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Ayurveda: Is It ‘Ayurvedaah’, ‘Ayurved’, or ‘Ayurveduh’?

Ayurveda has gained popularity worldwide for its holistic approach to health and well-being. However, along with its growing popularity comes the question of how to pronounce it correctly. When it comes to the pronunciation of Ayurveda, there are multiple ways to say it. There are three versions that are commonly used – Ayurveda (pronounced Ayurvedaah), Ayurved and Ayurveduh. Often times I even see comments under my Instagram posts like “ Please say Ayurved.” But which version is correct? In this blog, let me explain the correct terminology and pronunciation. The three ways of pronouncing Ayurveda Ayurveda (with an ‘aah’ sound at the end) My language of communication is mostly English, with my patients, friends, etc. I speak Malayalam at home because I am from Kerala. I speak in Hindi with patients who can only communicate in Hindi. It is the anglicised version. So, I use that in my conversations. This is not the original version. Ayurved Hindi speakers usually use “Ayurved.” There is nothing wrong in using it if you speak Hindi. However, this is not the original version either. It is just the Hindi version. Ayurveduh The original language of Ayurveda is Sanskrit. Here, the pronunciation is almost the same as “Ayurveda” in English, but with a short “uh” at the end, instead of “aah.” So, there you have the real pronunciation of Ayurveda. Now how you pronounce it may vary depending on the language and region, but its essence remains the same. It is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on maintaining the balance between the mind, body and soul. Though ancient, the popularity of Ayurveda continues to grow, as more people turn towards natural remedies and a healthier lifestyle. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Anti-Ageing and Glow Facial: Rejuvenate Your Skin with Ayurveda

There are millions of skincare products in the market that claim to give you a radiant skin and have anti-ageing formula. But, are these products really safe? You don’t know! If use them blindly, trusting the words of your favourite influencer, you may be commiting a big mistake that can affect your skin health. So, the best solution is to go the natural way – with Ayurveda! Ayurveda has solutions for almost everything related to the human body and that includes your skin health. Ancient Ayurvedic texts, in fact, have many remedies that, consequently, give the best results. And the best part? Furthermore, they do not harm your skin. Here is one such Ayurvedic remedy – an organic anti-ageing and glow facial that you can try at home. Ingredient The main ingredient you need is Navara/ Njavara rice. Njavara rice has skin-nourishing properties; moreover, it helps cure various skin conditions. It also helps remove impurities from the skin, enhances the texture of the skin and gives your skin a radiant glow. You can either find it in an Indian grocery store or you can order this from Amazon. Once you have the rice, you can take half of it, dry them in sunlight, and dry roast and finely powder it and store it. We will cook the rest half and use for the massage. How to do the facial? Here are the steps to do the facial: Cleanse You can use any cleanser; however, I use a coconut milk and honey mixture. Steam Apply steam on your face. Make sure that you cover your eyes well while doing so. Scrub First, mix Njavara rice powder with water then use the paste to scrub away your dead cells. Kizhi This is the most important and tricky part. Cook njavara rice with water. Once it boils, add coconut milk and when it boils again and dries up a little, allow it to cool. Wrapped a tablespoon of this mixture into a clean muslin cloth and tie it into the form of a pouch/potali/kizhi. Run the kizhi all over the face, gently pressing the skin in circular movements. Massage Take the rest of the mixture and massage the face with upward strokes from neck to jaw, jaw to forehead, etc. Mask Apply the powdered Njavara, mixed with some turmeric and coconut milk on your face and remove it before it dries up. This anti-ageing and glow facial, therefore, helps your skin stay young and radiant. This facial uses natural ingredients and techniques to reduce wrinkles and make your skin glow with health. It is, in fact, a great way to take care of your skin; moreover, it helps you look your best. However, do not try this facial if you have acne-prone skin or if you suffer from respiratory issues often. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Rock sugar is the best Ayurvedic sweetener. Why?

