form a paste. Rub it gently onto the painful area.
Before going to bed at night, take 1 cup of hot milk with 2 teaspoons of castor oil added. The laxative effect will eliminate pitta-type toxicity in the colon. If 2 teaspoons do not work, use 3 teaspoons the following night, adjusting your own dose. You should get a couple of good bowel movements in the morning, which will help to cleanse the impurities of the colon. You may continue using this remedy until your symptoms clear up.
As a second choice, you can take triphala or amalaki (1 teaspoon) at night in 1 cup of warm water.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Guggulu | Triphala | Sandalwood

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not known.

Tangy Tex-Mex Salad

Aug 23, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

This mango and cabbage salad integrates tex-mex cuisine with Indian ayurvedic herbs and spices. The sweet and sour taste compliments each other with the spices adding an extra punch to it.

Ideal for Pitta Dosha.
For Kapha Dosha: Add extra black pepper and reduce the amount of Avocado.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Serves: 2 person (400ml)

Ingredients

2 cups of your favorite variety of lettuce, chopped (Romaine works best as it adds to the crunch)
1 cup of Arugula
¼ cup of Caramelized onion
½ cup of sliced mango
Salt to taste (preferably Himalayan salt)
1 big avocado
½ cup plain yogurt (preferably full fat)
½ t garlic powder
½ t cumin powder
½ t ginger powder
1 t honey
1 T chopped cilantro
Juice of ½ lemon
1 Jalapeno
Freshly ground black pepper

Method

For salad dressing, Blend yogurt, avocado, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, cumin powder, jalapeno, salt, and olive oil into a smooth paste.
In a mixing bowl, add lettuce, arugula, caramelized onions, mango, and cilantro.
Add salt and pepper to taste and drizzle the dressing on the salad.
Mix together and serve.

Serving suggestions

Mix and serve fresh.

Notes

Nuts and dried fruits can be added based on your dosha.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Black Pepper I Cumin Seeds I Ginger I Garlic