Camping Ayurveda Style

 Ayurvedic
Jun 012017
 

6/1/2017

10 Comments

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Who doesn’t love fancy camping hacks? These are my top 3 favorite Ayurvedic tricks that you can use on your next weekend getaway!

1. Make your own mosquito repellent that actually smells good!
Directions: Just add the following ingredients to a small jar, cover with a lid and shake well.

  • 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
  • 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel
  • 10  drops of rosemary essential oil
  • 10 drops of lavender oil
  • 10 drops of lemon balm oil (citronella)

Application: Just dab it onto your skin and watch those mosquito’s run (or fly) for the hills!

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2. Quick and Easy 10 minute Coconut Chai (serves 4)
Ingredients: cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, fine ground black pepper, fresh ginger, black tea bags, optional: maple syrup or natural sweetener of choice

  • Before you leave for your trip, mix equal parts cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper in a small jar.
  • Add 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of the pre-made spice blend, and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to a medium size pot. Boil for 3 minutes.
  • Add 4 tea bags and boil for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove tea bags with a spoon and add 1 can of coconut milk. Heat until it starts to boil stirring occasionally.
  • Sweeten to taste and ENJOY!
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3. Skip the S’mores and Try making these delectable Stuffed Dates instead!

Coconut Cardamom Stuffed Dates

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Ingredients:

  • Medjool Dates (10)
  • Coconut Butter (sometimes it’s called “coconut manna” NOT coconut OIL… You can find it at your natural foods store) (1/2 cup)
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut (1 cup)
  • Ghee (1 tablespoon)
  • Lime (1)
  • Cardamom Powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Himalayan Pink Salt (a pinch)  

Directions:

  • On low heat- Warm up 1/2 cup of coconut butter with1 tablespoon of ghee. Only warm until soft. Just needs to warm up enough to melt… then let it cool to room temp in a separate bowl
  • Squeeze the lime juice into a separate bowl and strain pulp/seeds if there are any.
  •  Add the cardamom, cinnamon, salt, and lime
  • Dry toast about a half cup of unsweetened coconut shreds on medium heat until golden brown (this happens fast, so keep a close eye!) Then remove from heat and put in a separate bowl so they don’t continue to cook.
  • Open dates and remove pits- split in half with your fingers and make little boats.
  • Slowly add the coconut shreds to the coconut butter mixture until you have reached desired firm “stuffable” consistency.
  • Stuff the mixture into the date boats and sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon if desired.

Please like and share if you enjoyed this post!
All the best,
Britt

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Visceral Fat

 Naturopathy
May 202017
 

Visceral fat technically means excess intra-abdominal adipose tissue accumulation. In other words, it is known as a “deep” fat that is stored further underneath the skin than “subcutaneous” belly fat. It is a form of gellike fat that is actually wrapped around major organs, including the liver, pancreas and kidneys.

Visceral fat is especially dangerous because, as you will find out, these fat cells do more than just sit there and cause your pants to feel tight – they also change the way your body operates. 

Types of fat

There are different types of fat present in the body. Brown fat, white fat, subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, belly fat, and thigh fat.

  1. Brown fat: Scientists have found that lean people tend to have more brown fat than overweight or obese people.
  2. White fat: White fat is more plentiful than brown. It is to store energy and produce hormones that are then secreted into the blood stream
  3. Subcutaneous fat: It is found directly underneath the skin. It is fat that is measured using skin fold calipers to estimate your total bodyfat.
  4. Belly fat: It has a reserved reputation as unhealthy fat. Abdominal fat is viewed as a bigger health risk than hip or thigh fat.
  5. Thigh and buttock fat: While men tend to accumulate fat in the belly it is no secret women, especially if pear shaped, accumulate it in their thighs and buttocks.
  6. Visceral fat: Visceral or deep fat wraps around the inner organs and spells trouble for your health.

Carrying around excess visceral fat is linked with an increased risk for many fatal diseases like coronary artery disease, cancer, stroke, dementia, diabetes, depression, arthritis, obesity, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders etc.

When there is too much glucose ill our bloodstream and our cells already have filled glycogen stores, glucose is stored as fat. The more often and longer that blood insulin levels remain high, the more likely a person is to accumulate excess body fat and to battle weight problems. Insulin also communicates with many other hormones needed for various functions, including those made in the adrenal glands, such as the stress hormone cortisol. Abnormally high levels of insulin and hormonal imbalances result in powerful urges to eat, mood changes, lack of energy and various other factors that contribute to disease formation. Hence it is very important to maintain a healthy insulin level in our blood stream. 

Management:

Research suggests that when you control diet, you mostly lose white fat, which is different than visceral fat and tends to be lost or gained evenly all over the body. You are more likely to lose visceral fat when you combine exercise with diet control. 

Naturopathy Treatments

  • Oil massage improves general health and helps in mobilising fat.
  • Mud therapy (direct & indirect).
  • Hip bath.
  • Steam & sauna bath increase the body’s basal metabolic rate and help as an adjuvant in burning fat.
  • Warm water enema, regularly for the first 3-4 days of fasting, and thereafter, every alternate day during extended periods of fasting, is beneficial.
  • Friction baths, graduated immersion baths, neutral whirlpool and underwater massage are also beneficial.
  • Fasting, initially for a period of 3-4 days, on low calorie liquids, such as lemon juice and adequate intake of fluids, is useful.
  • Fasting once a week thereafter is adequate.

Visceral fat, in fact, is an avoidable health nuisance which should not be alIowed to accumulate at all. In this, proper diet, exercise and sleep are the most important tools to help you out. 

Nutrients to protect your brain from aging 

Cocoa flavanols are found naturally in cocoa and are beneficial to your brain health;

Omega-3 fatty acids which can be had aplenty from fish, flaxseed, avocado, and nuts are going to not only help your heart health, but also give you a boost in your brainpower.

Walnuts, in particular, have been shown to fight memory loss.

Magnesium 
Scientists believe that a magnesium deficiency may play a role in cognitive decline, brain aging, and ultimately, dementia. So taking magnesium supplements - or eating foods that contain magnesium, like chard, spinach, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, almonds, black beans, avocados, figs, dark chocolate, or bananas can help you fight off the effects of the aging on brain.

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Vitamin D – Sunshine Vitamin

 Naturopathy
Apr 292017
 

Vitamin D called as Sunshine Vitamin is a nutrient, needed for overall health and strong bones. But as per the latest data, about 50-80% of adult Indians are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and hormone that is essential for maintaining normal calcium metabolism, muscle, cardiac and neurological functions and regulation of inflammation.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) can be synthesised by humans in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from sunlight, or it can be obtained from the diet. Plants synthesise ergosterol, which is converted to vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) by Ultraviolet light. When exposure to UVB radiation is insufficient for the synthesis of adequate amounts of vitamin D3 in the skin, adequate intake of vitamin D from the diet is essential for health.

It can be found in small amounts in a few foods, including milk, whole grains, cheese, butter, and cod liver oil. To make vitamin D more available, it is added to dairy products, juices, and cereals that are then said to be fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D itself is biologically inactive, and it must be metabolised to its biologically active forms. After it is consumed in the diet or synthesised in the epidermis of skin, vitamin D enters the circulation and is transported to the liver. In the liver, vitamin D is hydroxylated to form 25-hydroxy vitamin D (calcidiol- 25-hydroxy vitamin D); the major circulating form of vitamin D. 25(OH) D is frequently measured as an index of vitamin D status. In the human body, the highest concentration of 25(OH) D is noted in the plasma.

But the largest pool of 25(OH) D is in adipose tissue and muscle.

But most of vitamin D 80% to 90% of what the body gets – is obtained through exposure to sunlight, for as little as 10 minutes.

Exposure of the hands, face, arms and legs to sunlight two to three times a week will help the skin to produce enough vitamin D and prevent deficiency. The necessary exposure time varies with age, skin type, season, time of day, etc.

Older people are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. They are less likely to spend time in the sun, have fewer “receptors” in their skin that convert sunlight to vitamin D, may not get vitamin D in their diet, may have trouble absorbing vitamin D due to aging kidneys.

Normal Levels of Vitamin D:

Ideal                                      – Is 40-60 ng/ml

Insufficient                         – Is 21-29 ng/ml

Deficient                              – Is less than 20 ng/ml

Intoxication (excess)      – Is more than 150 ng/ml

Vitamin D toxicity:

(Hypervitaminosis D) induces abnormally high serum calcium levels (hypercalcemia), which could result in bone loss, kidney stones, and calcification of organs like the heart and kidneys if untreated over a long period of time.

Naturopathy and Yoga advices the sun bath as “Heliotherapy” for vitamin D synthesis and absorption.

Every day early morning or late evening sun exposure for 20-30 minutes, yogic exercises, pranayama and barefoot walking on grass is beneficial to combat vitamin D deficiency.

Natural diet emphasizing on raw salads, sprouts, cereals, green leafy vegetables, soya milk, and nuts helps to maintain vitamin D at the optimum level.

Benefits of Vitamin D:

Bone health: Prevents osteopenla,osteoporosis, osteomalacia, Rickets and fractures

Cellular health: Prevents certain cancers, such as prostate, pancreatic, breast, ovarian, and colon; prevents infectious diseases and upper respiratory- tract infections, asthma, and wheezing disorders

Organ health: Prevents heart disease and stroke; prevents type -2 diabetes, periodontitis and tooth loss, and other inflammatory diseases

Muscular health: Supports muscle strength

Autoimmune health: Prevents multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes mellitus, crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis

Brain health: Prevents depression, schizophrenia, alzheimer’s disease, and dementia

Mood health: Prevents seasonal affective related disorder, premenstrual syndrome (PMS’, also known as premenstrual tension), and sleeping disorders, elevates the sense well-being

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Kokum (Garcinia Indic)

 Naturopathy
Apr 292017
 

The kokum is native to the western coastal regions of southern India and is rarely seen beyond this area. Even in India it is used only in the regional cuisines of Gujarat, Maharashtra and several southern states where large glasses of kokum Guice) sherbet are downed during parched summer months. In this region the sweltering heat demands refrigerant (cooling) ingredients in food and drink. Kokum is well known to counteract the heat.

Spice Description:

Kokum is a dark purple to black, sticky and with curled edges fruit. It is often halved, and dried seeds are visible in their chambers like a citrus fruit. It is usually available as a dried rind, resembling a thick plum skin. When added to food it imparts a pink to purple colour and sweet/sour taste.

Preparation and Storage:

Similar to tamarind, kokum skins are usually available as dried rind or fruit, and infused in hot water. The deeper the colour the better the kokum.

Attributed Medicinal Properties:

It is useful as an infusion, or by direct application, in skin ailments such as rashes caused by allergies. Kokum butter is an emollient helpful in the treatment of burns, scalds and chaffed skin. The fruits are steeped in sugar syrup to make amrutkokum which is drink to relieve sunstroke.

Dried kokum fruit rinds are widely used in cooking as they impart a sweetish-tangy flavor to the food. The fruits contain citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, hydroxycitric acid and garcinol.

Medicinal Properties and Application:

Kokum fruits contain rich amounts of anti-oxidants that bind with free redicals and prevent oxidative damage to body cells. They also promote cell regeneration and repair. Extracts from the Kokum fruit are traditionally used to relieve gastric problems like acidity, flatulence, constipation and indigestion. Kokum juice is a healthier and far more refreshing option as compared to commercial bottled drinks. It acts as an appetite stimulant and also has antihelminti properties. The hydroxycitric acid present in the fruit fights cholesterol and curbs lipogenesis, thus aiding weight loss.

Availability and Use:

Dried kokum is easily available at most Indian food stores. The rinds may be soaked in hot water for a few hours to extract the juice which may be mixed with spices and consumed directly. Alternatively, you could add a few pieces of the dried rind to curries and gravies as a substitute for other souring agents like tamarind, vinegar and lemon juice.

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Recipes of JNI Kitchen

 Naturopathy
Apr 152017
 

Garlic Schezwan Sauce

 Calories – 30 Kcals                  Serves – 4 no

Ingredients

  • Tomato puree: l cup
  • Garlic: l tsp
  • Ginger: l tsp
  • Tomato sauce: l tbsp
  • Vinegar: 1 tbsp
  • Red chilli paste: 1 tbsp (red chillies soaked in warm water and ground to a fine paste)
  • Celery: few
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil

Method

  1. Add oil in a pan and sauté ginger and garlic.
  2. Add celery leaves, tomato puree, tomato sauce, vinegar, chilli paste, mix well and simmer for few minutes.