Madhura or sweet is one of the six primary tastes identified by Ayurveda. And when I hear the word sweet, the first thing that would come to my mind is rock sugar. There are many sources that say consuming sugar is unhealthy. But, to be honest, you should know that sugar is no enemy; in fact, you can enjoy it, as long as you know when to treat yourself. The best way is to reduce your intake of sugar and making it an occasional indulgence. Out of all sugars, Ayurveda considers Mishri to be the best; moreover, it is often praised for its numerous health benefits. Why rock sugar? There is a common notion that jaggery is the best form of sweetener and is healthy. But Ayurveda has a different opinion. In fact, Ayurveda considers rock sugar as the best and healthiest form of sweetener, while there is no such mention of jaggery in any of the Ayurvedic texts. Rock sugar versus jaggery Here is a comparison of the properties of rock sugar and jaggery: Rock sugar Jaggery Digestive and cooling Heavy and not very cooling Loaded with medicinal properties Lesser medicinal properties Helps improve cough and cold and is an ingredient in many cough and cold medicines, such as Sitopaladi churna, Talisapatradi churna, etc. Worsens cold and cough and even creates Krimi (intestinal worms) and increases body fat Helps reduce Vata and Pitta; however, increases Kapha and is hence not ideal for diabetics Reduces Vata, but only helps decrease Pitta slightly Safe for daily consumption Ayurvedic texts have no such mentions of jaggery Good for your eyes and helps improve strength Cleanses the bladder and urine; furthermore, it purifies the blood and, in addition, increases strength. Has anti-ageing and aphrodisiac properties Aphrodisiac Traditionally prepared and is available in the raw form. They do not chemically process, refine, or bleach it. If jaggery is not made well, it causes extreme Kapha disorders, intestinal worms, etc. Also, Ayurveda recommends using old jaggery, specifically that which is one year old or more. But considering how they prepare jaggery these days, they do not find old jaggery fit to use. You cannot use new jaggery either as it is inferior, and may cause indigestion. You can clearly see who the winner is here. Now you know what to add to your tea! Rock sugar or jaggery? You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Nasya Home Tips for Beginners and Enthusiasts

You might be familiar with Nasya – the Ayurvedic process where medicated nasal oil is administered through the nostrils. This practice helps cleanse the upper respiratory passage by draining out excessive mucous. Nasya is, popularly known as one of the five steps of Panchakarma treatment, in addition to other well-being practices. But, did you know that you can also do Nasya at home as part of your daily routine or Dinacharya? Benefits of Nasya It has numerous benefits, primarily targeting the head and neck region. Furthermore, it also provides relief from stress and anxiety. They include the following: Cleanses, nourishes and balances the nasal passages, sinuses and related structures. Moreover, it also helps to promote clear breathing and sinus relief Promotes mental clarity Alleviates sinus congestion Improves breathing Enhances sensory functions Boosts skin and hair health Improves eyesight Supports overall well-being How to do Nasya? Follow these steps to do Nasya the right way: Massage face, neck and chest with steaming oil Remember to apply pressure on sinus areas. Steam face, neck and chest with eyes protected Cover your eyes with a piece of cloth before you apply steam. Furthermore, eyes are the seat of Pitta and therefore, must always be protected from heat, steam, smoke etc. Instil 2 drops of Oil in each nostril After pouring the oil in each nostril, inhale and keep your face tilted upwards for a few minutes until you feel the oil enter your nasal cavity. Spit the mucous out This step is very important. Which oil should one use to do Nasya? Using Steaming oil and Nasya oil works best if you are habituated with allergic rhinitis, seasonal cough, cold and other upper respiratory disorders. If you do not have the above-mentioned symptoms, you can just use 2 drops of oil every day as part of your everyday routine, after applying a face oil you like – ideally with a sesame oil base, like Doctor Rekha Ayurveda Glow Oil. This helps to improve skin texture and glow. However, it also cleanses and clears the channels. Furthermore, it improves eyesight and perception of smell. Who cannot do Nasya? If you have an active respiratory infection or hearing loss, it is, therefore, not recommended for you. In the case of children, do not do unless if they are less than 7 years of age. The best time to do Nasya Ideally, the best time to do Nasya is in the morning – 1 hour before/after shower or 1 hour before/after food. Incorporating it into your daily routine can help eliminate most of the respiratory ailments you suffer from. By following the above-mentioned steps, you can do Nasya at your home without any help. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Hair Oil Overnight: Tips for a Healthier Hair Care Routine

