Glow and Complexion – 8 Best Ayurvedic Herbs

We all desire flawless, radiant skin.  There are various skincare products and treatments that offer the same. But nothing beats the power of Ayurvedic herbs for improving the glow and complexion of your skin!   Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of herbs that have been used for centuries to enhance the skin’s glow and complexion. In this blog, I’ll introduce you to the top 8 Ayurvedic herbs that can help you achieve the radiant skin you’ve always dreamed of.   Glow and Complexion Herbs       Sandalwood (Chandana)   Part used: heartwood   Sandalwood has a calming and cooling effect on our bodies and mind. It is rich in antioxidants that help retain the moisture of the skin and reduce skin dryness. It also helps remove wrinkles, acne, tan and scars on the skin.     Alexandrian Laurel (Punnaga)     Parts used: stem, bark, seeds   Alexandrian Laurel, also known as Punnaga, rejuvenates the skin. It also fights skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, etc. Leaves of Punnaga are also used to treat chicken pox, scabies, skin inflammation, etc.     Indian Madder (Manjishta)     Part used: Root   Manjishta can be used both externally and internally to improve the complexion of your skin. Apart from that, it is a rich source of antioxidants and hence, helps manage common skin conditions, like acne and pimple. Also, Alizarin – a compound present in Manjishta has anti-bacterial properties and helps soothe skin allergies, rashes, etc.     Crested fever nut (Lata karanja)     Parts used: Leaf, bark, seeds   Lata karanja is a powerful Ayurvedic herb, with many uses. In terms of skincare, it is great for treating skin diseases, like scabies, eczema, psoriasis and leprosy. The astringent properties of the herb also help relieve inflammation, contagious skin diseases, etc.     Asoka (Sita)     Part used: Bark   The antioxidant properties of Asoka help manage skin conditions and also lighten your complexion by removing toxins. Therefore, it is one of the majorly used ingredients in cosmetic products to improve complexion. It also helps rejuvenate the skin and soothes skin inflammation.   Vetiver (Ushira)   Part used: Roots   Vetiver is great for dull and inflamed skin. It helps nourish and hydrate the skin and also maintains the pH balance of the skin. Vetiver also helps to even out your skin tone and tighten your skin pores. It also has anti-ageing properties that help delay the signs of ageing.     Licorice (Mulethi)     Parts used: Root, underground stem   Licorice is my favourite among all Ayurvedic herbs for skincare! It helps improve the complexion of your skin by reducing damage to the skin caused by the sun. It also lightens scars and reduces wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice help soothe skin conditions.       Indian Sarsaparilla (Sariva)     Part used: Root   Indian Sarsaparilla is a Pitta pacifying herb and is, therefore, widely used to promote healthy skin. It helps to maintain an even skin tone and improves the texture of the skin. The natural cleansing properties of the herb add to the glow of your skin. It is also used to soothe skin conditions, such as psoriasis.   Most Ayurvedic formulations for enhancing the complexion and glow of the skin contain one or many of the above-mentioned herb. You can try a few of these in powdered form in your face packs!   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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  … Continue reading Glow and Complexion – 8 Best Ayurvedic Herbs

Healthy Eyes- Top 5 Mistakes You’re Making Without Realizing

The eyes are one of the most important sense organs. You get to perceive the visual information of everything around you through your sight. So you’ve to make your eyes healthy all the time. The eyes are the seat of Pitta (heat) and a Pitta imbalance can result in eye problems. Therefore, it is important to protect your eyes from different eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma or any condition that can lead to vision loss. To maintain healthy eyes, you can avoid making the following mistakes:   Healthy Eyes  Mistakes     Using warm water to wash eyes Washing your eyes with warm water can be damaging. As we mentioned before, the eyes are the seat of Pitta and have to be washed with room temperature or cold water.   Not blinking often Blinking is a natural physiological process to lubricate the eyes. When glued to screens, we often forget to blink. When you do not blink often, your eyes tend to dry out and feel tired. Therefore, make a conscious effort to blink often.   Overusing artificial eye drops Many people use eye drops to keep their eyes moisturized. However, using them for a long time can leave your eyes drier and irritated. You can use Ayurveda- recommended oil-based eye drops instead for long-term use   Using warming sleep masks and hot packs Warming eye masks for sleeping ‚especially if they are tight, can cause blurriness to your eyes.  Also, the material used can cause irritation to the eyes for some. Let your eyes free and breathe in the night. Also, for infection, stye, etc., use a cold pack instead of a hot one as the heat can aggravate whatever eye issues you have.\   Rubbing the eyes Rubbing the eyes is a common habit that everyone has. We often rub our eyes out of habit when, in fact, we forget that there may be an underlying problem causing it. Rubbing your eyes for any reason is blasphemous for eye health. Eyes have a very thin layer of conjunctiva that protects them. When we rub our eyes vigorously, we will be pushing the dirt or dust on the surface deeper into the eyes. It can also cause tear to the cornea. So, instead of rubbing, reach out for cold water and wash your eyes.   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 Superfoods to Eat Daily

