Archives for Sep 22, 2021

Multi-grain Moringa Dosa

Sep 22, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

Dosa is a popular thin pancake from the southern part of India. This multigrain dosa has multiple millets and is perfect for celiac patients as it is completely gluten-free. Millets help reduce high blood pressure and the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and the leaf of drumstick is rich in vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, potassium, and protein. In addition, adding Moringa powder enhances the health benefits of this dish.

Good for all doshas.

Prep Time: 8 to 10 hour for soaking, 6 to 8 hour for fermenting.
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Serves: 4-5 persons (10-15 Pancakes)

Ingredients

2 T Pearl Millet
2 T Foxtail Millet
2 T Sorghum Millet
2 T Finger Millet
4 T Black gram (Urad dal)
1 t Fenugreek seeds
Salt to taste (preferably Himalayan salt)
1 T Moringa powder
1 t Ghee for greasing the pan

Method

Wash and soak all the millets and black gram for 8-10 hours.
Grind and allow the batter to ferment for 6-8 hours. Add salt and Moringa powder and mix well.
On a hot pan over medium flame, ghee the pan with ghee and spread the batter evenly.
Cook for 2 minutes till the edges turn golden brown.
Flip and cook for 1 more minute.
Serve with coconut or cilantro chutney or any other chutney of your choice.

Notes

Certain millets when consumed in excess can inhibit thyroid function.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Fenugreek | Himalayan salt | Moringa

Gluten-free Vegan Lasagna

Sep 22, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

This recipe takes a vegan twist on lasagna where zucchini and eggplant ribbons replace pasta, lentils and tomatoes replace ground meat, and a nutty pesto makes it golden and rich. The hearty spices give this dish an earthiness and warmth that makes for a comforting meal.

Dosha All.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes, plus overnight to soak
Total Time: 40 Minutes
Serves: 4 Persons

Ingredients

½ cup lentils (soaked overnight)
1 can of tomato sauce
2 T finely chopped shallots
½ T crushed garlic
8 to 10 big Basil leaves
Salt to taste preferably Himalayan salt
¼ t ajwain seeds
1 T ghee
2 medium-sized zucchini
1 medium-sized eggplant
1 cup spinach cilantro pesto
Freshly ground black pepper
½ cup of ricotta cheese
¼ cup of crumbled fresh paneer

Method

Heat ghee in a pan and add ajwain seeds and shallots. Shallow fry till golden brown
Add garlic, tomato sauce and lentils and let it cook till the lentils turn mushy.
Add roughly chopped basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix and set aside
Wash zucchini and eggplant and cut into long elongated ribbons. Set aside
In a baking dish, spread a small amount of tomato sauce evenly. Place the eggplant ribbons longitudinally.
Spread a thin layer of pesto, followed by random small dollops of ricotta.
Add a layer of zucchini ribbons and spread generous amounts of tomato sauce followed by eggplant ribbons and repeat the layering.
After the final layer of zucchini, top it off with crumbled paneer and freshly chopped basil leaves.
Bake at 350 F for 12 to 15 minutes, till the top layer of paneer, turns golden brown.

Notes

This recipe is a good healthy meal if you want to follow a plant-based diet or ketogenic diet.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Garlic | Basil | Himalayan salt | Ajwain | Black pepper

Apple Apricot Chutney

Sep 22, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

This recipe has a contrasting combination of cooling apple and spicy heat of chili powder with the tartness of apricots. This chutney can balance any meal with its sweet, sour, salty, astringent, and pungent taste. It can be used as a side dish, dip, or can even be added to your charcuterie board.

Good for Kapha.
Vata, Pitta constitutions should consume it in very small amounts.

Prep Time: 3 Minutes
Total Time: 3 Minutes
Serves: 2 Person

Ingredients

1 cup of diced crisp apple (red or green. Adjust the quantity of maple syrup of you use green apples)
½ cup of diced dried apricots
1 T maple syrup
½ t paprika powder
1 t salt (preferably Himalayan salt)
1 t fresh lemon juice
¼ t cinnamon powder

Method

Add apple, apricots, maple syrup, salt and spices in a blender and blend into a rough paste
Add lemon juice and mix well.
Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

Maple Syrup can be replaced by Jaggery. It is considered a good medium for delivering Vata-balancing botanicals.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Ceylon Cinnamon | Black Salt

Swelling (Edema) During Pregnancy

Sep 22, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Swelling (Edema) During Pregnancy?

Swelling (Edema) during pregnancy is a condition that occurs when the excess fluid in the body accumulates. It may also be caused by the pressure from the expanding uterus. In most cases, the swelling may affect the ankle and feet. The swelling may worsen when a woman’s due date approaches, especially during the end of the day or in hot weather conditions.

What are the Symptoms of Swelling (Edema) During Pregnancy?

The symptoms of swelling during pregnancy are very straightforward. You know when you have swelling on any part of your body. You experience puffiness under the skin, your abdomen size increases, and you have stretched skin.
However, there are some severe cases when you suffer from some serious health issues, such as chest ache, shortness of breath, trouble in breathing, etc. In that case, you need to see a doctor immediately as it may be the symptoms of pulmonary edema.

What are the Causes of Swelling (Edema) During Pregnancy?