Often, people mistake traditional practices for Ayurvedic wisdom, given the age-old heritage of Ayurveda. An instance of this is the customary practice of leaving oil on your hair overnight. In India, it is a common tradition to leave hair oil on overnight – a practice that Ayurveda discourages. In this blog, let us delve into the reasons behind this recommendation. Purpose of using hair oil It serves various purposes, such as promoting hair growth, nourishing the scalp, and reducing hair fall. To deliver these benefits, it should contain specific herbs that have specific actions. These herbs need to have a cooling effect to work effectively because hot ingredients do not aid in hair growth. Even in my product, Doctor Rekha Ayurvedic Hair Oil, I exclusively use cooling ingredients for this very reason. Leaving oil on your hair overnight can disrupt the balance of the Kapha Dosha; therefore, it is important to consider the timing and method of application. This leads to issues like excessive mucous, cough, cold and headaches, among others. Thus, it is advisable to apply only when you intend to shower within an hour of application. How long should you leave oil on your hair? The ideal time period to leave oil on your hair mainly depends on your body type (Prakriti). Therefore, understanding your Prakriti is crucial to determining the optimal duration. If you have a dry scalp, which is predominantly Vata in nature, you can leave the oil on for 45 minutes to an hour. For those with a Pitta Prakriti, the ideal duration is 30 to 45 minutes. However, if you have an oily scalp with a Kapha predominance, and you are prone to mucous-related problems like coughs, colds and headaches, it is best not to leave the oil on for more than 15 to 20 minutes. For babies, as they are typically in the Kapha phase of their life, the recommended time is even less—10 minutes to a maximum of 15 minutes. The only exception to this rule is if you have been habitually using hair oil overnight throughout your life (known as Okasatmya, favorable due to habit) and have not experienced any imbalances. In that case, you may continue with your practice. It is crucial to avoid disturbing your Doshas when striving to enhance hair health. Rather than blindly following traditions, it is advisable to consider your Prakriti to achieve the best possible hair health and overall well-being. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Ragi Power – Why This Ancient Grain is a Superfood

Ragi (finger millet) has my heart for so many awesome reasons! This little grain is not just popular in many corners of the world, but is also a nutritional powerhouse. Loaded with essentials like calcium, magnesium, iron, and dietary fibre. This is a superfood with amazing health benefits. It is often used to make flour, which can be used for making various dishes like roti (flatbread) or porridge. It is a great choice for those looking to incorporate a healthy and gluten-free grain into their diet, as it provides energy, aids digestion and supports overall well-being. Properties of Ragi It is super light and digestive. It is also known for its anti-Pitta and aphrodisiac properties. Having this, helps balance all Doshas, purifies blood and rejuvenates your body. We often advise it for pregnant women and lactating moms to help improve breast milk production and for children to gain strength. Downsides Even it is great for your health, it has some downsides. It is slightly Vata increasing. So, always cook it with ghee and spices. You cannot use ragi as a replacement for rice; however, you can have rice every day. But it is better to have it twice or thrice a week as millets are called “Kudhanya” or unwholesome grains in Ayurveda. Millets are goitrogens and this includes ragi. Therefore, do not consume it if you have thyroid issues. However, despite the downsides, I still love my Ragi dosas with coconut chutney every week. Ragi porridge recipe Now, for those looking to add some variety to your menu, let me introduce you to the delightful Ragi porridge. This superfood fits both babies and adults, including expectant mothers. Ingredients Ragi Ghee Cumin Cardamom Palm sugar Water Method of preparation First, sieve ragi and then roast 2 tablespoons of it in 2 teaspoons of ghee. Add water to make a paste and then, add a pinch of powdered cumin and cardamom to it Add water in a saucepan and then add washed palm sugar to it When it boils, add ragi paste and mix Your ragi porridge is ready! This recipe is a traditional first food given to infants; therefore, it can be introduced as early as 6 months. Skip the store-bought baby food loaded with unknown XYZ and give your baby ragi porridge. Start with a small amount so that you can help your baby get used to the new flavour and texture. For adults, ragi porridge can be a great replacement for your oatmeal for breakfast; moreover, it offers a nutritious alternative! To make it interesting, you can add almond milk, top it up with stewed fruits and a scoop of some peanut butter. Having ragi gives nutritious and satisfying start to the day, not to forget its great health benefits! You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Summer Drinks: Beat the Heat with These 5 Ayurvedic Delights