Ayurveda is all about customization when it comes to foods based on each person’s body type, mental state, imbalances, place of living, climatic conditions, etc. However, on the rarest of rarest occasions, Ayurveda also mentions certain foods universally good for everyone every day. The following list is one of them – Ayurvedic superfoods that you can eat daily. Chapter 8 of Ashtanga Hridayam Sutra Sthana mentions 7 Ayurvedic superfoods that can be eaten daily by anyone, is great for digestion and pacifies all Doshas.   Amla Amla or Indian gooseberry is one of the three ingredients of Triphala and has plenty of health benefits. It is widely used in Ayurveda, especially in making Ayurvedic products. Amla is rich in Vitamin C and this property supports adrenal glands, boosts cellular energy, and is great for skin and blood vessels. It is also good for digestion and boosts the immune system. Being fibrous in nature, Amla also helps relieve constipation and other gut health issues, while supporting the health of the heart and liver.   Pomegranate In Ayurveda, pomegranate is known as Dadima, and it is a popular Ayurvedic superfood, packed with nutrients and known for its blood-purifying properties.   Regular intake of pomegranate helps relieve digestive issues. The fruit has antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for managing heart problems and high cholesterol. Pomegranate seeds help enhance energy levels and sexual stamina in men. The extract of the seed or flower is antibacterial in nature, thus helping to manage dental problems.   Ghee Known as Ghrita in Sanskrit, Ayurveda considers Ghee as the first and most important of all foods. It tops the must-have food list of Ayurveda. Ghee has lots of health benefits. It has anti-ageing properties and is great for eye and skin health. It also helps improve intellect and memory, digestion and Ojus (vitality).   Mung Dal Ayurveda gives great significance to mung dal among all pulses and legumes, and Caraka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text, advises people to consume it regularly. It is highly balancing and easy to digest. It helps balance Kapha and Pitta Doshas, and also works for Vata. Also, mung dal helps heal wounds, is great for throat disorders like cough, tonsillitis, etc. and the health of the thyroid gland. It also benefits the hair and skin and is good for eye disorders.   Honey Honey is what you can call a medicinal sweet in Ayurveda. Many people consider it a remedy for different health conditions and use it for both internal and external applications. Honey is used to treat eye diseases, hiccups, thirst, cough, phlegm, diabetes, obesity, and more. It is also great for digestion. Another benefit of honey is that it acts as an emetic and laxative and helps flush out toxins and undigested food present in the alimentary canal.   Black Raisins Black raisins are packed with antioxidants and iron and are of high medicinal value. It is great for the lungs, nourishes respiratory systems, has a positive effect on the mind and memory and balances emotions. Consuming black raisins soaked overnight helps in bowel movements. Raisin is also a Bringhana food that supports natural fertility in women. It is also great for the hair and for cleansing the blood.   Tender radish Ayurveda recommends the intake of radish on a daily basis. It balances Vata and Kapha and awakens Pitta in the digestive tract. It is a diuretic and provides a cooling effect to the body. Tender radish is also great for health conditions, like, cold, cough, fever, asthma, diabetes, allergies and throat disorders. The flowers, fruit and seeds of tender radish have medicinal properties.   My favourite on the list is Amla! I believe part of the reason for the health of my hair, eyes and digestive system is due to the gazillion Amlas I have consumed in my whole life, no doubt!   What’s your favourite among the Ayurvedic superfoods that has helped you?   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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                … Continue reading Ayurvedic Superfoods to Eat Daily

