Ayurvedic Remedies for the Common Cold

The everyday common cold is related to the nasopharynx tract in particular, but it is yet found to affect the entire body. It is mostly common during the winters when it is passed around in crowded buses and other public areas frequented by the vulnerable.

According to Ayurveda, the common cold is referred to as Pratishyaya, and is produced as a result of the vitation of the Kapha dosha, and it greatly affects the body's immunity.

Ayurveda suggests a wide array of techniques to arrest the spread and intensity of the common cold virus. The Thalisapatradi Choornam with honey is known to release excess cough, and if the Karpooradi Thailam is applied on the chest and face, along with the addition of four to five drops of oil in water - which in turn is boiled and taken in as stream, it decongests the chest and is anti-inflammatory.

Aside, home remedies adhering to Ayurvedic philosophy to cure the common cold also exist. Ginger tea in particular acts as a decongestant, stimulating slow digestion and improving the taste buds. Lemon juice with water and honey is known to soothe a sore throat, boost vitamin C, as well as rid one of cough.

The ever-important Ayurvedic element of garlic contains antiseptic properties, and its addition in a recipe of soup is useful. Tulsi and Long pepper can also be used when taken in similar quantities, ground together and rolled into small pills, taken 3-4 times daily. Tulsi possesses an anti-vital and anti-oxidant property and is a good immune-modulator. Long pepper in addition, relieves inflammation.

Nevertheless, prevention is always better than any cure and it is critical to continue to build an overall good immunity. The Ayurvedic art of Panchakarma is a great way to supplemet and strengthen immunity - be it against the common cold or other ills.

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The Correlation between Yoga and Ayurveda

Yoga and Ayurveda are inseparable sisters in ways more than one. To put it succinctly, "Ayurveda is a science, and Yoga is the practice of the said science."

Both originate as part of a greater system of Vedic knowledge; while Yoga finds its roots in the Yajur Veda, Ayurveda originates in the Athara and Rig Vedas. Nevertheless, both are based upon the principles of Trigunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) and the Panchamahabuthas, which in turn comprise the five basic elements in earth, air, fire, water and space. Overall, they encompass an understanding on the way the human body works, and the effect - both positive and negative - that food and medicines might have on the body.

In their respective treatments, both Yoga and Ayurveda advocate the regular practice of Pranayama and meditation, as well as rthe use of herbs, body purification procedures, food and the chanting of mantras for physical and mental health. Yoga explains such body cleaning procedures as Satkriyas, while Ayurveda goes with the familiar and well-known techniques of Panchakarma.

In essence, both recognize that keeping the body healthy is vital for fulfilling the four aims of life: dharma (duty), artha (wealth), kama (Desire) and moksha (liberation),

While Yoga is considered to be a natural means of healing, Ayurveda relies on the core principle of the microcosm being equal to the macrocosm. Such an understanding sparks an overwhelming sense of gratitude in many, knowing that every aspect of nature has the answers to good health.

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The Amazing Benefits of Camphor

The bulk of Ayurvedic texts are replete with mentions of the several myriad medicinal properties associated with camphor. Its primary use in Ayurveda includes the treatment of respiratory and digestive problems along with the purification of blood that in turn aids in the doing away with a variety of skin ailments.

The importance of camphor can be gauged from the fact that most auspicious Hindu rituals include the burning of this herb. The product of Cinnamon Camphora, it is obtained from the large evergreen tree that grows in tropical climates, often up to a height of thirty meters.

Nobody is alien to a congested or running nose and cough, and camphor helps in providing almost instantaneous relief. The herb can be rubbed onto the chest in a concoction with oil to deal with a nasal congestion, and the modern medicinal system has caught on to the concept, utilizing it as a primary ingredient in various cough syrups and lozenges. Another Ayurvedic utility of camphor includes its treatment in overall respiratory troubles. Placing some camphor in boiling water and then inhaling its steam for a good ten minutes worth at a stretch helps to cure bronchitis and other such respiratory problems that make breathing difficult.

Camphor also plays a part in stimulating one's digestive system, making it work smoothly, being effective against common issues such as acidity and indigestion.

Furthermore, this wonder herb has several niche uses including the dissolution of fungal infections and the treatment of acne. Such fungal problems occur on the skin's surface and the insides of the toenails. In order to get rid of such issues, one can just mix some camphor with water and then apply it on the affected area. The treatment of acne in turn involves the use of camphor within a face pack, ensuring the fading of scars within a few weeks of usage.

In essence, the uses of camphor in Ayurveda and beyond are manifold, and modern medicine among others would have been poorer without its redeeming medicinal qualities.

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Ayurvedic treatments to combat Diabetes

Diabetes has been recognized by Ayurveda for centuries. Recognized as Madhumeha is Sanskrit nomenclature, it is primarily classifed as a kapha variantal disorder. Overall, Ayurveda identifies as many as twenty types of diabetes - four due to Vata, six from Pitta, and ten caused by Kapha.

A disease severely aggravated by the wrong kind of diet, its planning and implementation is the Ayurvedic cornerstone in managing diabetes. Sugar for starters - is avoided in any form. This particularly pertains to foods such as rice, potato, banana, cereals and fruits which possess high sugar content. A singular bitter dish is recommended in every meal, and it proceeds to advise the inclusion of vegetables such as bitter gourd, string beans and grains like Bengal gram into the diet.

Of them all, the bitter gourd is regarded as the best remedy for diabetes. Drinking at least one tablespoon of bitter gourd juice on a daily basis will help reduce blood sugar levels in blood and urine. In addition, having bitter gourd cooked in ghee for a period of a few months also helps in reducing diabetic reactions in the patient by enabling the pancreas and pancreatic glands to secrete insulin.