With temperatures skyrocketing during the summer and no surprise if you crave for beverages to cool yourself. Your first choice may be refrigerated water, juices, soft drinks or ice cream. But these would do more harm than good to your body. However, that does not mean water at room temperature is the only option left to keep yourself hydrated! Well, water is a must-have during summer. But you can also try out the summer drinks that Ayurveda recommends. Here are five traditional Ayurvedic summer drinks that can help you keep your body cool and hydrated during the hot summer months: Barley water Barley water is a traditional Ayurvedic drink that is consumed during the summer months. To make barley water, take one cup of barley and two cups of water in a pan. Boil the mixture for ten minutes with a lid on, strain it, and drink the water. This drink is an excellent way to keep your body hydrated and prevent urinary tract infections. Barley water is also good for the liver and kidneys and can help flush out toxins from the body. Sugarcane Juice Sugarcane juice is another popular drink in Ayurveda, especially during the summer months. It is recommended to drink not more than 50 ml of sugarcane juice per day. Sugarcane juice can help lower body heat and reduce the Pitta Dosha in the body. It is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, making it an excellent drink for rehydration. Coriander seeds water Coriander seeds water is a traditional Ayurvedic drink that is made by soaking coriander seeds in water overnight. Drinking this water can help reduce Pitta Dosha in the body and keep your body cool. Coriander seeds are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent various health problems. Ash gourd Juice Ash gourd juice is a traditional Ayurvedic drink that can help cool down the body and mind. Doctors recommend drinking not more than 50 ml of ash gourd juice per day. To make ash gourd juice, first blend the ash gourd; then, strain the juice. Drink it as a shot with rock sugar. Drinking too much ash gourd juice can be Vata aggravating. Tender coconut water Tender coconut water is a natural coolant and is the perfect drink for summer. It can aid in rehydrating the body because it is a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Summer can be a challenging season with the temperatures soaring high. While the sun can be harsh on the skin and body, Ayurveda has many traditional remedies to beat the heat and stay cool. You can combat the summer heat and keep your body cool and hydrated by drinking the above-mentioned Ayurvedic summer drinks. You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Morning Practices to Boost Productivity and Mindfulness

Following a daily routine or Dinacharya is one of the factors that help you lead a healthy life. I firmly believe in the advantages of a healthy morning routine as someone who respects the wisdom of Ayurveda. That’s why I follow a set of morning practices to give a refreshing start to my day as well as to lead a healthy life. My morning practices Setting the tone for your day early on and keeping a happy and healthy frame of mind will benefit you throughout the day. Here are some of the morning practices that help me kick-start even the busiest days of my life in a refreshing manner. Waking up early One of my favourite morning rituals is getting up at five. As it falls during the Brahma Muhurta, which is seen to be the most auspicious time of day for spiritual practices, this is the ideal time to get up according to Ayurveda. Getting up early can help you feel more refreshed throughout the day and allow you to start the day with a sense of peace and clarity. Tongue scraping Another important practice in my morning routine is tongue scraping. This simple practice involves using a tongue scraper to remove any buildup on your tongue that may have accumulated overnight. This can help improve your oral hygiene and can also help remove any toxins that may have built up in your mouth. By starting your day with a clean tongue, you can help improve your overall health and well-being. Splashing cold water on face Splashing cold water on my face is another practice that helps me freshen up in the morning. Indeed, eyes are the seat of Pitta – the Dosha that’s responsible for body heat. You can assist cool your eyes and lessen any excess heat in your body by splashing cold water on your face. As you begin your day, this can make you feel more centred and in balance. Morning beverage Another significant aspect of my everyday regimen is my beverage in the morning. Usually, I have two glasses of my lemon-cinnamon beverage to start the day. Warm water, fresh lemon juice, and cinnamon powder are combined, and thus, this straightforward beverage is created. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients in this beverage can help strengthen your immune system and promote your general health and well-being. Abhyanga Abhyanga is another practice that I follow. I massage my body with organic black sesame oil as part of my morning regimen. Sesame oil is grounding, nourishing, energizing, and healing; indeed, these are all qualities of it. It has a lot of antioxidants; therefore, it can aid with nail, hair, and skin health. You may enhance your general sense of well-being and get your body ready for workout by massaging your body with oil in the morning. Morning exercise Morning workout is another important practice that I always include in my morning routine. I typically spend around 45 minutes exercising, focusing on light to moderate intensity exercises that help me build strength and stamina. This helps me feel more energized and focused throughout the day and can also help improve my overall health and well-being. Warm shower I always take a warm shower to round off my daily ritual. It helps ease tense muscles and enhance general well-being. I believe that a healthy morning routine is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. By following these seven simple morning practices, you can help improve your overall well-being and start your day. Want to learn more about Ayurvedic morning routines? Download my ebook now! You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Kwathita – A Traditional Recipe for Gut Healing