Whole Wheat Pasta /noodles

Calories  – 75 Kcals                      Serves  – 4 Nos

Ingredients

  • Whole wheat – 500gm
  • Salt to taste
  • Water – 250 ml

Method:

  1. Mix together whole wheat flour and salt in a medium bowl, or on a clean board.
  2. Make a hollow in the center, and add water mixing quickly with a fork until the dough is wet enough to come together.
  3. Knead on a lightly floured surface until the dough is stiff and elastic.
  4. Roll out ‘dough by hand with a rolling pin, or use a pasta/noodles machine to achieve the desired thickness of noodles/pasta.
  5. Cut into desired width and shapes.
  6. Steam the pasta/ noodles for 15 minutes. Allow the pasta/noodles to air dry for at least one day.
  7. Store in an air tight container.

Mexican Noodles/Pasta

 Calories – 120 Kcals                  Serves – 4 Nos

Ingredients:

  • Whole wheat noodles 1 cup
  • Vegetable steamed 1 cup
  • Rajma ½ cup (steamed)
  • Onion 1 no
  • Garlic 4 no
  • Peanuts (crushed) 2 tsp
  • Tomato sauce: 2 tsp
  • Red chilli powder 1/2tsp
  • Soya sauce 1 tsp
  • Salt as per taste
  • Oil 1 tsp

Method:

  • Noodles Pasta: Take water and boil till bubbles start coming, then add little oil, now add the noodles.
  • When noodles are getting cooked add lemon grass and salt during boiling for flavor.
  • Add the cooked noodles with above ingredients to it. Sauté well.
  • Add crushed peanut and the vegetables, Sauté gently and serve hot.

Okra With Babycorn

Calories – 80Kcals                   Serves – 4 Nos

Ingredients:

  • Okra 200 gm
  • Baby com 100 gm
  • Tomatoes 2 no
  • Onion 1 no
  • Onion seeds ¼ tsp
  • Red chilli powder 1 no
  • Shredded garlic2 tsp
  • Fennel seeds ¼ tsp
  • Mustard seeds ¼ tsp
  • Coriander leaves 2 tsp
  • Lemon juice 1 stp
  • Oil 2 tsp

Method:

  • Add oil in a pan, sauté onion, onion seeds, fennel seeds and mustard seeds.
  • Add shredded garlic, green chillies, red chilly powder and tomatoes.
  • To this add baked bhindi and baby corn marinated with red chilli powder and tomatoes and saute for 5 minutes.
  • Add coriander leaves and lemon juice.

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Diabetic Diet

 Naturopathy
Mar 282017
 

Diabetes is on the rise, yet most cases are preventable and some can even be reversed if necessary steps are taken on time. A healthy diet is most crucial for a diabetic. A healthy diabetic diet is not complicated and can also be quite tasty and balanced, boosting energy and improving health. Losing about 5- 10% of the total weight as well as weight around the belly more than from thighs and hips will lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The belly fat surrounding the abdominal organs and liver is closely linked to insulin resistance, where cells fail to respond to insulin and cause diabetes. There is an increased risk of developing diabetes if the waist circumference of woman’s is 35 and man’s 40 inches and more.

naturopathy diabetic treatment

A healthy and balanced diet is essential to lose weight and control diabetes. A special attention on the food choice – most notably the carbohydrates since they have a great impact on blood sugar levels – more than fats and proteins is required. Smart choice would be whole grain carbs instead of starchy carbs. Choose whole grain, because it is high in fiber which makes digestion slow and keeps blood sugar levels more even, preventing body from producing too much insulin.

Those on the left side of the table are of high glycemic index (GI) foods spiking the blood sugar rapidly, while whole grain food is low in GI having the least effect on blood sugar.

CHOOSE
 Instead of…  Try these High-fiber options…
 White rice  Brown/ wild rice, quinoa
 Potatoes (fried and mashed)  Cauliflower mashed (baked)
 Regular pasta  Whole-wheat pasta, mueslis
 White bread  Whole grain bread/ porridges
 Cornflakes  Bran flakes, oats
 Corn  Raw sprouts
 Soda  Green tea/herbal decoctions
 Fruit juices  Smoothies
 Sweeteners  Steviacheese
 Cheese  Peanut butter

Healthy diet includes food from all the five food groups which are to be in balance i.e.

  1. whole grains. for carbohydrates,
  2. legumes and soya for protein,
  3. vegetables for minerals and fibre
  4. fruits for vitamins and anti-oxidants,
  5. nuts & seeds for essential fats.

By this most of required body nutrients are fulfilled. Eating regularly at set times as far as possible with a consistent meal size (small meals-up to 6 per day) will help you keep portions in check.

Maintaining a food diary, helps record what is being eaten and the calories consumed in aday. Studies found that people who kept a food diary lost twice as much weight as those who didn’t. It helps identify problem areas – such as your afternoon snack or your morning coffee where you’re getting more calories than you realized.

It increases your awareness of what, why, and how much you’re eating, which helps you cut back on mindless snacking.

Exercise like walking, swimming, biking, etc that makes you slightly sweat and breathe harder, with dieting will help manage weight and improve insulin sensitivity.

If you are a little overweight, it is encouraging to know that you only have to lose 7% of your body weight to cut your risk of diabetes in half.

Restrict in your diet, trans-fats found in deep-fried chips, desserts, packaged and fast foods etc. Also restrict in particular soft and alcoholic drinks, sweeteners, soda, and instant coffee etc. Eliminate all meats & processed red meat in particular, from animals. In meat business, animals are generally fed with antibiotics, growth hormones and genetically modified food for their rapid growth, but these will definitely interfere with your sugar levels and insulin.

Studies have proved that vegans are about 60% less prone to developing diabetes mellitus as compared to meat eaters. Food is an important medicine for diabetics. Healthy diabetic eating includes using less salt & drink sufficient water which actually perform wonders.

A few anti-diabetic foods are vegetables like, bitter gourd, okra, beans, mushroom, onion, tomatoes, green leafy-vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, green-cabbage, amaranth, lettuce, tender’ guava leaves, mango leaves, aleo-vera, mint, coriander & curry leaves, grains like ragi, buck wheat, barley, rye, brown-rice,’ fruits like strawberry, blue berry” goose berry, avocado, oranges, grape-fruit, nuts and seeds like walnuts, almond, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, alfa-alfa, £lax and chiaseeds, herbs like fenugreek, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, turmeric, ginseng, cumin, pepper, all are excellent nutritional sources to fight the disease.

Prevent diabetes, if not, at least stop its progress by all means.

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7 Medicinal Herbs for Urban Gardens

 Uncategorized
Mar 272017
 

Text and Photographs by Juliet Blankespoor

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Before we jump into the best herbs for small spaces, let’s talk about how you can turn your garden into a productive medicinal paradise! Not everyone has a field or lawn they are able to transform into their dream herb garden. If you only have a patio or a balcony or tend a limited outdoor space, here are some tips to help you reap the most from your plantings.

Go Vertical

Train vining herbs up onto a trellis, arbor, or pergola to maximize your use of space. Passionflower, hops, raspberry, jiaogulan, and climbing roses are a few possibilities. Hops can grow to gigantic proportions, so you’ll probably need to tame it by cutting it back, or give it a large fence or wall of a building. Many of these vining herbs also spread by runners and can quickly take over a garden. Planting in containers can help limit their spreading. Another option is weeding out the runners a few times a year.

Passionflower growing up twine on a large trellis

Passionflower growing up twine on a large trellis

Maximize Yields Through Repeated Harvesting

Certain herbs can be harvested multiple times throughout the year, in a “cut-and-come-again” style (similar to microgreens cultivation). Give these plants a “haircut” early enough in the season, and they grow right back. I harvest the following herbs in this fashion, two to three times during the growing season: gotu kola, holy basil, spilanthes, thyme, California poppy, passionflower, comfrey, basil, rosemary, chickweed, violet, lemongrass, sage, boneset, bee balm, meadowsweet, anise hyssop, and lemon balm. Growing these cut-and-come-again herbs can effectively double or triple your yield for every square foot of precious dirt.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon sp.), artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), and purple sage (Salvia officinalis 'purpurascens') growing in a glazed terra-cotta pot in my former gardens

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon sp.), artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), and purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘purpurascens’) growing in a glazed terra-cotta pot in my former gardens

Think Inside the Box

A time-tested solution for growing in a limited space is container gardening—basically, planting in a “box.” Larger ceramic pots, retired bathtubs (make sure they are lead-free), and wooden barrels can hold a surprising number of herbs, especially if trailing herbs are planted at the perimeter and taller plants at the rear. Shade-loving herbs that are suitable for growing in pots include aloe vera, black cohosh, gotu kola, and jiaogulan. Consider planting ornamental herbs and edibles in containers—chives, nasturtium, purple sage, tricolored sage, variegated thyme, spilanthes, calendula, lemongrass, and basil are especially snazzy botanicals. Plan for varying heights, and more plants can grow companionably. Please see my article Growing Medicinal Herbs in Containers for more tips.

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) makes a beautiful medicinal houseplant

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) makes a beautiful medicinal houseplant

Polycultures 

Most traditional methods of agriculture involve interplanted food crops with useful edible and medicinal weeds filling the gaps in between.

Herbal polyculture with passionflower on the trellis, purple shiso, roselle hibiscus, spilanthes, astragalus, and rose

Herbal polyculture with passionflower on the trellis, purple shiso, roselle hibiscus, spilanthes, astragalus, and rose

The Three Sisters method of planting (the three sisters refer to corn, beans, and squash) is the most well known example of a polyculture—a fancy word for manygrowing, or growing a diverse array of many crops together. This is the opposite of monoculture. An example of an herbal polyculture that has worked well in my garden is passionflower, comfrey, gotu kola, and jiaogulan. The passionflower climbs up a trellis made out of a bamboo tripod, which creates a leafy teepee of shade and moisture. In my climate, gotu kola and jiaogulan prefer part sun and a little extra moisture, which the towering passionflower vine hospitably provides. Both gotu kola and jiaogulan spread along the ground, thus acting as a living mulch—holding in moisture and suppressing weeds.

I place the comfrey plants around the perimeter of the tripod; their rapidly decaying leaves add organic matter and needed nutrients to the soil and surrounding herbs. The broad leaves of comfrey can be periodically cut back, especially when they begin to outgrow their neighbors, and applied as a nutrient-rich mulch for the whole neighborhood. Both passionflower and comfrey attract bees and other pollinators into the garden, helping to increase fruit set of nearby vegetables. This is just one example of an herbal polyculture; with a little observation and imagination, you’ll soon be designing your own mini botanical communities.

Anise Hyssop, Licorice Mint

(Agastache foeniculum, Lamiaceae) Anise hyssop is one of the easiest herbs to grow, and one of the tastiest, too. Its flavor is a unique mélange of licorice, mint, and anise, making it a delightful, refreshing iced tea in the summertime. Few plants attract as many bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden as this showy medicinal—its lavender flower spikes are abuzz with pollinators during its long flowering season. Anise hyssop is a short-lived herbaceous perennial—living two to three years—that can be grown in most climates. (Anise hyssop’s common names can be confusing: it isn’t related to culinary anise or licorice, and it’s not the same as true hyssop, or Hyssopus officinalis.)

Anise hyssop has a long flowering season and is literally abuzz with pollinators from beginning to end

Anise hyssop has a long flowering season and is literally abuzz with pollinators from beginning to end

Anise hyssop has become more fashionable as a garden herb in the last decade because of a greater interest in pollinator gardens, along with the fact that it is a relatively unfussy herb with a high curb appeal. Despite its acclaim among herb growers and native plant enthusiasts, it’s not an herb of commerce—you’ll have to search a bit to find the dried herb for sale. Yet another reason to grow your own! With a congenial flavor and an affable aroma, licorice mint is becoming more sought after as a culinary herb. Try adding a few finely chopped leaves to salad, herbed goat cheese, and fruit salad for an anise-like flair. The leaves and flowers of licorice mint are a gentle remedy for coughs, colds, indigestion, insomnia, and mild depression and anxiety.