Ayurveda proceeds to recommend changes and improvements to one's lifestyle as well, in its zeal to combat diabetes. Aside from avoiding smoking and other obviously harmful activities, diabetics are advised to avoid sleeping during the day, prescribed regular eyecare and asked to take adequate care of the eyes and feet.

In essence, the strategies prescribed by Ayurveda in the treatment of diabetes and lowering blood sugar level are safe, easy to practise, and are free of any side effects whatsoever - establishing it as a core method in controlling this passive disease.

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The Amazing Benefits of Tulsi

In the traditional Indian medicine system and in Ayurveda in general, Holy Basil, commonly referred to as Tulsi, is considered to be a tonic to retain youth and avoid aging. Vitamins C and A, phytonutrients and the essential oils in Tulsi are all excellent anti-oxidants, and they protect the body from nearly all the damages caused by free radicals.

In all, the Tulsi is an important symbol on the Hindu religious tradition, and is worshipped in the mornings and evenings by Hindus at large. Its leaves are specific for several fevers. During the rainy season for instance, when malaria and dengue fevers are widely prevelant, tender leaves boiled with tea act as preventive agents against such bacteria that lead to those diseases. 

Furthermore, the herb is useful in teeth disoders too. A decoction of the leaves can be given, wherein pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste are applied on the forehead for obtaining relief from heat, headaches and for providing coolness in general. As an extension, Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore-eyes and night blindness, generally caused by a deficiency of Vitamin A.

The various texts of Ayurveda describe the properties of Tulsi in a favourable manner in many of their medicinal recommendations, terming it light to digest and effective in drying tissue secretions. Although it tastes hot and bitter, it can penetrate deep tissues and its anti-helmenthis properties normalizes the kapha and vata in an individual. Leaves, flowers, seeds and roots of Tulsi are also used in Ayurvedic preparations.

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Ayurvedic Remedies to Cure Asthma

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, including wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Thought to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors, its diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms and response to therapy over time. 

The occurrence of asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. In 2011, 235–300 million people globally have been diagnosed with asthma, and it caused 250,000 deaths.

As with several other diseases, Ayurveda provides succinct answers to combat and eventually cure Asthma. For starters, Asthma can be aggravated through an improper diet. Certain foods in particular can make the vata highly active or clog the physiology, thereby worsening many of the symptoms of the disease.

One of the most important factors for balancing vata and keeping the natural cleansing processes strong is to have a lifestyle that does not disturb natural bodily rhythms. When we eat, sleep and exercise in constantly fluctuating and disturbing patterns, the body loses its natural balancing cycles and cannot cleanse or heal itself as effectively. Therefore, regularity in our daily routine can be extremely effective in reducing vata imbalances.

Moreover, traditional Ayurveda theory says that herbs are most effective after a person completes an internal cleansing program in the zeal to combat Asthma. The cleansing and rejuvenation treatments that one will receive daily are the main focus of treatment. Once such a program is finished, he or she is ready to gain maximum benefits from any subsequent herbal program for the rest of the season ahead.

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Is my Ayurvedic clinic Authentic?

We being Indians have adopted Ayurveda since childhood and our rich culture often talks about it, be it in our eating habits or the famous grandmother tips. Integrally, we all believe in Ayurveda. But when it comes to treatments and medicines, we are usually unsure as to where to go.

Let us examine what one should look out for when visiting an authentic Ayurvedic clinic.

1. Ask the name of the doctor and his/her qualification
When we go to a modern doctor, we most often check for his or her qualifications on the board or letter pad. The same should apply for an Ayurvedic doctor. In India, a doctor with a B.A.M.S. or Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery is identified as an Ayurvedic doctor or Vaidya. This can be followed by a Masters degree and doctorate as well.

Be aware that DNYS stands for Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences.

2. Ask for a written prescription with details
Most often, there are no written prescriptions given. It is mandatory by law to purchase any medicine only on the basis of a written prescription. The prescription should have the details of the doctor and the the full name of the medicines being prescribed.

3. Accept medicines with proper labels where all ingredients are mentioned
It is your right to know what you are putting into your mouth. Insist on knowing every ingredient in the powder / bati / churna / asav, etc. you have been prescribed. You never know, you may just be allergic to a herb but just because it is not mentioned, you are left totally unawares!

4. Look out for the MRP!
If it is a well-labelled medicine, look out for the MRP. Else, if it is a customized medicine and you find it very expensive, ask the doctor for its details as there may be some rare herbs or other beneficial mineral or metal elements, which may be required for your body as per the treating Ayurvedic doctor. It may not harm to get this in writing as well. Also it pays to ask for a receipt for any future references.

5. Check out the cleanliness and hygienic conditions for a prospective treatment.
If you have been advised a Panchakarma treatment, do check out the hygiene levels at the clinic. The table you lie on, the utensils used for oils and other tools and equipments should be clean. All good clinics usually clean them in front of you with disinfectants after your treatment is done.

6. Insist on disposable material and sterilized instruments
While undergoing a treatment, insist on disposable sheets, undergarments and gloves. These are the basic hygiene requirements any reputed clinic should follow. The instruments should be well sterilized before every use.

7. Beware of spurious locations, rooms and therapists
Due to malpractices under the name of Kerela Ayurveda, a lot of spurious massage centers have opened up. Make sure the room you are getting your treatment done in does not have any hidden cameras (there are mobile apps now to detect this).  Refuse the treatment immediately if you find anything fishy with the surroundings or therapist.

8. Insist on doctor’s visits during treatment
One must insist that the therapy should be under the supervision of an Ayurvedic doctor. The doctor should visit you often to know the progress of your therapy. This may be more necessary for the first few sittings of your Panchakarma course than later on.

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