My true purpose of being an Ayurvedic doctor

I am a full-time Ayurvedic doctor who works from 6 am to 8 pm. Apart from consultations, I deal with team meetings, supervise products and medicines supervision and create content about Ayurveda. Yes, I am very busy in life but still am very active on social media. Here is why.   Being an Ayurvedic Doctor   I believe, the choices that you make in your life should be from a point of awareness and not ignorance. As an Ayurvedic doctor, my higher goal or dream or vision is to bring global acceptance to Ayurveda. Some write books, some do talks, and I create content as simple as that. There is no money to be made if everyone has good health. In selling sicknesses, there is a lot of money at stake. The medical industry, pharmaceutical industry, and diagnostics industry – all thrive upon this factor; indeed, they rely heavily on it! The beauty of Ayurveda, unlike other medical systems, not only talks about treating diseases but also an equally bigger wing – prevention. Is there any money to be made from prevention? No. That’s why large corporate companies around the world insuring conducts wellness programs, have even wellness departments doing awareness talks, etc. on prevention so that people do not fall sick often. Even if it looks like the act of engaging employees, the hidden agenda is also to help insurance premiums. That’s a great example – there is no money in wellness, only in illness. Ayurveda is a lot about prevention and that’s the beauty of Ayurveda as a medical system. Coming back to the money in sickness, it is important to note that the modern pharmaceutical industry and diagnostics industries, consequently, thrive on medical professionals and their practice.  If you ask me, you have no idea how many pharmaceutical companies and diagnostic labs reach out to me and ask me to refer their lab tests and medicines for my patients. The perks are high; furthermore, some even promise international travel, among other benefits.   Marketing has wired us subconsciously in a certain way; consequently, it includes the promotion of blood-test culture.  When you have a disease condition and it is important for the doctor to run some tests, that is absolutely ethical as this will help the doctor have a clear-cut diagnosis and plan your further treatment well. As doctors, we all do that. I do that too. That’s doing blood tests for diagnosing diseases. That’s a thing. What about doing blood tests for diagnosing health? Not just blood tests, DNA tests, food intolerance tests, food allergy tests and gazillion tests. Children as young as 3 to 4 years are, therefore, made to take various tests for diagnosing their health.  Unfortunately, not everyone may approve of what I am saying, which is ok ‚that is how marketing has strongly and deeply wired their brains. People love to be comfortable. We have everything around us – every facility around us to make our lives comfortable. People want to hear what makes them comfortable. They hear the same messages continuously. They are happy and comfortable hearing them. But when someone says something, which is not what they have heard usually, they get uncomfortable. There is a lot of misinformation or programmed information around. I, as an Ayurvedic doctor,  aim to bring your awareness by giving you the right information. You may find discomfort from what I say, as it might differ from what you’re accustomed to hearing. But that uncomfortableness‚ if that’s even a word, will challenge you and make you think. This is why I exist for you. To provide you with knowledge of Ayurveda and health, which is, in fact, real, practical, and, importantly, authentic. As I said in the beginning, I believe, the health choices that you make in your life should be from a point of awareness and not ignorance. And for that, I am here for you!   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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    … Continue reading My true purpose of being an Ayurvedic doctor