Stratifying the seeds for thirty days will increase germination rates. (Learn about stratifying seeds here.) Sow the seeds directly on the surface of the soil, and lightly tamp in. Pinch back the growing tips every week in the spring to flesh out the plant and encourage more flowering stalks.

Anise hyssop harvest

Anise hyssop harvest

Basil

(Ocimum basilicum, Lamiaceae) This familiar herb is best known for its culinary uses, but it is also a versatile medicinal. Basil possesses some of the same healing qualities as its cousin, holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Both herbs are used to lift the spirits and alleviate anxiety. Garden basil is enlivening, helping to allay fatigue and mental fog. It is a gentle circulatory stimulant, and a traditional remedy for improving memory and concentration. Basil is an excellent aid to digestion and is helpful in reducing gas and nausea. Warm tea, prepared from ginger (Zingiber officinale), catnip (Nepeta cataria) and basil, with a touch of added lemon juice, makes an excellent remedy for steadying queasiness due to motion sickness, illness, or side effects of chemotherapy.

Lime basil (Ocimum x citriodorum) is a citrusy variety of garden basil, and is my favorite basil to grow and cook with. Genovese basil is one of the most common types of basil grown, especially for pesto. Plant the seeds of all the basil varieties in trays or directly in the ground after the danger of frost has past. Pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushiness and favor leaf production over floral growth. Protect from slugs. Basil grows well in containers and can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season.

Genovese basil

Genovese basil

 Bee Balm and Wild Bergamot

(Monarda spp., Lamiaceae) The bergamots—also known as bee balm—are some of the showiest medicinals for the garden, with their tousled tops of crimson and lavender. The flowers are edible, adding a vivid zest to any meal. The aromatic leaves are an important spice and medicine for Native American tribes across the continent. The tender shoots are delectable prepared as a pesto. If that’s not enticing enough, bergamot is a veritable pollinator magnet, luring butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to the garden. I use the dried leaves and flowers in a steam inhalation to help break up phlegm in respiratory congestion. Bergamot’s essential oils—released through the steam of a bath, sauna, or steam inhalation—are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. I commonly include bergamot leaves and flowers in my herbal soaks and compresses to treat bacterial and fungal infections.

Monarda fistulosa growing with Echinacea purpurea

Monarda fistulosa growing with Echinacea purpurea

I try not to play favorites—even with plants—but I must confess that this group of herbs is among my most cherished of botanical sweethearts. At my old house, I planted a swath of wild bergamot along my front walkway so I could sit on my porch and admire the colorful procession of pollinators darting through the tousled lavender blooms. At my new home, I can gaze at the bee balm from my office window—the butterflies and hummingbird moths flitting through the shock of red blooms are a welcome distraction from my work!

Clearwing hummingbird moth (Hemaris thysbe) pollinating Monarda didyma

Clearwing hummingbird moth (Hemaris thysbe) pollinating Monarda didyma

Red bee balm

Red bee balm

There are over twenty species in the Monarda genus, all of which are native to North America. It is important to use scientific names with this group, as common names are many and often used interchangeably. The species might be called wild bergamot, bee balm, Oswego tea, or horsemint, depending on where you live and whom you are talking with. All the species have similar culinary and medicinal uses but they differ in their cultivation requirements. Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) and bee balm (Monarda didyma) spread vigorously by runners, similar to how mint spreads. Plant them where they can go hog wild, or contain their exuberance with a rhizome barrier, as you would for mint or bamboo. The plants are only suitable for small gardens if you can effectively contain them.

Bergamot can be harvested repeatedly throughout the season. Bee balm prefers rich moist soil, and if you live in a hot climate, try planting it in dappled shade or in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. It will still flower in part shade. Wild bergamot (M. fistulosa) thrives in hotter and drier conditions as compared to bee balm (M. didyma).

Calendula harvest

Calendula harvest

Calendula

(Calendula officinalis, Asteraceae) Calendula is one of the easiest herbs to grow and a highly versatile medicinal plant—naturally, it finds its way into the hearts and gardens of all herb lovers. It has been used for centuries, both internally and topically, to heal wounds, burns, and rashes. The sunshiny flowers are a traditional remedy for supporting the immune system and lifting the spirits. The “petals” (technically, they are the ray florets of the flower heads) are edible and bursting with antioxidant compounds. The yellow and orange confetti of calendula petals adds merriment and festivity to any dish. Try them in salads, salsas, scrambled eggs, quiche, and frittatas.

Calendula is a premiere herbal companion plant, as it attracts beneficial insects, such as hoverflies, predatory wasps, and robber flies. It is commonly grown as an annual in colder climates, but calendula is a short-lived perennial in warmer climates. Growing calendula from seed is easy-peasy, even for the brownest of thumbs. Sow the bizarre-looking seeds directly in the ground in mid-spring; germination takes five to fourteen days. Calendula can be grown in containers and looks especially smashing with ornamental sages. The flowers need to be picked every two to three days to promote and prolong the plant’s flowering season. The whole flowers can be dried and then added to soups and stews in the winter as a tonic for the immune system. To learn more about calendula, visit my article here.

Grasshopper on a calendula bloom

Grasshopper on a calendula bloom

Lemongrass

(Cymbopogon citratus and C. flexuosus, Poaceae) This aromatic tropical grass is grown as an annual in temperate climates. Lemongrass is often grown as a container plant and protected during the colder months. Growing it in a pot helps to keep its size manageable, and it’s quite commanding when planted with other ornamental herbs, such as artichoke and purple sage. Grown in the garden, lemongrass can reach monstrous proportions: its cascading leaves grow three to five feet tall, and the plant can reach three feet in girth. The plants can be repeatedly harvested throughout the growing season to increase yields and keep them in check.

Lemongrass growing with Mexican sage and pineapple sage

Lemongrass growing with Mexican sage and pineapple sage

East Indian lemongrass (C. flexuosus) can be grown from seed with the following caveat: the seeds must be pressed onto the surface of the soil, rather than buried, and kept moist until germination. Low germination rates are common. West Indian lemongrass (C. citratus) is typically grown from division, as is C. flexuosus. Both species are used medicinally and impart a pungent lemon aroma and flavor to tea. The inner stem base is used in many Thai dishes and soups.

Throughout the world, lemongrass is a popular beverage tea and everyday home remedy for some of the most common health complaints: headaches, stress, indigestion, insomnia, coughs, colds and flu. In Brazil, the tea is a popular remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Lemongrass is combined with ginger in Jamaica to treat headaches, intestinal gas, and stress. In Ayurvedic medicine, lemongrass is used to aid digestion, relieve menstrual cramps and expectorate phlegm. Much of the research conducted on lemongrass has centered on the essential oil, which has demonstrated marked anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Passiflora incarnata

Passiflora incarnata

Passionflower

(Passiflora incarnata, Passifloraceae) If ever there was a plant that possessed sufficient charisma to woo the botanically coldhearted, passionflower, with its drop-dead gorgeous flowers and exotic fruits that resemble green dragon eggs, is it. Passionflower is a clambering herbaceous vine—native to the fields and waysides of southeastern North America—that has both medicinal and edible uses. It’s weedy in much of its native range and fairly easy to grow elsewhere, especially if given a wall or trellis to climb. The leaves and flowers are an important nervine sedative and are used to help promote sleep and alleviate pain, such as menstrual cramps and headaches. The inflated fruit cradles a delectable sour pulp.

Passionflower is a short-lived, perennial herbaceous vine—it dies back to its roots in climates that freeze. Plant three feet apart and trellis; it will grow up a five-foot fence or trellis by the end of summer. It makes a lovely medicinal botanical screen. Passionflower will spread throughout the garden if it’s happy; however, it’s easy enough to pull up any runners that are emerging in an inopportune location. Alternately, you can train those rascally runners up a fence or use them for medicine. Passionflower loves full sun and will bloom more profusely in the glow of sunshine, especially if you live further north. If you live in a hot climate, consider planting passionflower where it will get shade by mid-afternoon.  Plant in well-drained to average garden soil. Passionflower is hardy to zone 6 and is frost-tender.

It’s a bit tricky to grow passionflower from seed. Scarify the seeds by rubbing them between sandpaper and then place them in damp sand in the refrigerator for one to two months. (Learn more about scarifying seeds here.) Be patient; sometimes it may take months for the seeds to sprout, and germination may not happen all at once. Bottom heat from a heat mat, a warm greenhouse, or planting in late spring will all enhance germination.

For more on the ecology and medicine of passionflower, please see my article. Take care to only use the Passiflora incarnata species—or other known medicinal species—as other species of passionflower aren’t necessarily medicinal or even safe to ingest.

Passionflower harvest

Passionflower harvest

Spilanthes, Toothache Plant

(Acmella oleracea, Asteraceae) Spilanthes is one of the easiest medicinal herbs to grow, and kids absolutely love its zippy-zappiness. Even the tiniest nibble from one of the flowers will set your mouth to drool. The tingly numbing sensation, following the initial mouth explosion, affords relief from toothaches—hence its common name, toothache plant—and thus it is a common ingredient in many tooth and gum formulas. Spilanthes improves oral health through its antimicrobial and gum-stimulating qualities and offers relief from pain by acting as an oral anodyne. One of the primary ways I use spilanthes is as an immune stimulant to augment the body’s internal defenses against the common cold and flu.

Spilanthes or toothache plant

Spilanthes or toothache plant

Spilanthes yields a substantial amount of medicine in one season: one to two plants will yield over a quart of tincture. All the aboveground parts are medicinal and can be chewed fresh in moderation or made into a tincture. The flowers reign supreme in tingle land, but the leaves and stem are a close second, medicinally.

Direct sow after the danger of frost has passed, or sow early in trays at the same time you plant tomatoes for an earlier harvest. Plant the tiny seeds shallowly and don’t allow the soil to dry out. Spilanthes is grown as a frost-tender annual unless you live in the tropics. It loves to grow in containers. Slugs relish spilanthes with zeal. Spilanthes cascades beautifully out of hanging baskets, which can be an effective means for elevating the plants far from the reach of even the most adventurous gastropods.

Spilanthes harvest

Spilanthes harvest

For a list of my favorite herb growing resources and a plant glossary of scientific names, please see the end of my article 9 Tips for Planning the Herb Garden of Your Dreams.

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This article is an excerpt from our 1,000-hour Herbal Immersion Program, which is the most comprehensive handcrafted online herbal course out available, covering botany, foraging, herb cultivation, medicine making and therapeutics.

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Lifestyle Modifications Laughter – The Best Medicine

 Naturopathy
Mar 232017
 

“Laugh and the world laughs with you, Weep and you weep alone”

— Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1855–1919).

The above thoughts expressed more than a century ago tell us the importance of laughter.

Man is born to be healthy. Health not only means absence of diseases, but also a natural feeling of well-being, a self-contained enjoyment of happiness and fulfilment with joyful behaviour comprising not only of the physical, mental and social well-being but also of the spiritual well-being.

Time old philosophy of four generic factors are the fundamental determinants of life – Aahaar (nutrition), Vehohar (Behavior), Vichar (Thinking), and Aachar (Conduct). Their norms, value and strength control the mind-body coordination exhibited as life. Humor and Laughter are the key to alter the behavior, thinking and conduct.

Increasing industrialization, urbanization, changing social and moral values have caused tremendous increase in stress and strain in day-to-day life, which in turn is a very big contributing factor for many of altered lifestyle related diseases such as ischemic heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, cancers and some forms of mental illness. It is high time that each of us realizes the importance of “Lifestyle Modification” in prevention and management of many of these diseases.

Candace Pert writes ‘Emotions registered and stored in the body in the form of chemical messages are the best candidates for the key to the health connections between mind and body’. According to Pert, this job is accomplished by complex molecules called neuropeptides. These neuropeptides are the means by which all cells in the body communicate with one another. Building more humor and laughter in your life helps assure that these chemical messages are working for you and not against you. The mere fact that you feel better after a good iaugh is not enough for the scientific community of so called “Evidence Based Medicine”, but data have started accumulating to quench their scientific thirst.

Laughter and Immune System

In 1980 departing editor of world famous “New England Journal of Medicine”, Dr. Franz Ingel£inger wrote that 85% of all human illnesses are curable by body’s own healing system (Immune system). Immune system responds favorably to positive attitudes, thoughts, moods and emotions such as love, hope, intimacy, optimism, joy, humor and laughter, and negatively to negative attitudes such as pessimism, indifference, hate, hopelessness, anger, loneliness, anxiety and depression”. In short a positive attitude to life is key to happiness.

