Archives for Sep 3, 2021

Amaranth Breakfast Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an all-time healthy breakfast option that does not take much time to prepare. This recipe has additional benefits of super-powerful foods like Amaranth leaves adding extra delicious and nutrient punch. Adding leafy greens like Amaranth makes this recipe high in fiber that keeps your hunger pangs in control and is good for weight loss.

Prep Time: 3 Minutes
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Serves: 1 person

Ingredients

  • ½ cup oat flakes or rolled oats
  • ½ cup of thin buttermilk
  • 1 cup of chopped amaranth leaves (you can use a green or red variety)
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ t cumin powder
  • Water as needed
  • Yogurt as a side

Method

  1. In a saucepan, add oats and water and bring it to a boil
  2. Let it cook over medium heat until the oats become soft and add chopped amaranth leaves.
  3. Stir occasionally, till all the water is absorbed and amaranth is cooked.
  4. Lower the flame. Stir in Buttermilk, salt, and cumin powder.
  5. Mix well and serve with a side of yogurt

Serving suggestions

Serve immediately as the oats turn gelatinous if left to sit.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Shake

Ayurveda recognizes a concept of Ojas, which is the essence of vitality and immunity that contributes to a complete healthy glow on your skin and external features. According to Ayurveda, a person who has good Ojas has a balanced dosha constitution and rarely becomes sick. Have this shake packed with Ojas enhancing foods mid-day, 2-3 times a week to nourish and replenish your ojas.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Serves: 1 Glass

Ingredients

  • ½ cup raw almonds
  • 2 dates (pitted and chopped)
  • 5 raw pistachios
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of whole milk
  • 1 T of organic rose petals
  • ½ t ghee
  • Few strands of saffron
  • ¼ t ground cardamom powder
  • A pinch of black pepper powder
  • ½ t honey

Method

  1. Soak almonds overnight.
  2. Add milk to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
  3. Add rose petals, saffron, cardamom, black pepper, pistachios, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Remove the milk from heat and let it cool.
  5. Blend dates and peeled almonds together with cooled milk.
  6. Add ghee and honey and blend until smooth.
  7. Filter if necessary and pour in the glass ready to serve.

Notes

Best to have mid-day, when the sun is bright.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Herpes

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a condition that causes sores on the genitals and mouths. This condition is caused by a virus and usually, it rarely turns into a serious health issue. However, the symptoms may be very irritating and painful. This is why it needs to be treated on time

What are the Symptoms of Herpes?

  • Most people with this condition experience the following symptoms.
  • Paining and itching are very common symptoms of herpes. These are very obvious symptoms if you have this condition. You may also develop small red bumps or tiny blisters that are mostly white or grey in color.
  • Apart from that you can also have ulcers and crusts on the affected areas.

What are the Causes of Herpes?

  • There are two kinds of herpes. First kind is mouth herpes (HSV-1) and the second kind is genital herpes (HSV-2). However, the causes are almost similar for both kinds. Herpes infection of the mouth spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Mostly caused by kissing or it can even spread to genital area through oral sex. The only difference is the recurrence rate. HSV-1 is much less frequent than HSV-2.
  • The genital herpes also spread through skin-to-skin contact and commonly propagate through sexual contact. This type is more contagious than the previous type.

When to see a Doctor?

Most of the time the sexually transmitted infections need treatment. So you can visit a doctor if you have genital herpes as that is caused by sexual contacts.

Lifestyle Prevention of Herpes

  • Herpes to some extent can be prevented by following some preventive measures. The primary cause of herpes flare ups is believed to be psychological stress. It can cause the herpes outbreak because the viruses lodged in the neuromuscular cleft come out during times of stress. So, stress management through meditation can prevent you from suffering from this condition.
  • Another possible cause of herpes outbreaks can be small cuts and scratches and mostly can cause if you are not very careful during shaving. So, using neem oil after shaving is recommended to prevent herpes flare ups.
  • Avoid having sex if you suspect your partner has herpes or use a latex condom during every sexual contact to avoid any chance of developing this condition

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Herpes

  • Apple cider vinegar has an anti-inflammatory property hence it may be useful in treating inflammation caused by herpes. Use one part of apple cider vinegar with 3 parts of warm water and apply on the affected areas.
  • Garlic may be very useful in treating herpes as it has antiviral properties against herpes. Mix crushed garlic with olive oil and apply directly on the affected area.
  • Neem leaves are also very useful in treating this condition. You can take neem leaf capsules twice daily for herpes.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Neem | Kama dudha and Maha sudarshan mix | Triphala | Apple Cider Vinegar | Garlic
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Jatamansi, Chamomile and Brahmi mix tea

Hemorrhoids

What is Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids is a health condition that occurs when the veins of your anus and lower rectum are swollen. This condition may build up inside your rectum or beneath the skin around your anus. The previous type is called Internal Hamorrhoid and the following condition is called External Hamorrhoid.