Ajwain Faanta

What   is   an   Ajwain   Faanta ?   The Carom seeds are boiled in water to create the herbal remedy known as “Ajwain Faanta” by literally heating them in water. This water is an infusion that is majorly used as a home remedy for various digestive problems, such as indigestion, bloating, and gas, among others, and also to cure respiratory problems. Ajwain: These are seeds commonly used in Indian cuisine because of their strong, peculiar taste. They also have a number of medicinal properties, which include digestion, gas dispelling, and colds. Faanta:  Generally, people give the name “faanta” to the infusion or decoction that results from boiling herbs or seeds in water to extract their useful properties. Ingredients Carom seeds (ajwain) – 20g Hot water – 80 ml   Preparation Boil water in a pan. Then add the ajwain seeds. Now, let it simmer till the water reduces to half in about 10-15 minutes. Strain the water to eliminate the seeds. You can see , Ajwain Faanta is in  liquid form.   Benefits   It has powerful cleansing effects. This helps cure stomach aches and bloating caused due to indigestion and also helps improve appetite and digestion. It also helps in the functioning of our respiratory system and kidneys. This provides relief for menstrual pain and discomfort. It acts as a natural pain reliever and helps in easing cramps. The regular intake of Ajwain Faanta may help in reducing weight through increasing metabolism and breaking down fat. The diuretic properties in ajwain stimulate the process of detoxification through flushing out toxins from the body. Do not drink more than 10ml of Ajwan Fanta at a time. You should also not drink it  if you have stomach pain due to loose stools as it can worsen the problem.  Also, do not have it on an empty stomach if you have stomach pain.   Usage and Dosage   For Digestive Problems: Take one cup of Ajwain Faanta half an hour post-meals.Cold and cough: Take one cup in the morning and evening for relief.For Painful Menstruation: A glass of fomented Ajwain Faanta during the mense may bring pain relief.   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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Gas or Bloating Remedies in Ayurveda

Bloating or gas is one of the common digestive issues faced by many. unhealthy food habits, indigestion, desk-bound lifestyle – all contribute to bloating. According to Ayurveda,  bloating or gas is caused due to a weak digestive fire (Agni). They call it aadhmaana and it is a kind of vata imbalance.  Bloating that occurs occasionally is considered normal. However, if it is frequent, it is a sign of imbalance in digestion. Bloating in our abdomen happens when our gastrointestinal tract is not able to split the food into smaller particles for absorption. The body then retains the food, converting it to toxins and receiving no nourishment.  Ayurveda suggests the following remedy for relief from bloating. Garlic milk This recipe is from Caraka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. Ingredients Garlic –   5g Milk    –  50ml Water  –  50 ml Preparation Add garlic paste to milk and water and boil it until the quantity reduces to 50ml.  Strain and drink 10ml two times a day after food. Benefits Garlic milk is good for subsiding gas, bloating, abdominal cramps and constipation. This recipe is also suitable for people with heart disease and arthritis. Ayurveda recommends using small garlic over big ones, though the latter is easy to clean. The reason is that small garlic has more health benefits than big garlic. Small garlic is good for the heart, eyes, liver, hair, hot potency and anti-ageing. It is also useful for relief from worms and digestive issues and for healing wounds. It also reduces Vata and improves vitality. Big garlic, however, is the inferior variety. It has all benefits of small garlic but to a lesser extent. It is also extremely Pitta increasing. Remember, garlic milk is medicine. So, it is not advisable to consume it daily forever. You can use it for a few days and stop it. But, do not store the garlic milk to use later.   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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Heat Relief: Simple Ayurvedic Hacks to Reduce Body Heat Fast

The body temperature varies for every human being. Some might have a warmer body temperature than what is considered normal, while some have it colder. Some people are sensitive to either heat or cold. Ayurveda classifies every human being into a certain Prakriti (mind-body constitution) based on the three biophysical energies – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Characteristics of people with heat in the body People with Pitta dominant bodies experience increased heat in their bodies. According to Ayurveda, Pitta means fire and the fire element is predominant in such people. They also experience conditions, such as acid reflux, heartburn, soft stools, etc. Some also experience heat boils on different parts of the body and mouth ulcers. You can also feel the heat on the top of the head of people with Pitta-dominant bodies. They might also have body temperatures higher than what is considered normal. How to reduce heat in the body? There are two concepts in Ayurveda: Bhumi desha (external environment) and deha desha (internal environment). In the seasons when the external environment is hot, there are chances for the human body to feel hot internally as well. That is why people with heat in the body experience exaggerated heat in summer. It happens due to the interaction between bhumi desha and deha desha. The ancient Ayurvedic text Sharngadhara Samhita (Madhyama, Chapter 2, Verse 7) recommends a very quick hack to reduce the body. It is known as Dhanyaka Himam, which is a cold coriander infusion.  Ingredients Crushed coriander seeds – 8g Water – 50ml Mishri (rock sugar) – to taste Preparation and how to consume Mix crushed coriander seeds and water. Cover and leave the mixture overnight. Next morning, filter it, add mishri to taste and drink on an empty stomach. Dhanyaka Himam reduces body heat, burning sensation, and excessive thirst. It also cleanses the channels and is good for Pitta Prakriti. This is a quick hack for people with heat in the body. But, in cases of people with aggressive body heat (which might be due to imbalanced Agni and other doshas, in Ayurvedic terms), you may have to go for a complete correction treatment involving lifestyle, herbs, and food. 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.  You can also follow me on Instagram.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Vata Mind : Ways to Tackle It.