Several studies have shown that watching as little as 30 -60 minutes of a comedy video is enough to increase both salivary IgA (Immunoglobulin A) and blood levels of IgA, which are often referred to as the body’s first line of defense against upper respiratory viral and bacterial infections.

Immunoglobulin M and G also increase following laughter, so does the compliment- 3, a substance which helps antibodies to pierce through defective and infected cells to destroy them. Humour has been found to alter cellular immunity in a positive way.

Humour has also been shown to increase level of gamma interferon, a complex substance that plays an important role in the maturation of B-cells, growth of cytotoxic T-cells, and activation of NK cells.

All this evidence makes it clear that humorous individual have a stronger immune system.

Effects of Laughter on Pain

Appreciation of pain depends to a certain extenent on frame of mind and prevailing environment. It is well known that during war, severe gunshot injuries are tolerated with little pain. Recently this has been explained on the basis of “Gate theory of pain”. Similarly, humour also helps in reducing severity of pain. Max Eastman has rightly said that “Humour is the instinct for taking pain playfully”

Humour and Stress

That humour is the biggest stress reliever has been a well-know fact for centuries.

Limited research carried out on stress related hormones and humour has shown that laughter affects at least four neuroendocrine hormones associated with stress response. These are epinephrine, cortisol, dopa, and growth hormone. These hormones are related to bodies? “Fight or Flight” response.

Laughter and Cardio Respiratory System

Laughter provides a handy source of cardiac exercise. Heartbeat remains rapid for nearly 15 to 20 seconds after a good Belly laugh. From cardiac point of view this can be described as “Internal Jogging”. As laughing can be repeated many times, one can give the heart a good workout.

Laughter is not a substitute for good exercise for cardiac toning but for elderly persons and bed-ridden patients this can be considered as a good source of cardiac conditioning.

In one study it was found that persons who led humorous life had a lower resting heart rate. Laughter may also help in lowering blood pressure as an adjunct with other life style modification programs, but scientific studies are needed to substantiate this fact.

There are many studies that have linked Coronary Artery Disease to Type-A personality; studies have also shown relationship between hostility and heart diseases. Humor and laughter may be use in countering bad effects of hostility and type-A personality, but concrete scientific studies have not yet been made in this field.

Laughter and Breast-fed New Born

Laughter even affects breast-fed new-born infants. In a scientific study it was found that among the mothers who breast-fed their infants and actively used humour and laughed more frequently had fewer upper respiratory infections and their infants also had less infections as compared to those who did not do so. This could be attributed to higher levels of Immunoglobulin-A in the breast milk of these mothers.

Other Benefits of Laughter

Dr. Heiko Hayarshi of Japan University in a study found that those diabetic patients who watched a comedy show had smaller rises in their post meal glucose as compared to those who watched a humorless show, meaning there by that positive emotions like laughter help in decreasing blood sugar level.

Dr. Malcolm Harthers found that Laughter increased active Testosterone (male hormone) level especially in elderly people. If this is found true in large controlled studies, this may explain the secret of longevity in humorous persons and confirm a common layman’s observations that persons with a good sense of humor get sick less often.

Bhagwat Gita says ‘laughing drives away grief which is an important contributory factor for many mental ailments. This could be boon in present day scenario where mental illness is on a steep rise.

Humour is known to reduce frequency of cold and upper respiratory infections. This may probably be explained by a high salivary IgA levels in these persons.

After critically evaluating the above information, it makes sense to conclude that the individuals who have a better developed sense of humor, i.e. those who find more humor in their day-to-day life, remain happy contented, and have a stronger immune system and better health. This view has also been expressed by Bernia Siegel, M.D. who said, “The simple truth is that happy people generally do not get sick.”

Daily vitamin D supplements may reduce asthma attacks

 Daily vitamin D supplements lowered the risk and severity of asthma attacks, according to a new review of nine clinical trials, which involved 435 children and 658 adults, most of whom had mild to moderate asthma.

Reviewers found that oral vitamin D supplements ranging from 400 to 4000 units a day reduced the risk of attacks requiring medication by 37%. The number of attacks requiring emergency intervention decreased by more than 60% among vitamin D users.

But taking vitamin D did not appear to have a meaningful effect on daily symptoms as measured by a long function test and questionnaires. The authors suggest that vitamin D triggers antiviral and anti inflammatory responses that might decrease the risk for lung infection.

“We don’t yet have the evidence to say that everyone should take it,” said lead author, Adrian R Martineau, a professor of respiratory infection at Queen Mary University of London.

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February New Moon Wisdom + Solar Eclipse

 Ayurvedic
Feb 272017
 

On February 26th, the new Moon takes place in Aquarius at 07:59 am MST with the annual solar eclipse and four planets transiting the medicine star, Satabisha. Amavasya is the empty Moon or new Moon, ripe with potential, fertility and possibility. It is always connected to Pitr, the god of the ancestors, particularly the father’s lineage.

Months of provocative themes have been emerging around the masculine, father, patriarchy and misogyny. Months of confrontation with power, strength, empowerment and the inner authority have emerged in brutal, challenging ways.

Inner conflicts have intensified with the masculine and feminine. These themes have shown up in relationship dynamics, losses, pains and struggles, and with inner and outer needs.

A new balance is arriving, but not without painful restructuring.

As the annual Solar eclipse coincides with this Amavasya, new Moon, a breaking free, a certain release, is awakened with the masculine. Sun is the expression of all things masculine, father and authority. With the conjunction of Sun and Ketu at this time, a powerful restructuring is taking place with the tail of the serpent.

Don’t resist the changes occurring within you and around you. Don’t deny the transformations taking place within you and within your relationships. There’s no turning back.

What are you letting go of within your personal mythology? With the masculine, father, men and relationships? What stories with the inner authority are finding their release right now?

Satabisha is considered the ‘star of a hundred medicines’ and is ruled by both Rahu and Varuna who has thousands of eyes. His many eyes see everything, often intensifying the critic and its gaze. This can be helpful for the healing process, as nothing is missed. However the scrutiny is particularly painful.

Use this time to notice your inner critic and its messages. What stories are emerging that keep you in lack, pain and struggle? What battles are you fighting with not feeling ‘enough’? How is this story of lack, scarcity and feeling unworthy of love keeping you malnourished and disempowered?

Lean in and listen, then lean in again. There are important pieces of wisdom arriving right now. Once the eclipse portal closes, the shadow of deep awareness will dissipate, leaving you in the dark once again.

It may feel painful to look more closely at your challenges, but without truly honoring your hardships and inner darkness, you will not be able to awaken the light and transform your suffering. Use this time wisely.

The annual solar eclipse begins at 05:10 am MST, peaks at 07:58 am MST and completes at 10:35 am MST.

This solar eclipse marks the close of the eclipse portal, a cycle that has forced a certain confrontation of inner shadows. As the portal closes, a very old chapter also finds closure, release and ending.

The eclipse will not be visible from North America, but South/West Africa, much of South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica will receive the shadow. Nonetheless in the Vedic tradition, it is never advised to be outside during the eclipse. It is considered a time to meditate, fast, clarify, purify and purge the shadow.

Use your Sunday morning for spiritual practices that move you closer to silence, inner listening and your wisdom within. Clarify intentions for the coming cycle as we near the fertility of Holi and Navaratri.

What seeds are you planting? What do you wish to take root in the coming months? Attend to your garden now and pull out the weeds.

Discover how to awaken your path, purpose and inner knowing + resources for using your jyotish chart as a powerful resource for dharmic awakening.

Image: Unsplash.com

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Washed Ghee, the world’s best moisturizer!

 Ayurvedic
Feb 132017
 

Have you ever used a face cream which just soaks in within minutes, without leaving a film of greasiness? Did you get a deep hydrating feeling that stayed with you all day?

Let me introduce you to a traditional Ayurvedic remedy called shata-dhauta-ghrita or ‘100 times washed ghee’.

Washed ghee is made by placing ghee into a copper vessel and then mixing it with purified water. It is then washed ten times, with the water poured away after each cycle of ten washes; and it is literally washed one hundred times.

The result is an odorless cream of whipped cream consistency that penetrates all seven layers of the skin. It is an excellent anti-aging treatment that smooths wrinkles, fades sun spots, heals burns, and soothes the inflammation of rosacea, eczema and acne.

Of course, after studying it in Ayurveda school, I had to try it and the result was amazing. What I made was a beautiful, silky, odorless and oh so creamy wonderfulness that went into my skin without any oily residue. It left me with a deeply moisturized, silky feeling that stayed with me until I washed my face again.

I really wondered how this worked from a scientific basis, and found a couple of studies that looked at Shata-dhauta-ghrita.

Here is how it works. Washed ghee starts as a lipid (fatty) emulsion and with each introduction of rinsing water, as the pressure from mixing gets applied to the fat particles, it splits them and makes the emulsion more aqueous (water infused).

This ‘fat splitting is the process in which, fat is hydrolyzed in the presence of water to yield free fatty acids and glycerols’ (1). Copper acts like a catalyst to promote fat splitting, (which is why a copper pot is used) and also increases the copper content in the emulsion, and copper is known to have anti-inflammatory effect on skin (2).

A study done by the British Journal of Nutrition  (3) suggests that 100 times washed ghee should become a base for pharmaceutical topical preparations. They promote the use of washed ghee instead of using inert ingredients like beeswax, stearic acid or paraffin that don’t have any therapeutic value. Also washed ghee possesses a number of healing factors in itself. Due to its small particle size, washed ghee may be able to deliver pharmaceutical ingredients deeper into the skin tissue.

Ghee is high in butyric acid which is a short chain fatty acid that is linked to an immune response that decreases inflammation. It’s the same stuff that’s added in steroid creams, you know – those that knock out acute inflammation (but have a lot of adverse effects). Well, this is butyric acid made by nature. It also explains why Ayurveda recommends it for inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and acne.  

Ghee is packed with Omega 3 and Omega 9 essential fatty acids. It is also high in Vitamins A, D, E and K,  all good for you and your skin. It is also contains high levels of  CLA or Conjugated Linoleic Acid, when made with milk from grass fed cows. This in turn makes your skin more resilient to external factors such as stress, sun and pollutants, especially as you age (3). Ghee is also high in antioxidants and numerous other minerals which are good for your skin.

This cream is absolutely amazing, and has become part of my regular skincare routine. After a good exfoliation mask, my skin feels terrific – like I just had a facial.

Bowl & Spoon – You will need a large clean copper bowl. Why a copper bowl? Copper acts like an accelerator to promote fat splitting, and also increases the copper content in the ghee. Copper is known to have anti-inflammatory effects – which means it’s great for psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and acne. You will need a clean spoon as well.

Ghee – I used ghee that I made but you can also use store bought organic cow ghee. Most supermarkets are now carrying it.

Water – I used filtered ice cold water.

Towels – The process can be pretty messy so it is a good idea to have several large towels. I wore my old clothes as this can get messy.

Container – I transferred my washed ghee to pretty glass jars.  Just make sure they are airtight so that nothing can contaminate your luxurious cream!

Pour the ghee in your bowl and add an equal amount of water. Use your hand (after washing really well) and swirl the ghee in the water 10 times. This is where a lot of splashing happens. Stir the ghee and water clockwise and then counterclockwise, then throw out the water. I  make a note on a piece of paper where I am – after about 50 times, its easy to lose count!

Strain The Ghee

Once you have drained out the ghee, add more water to it and keep washing it. I generally wash at least 10 times with the same water. Then rinse and repeat and drain. It’s a several hour process to wash the ghee a hundred times.

After the last drain, transfer your washed ghee into your pretty containers. Ensure that it is airtight. I prefer to store the cream overnight in the fridge. That firmly sets it and dries off any water still in the ghee. The ghee lasts for about three months easily even in the hot humid summer. If you can store it in the refrigerator, it will have an additional cooling and soothing effect on the skin.

Sources

Seshpande.D. (2009). Shata-dhauta-ghrita A Case Study. Journal of      Traditional Indian Knowledge. Found online at: http://nopr.   niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/5074/1/IJTK%208(3)%20387-391.pdf

Beveridge, A.(2010).  Copper and Zinc in Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases. University of Newcastle, Australia. Found online at: http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-94-011-3963-2_9#page-

Daichi Oikawa et al. (2005).  British Journal of Nutrition, Volume 94, Issue 2.  Modification of skin composition by conjugated linoleic acid alone or with combination of other fatty acids in mice.

(c) Can Stock Photo / vm2002

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B12 Deficiency Increases Preterm Birth Risk By 21%

 Ayurvedic
Feb 122017
 

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that women who had B12 deficiency in their diets were 21% more likely to have a preterm birth.

Their 11 country study examined 11,216 pregnancies and births. Their data showed that low levels of vitamin B12 were linked to increased risks of having preterm births. Researchers noted that birth weight was unaffected. According to World Health Organization, preterm birth complications are the leading cause of death among children under age 5.1

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for red blood cell production, brain and nervous system functions, cellular metabolic energy, as well as regulates and synthesizes DNA. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, damage to the nervous system, lead to menstrual dysfunction, weight loss, mouth sores, and diarrhea.

The researchers stressed that women in countries with high animal product consumption (like Norway and many Western countries) had fewer B12 deficiencies.

According to the lead author, Dr. Tormod Rogne, of Akershus University Hospital, “Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient found only in products of animal origin such as meat, milk and eggs… Pregnant women who consume too few animal-derived foods increase their risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency.”

Vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, as well as socioeconomic factors can also play a role in vitamin B12 deficiencies.

“Low blood concentrations of vitamin B12 may be related to other factors, such as malnutrition and poverty, which can also affect birth weight and length of pregnancy,” Rogne said.2

Vegetarians can increase their B12 by eating dairy products like milk and yoghurt or eating grains and other products, like nutritional yeast, that are fortified with B12. A 2014 study identified a likely bacterial source of B12 production in the ocean. Thaumarchaeota, from domain Archea, may be responsible for the world’s B12 production, as the bacteria is one of the most abundant organisms around. Professors Andrew Doxey and Josh Neufield, of University of Waterloo think that the marine presence of B12 controls the biological productivity of phytoplankton as well.3

1 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs363/en/
2 Rogne, T., Tielemans, M. J., Chong, M. F., Yajnik, C. S., Krishnaveni, G. V., Poston, L., . . . Risnes, K. R. (2017). Associations of Maternal Vitamin B12 Concentration in Pregnancy With the Risks of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data. American Journal of Epidemiology. doi:10.1093/aje/kww212
3 “New bacterial source of vitamin B12 identified”, Nathan Gray+, 16-Sep 2014 http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/New-bacterial-source-of-vitamin-B12-identified

Image: Unsplash.com

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7 Common Sense Ayurvedic Ways To Keep Your Heart Healthy

 Ayurvedic
Feb 112017
 

The statistics are frightening. Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. Every 20 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack. One in four Americans has some form of heart disease. Every 34 seconds someone in the United States dies of heart disease. Heart disease takes more lives than the next seven leading causes of death combined.

Yet, both modern medicine and Ayurveda agree, there are things you can do every day to keep your heart healthy. Here we offer some suggestions to get you started. Pick one or two and start with those if you like, then add a couple more every few weeks until you are naturally living a heart-healthy lifestyle. Bonus: not just your heart, but your entire physiology will thank you.

According to Ayurveda, a holistic approach to heart health requires you to nourish the emotional heart as well as the physical heart. The heart is not just a pump — it’s the fountainhead of all emotions, whether it’s joy and exhilaration or sadness and frustration. Mental and emotional stress can disrupt the emotional heart. Practicing the Transcendental Meditation® technique twice daily has been shown in research studies to help in lowering blood pressure, reversing arterial blockage and enhancing resistance to all types of stress.

Maharishi Ayurveda herbal supplements Worry Free and Blissful Joy nourish the mind and emotions and contain herbs like Ashwagandha and Arjuna, renowned for their positive influence on the mind and emotional heart.

While warding off excess stress is essential to prevent the emotional heart from wasting away, actively seeking mental and emotional well-being can help the emotional heart flourish. Ayurveda talks about ojas, the substance that maintains life.

The finest by-product of digestion and the master coordinator of all activities of mind and body, ojas leads to bliss, contentment, vitality and longevity. Inner strength and poise and the cultivation of positive attitudes and emotions increase ojas. Spend time every day on those activities that give you this contentment and happiness. Listen to soothing or uplifting music, enjoy serene natural beauty, practice uplifting aromatherapy and sip relaxing herbal teas. Maintain a positive attitude and walk away from situations that distress or anger you.

Arguably the most critical step you can take towards heart health is to eat a heart-friendly diet. For a society used to fast food and eating on-the-go, this is also arguably the most difficult step to take and maintain. But there are small things you can do to make your diet more heart-healthy. Eat more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables; start your day with stewed apples or pears; include soaked blanched almonds in your diet; dress your veggies with fresh lime juice; and eat heart-friendly spices such as fresh-ground black pepper and the antioxidant power-spice turmeric.

Choose fresh foods over processed foods or leftovers; light foods over rich, deep-fried ones; and warm, cooked foods over cold, heavy foods. A balanced antioxidant Rasayana such as Amrit from Maharishi Ayurveda is excellent nutritional support, and published research confirms that Amrit helps reduce LDL cholesterol, which has been implicated in plaque build-up.

How you eat is as important for heart health (and overall health) as what you eat. Eat moderately. The ideal Ayurvedic “portion” is what fits in your two cupped palms. Don’t skip meals, because eating three meals at regular times each day “trains” your digestion to anticipate and digest your food.

Stimulate a sluggish digestion with ginger, salt and lime. Have lassi, made by blending one part fresh yogurt with three parts cool water, with lunch. Spike it with roasted ground cumin and fresh cilantro for flavor. Don’t tax your digestion by eating late at night or eating a heavy meal at dinner.

Arterial plaque is ama — toxic matter that builds up in your blood vessels because your physiology cannot get rid of it efficiently. Ayurveda recommends a program of internal cleansing with every change of season to help your body flush out ama.

The Elim-Tox or Elim-Tox-O herbal supplements are formulated to cleanse the fat tissue (medha) of ama. Other things you can do to clear out ama: drink lots of warm water through the day; go to bed by 10 p.m. to help the body cleanse itself during the natural purification time; eat a lighter diet high in fiber and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts; and avoid drugs, alcohol and smoking.

You don’t have to do a strenuous workout five times a week. The key is regularity. If you follow the Ayurvedic principle of balaardh — exercising to half your capacity — you can exercise every single day without straining your muscles. Walking is excellent exercise for everyone and excellent therapy as well. The early morning is ideal for taking a 30-minute walk. It will not only help your heart; it will prepare you for the day by charging up your circulation and your metabolism.

Research studies have linked sleep deprivation to blood pressure problems, depression and other factors that increase the risk of heart disease. Ayurveda considers sleep just as important as diet in maintaining health. Practice good bedtime habits — favor restful, calming activities as bedtime draws near to help disconnect the mind from the senses. Keep your bedroom clear of distractions — television, computers, other work-related material. Maintain a temperature that’s comfortable. Wear comfortable, organic cotton pajamas. Stay away from stimulants in the evening. Go to bed by 10 p.m. — early to bed and early to rise still work to keep you healthy and energetic through the day.

From the Ayurvedic perspective, the heart is the seat of prana (life energy), which is maintained by a delicate balance of agni (the solar energy element) and soma (the lunar energy element). Excess mental and emotional stress wastes away soma in the heart. The heart, as we said earlier, is also the seat of ojas, the substance within us that maintains life and promotes bliss and longevity. To protect and nourish the physical heart and the emotional heart, it is essential to promote both soma and ojas. Heart health is governed also by three sub-doshas: Sadhaka Pitta (emotional balance), Avalambaka Kapha (stability and strength) and Vyana Vata (blood flow and beat), which, though present everywhere in the body, has its seat in the heart.

Cardio Support nutritional supplement from Maharishi Ayurveda is formulated to balance all these ayurvedic factors. The combination of Corallium rubrum (Coral), Indian Tinospora and Sacred Lotus promotes soma. Shilajit (Mineral pitch), Zinc, Mica and Licorice promote ojas. Arjuna, Cabbage Rose, Licorice, Mica, Indian Tinospora, and Corallium rubrum (Coral) pacify Sadhaka Pitta. Avalambaka Kapha is supported by Shilajit (Mineral pitch), Guggul, Zinc, Ostrea edulis (Oyster), Turbinella rapa (Conch), Cypraea moneta (Cowrie) and Hemidesmus indicus. Vyana Vata is balanced by Guggul, Boerhavia, Mica and Licorice. In particular, there are two star health herbs in this formulation — Arjuna, renowned in ayurveda for its ability to pacify Sadhaka Pitta and to nourish both the physical and the emotional heart; and Guggul, which has been shown in research to help lower cholesterol.

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Green Mung Soup- Natures Cold Medicine

 Ayurvedic
Feb 092017
 
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What do you do when you start to feel that scratchy throat and stuffy nose? Everyone has their own cold prevention remedies and recipes, but in my humble opinion, green mung bean soup is the winner!

First thing first, it’s incredibly delicious! It may look a little funny if you aren’t used to it…but it tastes amazing. The caramelized onions and garlic and cumin seeds give it a rustic and comforting and appetizing aroma and the mung beans have a very pleasant creamy texture.

Not only does it taste like heaven, each ingredient is incredibly healing. When I was healing from Ulcerative Colitis, green mung bean soup was one of my staples because each ingredient is so medicinal. Now I just cook it when I want something that I know will digest well, or if I would like to do a little cleansing.  If I feel like I am getting sick, I just make a pot of green mung soup and eat it throughout the day. Works like a charm!

The key is that it’s warming and nourishing, but not too heating and also light and easy to digest which makes it ideal for people who have compromised immunity. The green mung beans are high in protein, but they are very light and also have a mild scraping action to help pull out impurities from the body. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and helps to purify the blood. Cumin seeds, mustard seeds, garlic and onion all help to stoke your digestive fire.

The best part about this soup is that you can keep all of the ingredients on hand at all times so you don’t have to make a special trip to the store if you feel like you are getting sick. You even add any vegetables that are in your fridge and make it even more delicious. I like adding greens and carrots to mine, but you can add any kind of vegetable that suits your fancy!

Ingredients:
1 cup whole green mung beans (must soak at least 5 hours)
3 1/2 cups water
1 Tbsp Ghee11/2 tsp ginger – chopped
1/2 tsp garlic – chopped 
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds 
1/2 tsp Turmeric          
1 small pinch of hing (asafoetida- available for purchase at the Indian Store)                                              1 tsp Himalayan Pink Rock Salt or to taste (available at Trader Joes or Whole Foods)

Directions:
1. Soak the mung beans overnight in water. 
2. Finely chop ginger and garlic. 
3. Drain the mung beans, rinse them and put them in pot with 3 1/2 cups of water.
4. Add salt and turmeric and bring to a boil.
5. Cook Mung beans fully stirring occasionally. (they are not fully cooked until they are breaking apart. Will take approx. 45 min unless you use a pressure cooker in which case it will only take about 20 minutes)
6. Heat ghee in a separate pan. Add hing, mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Wait until you hear the cumin seeds pop. Then add garlic and ginger and let simmer for a few minutes until garlic becomes golden brown.
7. Add ghee mixture to cooked mung beans and stir.
8. You can add greens like kale or spinach to this for some added texture. If you want to add other harder veggies like carrots or potatoes, add them after the mung beans have been cooking for 10 minutes, always add greens at the very end.
9. Enjoy 🙂

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The Ayurvedic Approach To Female Infertility

 Ayurvedic
Feb 092017
 

Infertility is usually defined as the inability to conceive despite regular sexual intercourse for more than 12 months. This article will address primarily female infertility or “female-factor” infertility.

In the conventional Western medical paradigm, a woman’s advanced age, hormonal abnormalities, tubal-, uterine-, or endometrial-related conditions are common causes of female infertility. In men, infertility is seen to occur due to poor sperm quantity and/or quality and spermatogenesis as well as erectile dysfunction.

In both sexes, psychosomatic aspects and stress levels are important but rarely addressed. Ayurveda would add another unique aspect as well which impacts fertility–karmic effects. Frequently we see infertile couples in whom standard investigations including hormonal levels, semen analysis, ovulation testing, and tubal patency are normal. This accounts for 25-30% of all couples seeking help.

The complete evaluation for female infertility includes patient history, gynecological examination, record of basal temperature, vaginal and cervical cultures, ultrasound studies, hormonal analysis [i.e. follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], hysterosalpingogram with dye to visualize the fallopian tubes, and semen analysis of the partner.

Depending on the presumed cause(s) of female infertility conventional drug treatment can include any of the following:

  • Gonadotropins in the case of hypogonadotropic ovarian failure
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modifiers (SERMs) like clomiphene
  • Prolactin inhibitors in the case of hyperprolactinemia
  • Metformin in the case Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Progestogens, surgical measures to lyse adhesions in case of endometriosis
  • Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) in case of hypothalamic ovarian failure

However, the most common treatment offered for most women is in vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

In Vitro Fertilization is a very recent and still evolving treatment. The first pregnancy using it was in 1973, however it ended after a short time in a miscarriage. Back then it was making a great deal of news and controversy and the phrase “test-tube baby” was in the headlines. A second pregnancy was recorded in 1976, however, the embryo was embedded in the fallopian tubes and had to be surgically removed. In 1977, a study with 68 women was conducted, resulting in only two pregnancies: one woman having a deformed, still-born child, and another woman requiring an abortion. Altogether, up to the birth of the first successful IVF child, only about 200 embryos transfers were attempted.

In 1978, the first child was born using IVF in England (Louise Brown, age 38 today). In the U.S. it happened in 1981. I recall at that time the news was met with both amazement by some and revulsion by others.

Today the procedure has changed greatly from those early days, but it’s certainly not a simple or natural process. First, a medication is given to suppress the woman’s LH surge and her ovulation until the developing eggs are ready. This drug is commonly a GnRH-agonist (gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist) such as Lupron. Next an FSH analog (follicle stimulating hormone) is given to stimulate (hyperstimulate, in my opinion) development of multiple eggs (Gonal-F and Follistim are the most common).

Finally HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in a usual dose of 10,000 mIU/mL is given to cause final maturation and ovulation of the eggs. The eggs (oocytes) are collected and assessed for their health and degree of maturity. Following preparation of the ejaculate, insemination takes place by mixing the eggs and sperms. A maximum of 3 embryos are transferred to the uterus. The embryo, at this point, is in the four- to eight-cell stage.

In addition to IVF, ICSI has also been introduced in cases of more complex male subfertility (insufficient sperm count or motility). In this procedure a single spermatozoon is injected directly into the cytoplasm of the oocyte using a micropipette.
After 48-72 hours the embryo is transferred into the uterus. After transferring the embryo, implantation is no longer controllable, and everyone waits and hopes. The ensuing 2-week luteal phase is supported with medication (commonly progesterone injections every day!). Using IVF with intra-cytoplasmatic sperm injection and subsequent embryo transfer, most Reproductive Medicine centers around the world claim their rate of successful pregnancy is around 60%; the “baby take home” rate depends on the age of the mother ranging from about 40% for women under 35 to about 10% if over 40.

The physiology of the reproductive system as a whole is governed by sadhaka pitta, prana vata, and apana vata, yet the reproductive organs themselves are endowed with the qualities of kapha. Kapha is the growth-promoting (anabolic), structure-forming dosha that generates and sustains creation. Together with ojas (life force) and rasa dhatu (plasma tissue), kapha dosha organizes the nourishment required to build and re-build the endometrial lining during a lifetime of artava (menstruation) and has an unctuous quality that lubricates the uterus and its ‘sister’ organs (e.g. ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, vaginal canal). Kapha also confers stability and strength to the reproductive tissues helping maintain ovarian structure and uterine shape, tone and ability to contract.

A woman whose artava is exhausted, is called vandhyatva (vandhya-barren, childless). This disease entity—vandhyatva—is the condition closest to infertility in the Ᾱyurvedic classification of diseases. Detailed diagnostic and therapeutic strategies were already described as early as 200 AD in the authoritative Ᾱyurvedic text Caraka Samhita (chapter Cikitsa-sthana, Yonivyapat).

In the centuries that followed, specialized texts on gynecology evolved, including the Kashyapa-Samhita which contains detailed descriptions of various diseases and dedicates a complete chapter to female infertility. As we shall see below, both samshamana (gentle) and samshodhana (strong) therapies are advised for the treatment of infertility in Ᾱyurveda.

The main Ᾱyurvedic treatment goals are (1) the purification and (2) the functional optimization of reproductive tissues (artava- and shukra-dhatu) of both sexes. According to Ᾱyurveda, reproductive health is primarily determined by the health of tissue metabolism and tissue nutrition, both being ultimate requirements for conception. The presence of any accumulated tissue toxins will hamper treatment.

Therefore, general panchakarma purification measures must almost always be the initial step in the treatment sequence. Depending on the Prakriti (unique constitution) of the individual these purification measures may include emesis, purgation, medicated enema, blood purification, and several other specific procedures pertinent to reproductive health. One such example is uttara-basti, intrauterine douche with medicated oils or decoctions. A description of the complete range of these specialized treatment options is beyond the scope of this article.

As Ᾱyurveda is a holistic science, it is important to always consider the patient’s overall health condition, including her mental health and living environment. Importantly, the unique feature of the Ᾱyurvedic approach to fertility is that it emphasizes improving the overall health of both the prospective parents. Fertility therefore may ensue partly due to improved overall health. This approach contrasts with the biomedical approach, which does not directly consider overall health and narrowly focuses on the reproductive tissues.

After thorough patient history taking (prashna) including modern and Ᾱyurvedic parameters, the eightfold and tenfold diagnostic processes (ashtasthana– and dasha vidha-pariksha) are performed according to traditional diagnostic principles of Ᾱyurveda (see below). Patients are understood by Ᾱyurvedic diagnosis as having a particular sub-type of vandhyatva based on their doshic constitution (prakriti).

The most obvious and relevant pathological findings in all cases of infertility from the Ᾱyurvedic perspective are: (1) an overall imbalance of all of the 3 doshas (sannipata-prakopa of vata-, pitta- and kapha-dosha), but usually with dominating kinetic and metabolic principles (vata and pitta) and (2) an irregular functioning of the digestive principle (agni) at both the organ and cellular levels, (3) srotodushti, obstruction or blockage of the channels for both gross and subtle nutrients and energies.

According to the Ᾱyurvedic explanatory model for etiopathogenesis/disease staging (samprapti), most woman, by the time they are aware of any problem, are in the fifth stage of the disease sequence (manifestation or vyakti) or the sixth and latest stage (chronic disease or bheda).

Ashtasthana Pareeksha (Eightfold Examination)
Nadi – Pulse diagnosis
Mutram – Urine examination
Malam – Fecal matter examination
Jihwa – Tongue and taste assesment
Sabdam – Voice and speech of the patient; heart, lung and abdominal sounds
Sparsham – Touch, skin and tactile sense
Driksha – Eyes and vision
Akriti – General physique (i.e. lean, muscular, etc.); general complexion

Dasavidha Pareeksha (Tenfold Examination)
Dushyam- Regarding the structural and functional abnormalities of the body
Desham -Geographical situation of the place where patient lives (eg: marshy)
Balam -Physical strength
Kalam- The season and climatic conditions
Analam -The digestive system of the patient
Prakriti- The natural Tridosha constitution of the body
Vayas -Age of the patient.
Satvam- Psychological strength of the patient
Satmyam- General and personal habits of the patient e.g. tobacco use, regular exercise, yoga asana practice, napping, etc.
Aharam- Nature of food (e.g. vegetarian or non-vegetarian)

Although there are usually strategies to neutralize the negative effects of most conditions, one should be aware of the influence of all aspects of health on female fertility. Here I will mention a few of the more common ones. Chronic menstrual irregularities and associated symptoms like excessive bleeding and severe cramping represent signs of imbalanced gynecological functions (apana vata prakopa and artava dhatu-dushti); anatomical abnormalities (ovarian cysts, retroverted or T-shaped uterus, etc.) also have significance (vata-kapha prakopa). Previous Caesarian section, curettages, miscarriages, intramural pregnancy with iatrogenic abortion, and IVF procedures represent traumas to the reproductive tissues (vata, particularly apana-vata, rakta dhatu-dushti, etc.), leaving scars and leading to a ‘channel obstruction’ (sroto-rodha) of apana-vata, the subdosha regulating gynecological functions; ovarian cysts (artava-dhatu-vrddhi and vata-kapha-prakopa) interfere with implantation. The ovarian hyperstimulation with FSH drugs which is casually recommended by doctors certainly causes significant Vata aggravation (vata-prakopa).

Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto thyroiditis, allergies, obesity, anorexia, irritable bowel syndrome as well as any other low-grade chronic inflammatory condition are indicators of a generally disturbed immune system (rasa-kshaya, rakta- and majja-visha and ojovyapat (loss of vitality) with vata as dominant active factor) – creating a suboptimal environment for implantation and conception in general. Any history of drug intake or environmental exposures is another inhibiting factor for natural fertilization according to Ᾱyurveda, which is why Panchakarma is so vitally important. Sleeping disorders engender mental stress weakening both physical and emotional stability. Furthermore, there can be any number of other factors which create imbalances (e.g., excessive traveling, job stress, relationships, moving to a new home, illnesses in the immediate family, etc.).

Except for acute causes such as the various traumas listed above, female infertility is almost always a result of a gradually-incremental, slowly developing disease process. The holistic Ᾱyurvedic treatment to any disease or condition, including infertility, utilizes a multimodal approach. Both samshodhana (strong; purifying) and samshamana (gentle; balancing) treatments are always used.

Ᾱyurvedic treatments are not merely a series of single and autonomous treatments, but on the contrary, are a carefully formulated highly-individualized and complex arrangement of treatments whose functioning can only be understood if viewed as an integrated whole. A defining feature of the holistic-oriented Ᾱyurvedic strategy is the therapeutic integration of the physical (e.g. purification through Panchakarma, dietary recommendations, herbal medicines, etc), psychological, and spiritual realms (e.g. mantra recitation, use of gemstones, placement of sacred objects in the home, prayer, etc). In Ayurveda, female infertility is understood as a somato-psycho-spiritual disintegration with a tendency to somatize unresolved emotional and mental conflicts; these conflicts are either wholly or partially causative or they further aggravate co-existing epigenetic, traumatic, and biochemical causes.

The selected purification methods (most commonly purgation, enemas, intrauterine enemas and nasal irrigation) are delivered to restore balance to the kinetic vata principle, according to Ᾱyurvedic theory. The far-reaching therapeutic benefits for this are difficult to explain through conventional modern pathophysiological principles. A detailed explanation of Ayurvedic theory and energetics though fascinating and compelling is beyond the scope of this article.

However, what can pragmatically be said here is that these methods optimize mucosal transport and general function, regulate and stabilize the intestinal microbiome, restore hormonal homeostasis to the interior milieu, enhance intestinal digestion, metabolism and excretion, and counteract side effects of both endogenously-produced and environmental toxins. These effects are augmented if the individual is concurrently observing an appropriate individual dietary approach, receives the appropriate herbal medicines, and also follows the other prescribed Ᾱyurvedic principles.

Here is a brief description of some of the Ᾱyurvedic approaches used and the reasoning behind them. Not every therapy is used for every woman and they are always modified according to the individual constitution.

Virechana (purgation): This procedure involves several days of internal oleation by taking either pure ghee or a specially prepared medicated ghee followed by a gentle herbal purgative. Purgation acts on aggravated and accumulated pitta and kapha doshas. It decreases the heat (ushna guna) of pitta and increases coolness (sheeta guna) required for formation of shukra dhatu (ovum and sperm). Impaired agni due to disturbed pitta is also rectified by the virechana procedure. A strong and balanced dhatvagni (tissue agni) is required for dhatnirmiti of shukradhatu (creation of reproductive tissue). Obstructing kapha dosha is removed through virechana and the blocked apana vata obstructed by kapha dosha is also relieved by virechana. Common virechana dravyas: mahatiktaghrit, trivrit (leha or churna).