What are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

  • The symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on the type of the condition. Internal hemorrhoids are having different symptoms than external hemorrhoids.
  • If you suffer from external hemorrhoids, you may experience itching or irritation in your anus.
  • Also, it may cause you pain and discomfort. Swelling around your anus is also one of the common symptoms of hemorrhoids. You also may suffer from anus bleeding if you have this condition.
  • In the case of internal hemorrhoids, it is difficult to identify as it occurs inside your anus and cannot be seen or felt. However, you may notice painless bleeding during bowel movements. Also, you may feel pain and irritation if you put any pressure on your bowel movements.
  • There is another type of hemorrhoids called Thrombosed hemorrhoids. This type of hemorrhoid has symptoms such as, pain which may be severe, swelling in the anus, a hard lump near your anus.

What are the Causes of Hemorrhoids?

  • The causes of Hemorrhoids are widespread. The veins over your anus tend to stretch out under pressure and may swell or bulge. When there is increased pressure in the lower rectum, Hemorrhoids can grow. Let us understand the causes of such an incident.
  • If you strain too much during the bowel movements you may develop hemorrhoids. That is the reason why people with constipation have more risk of getting this condition.
  • Similarly sitting for a long period of time in the toilet can also trigger this condition.
  • People who are obese have more tendency to suffer from hemorrhoids.
  • In case you eat a low fiber diet which may result in constipation, you can have hemorrhoids.
  • Sometimes women who are pregnant can be affected by hemorrhoids.
  • People who do a lot of heavy lifting in the gym or any other activity have a high probability of getting hemorrhoids.

When to see a Doctor?

In hemorrhoids, the most concerning factor is rectal bleeding. So rectal bleeding should be avoided at any cost. Hemorrhoids may not be fatal and can be treated with over-the-counter medications but rectal bleeding can be a cause of more severe conditions like colorectal cancer and anal cancer. If you experience any other symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, change in stool color, and consistency you should see a physician.

Lifestyle Prevention of Hemorrhoids

  • By following some healthy lifestyle habits, hemorrhoids can be prevented. So let us understand how we can avoid this condition.
  • The most important thing is to eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water. This way it can help you keep yourself less strenuous during bowel movements. Straining during a bowel movement to pass the stool is one of the major causes of getting this condition so avoid that completely,
  • Do not hold if you have the urge to pass stool. Because in case the urge goes away your stool might harden up as it gets dried out and it may cause strain during bowel movement and gradually develop hemorrhoids.
  • Working out daily can prevent constipation and help you decrease the pressure on veins. Also, it may help you to lose weight and avoid being obese.
  • If possible, avoid a long time of sitting, especially on the toilet. Sitting too long may increase the pressure on the veins and cause hemorrhoids.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Ayurveda can help you treat Hemorrhoids. Some of the best remedies are given below:
  • Triphala powder: This is made out of Amla, Bibhitaki, Haritaki, Mortar. Make a powder of these herbs and mix it well to make triphala powder. It can be consumed as tea.To make the tea just add 1 tablespoon of the powdered triphala and add it in a cup of water. .Then boil and strain the water. Make this tea and drink 2 times a day. That will be really helpful.
  • Isabgol: Isabgol also one of the time tested herbs for treating hemorrhoids. You can take 2 teaspoons of Isabgol in a glass of water or buttermilk and consume it before going to bed. This will help you soften your stool and ease you during your bowel movements.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Triphala, Guggulu Tablet | Hingwastak and Dashamoola mix | Isabgol | Triphala Powder I Sesame Oil I Castor Oil
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Ayurvedic Breakfast Smoothie

This is a quick and easy smoothie recipe with green vegetables and Ayurvedic herbs to add essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into the diet. To keep it simple this recipe uses only fruit, vegetables, herbs, and water. Starting your day off with this fresh smoothie gives you a burst of energy and keeps you alert throughout the day

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Serves: 1 Glass

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped Kale
  • 1 cup Spinach
  • ½ t grated ginger
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ½ pear
  • ½ apple
  • Few mint leaves
  • Few Basil leaves
  • ¼ t Cinnamon powder
  • 1 t lemon juice
  • ¼ cup greek yogurt (optional)

Method

  1. Blend all the ingredients together
  2. Add yogurt and blend again if it is not to your desired consistency
  3. Serve chilled.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe