The tradition of Ayurveda

As a Republic Day Special, today we reintroduce Ayurveda, the traditional form of Indian medicine and understand the inherent strengths of this timeless Science.



Ayurveda, or the traditional form of medicine, originated in India about 5,000 years ago. The medicines or treatments used in Ayurveda are based on the principles of Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, and Khapa) and the Panchamahabuthas, which in turn comprise of the five basic elements: 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 may have on the body.

The knowledge base of Ayurveda originates from years of experience and observation that is passed over generations. Ayurveda works by 'defense strategy' and gives strength to the host body to deal with various physical and mental ailments. By understanding the origin of the disease, Ayurveda targets eating, breathing, digestion, thoughts, memory and sleep which are simple and easy approaches to good health. Ayurveda works to motivate the patient at a mental level, which is very important for improving treatment outcome, specially in disorders cropping up from drug dependence and lifestyle imbalances. Ayurveda possesses a comprehensive approach covering all the aspects of health.



A comprehensive approach does not just mean treating the body and mind. Ayurveda is a system treating life as a whole, which includes the planet, what we eat, what we breathe, what we drink. Without attending to all these things, the true benefits of Ayurveda cannot be obtained.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.

Makar Sankranti celebrations in Maharashtra

Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival, is celebrated across the nation but with different names and in different ways. Pongal, Lohri, Uttarayan, Maghi, Khichdi, Bhogali Bihu, Pedda Panduga, Bhogi Pandigai and Makaravilakku are some other names for the same festival. It is called the harvest festival because this is the time when harvesting is completed followed by celebrations.

Makar Sankranti gets the name from the significant movement of the Zodiac on this day, when the sun enters the sun-sign of Capricorn or 'Makar'. 'Sankranti' signifies the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign to another. Thus, the name of the festival literally means the movement of the sun into Capricorn.

We will take you through the celebration of Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra.

"Til-gul ghya ani gud gud bola"

This means "eat these sesame seeds and jaggery and speak sweet words".

As it happened in the rest of the country, in Maharashtra too it is part of the tradition to exchange sweets made of sesame and jaggery, or Til-Gul, on this day. The exchange of sweets symbolises resolving hostilities and leaving behind ill-feelings and remaining friends. The agricultural significance is, the first sugarcane crop for the year is harvested during the period.

Also, since the festival falls in winter, eating sweets made of sesame and jaggery is beneficial for health as they are warm foods. Both black and white sesame have been known to generate heat in the body after digestion. Jaggery is another favorite winter staple which helps in combating against cold and is known to have heating properties. Sesame and jaggery compliment each other in taste as well as health benefits.

So the distribution of the sweet signifies bonding and good health.

It is also a part of the tradition to wear black clothes because during the winter month of January, black colour absorbs heat and retains it. Marathi married women are also invited for a get-together called ‘Haldi-Kunku’, meaning turmeric-vermillion, and given gifts such as utensils, clothes etc.

Another tradition followed in Maharashtra is of kite-flying. Colorful kites, made of different shapes and sizes, are also flown even in cities to reach out to the Gods.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring you authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.

Benefits of Hibiscus a.k.a. 'Botox Plant'

Hibiscus, or less widely known as Rose Mallow, has been used for ayurvedic medicinal purposes for years. It is hard to believe that flower can be consumed but the petals of the flower make very good tea. Hibiscus is beneficial not only for health but works great for hair and skin. Here are some of the different health and beauty benefits which can be associated with hibiscus flower.

Health benefits:

In India the leaves and flowers of Hibiscus have been used for Ayurvedic medicinal purposes for years. Tea from Hibiscus petals, being rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, helps in reducing cold, cough, and fever. It effectively decreases body-blood pressure in persons with type-2 diabetes. The tea also contains hydroxycitric acid which is helpful in absorbing carbohydrates from our body. Hibiscus helps with hotflashes and fevers.

Beauty benefits:

Hibiscus is also known as the 'Botox Plant' because of its incredible ability to firm and lift up the skin by increasing the elasticity of the skin to give it a natural and stunning youth-boost. The petals of Hibiscus are a great addition to the skin care regime and have been used for healthy hair and skin for years. The petals can be infused to prepare skin/hair rinse or infused oil. Being a natural astringent, Hibiscus is helpful in treating skin conditions like eczema. The juice extracted from the flower is used to stimulate hair growth and pre-mature greying. In India, the leaves and flowers are burnt and used to make eye shadow. Hibiscus works well against dandruff and can be used as a mild shampoo for babies. Also, it is beneficial for dry skin or scalp and detangles hair. The petals can also be used as a natural hair-dye or hair strengthing treatment to prevent strands from breaking.

(Disclaimer: Consultations with an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner is mandatory before starting on any ayurvedic medicine.)

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring you authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.

Benefits of Triphala

Triphala, or as the name suggests 'three fruits', is a blend prepared from three dried fruits (without seeds) - Haritaki, bibhitaki and amalaki. The herbal 'rasayan' is prepared by combining them in equal parts by ayurvedic physicians for treating stomach ailments and for body detoxification. 

Triphala churna is said to stimulate appetite, maintain blood sugar levels and improve skin health. 

Haritaki: Haritaki, or Terminalia chebula, causes increase in digestive power. In 'churna' or powder form, it helps in clearing bowels and works as anti-toxic. If it is steamed or boiled, it becomes absorbant and can be used for malabsorption syndrome. If fried, it is useful in Tridosha imbalance conditions.

Bibhitaki: One of the componenets of Triphala, Bibhitaki or Terminalia bellirica, is useful in asthma, biliousness, bronchitis, inflammations, sore throat, and treating the diseases of eyes, nose, heart and bladder.

Amalaki: Amalaki or Phyllanthus emblica, works as a strong ayurvedic medicine because of its high vitamin-C content. Amalaki enhances food absorption, balances stomach acid, helps in brain and mental functioning, supports the heart, strengthens the lungs, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, increases skin health, promotes healthier hair, acts as a body coolant, flushes out toxins, increases vitality, strengthens eyes, improves muscle tone and, acts as an antioxidant. Amalaki is not just rich in Vitamin C but also contains minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. 

How to consume Triphala: For best results, Triphala should be consumed twice a day, one-and-a-half teaspoon of the powder at night, one to two hours before breakfast and 45 minutes after dinner or just before sleeping. Due to its bitter taste, Triphala can be consumed with juice or lukewarm water and honey. It is better not to eat anything after the evening dose, as it works to clean the digestive system.

(Disclaimer: Consultations with an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner is mandatory before starting on any ayurvedic medicine.)

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.

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.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.

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.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.