Anuvasana and Niruha Bastis (medicated enemata): These are two different types of medicated enemas. The reproductive system present in katisthana (hip and loin region) which is a region chiefly regulated by of apana vata. Action of basti is predominantly on vata dosha and pakvashaya (large intestines). The uterus (garbhashaya) is made up of vayu and akasha mahabhuta. In basti, mainly tiktarasadravya (vayu + akasha mahabhutas) despite being potentially vatavardhak (vata-increasing), are useful because they act as a vehicle and catalyst to deliver medicines to vatasthana (vata regions). Sneha in basti promotes trans-membrane absorption of herbal medicinal components. Since Basti is targeted at regulating the apana vata, it facilitates the well-timed release of ovum and also normal motion of sperms.

Uttar Basti (medicated intrauterine enema): Uttar basti plays a very prominent role in treating female infertility because it has a direct local action upon the reproductive tissues. The ovaries contain receptors which receive hormones secreted by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The herbal medicines used in uttar basti stimulate and sensitize these receptors, so that proper ovulation occurs in each cycle. It also helps to increase the receptivity of the genital tract to the entry of sperms.

In addition, uttar basti relieves artava srotosanga (congested channels of menstrual flow) and corrects artava dhatvagni (reproductive metabolism). Because selected medicines are administered directly to affected areas, it can help clear tubal blockage by direct lysis of adhesions. Finally, altered cervical pH can be corrected by uttar basti. Depending on the specific issue identified, different uttar basti dravyas are used. For example: in ovulatory disorders: shatavarighrita, balaguduchyadi taila, phalaghrita; in tubal obstruction: kshar taila, bhallataka taila, til taila; in uterine fibroids or PCOD: dashmoola taila, panchatiktaguggulghrita, varunadi kwath, hapushadi ghrita.

Nasya (administration of nasal medications): All Ᾱyurvedic students learn the sloka: “nasya hi shiraso dwaram,” which means “the nostrils are the gateway to the brain.” Therefore any substance introduced intranasally (even smoke) acts directly on the brain and specifically in this context, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

Today we know that the olfactory nerve fibers literally enter the back of the nasal passage through the cribiform plate and conveys stimuli directly to the brain. The mucosal epithelium is sensitive to a variety of stimuli including various herbalized ghritas and tailas which are easily absorbed through mucosal epithelium. Nasya medications may help to stimulate the hypothalmal- pituitary axis to secrete FSH & LH hormones. We often use chandanbala taila, shatpushpa taila, and phalaghrita.

Adjuvant Panchakarma Treatments: The specialized physical therapy techniques, including Shirodhara (forehead-dripping therapy), Shirobasti (oil-crown), and Lepa (herbalized mud) with precisely selected medicated oils and other substances, further facilitate the stabilization of the overall constitution by balancing the impaired vata and pitta doshas.

Oral Herbal Medicines: While it is beyond the scope of this article to describe the many individualized formulas which can be used as part of the treatment for vandhyatva, it can be stated that Ᾱyurvedic herbal formulas used in these patients primarily target adaptogenic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, and general strengthening (ojo vardhana) as well as strengthening of the reproductive tissues; they also are designed to enhance digestion and cognition as needed and have mild anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.

That being said, some of the more common plants used include Ashwagandha (W. somnifera), Shatavari, (A. racemosus), Guduchi (T.cordifolia), Brahmi (B. monnieri), Yogaraj guggulu, Krishna Jeeraka (N. sativa), Shatapushpa (A. graveolens), Atibala (A. indicum), dashmoolarishta, maharasnadi kwath.

Lifestyle Factors: In a similar way to everything mentioned above, yoga, meditation, and mantra recitation address the physical and mental stress caused by the often numerous futile fertility attempts with conventional therapy. One other interesting practice is to have a woman simply place a stone shiva linga of any size under the foot of her bed. The connection between detoxification, stress and infertility is not yet well understood. However, in my more than three decades of Ᾱyurvedic practice, it is not uncommon to see patients finally give up IVF, undergo Panchakarma and Ᾱyurvedic protocols–and then become pregnant shortly thereafter. Once the stress, expectations, and adverse physiological effects of IVF treatment subside, the body is sometimes able to function normally again. That is why from the Ᾱyurvedic perspective, these seemingly gentle mind-body recommendations are effective; they also target the regulation of vata, in this case on the level of manas (i.e. the mind).

Despite the many successful case reports in India and other Ayurvedic clinics around the world, it remains an open scientific question whether the Ᾱyurvedic approach exerts any specific fertility-promoting effects. Besides my own U.S.-based medical practice, the effectiveness of Ᾱyurvedic interventions is based primarily on numerous case studies and rather small and mostly preliminary clinical trials conducted in India. From the perspective of modern scientific research, given the many successes documented and despite the lack of well-designed randomized controlled studies, further research is warranted. In particular, the integration of Ᾱyurvedic treatments into modern medical strategies for fertility has the potential to improve patient outcomes with little to no downside.

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Asthma

 Naturopathy
Jan 302017
 

Natural Remedies for Asthma

Asthma is an illness mainly described as a severe breathing problem, wheezing and coughing. Millions of people are suffering from this disease and you will be surprised to know that, children are also engrossed with it to a large extent. Now you can naturally heal asthma, by following some fruitful remedies. There are several medicines which help to cure the symptoms to some extent, especially when there is an emergency attack but these medicines can turn your asthma into a worse condition when you use them for long time period. Researchers have proved that few medicines have severe side effects, which will make more repeated asthmatic reactions and it also has other side effects like acne, mood changes, yeast growth and damage the immune system and endocrine system. Naturopathy medicines for asthma is a powerful and fruitful method of curing the disease, it helps to avoid the attacks. Try out the natural remedies for asthma as described here and you will get cured naturally.

 
The Diet Treatment for Asthma

 
Diet plays a vital role in fighting with the toxins that are present in the environment, restraint from the inflammatory responses and reduce the risk of the food that causes the asthma attack. The patient suffering from asthma should concentrate on the healthy diet which is loaded with antioxidants and are high in nutrients value. The best natural cure for asthma is to eat right kind of foods. Many studies have proved that by consuming a wide range of food which contains high in nutrient value, will make the immune system strong.

 
Here is the list of all favorable and fruitful food that you must include in your daily diet plan to treat asthma.
Eat bright colored vegetables and fruits.

Eat bright colored vegetables and fruits

Bright colored vegetables are like carrots, beetroots, green leafy vegetables, all kind of root veggies, sweet potatoes and berries, all these food are good for the health of the asthma patients as they contain carotenoids. Carotenoids are found in the vitamin A, which reduce the symptoms of asthma attack and make the mucous membranes healthy which are the line of the air passageways.

 
Include High Folate Foods in Your Diet

 
The food which is loaded with folate (vitamin B9), minimizes the inflammation and allergic reactions and also helps in reducing the symptoms like wheezing. The food like beans, nuts, and green leafy veggies are folate food. So include more of this food in your diet and eat them daily to fight with asthma in a natural way.

 
Vitamin C and Vitamin E Is Good For Asthma Patients

 
We all know that antioxidants boost our immunity, which helps to fight with various diseases. Vitamin C and vitamin E are full of antioxidants and reduce the inflammation and wheezing, this has been proved in several researchers. Consume citrus fruits like orange, berries, guava and kiwi and vegetables such as green leafy vegetables, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers and also herbs like cilantro and parsley are rich in vitamin C. include more of nuts, plants oils, and seeds, which are rich in vitamin E.

 
Eat Foods which contains Magnesium

 
Magnesium is essential for minimizing the risk of asthma attack. The best sources of magnesium we find in the food are cocoa, beans, seeds, green vegetables, and nuts. Try to eat all of these daily. Magnesium relaxes the lungs and makes the air pass in and out more smoothly. It also decreases muscle spasming trouble, so fight with asthma in a natural method by including more of magnesium food in your diet.

 
Probiotics and High Fibre Food

 
Raw milk is the best source of probiotics, it strengthens the immunity and resolves the problems of digestion. Raw milk is good for children, who suffer from asthma, it protects from the symptoms like allergy reaction and minimizes the symptoms of fever. High fiber food removes toxins from the body and it keeps on feeding the probiotic bacteria, which is healthy for the body. The good source of high fiber and probiotic foods are raw vegetables, beans, seeds, whole grains, and nuts.

 
Omega 3

 
Omega 3 is beneficial for reducing the symptoms of asthma in an effective way, as it strengthens the immune system and it eliminates the inflammation of the airways. Consume food like flax seeds and fish like tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel, these are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids.

 
Naturopathy Supplements For Asthma

 
Vitamin D

 
The best naturopathy supplement for asthma is the vitamin D, it increases the immune system and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is advised to the patients to go out in the sun exposure and consume healthy balanced diet. It has been proved that people who intake adequate amount of vitamin D, have the lesser risk of asthma attack.

 
Vitamin C

 
The supplements of the vitamin C are loaded with antioxidants and thus boosts the immunity in the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and minimizes the damage of the free radicals.

 
Vitamin B

 
Vitamin B helps in boosting the cognitive function and supports the immune system. The patient of asthma is advised to have asthma supplements.

 
Zinc

 
Zinc deals with the symptoms of stress and increases the immune system. The natural medicine for asthma like zinc helps to improve the body to fight with the disease.

 
Magnesium

 
Magnesium helps in minimizing the severe symptoms of asthma. It reduces the stress and anxiety of the patients.

Essential Oils For The Treatment of the Asthma

Essential Oils For The Treatment of the Asthma

Essential oils are excellent to heal asthma naturally, as it gives relief and heal breathing problem, reduces the mucus. Use peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil and add to the hot water and take steam. This will open your airways and reduces inflammation. Oils like lavender, tea tree has a soothing effect, calms your mood. These essential oils are good for rubbing on your chest, before going to bed.

 
Other Essential Remedies For Asthma

 
Stay away from irritants in your home, avoid any kind of smoke coming out of cigarrettes, burning of wood or stoves, as these can make your condition worse. Clean your doormats, carpets and also bed sheets, pillows. Try to get some fresh air inside your home, so that you get fresh air. Avoid using chemical based cleaning products and start using natural cleaning products.

 
Asthma is known as the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which has allergies. It can be environmental or seasonal. You may have allergies with some food. There can be many things around you which can irritate your passage airways and this only causes asthma attack. Make sure you avoid using any of those irritants from your home, that causes the problem. Hope these natural remedies for asthma will be helpful and treat you in a method.

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Horoscopes For Saturn In Sagittarius & 2017

 Ayurvedic
Jan 262017
 

Saturn brings both the blessings and the curses of life- as he gives his wisdom only through the slow ripening of time, effort, suffering, loss and age.

It takes time to learn the deepest, hardest and most important wisdom of life. This wisdom has to be worked for and requires effort to receive. Thus, Saturn pays us in enlightenment for the work, effort, steady actions, that we make over a long period of time. If we don’t adhere to his rules for wisdom, he will make us suffer the consequences.

Saturn moves slowly and methodically, taking 2.5 years to move through each sign. What Saturn offers us is the depth of our being, our humanness, whether through experiencing the human form, the physical body, or through the reactions of our actions.

Life might be easier without him, but it would truly lack depth, lessons learned, and the necessity for consistent effort which is necessary for us to grow and evolve.

Saturn is worth studying, working with, not against. Being very familiar with his ways is vital for life and living. For on the other side of suffering is great alliance with Nature and her wisdom, as well as the sacred Laws of the Universe. This is one of the gifts that Saturn grants us when we are in alignment with Source.

Saturn shifts to Sagittarius at 02:55 am MST, and into Mula nakshastra, where he will be transiting the majority of 2017. This is a powerful re-structuring transit. As the planet of grief moves through the star notorious for adharma (that which is against dharma), it is imperative to stay close to resources, support and guidance that will help you stay true to your inner wisdom, your dharma and life path.

Sagittarius correlates to the 9th house of your natal chart, which is the house of dharma. The 9th house is considered the most auspicious house of the chart, offering support and resources, more than challenges and struggles.

For everyone, understanding their natal 9th house, and how it expresses itself in the chart, will be important right now. As Saturn enlivens the themes of the 9th house during this transit, he will also by default, be activating your natal 9th house themes.

This year, Saturn spends the majority of his time in Mula nakshatra, the first constellation situated in Sagittarius. It will be easy and tempting to succumb to fear and anxiety with this transit. It will provoke challenges and discomfort that might make you lose hope, trust or certainty with your inner light, your inner truth.

This transit of Saturn in Mula can bring great awakening, but only through your diligence, willingness and consistently showing up for your inner wisdom. This process will take your resolve. You must show up for yourself and others repeatedly in order to harvest the power of this process.

