Archives for Sep 27, 2021

Amla/Amlaki (Indian Gooseberry) Pickle

Sep 27, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

This gooseberry stir fry is one of the delicious recipes from South India. Contrary to other dishes this preparation uses pepper powder for a spicy flavor. Amla or Indian Gooseberry supports liver function, improves eyesight, has high fiber content, and is the most recommended home remedy for anemia and acidity problems.

Good for all doshas.

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time: 45 to 60 Minutes
Serves: 1 pound

Ingredients

1 pound of Indian gooseberry
2 T sesame oil
2 T chopped curry leaves
1 t crushed black pepper
½ t turmeric powder
Salt to taste (preferably Himalayan salt)
½ T Paprika powder (optional)

Method

Wash the gooseberries, dry, deseed and cut into cubes
In a cast-iron skillet, heat sesame oil and stir fry the gooseberries
Add curry leaves, spices, and salt and mix well
Allow to cool and transfer to an air-tight glass jar

Serving suggestions

Serve few pieces of these gooseberries as a side dish with rice and lentils or kitchari.
You can add ½ tsp of asafoetida for a distinct pungent taste.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Indian Gooseberry | Black Pepper | Curry Leaves | Turmeric | Himalayan Salt

Spicy Lemon Tea

Sep 27, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

This tea has a classic blend of lemon, honey, and spices that boosts the metabolism. It’s perfect for those times when you have heavy meals and desserts. Ending the meal with this tea stimulates digestion. This tea boosts metabolism and is ideal for weight loss.

Good for all doshas.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Serves: 1 person

Ingredients

1 t lemon juice
1/4 apple cider vinegar
1 t organic honey
¼ t freshly crushed black pepper

Method

Add all the ingredients except lemon juice in hot water and boil for 10 mins
Turn off the flame and keep covered for 15 mins
Stir in the lemon juice.
Stir and Sip.

Serving suggestions

You may use any type of vinegar although we prefer apple cider vinegar for taste and medicinal benefits.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Black pepper

Psoriasis

Sep 27, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that occurs when you develop red, itchy scaly spots, usually on the knees, elbow, trunk, and scalp. Psoriasis is a common, prolonged (chronic) illness with no treatment. It’s likely to go through phases, flare-up for only some weeks or months, then abating for a time or going into reduction. Therapies are offered to assist you to cope with the symptoms. And you can integrate routine behaviors and deal with approaches to assist you to live healthier with psoriasis.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

There are numerous symptoms of Psoriasis. Some of the most common symptoms are as follows, People with this condition may develop red patches of the skin covered with heavy, grey scales. They can also have dry skin that may bleed. Their nails may become thick or grooved. Itchiness and burning sensation are also some of the very common symptoms of this condition. In some rare cases, a patient may suffer from swollen joints.

What are the Causes of Psoriasis?

The main trigger of Psoriasis is infections. For example, strep throat or any other skin infection can trigger Psoriasis. It can also be caused by dry weather conditions. Injury to the skin sometimes can cause psoriasis. Injuries such as extreme sunburn, bug bite, or any cut or scrape will be a trigger of psoriasis.
Heavy smoking and alcohol consumption may lead to this condition as well. Some drugs, such as antimalarial drugs, high blood pressure drugs, etc. can also cause Psoriasis. In some rare cases, stress can be another reason.

When to see a Doctor?

This condition can be really annoying and may interfere in doing daily activities. So, getting it checked by the doctors to treat the symptoms is very important. Whenever you suffer from any severe symptoms, such as discomfort or pain, swelling, causing issues about the appearance of the skin, you need to visit a doctor without any further delay.

Lifestyle Prevention of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis may not be consistent but there is no cure for this condition. So, preventing the symptoms which are caused by some known factors is important. The symptoms and triggers vary from person to person. So, identifying the cause is important. Some very common preventive measures may help you avoid the severity of the condition.