Ayurveda emphasizes the use of natural remedies to treat various ailments, and one such Ayurvedic recipe as a remedy for healing the gut is the Kwathita drink, which has been used for over 5000 years. Kwathita is a recipe that is believed to be effective in treating indigestion, loss of appetite, flatulence, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids and overall gut health. The recipe is taken from the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, one of the ancient Ayurvedic texts that contain information about medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses. How to prepare Kwathita? Here’s the recipe to make Kwathita. Ingredients: Ghee – 1 tsp Asafoetida – a pinch Turmeric – 1 tsp Peppercorns -2 buttermilk – 1 glass Salt – to taste Method of preparation: First, add all ingredients to a pan, and then boil the mixture for one minute. Remove the mixture from the flame in the first boil itself, else there will be solid clumps. Consume the drink with rice during lunch. Kwathita drink provides a nutritious and delectable accompaniment to any rice-based meal, and people say it facilitates digestion and improves gut health in general. Benefits of ingredients Ghee, or clarified butter, is an important ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine; moreover, it is known for its numerous health benefits. It has numerous health benefits. Ghee helps lubricate the digestive tract, promote the absorption of nutrients, and improve the overall health of the gut. Asafoetida, on the other hand, is a pungent spice with anti-flatulent properties. It is aids digestion and relieves bloating and gas. Turmeric, a popular spice used in Indian cuisine, has anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, it is often regarded as a beneficial addition to a healthy diet. It helps reduce inflammation in the gut; furthermore, it promotes the healing of the digestive tract. Pepper, another important ingredient in the Kwathita drink, that helps improve digestion and aids the absorption of nutrients. A fermented dairy product called buttermilk is, indeed, well-known for having probiotic benefits. It contains live cultures of advantageous bacteria that support the preservation of balanced gut flora. It also contains a lot of lactic acid, which helps with digestion and increasing nutrient absorption. The Ayurvedic recipe – Kwathita is, indeed, a proven, over 5000-year-old remedy for gut healing. Furthermore, it has stood the test of time, demonstrating its effectiveness across generations. It is best to take Kwathita as a side with rice during lunch time. The ingredients of the drink aid digestion, encourage digestive system healing and maintain a healthy balance of gut flora. Looking for ways to improve your gut health? Book a consultation with us today and we’ll help you heal! You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Ayurvedic food – Shashkuli

Ayurveda views food as medicine. Your diet is one of the important factors that have an influence on your health. Therefore, it is important to have Ayurvedic food that suits your body type (Prakriti) and is digestible. Ayurveda has plenty of recommendations when it comes to food and that includes snacks. One such Ayurvedic snack is Shashkuli. This tasty, crispy snack is mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts like Caraka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita and even Mahabharata. Variations of this recipe are popular across India as Murukku, Chakli, etc. Shashkuli is Vata and Kapha subsiding. It is also carminative and digestive. Ingredients of Shashkuli The following ingredients are needed to make Shashkuli: Rice Black gram Sesame seeds Cumin seeds Rock salt or rock sugar Ghee Buttermilk Rice is a cooling food that helps pacify Pitta Dosha, which is responsible for metabolism and digestion, while black gram is a warming food that helps balance Vata Dosha, which is responsible for movement and circulation. Sesame seeds and cumin seeds are carminative and digestive. Ghee, which is used for frying the shashkuli, is therefore significant in Ayurveda. It is one of the most Satvic (pure) foods in Ayurveda and is rich in healthy fats and nutrients. Method of preparation Dry roast equal parts of rice and black gram separately. Then powder them and combine. Add buttermilk and ghee to the mixture to make a dough. Add cumin seeds, black sesame seeds and salt to taste to the dough. Now roll the dough into spirals using a chakli machine. Then fry the spirals in ghee until golden brown and crispy. Shashkuli is an Ayurvedic food item that is not only delicious but also healthy. It is a light and easy-to-digest snack that is perfect for those with a weak digestive system. It is also a great snack option for those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight or are on a weight-loss diet. Due to its warming and carminative properties, shashkuli is also believed to help relieve gas, bloating and other digestive issues. I remember my grandmother loved chakli; however, she had no teeth. So, she would powder these snacks in a blender and chew it and eat it to her heart’s content at 90 years. Shashkuli is also a great snack for kids! If you’re suffering from any health conditions, book a consultation with us. You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

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