According to Ayurveda, there are three biophysical energies based on which every human being is classified into a specific Prakriti (unique constitution and identity of an individual). The energies are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Everyone and everything in this world is made of energy. This energy is comprised of five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. Vata is a combination of space and air elements. Pitta is a combination of fire and water elements, whereas Kapha is a combination of earth and water elements.   Do you have a Vata mind ?   Imagine driving a car. You know where you are going, but 1000 other things are running in your mind, like the stove you forgot to switch off, the email you have to reply to, the dress you wanted to buy, the lunch plan, and 996 others. Your mind is all over the place and it lingers around 100 different thoughts at a time. You feel restless and alert at the same time, which confuses people. You find it difficult to concentrate on a single task and  lose interest and focus easily. Confusion is your other name; you always face a, this or that situation in your mind, when it comes to making decisions. If this is you, you have a Vata mind.   How to tackle a Vata mind ?   First of all, having a Vata mind is not a bad thing at all. You are the energy that lights up the whole room! You are the enthu bomb!!! No Pitta or Kapha mind can beat your zest for life, energy, and optimism; furthermore, your enthusiasm truly sets you apart. Like Beyonce says, ‚ÄúI am not bossy, I am the boss,‚Äù we, Vata minds, rule the world. However, things can go wrong when Vata gets out of balance and it is necessary to tackle it. Here are a few tips to be the master of your own Vata mind.   Oil Massage   Vata is dry (Ruksha). The opposite of dry is oily. The best way to tackle Vata is to do daily oil massage (abhyanga) using organic black sesame oil. Do a five-minute foot massage before going to bed. This will help you to calm your mind.   Earthing Practices   Vata is light. The opposite of light is heavy, which equals Earth. Doing earthing or grounding practices therefore, can help you to tackle your Vata mind. Get outdoors and connect with nature. Get out of concrete and, in addition, get your feet on the soil, grass, sand, or any natural surface. But, walking barefoot on a cold surface may increase Vata.   Warm Practices   Vata is cold (Sheeta) and the opposite of cold is warm. Doing warm practices can be of great help. Cover yourself from everything cold and do not expose yourself to cold conditions, cold food, or cold people. Eat warm food, such as warm spiced soups, porridges, khichdi, etc. Furthermore, these options can provide comfort and nourishment.  You can also spend time with warm people and stay in warm places, and notice your Vata mind being pacified.   Yoga and Meditation   Vata is moving (chala). One of the best ways to tackle an always-moving mind is Yoga and meditation. Do real Yoga – the satwik kind, not the exercise one. You might find it, initially, difficult in the beginning to concentrate.  But slowly, you will get used to it, as Kapha takes over and keeps you grounded. 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. You can also follow me on Instagram.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              … Continue reading Vata Mind : Ways to Tackle It.

Why Amla is the Only Ayurvedic Supplement You Need?