If you think that the condition is triggered by your stress, you need to deal with it by doing yoga and meditation.
If you have psoriasis due to medication, then avoid them. Mostly it’s caused by the medication which interferes with the body’s autoimmune systems. So, try to avoid those medications.
Protecting your skin from injury is very crucial. Try to apply sunscreen whenever you are going outdoors in the sun. Also, try to wear full sleeves. In case you are traveling to a place where you might encounter insects, then use bug sprays on the skin. Be extra cautious if you are performing any activity that may cause injury to your skin.
Try to avoid infections. Maintain hand hygiene. Avoid sharing clothes and utensils with others.
Eating healthy food is very important. Try to eat clean. Avoid foods like red meat, dairy, processed food, citrus fruits, etc. that may cause inflammation.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Psoriasis

The symptoms of Psoriasis can be minimized by Ayurveda. Some of the herbs and spices such as Turmeric, Aloe vera, Garlic, Guggulu, neem, etc. are very useful for Psoriasis.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is one of the most famous herbs to treat a number of skin conditions including Psoriasis. Take a gel of fresh aloe vera leaves and use it on the impacted area. Go over the process each day for a better outcome.
Turmeric: This is also known to have an anti-inflammatory property and is really useful for Psoriasis. Mix 1 part powdered turmeric with 2 parts of water in a pan, boil to form a heavy paste, cool and then Apply to the skin.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known

Tonsillitis

Sep 27, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a condition that occurs when you have inflammation on the tonsils due to a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes. However, it can also be by other bacteria and viruses. This condition may have symptoms such as inflamed tonsils, trouble swallowing, aching throat, etc.

What are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis has many symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are red and inflamed tonsils, yellowish layer or spots on the tonsils, painful throat, trouble swallowing, may experience fever, may develop scratchy voice, might suffer from enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, etc.

What are the Causes of Tonsillitis?

There can be two possible causes of Tonsillitis. It may cause by bacteria or there may be a viral infection which is causing this condition:

Bacterial tonsillitis is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria and this type of tonsillitis is called strep throat.
However, in most of the cases this condition is caused by viral infections such as cold, flu, etc.

When to see a Doctor?

Tonsilitis can be very annoying and may cause a lot of difficulties in performing daily tasks. So, it is important to seek medical help as soon as you start experiencing symptoms of this condition. However, some severe cases need to be treated immediately. In case you are suffering from a sore throat with fever, or your pain is not going away within 24 hours to 48 hours, you need to visit your doctor immediately. Also, in case you are suffering from extreme fatigue or you have difficulty breathing, etc. this may be a case of severe infection and need immediate medical intervention.

Lifestyle Prevention of Tonsillitis

Preventing tonsillitis is not always possible. However, there are ways to minimize the risk of encountering the virus or bacteria that cause tonsillitis. As these viruses and bacteria are contagious, the best prevention is to practice hygiene.
Most important is to wash your hands frequently, particularly before eating and after using the toilet. Since this condition spreads from person to person, try to avoid sharing food, water bottles, drinking glasses, or any other utensils. Also, try to avoid going out in case you have a fever or sore throat. Cover your face and mouth while coughing and sneezing.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Tonsillitis

There are some great Ayurvedic remedies to cure Tonsillitis. Some of the herbs and spices such as tulsi, turmeric, cinnamon, fenugreek are very effective in treating Tonsillitis.

Tulsi: Tulsi or holy basil is known for its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Add 10 to 15 basil leaves in a cup of water and boil it for 10 to 12 minutes and then strain the water. For taste add a little bit of honey and drink this solution three times a day.
Turmeric: This is one another very useful spice to fight tonsillitis because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Gargling with Turmeric and salt water twice a day is very useful. Just add half a tsp of turmeric powder and half a tsp of salt in a cup of hot water and gargle.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties and it is very useful in treating tonsillitis. Mix one tsp of cinnamon powder in a glass of hot water and add two tsp of honey. Drink this twice a day.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Tulsi | Cinnamon | Turmeric | Fenugreek

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known

Carrot Walnut Bread

Sep 27, 2021 by Chinmayi Kulkarni Leave a Comment

This bread has autumnal ingredients and can be used in various ways. Make a delicious toast for breakfast, healthy paneer, and cucumber sandwich for lunch, or serve it as a sweet sipping break for soup or dal.