The Swelling during pregnancy is triggered by your body carrying extra fluid than normal while you’re pregnant. During the day the additional fluid is likely to accumulate in the lowest parts of the body, particularly if the weather condition is warm or you have been standing for a longer time. The weight of your increasing womb can also impact the blood flow in your legs. This type of swelling is called Physiological edema.
However, apart from Physiological edema, some less common health conditions may trigger swelling during pregnancy. Disorders such as deep vein thrombosis, preeclampsia, Peripartum cardiomyopathy, cellulite, etc.

When to see a Doctor?

In most cases, swelling in your ankle and feet is normal and doesn’t need any medical intervention.
However, there may be circumstances when you need to rush to the nearest clinic. For instance, if you are suffering from any symptoms of preeclampsia or a heart disorder.

Lifestyle Prevention of Swelling (Edema) During Pregnancy

Preventing swelling during pregnancy is possible by following some measures. Avoiding any situation where you have to stand for a long time is crucial as this worsens swelling.

As we know, hot weather conditions can cause swelling, keeping away from any activity where you need to go out when it is hot is very crucial.
In case you have swelling, try to rest your feet in the elevated position for some time.
Drinking plenty of water is important. It helps you to flush out the extra fluid and reduce the swelling.
Try to reduce sodium and caffeine intake and increase potassium intake. Eating clean and green is very useful during pregnancy.
Try to wear loose and comfortable clothes.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Swelling (Edema) During Pregnancy

There are some great Ayurvedic remedies that can treat swelling during pregnancy. However,please consult with your doctor before trying any remedies or medicines for edema. There are some herbs and spices like Dandelion leaves, Chamomile, Ginger.

Dandelion Leaves: Dandelion leaves are very effective on any kind of swelling and inflammation due to its high antioxidants.. Drinking dandelion tea during pregnancy is very useful in treating any kinds of swelling. To make this tea, take 2 tsp of dried dandelion leaves and add 1 cup of hot water. Then steep it for about 10 to 12 minutes and drink it twice a day.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile tea is a great remedy to reduce swelling during pregnancy. Made from 3 g dried flowers in 1 cup of water,and take twice or thrice a day.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Punarnava | Ginger | Chamomile | Dandelion leaves

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known

Stress

Sep 22, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

What is Stress?

Stress is a psychological condition that occurs when your body reacts to mental pressure. It is a feeling of being exhausted or incapable of managing mental and emotional difficulties. Due to stress, you may suffer from numerous health conditions such as elevated blood sugar and blood pressure, high heart rate, etc. This happens because your body experiences some chemical changes due to stress and triggers these health issues.

What are the Symptoms of Stress?

Mostly stress is unidentified as you get used to it. However, that doesn’t really mean that it is not affecting you. After a certain point of time, you start developing some symptoms which are unknowingly caused by stress. So, identifying the early signs of disorders caused by stress is very important.

The symptoms of stress can be multidimensional. You may suffer from Cognitive problems, such as loss of memory, difficulty in concentrating, anxiety, constantly feeling negative, etc.
You may also experience emotional problems. For instance, if you are stressed, you may experience irritability, depression, grumpiness, remoteness, etc. There are some physical symptoms of stress which are easier to be discovered than mental or emotional signs. Often you may suffer from nausea or dizziness. You may develop body aches or headaches quite frequently. Rapid heart rate and chest pain are also very common in people with stress. Lack of sex drive may be another physical disorder you may experience. Other than these, some behavioral changes can be noticed in a person who is stressed.
Eating more or eating less and sleeping more and sleeping less are the most common behavioral changes one can observe in a stressed person. Additionally, they also have habits like nail-biting or pacing.
Consumption of alcohol or other addictive substances may be another symptom of stress. A person with this disorder tends to run away from responsibilities.

What are the Causes of Stress?

The causes of stress can be categorised by internal and external. Some of the common internal causes are pressure in your work, pressure in studies, relationship problems, financial difficulties, being very busy, problems in the family, and/or major life changes.
Whereas internal causes can be negativity in every approach, unable to accept ambiguity, inflexible thinking process, Unworkable expectation, etc.

When to see a Doctor?

Stress is more of an emotional disorder than a physical one in most cases. You may need to seek counseling for emotional help. However, if you are suffering from various physical issues due to stress, you may need to seek medical help. In case your health issues are making it difficult to perform daily tasks, then seeing your doctor is important.

Lifestyle Prevention of Stress

Preventing stress is possible. If you follow some healthy measures, you may avoid being stressed out.
Most important is a healthy diet. Being healthy is very important and eating clean is the key to being healthy. Working out daily is also one of the most important stress busters. Getting enough sleep is also important. Drinking at least 2 to 3 ltr of water is a very healthy practice to manage stress. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Do breathing exercises like pranayama. Reframe complications – wait, reorganize and look at the condition from a positive perspective. For instance, if you are caught in road traffic, take pleasure in the alone time

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Stress

Ayurveda has been a great healer for stress. There are some great Ayurvedic remedies that can help you calm your mind. Herbs and spices like Brahmi, Bhringraj, Jatamamsi, shanka pushpin are very effective in stress reduction.

Brahmi Tea: Brahmi tea is a great remedy to relax your mind. Add half a tsp of Brahmi to one cup of hot water and steep it for 5 to 7 minutes. Drink this tea twice a day.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Brahmi | Bhringraj | Jatamansi | Shankhpushpi

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known