What is your highest truth? What intentions are you aligning with right now? What is your heart and soul longing to bring forth into this one precious life?

Saturn will stay in Mula nakshatra until June 21st of 2017. Part of this transit includes his retrograde dance back through this chaotic gandanta (gap). Saturn will retrograde on April 5th, 2017. Saturn will then re-enter Scorpio on June 21st for another four months, before re-entering Sagittarius and Mula nakshatra on October 26th, for the remainder of his 2.5 year transit through this fire sign.

This ongoing lengthy transit will be the most provocative and transformational since Saturn is the slowest moving planet and the grief giver. He impacts the physical body directly and brings ongoing duress because he is so heavy, old and slow. As the planet of grief, this is also an important time to pull out the roots of grief that have been living in your bodies unconsciously.

Attending to your grief process and healing old wounds will be especially important in 2017.

With great diligence however, this can also be a time of strengthening your determination, focus and alignment with dharma. Do not lose hope. Stay connected and aligned with your dreams, desires, goals and passions. These are important resources to help you honor your dharmic path.

As painful as this process of letting go and uprooting will be in the coming months, it’s also an opportunity for great change and transformation. Release and letting go allows new space and possibility to arrive on all levels of your being. How you work with your pain, grief and challenges will determine your outcome.

Remember that there’s always a resource hidden in the challenges. The trick is to find them! It will be important to get extra support, resources and guidance in the months to come to help you transform challenges into possibility.

Do not lose sight of your visions and dreams, goals and aspirations. Stay close to your body and breath and deepen your inner roots.

*Horoscopes are based on your sidereal or Jyotish rising sign, not your Western or Tropical sign. You may also use for your sidereal Moon or Sun sign for extra insight. For these particular horoscopes, understanding where Saturn sits in your natal chart is key. This will determine your relationship with him and how he gives his effects.

As Saturn steps into your 9th house of dharma for the majority of 2017, it’s time to truly enliven your purpose for being alive. This is a very important year for you. Changes, transformations and shifts in how you share your wisdom and gifts with the world are invoked.

This is a vital year of transformation for you as Saturn dips into your unconscious territory, the 8th house. Think of it as a major internal house clearing. You will be forced to look at parts of yourself that you’ve had under lock and key for years.

For the majority of the year, Saturn will be moving through your 7th house. There is a radical release and restructuring process taking place within you and your relationships. It’s time to let go of the people you’ve been hanging on to for no good reason.

Saturn transits your 6th house as it moves into Sagittarius for the majority of 2017. This is a house of conflict, strength and determination as well as a place of overcoming enemies. The enemies you face are parts of yourself that must be honored and healed.

The 5th house is enlivened as Saturn moves to your place of power and passion. It is also the house of children, romance and past life credits. Saturn’s passage through the solar plexus of your chart, increases challenges, hardship and grief with these parts of your life.

The fourth house of heart and home, mother and land, will be the focus of much transformation as Saturn transits through your chest for the majority of 2017. Grief must be digested and released. Attend to your breath, chest and lungs, as well as your emotional body.

This transit of Saturn impacts your third house of courage and creativity, as well as self expression and artistry. Step into your artistic endeavors more fully and use the hands! Write, draw, paint and dance. Find new ways to share yourself with the world.

As Saturn moves out of your head and into your mouth, nourishment becomes the primary theme for you this year. This also marks the tail end of Saturn’s return and major restructuring (only 2.5 years to go!) Work with mouth and speech for greater healing.

This is a time of radical transformation as Saturn moves into your 1st house of self and head. The heaviness of Saturn moving through your head, can bring depression and sadness to the surface. Stay out of the chaos as much as possible and stay grounded.

Your ruling planet, Saturn, moves into your 12th house for the majority of 2017, invoking deep introspection and a need for alone time and retreat. It’s an ending, preparing you for a new Saturn cycle, with new structure and physical body awareness.

Your ruling planet, Saturn, moves to your 11th house of gains for the majority of the year. This is a house of pluses and minuses, requiring you to let go and release, in order for more receptivity. Become more aware of your needs- especially with relationships.

Your career will require consistent effort and action steps in order to receive the rewards of Saturn in your 10th house. There is much power activating in your offering for the world, but you must be diligent and stay true to course. Get plenty of rest and stay on a good routine.

For a limited time, I’m sharing extra resources, support and guidance for your dharmic path. Please follow along with my Dharma Awakening Series. Join My Newsletter

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Fight With Whooping Cough Naturally

 Naturopathy
Jan 232017
 

A whooping cough is mainly known as pertussis, it is the highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. The infection can be transferred very easily from one human being to another and it is seen that the newborn babies and teenagers are more commonly infected, especially this infection is more likely to happen when you have weak immunity. Sometimes these infections last for months, with severe pain and trouble while sneezing and coughing but you can easily cope up with whooping cough through naturopathy, which is a unique medicine to treat any disease without any adverse effect as compared to other medication.

Symptoms of a whooping cough

 
Many people do not understand the difference between the common cold and whooping cough. Although, the symptoms of a whooping cough is much similar to the common cold in initial stage, like

 
Nasal congestion,

 
A dry cough,

 
Body pain and fatigue,

 
Sneezing, runny nose and coughing,

Redness and watery eyes.

 
At first, the patient feels like he is only suffering from common cold but later on, after one or two weeks, the infection becomes worse and the coughing turns into severe one with whoop sound with the high pitch, after that the symptoms of whooping cough appears such as,

Vomiting,

Severe exhaustion and tiredness in the body,

Thick phlegm

Feeling of breathlessness and the face may turn out as red and blue.

 
But these symptoms can be cured easily by following some using naturopathy remedies for whooping cough. It is important to note that the symptoms may vary from person to person, especially in the newborn child. Many times it is observed that the sound of whoop is also absent in adults but there will be constant painful coughing, which is an alarming sign, whereas in the babies the only symptom is the red face and gasping for some oxygen. There are times when babies have the serious illness and they stop breathing for few seconds. But the natural remedies for whooping cough will cure the infection effectively while reducing the maximum symptoms and gives relief to the patient instantly.

 
Natural Remedies For Whooping Cough

 
People usually prefer to go for home remedies for normal cold and cough and there are many remedies that are popular for thousands of years. It is important to know that these natural medication provided at home, do help the patient to get relief from the symptoms and builds up the immune system strong, which helps to treat the infection and further protects the body to fight against it. But there are many vaccines available, which gives instant recovery in case of emergency.

Sometimes, it is essential to give vaccines to the small babies who are struggling with the infection. For the long-term benefit, it is always recommended to go for the natural cure for a whooping cough but people do not know much about it. Look at some of the best remedies for the infection treated in an effective method at home.

 
Steam Inhalation and Aromatherapy

 
Steam inhalation is the most convenient and famous home remedy to treat whooping cough. It makes your respiration airways open and minimizes the mucus. To make an effective steam inhalation, add few drops of essential oils, in the pot of hot water and then inhale the steam coming out of the hot water. Cover your head with a towel, so that air cannot pass out and you can take the maximum benefit of the steam.

Drink Lot of Fluid

 
When we catch a cold and that also something like whooping cough, then the best solution to cure whooping cough naturally is to drink a lot of fluid like vegetable or chicken broth, warm water and various vegetable and fruit juices. We tend to lose a lot of liquid from our body while coughing and sneezing and this makes our body dehydrated. We must try our best to keep our body hydrated so that our body within fights up with the infection effectively.

Gargle

Gargle is a very common method of getting rid of a sore throat, inflammation, and cough. By adding a little bit of salt to the warm water, makes the gargle more effective. Make sure you do the gargle 3 to 4 times a day, to get the soothing effect to your throat. This naturopathy treatment for whooping cough, helps you to get relief soon.

 
Ginger

 
Ginger is the most common ingredient available at home and many of us do not know that it is a medicine to cure any kind of a cough as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and there is a compound called gingerol present in the ginger. It boosts the immunity and helps to recover soon from the infection. Just extract equal quantities of both the ginger juice and mix it with raw honey. Take it for 2 to3 times a day and continue to take it for few days.

 
Turmeric

 
Turmeric has antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties, which helps to treat a whooping cough naturally. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric into one cup of warm milk, drink it every day to get relief from the symptoms of whooping cough. You may also take turmeric supplements, after taking advice from your doctor.

 
Garlic

 
Garlic is another common ingredient easily found in every kitchen. It is a natural antibiotic for whooping cough. To use garlic, you can crush the garlic and add one tablespoon of crushed garlic into a bowl of hot boiling water. And inhale the garlic vapor by covering your head with a clean towel. It is good for all adults as it gives relief from the congestion and coughing. If you like the taste of garlic then eat one or two cloves of garlic, early in the morning.

 
Raw Honey

 
Raw honey is loaded with healing properties as it contains antiseptic, antibacterial qualities. It destroys the bacteria causing the whooping cough and eases out the symptoms. Take one glass of warm water and mix one tablespoon of raw honey into this and drink it 2 to3 times a day. It gives relief to a sore throat, instantly you will feel a calm and soothing effect. For good sleep at night, mix one teaspoon of raw honey with half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and have it before going to bed.

 
Oregano

 
Oregano is another beneficial natural medicine for whooping cough, as it helps in curing the respiratory problems like it gives relief from a dry cough and mucus is removed from the lungs easily. Oregano is known as a wonderful herb, used in various exotic dishes, but it also has antispasmodic, antibacterial and some unique medical properties which ease out the coughing and other respiratory problems.

 
Take a bowl of hot boiling water and mix 6 to7 drops of oregano oil and the inhale the vapor while covering your head with a clean towel. Repeat this 2 to3 times a day to get instant comfort. Or you may rub few drops of the oregano oil and mix it with jojoba oil and olive oil in your chest, and do this before you go to sleep. This will ease out the discomfort due to the coughing and you will have a deep sleep.

 
Lemon

 
We all know that lemon is full of citric acid and this reduces the mucus from the lungs. Lemon increases the immune system of the body and has antiviral, antibacterial properties which combat with a whooping cough naturally. Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one glass of warm water and one teaspoon of raw honey. Drink this 3 to 4 times in a day to get relief. Continue drinking it for a week to get positive results.

 
Almonds

 
Almonds are used to treat many physical problems and both the nuts and oil of almond are good to cure pertussis naturally. Almonds contain antioxidants and phytochemicals, which helps in reducing the symptoms of the infection.
To use almonds, you can soak 6 to 7 almonds, overnight and then remove the skin and make a paste of the nuts. Mix the paste of the almonds with one teaspoon of butter and have it to subside the symptoms. You may have this 2 to 3 times a day. You may also use almond oil to rub on your chest, mix few drops of rosemary or eucalyptus oil or camphor oil. Do this whenever you feel uneasy, you will surely get some relief.

 
Chamomile

 
Chamomile is an amazing herbal tea as it has the soothing effect to a sore throat and along with that it also has anti-inflammatory properties. The tea is best known to boost the immunity and thus the patient gets recover soon from the infection. To make this unique tea, you need to add 1 or 2 teaspoons of the chamomile tea to the one cup of boiling hot water and then cover the cup for 5 minutes. After that strain the tea and add few drops of lemon juice and honey, as per your taste. You should drink this tea for few days for at least 3 to 4 times in a day.

 
Saffron

 
Saffron is considered to be the expensive spice and used in the most expensive dishes but we hardly know that the saffron is also used as natural medicine for whooping cough. It has wonderful qualities as it destroys the bacteria causing pertussis. It makes the respiratory process comfortable by loosening the phlegm. Make a simple saffron drink by adding 4 to 5 stigmas of saffron to the half cup of hot water and leave it for 5 minutes. Drink it daily for few days, to get relief soon.

 
Other Suggestions For Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough

Naturopathy home remedies for a whooping cough, helps the patient to recover soon. While you are having the cough, avoid going out at moisture and cold as it can make your condition worse. Our body constantly fights with a whooping cough and that is the reason it feels exhausted and tired, we should take a lot of rest so that we can support our body to recover soon. When you are sick avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, it makes your body cure faster. Avoid eating food like sugar and starchy food and also other allergic foods and focus on more of fiber and nutrient rich food. When you are coughing and sneezing, make sure you wash your hands quite often, so that you don’t spread the infection to others. Following these simple natural remedies for a whooping cough will cure your infection soon.

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