Amalaki or Amla (also known as Indian gooseberry) is a great source of Vitamin C. It can be called an Ayurvedic superfood, for its different health benefits. It has amazing healing properties, the benefits of which extend across the entire human body, right from head to toe, gut to brain, skin, teeth, hair, and much more. For the same reason, many Ayurvedic medicines use it abundantly as an ingredient. Triphala, one of the most widely used Ayurvedic formulas, is also a part of it. Triphala means ‚three fruits,and includes amalaki (Amla), bibhitaki, and haritaki.     Benefits of Amla     In Ayurveda, Amla is considered both food and medicine. It balances all three doshas ‚Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and is suitable for all body types. Apart from Vitamin C, it is also a great source of vitamins A and E, iron, calcium, antioxidants, and dietary fibres. Amla is beneficial for the good health of your skin, hair, eyes, heart, pancreas, liver, kidneys, stomach and much more. It tops the list of Rasayana herbs in Ayurveda. Rasayana means rejuvenating or anti-ageing. This property of Amla helps build a healthy immune system and strengthens bones, teeth and nails. It also helps maintain youthfulness, and boost overall health and wellbeing. Amla has a sour taste, which helps improve digestion by helping the body easily absorb nutrients. It also cleanses the liver, an organ that has an important role to play in transforming food into useful nutrients for the body. Antioxidants packed in Amala help remove the accumulated toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and the entire body.  It soothes the bowels and ensures the regular removal of toxins from the body. It has a predominant sour taste, but it has a sweet post-digestive taste. This makes it Pitta decreasing. Therefore, it is a great cooling herb and is an effective medicine for skin conditions. The sattvic nature of Amla also helps improve awareness, balance emotions and calms the mind. It is also used in oral care, as an ingredient in different Ayurvedic oral care products.     How to consume Amla?     You can eat amla raw or cooked, and it is also available in dried and powdered forms. For Vata imbalance, mix 5g amla powder with sesame oil, and consume before or after food and for Pitta imbalance, mix 5g Amla powder with ghee, and consume before or after food. For Kapha imbalance, mix 5g amla powder with honey, and consume before or after food.   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.   You can also follow me on Instagram.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Rice Battle – Which One Wins for Everyday Nutrition?

Rice is medicine in Ayurveda. Also known as Anna, it is the first food mentioned in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, it is the lightest food to digest and has a sweet taste. It is a nourishing food, which is cooling in nature. Rice can also be with vegetables, pulses and nuts to make it healthier and more nutritious. It is one of the staple foods in many countries across the world, including India. It is an essential part of the Indian diet and symbolizes fertility, wealth and good health.   Vata,   Pitta,  Kapha  and Rice Many people consider it good for balancing Vata and Pitta, two of the three doshas. However, the nature of rice, which creates excess mucus in the body, makes overconsumption of it not considered ideal for Kapha. Eat that cooked well in plenty of water with a dollop of ghee added to balance Vata. Desserts prepared with rice and milk have a cooling nature, so you can consume them to balance Pitta. To balance Kapha, consuming a smaller quantity of it is recommended.  If you are trying to balance Kapha in your body, dry roast the rice before cooking it in water to consume. According to Ayurveda, anytime is a good time to consume rice. Ayurveda recommends the consumption of old rice as It has an amazing healing effect on the body . There are also other different varieties of it, such as basmati , polished , unpolished , boiled , parboiled , etc.   Nutrition   Modern nutrition considers brown rice to be healthier as it is unprocessed, and comes with more nutrition and vitamins than other varities of it.  It also has a lower glycemic index compared to the other types. However, Ayurveda prefers white over brown for daily consumption. Ayurveda is all about digestion. According to Ayurveda, the best time gap between meals is 1 Prahara, which is approximately three hours. Any food that stays in our body for more than 3 hours gets converted to undigested toxic waste or Ama. A rice with husk, for example, brown rice, has fibre in it. Any types without husk or lesser fibre content, such as white rice, digest easily and exit the system. Therefore, people find white rice to be light, easily digestible, recommended for daily consumption (nityasevaneeya), and they consider it a superior food.   How to cook it in the right way?   Here is the traditional Ayurvedic way of cooking rice. Wash rice in water until the water runs clear. Sona Masoori and Ambe Mohar are the most recommended  for everyday use. Basmati is comparatively heavier and therefore, can be used once or twice a month. Then, soak it for at least an hour. Meanwhile, boil water. You can take the water twice or thrice the quantity of it. Once the water boils, add soaked rice to it, and cook it covered. When it bubbles, remove the cover and cook it until it turns soft. You can then strain the water out. Enjoy the it with a side of dal and cooked vegetables.   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.   You can also follow me on Instagram.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  … Continue reading Rice Battle – Which One Wins for Everyday Nutrition?