Good for Vata dosha
For Pitta dosha, replace walnut with pumpkin seeds

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 45 Minutes
Serves: Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour
4 T Flax seed powder
1 T psyllium husk
¼ t each of clove powder, cinnamon powder, star anise powder, black pepper powder
¼ t Salt to taste (preferably Himalayan salt)
1 t baking powder
½ cup carrot puree
½ cup coconut oil
¼ cup maple syrup
1 t vanilla extract
½ cup roughly chopped walnuts

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment pepper.
Mix flaxseed with water in a small bowl and set aside for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients flour, spices, psyllium husk, salt, and baking powder together.
In another bowl whisk flax, carrot puree, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla together.
Fold both the mixtures together.
Add chopped walnuts, and mix.
Pour the mix into the loaf pan and spread evenly using a spatula.
Bake for 1 hour, or until the toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Serving suggestions

For different texture and flavour you can add grated zucchini, orange zest, chocolate chips etc. You can substitute Maple syrup with honey or molasses.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Sunburn

Sep 27, 2021 by Avi Kumar Leave a Comment

What is Sunburn?

Sunburn is a skin condition that occurs when your skin cells are inflamed due to overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The irritation may be moderate or severe depending on the extent of exposure. In case of severe sunburn, a person may suffer from symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, blisters, etc. Repetitive sunburn may cause early aging and wrinkling of the skin.

What are the Symptoms of Sunburn?

There are some typical symptoms of Sunburn. The most common symptom is the shift in skin color. For example, a person with sunburn generally develops skin with pinkness or redness. In case of too much sunburn, a person may suffer from pain and tenderness, and the skin may have liquid-filled blisters that may break. The skin may swell and can have a burning sensation when touched. In some severe cases of sunburn, a person may experience headaches, fever, nausea, fatigue, etc.

What are the Causes of Sunburn?

The cause of sunburn is overexposure to the Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. You also might get UV rays from other sources such as tanning beds or sunlamps. However, the suntan, on the other hand, is the main symptom of sunburn and is caused when the body makes more melanin for protecting your skin from any further damage. Melanin is the pigment that is responsible for your skin color. Darker people have more melanin than fair people. So, if you are spending more hours under sunlight without proper skin protection, you are sure to get a sunburn.

When to see a Doctor?

In most cases, sunburn doesn’t need any intervention from the doctor and can be treated with home remedies and over-the-counter medication. However, in case the symptoms are severe, such as you have blisters that include a large portion of your body including the face, hands, and other exposed areas immediate medical help is needed. If you have serious inflammation, pain, or burning sensation on your skin, you may have to visit a doctor. You can also suffer from more severe symptoms such as fever as high as 103 degrees, confusion, dehydration, etc. This is the time to seek immediate care.

Lifestyle Prevention of Sunburn

Preventing sunburn is possible by following some preventative measures. Since the cause of the condition is known to us, we use some procedures to avoid it.
Applying sunscreen is the easiest and most convenient measure for preventing sunburn. Try to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going under the sun. You can use a lip balm that contains sunscreen to protect your lips as well. When you are buying sunscreen, always go for SPF 30 or more.
Repeating sunscreen is also important. As the sunscreen can be removed because of sweat or water, reapplying the sunscreen is very crucial. It is advised to reapply every two hours if you are spending long hours under the sun.
If possible, try to avoid activities that need to be performed under the sun, particularly between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. During this span of time of the day, the sunrays are extremely strong. However, in case you have to go outside during this time of the day then try to wear long-sleeved shirts and full trousers.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Sunburn

There are some great Ayurvedic remedies enriched with theruptical herbs and spices for sunburn. Herbs and spices such as sandalwood, turmeric, Aloe Vera, coconut oil, neem, etc. are very effective on sunburn.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is hyped as the “burn plant,” the ideal natural treatment for serious sunburn. Aloe vera helps the skin in recovery from sunburns and slight burns. Take a gel of fresh aloe vera leaves and use it on the impacted area. Go over the process each day for a better outcome.
Turmeric and Sandalwood Paste: Turmeric is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, whereas sandalwood is enriched with natural oils that help the skin to glow.. Make paste using equal amounts of powdered sandalwood and turmeric with rose water and apply on the affected skin.
Neem paste: Neem is a very effective herb when it comes to treat anything related to your skin. So using neem oil with chickpea flour will have a great effect on Sunburn. Take half tsp of neem oil and mix it with half a cup of chickpea flour and add water to make it paste and then apply on the affected skin, then leave it for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with cold water.

Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Turmeric I Sandalwood I Aloe Vera I Coconut Oil I Neem

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known