Three desires to fulfil in life

Caraka Samhita mentions three desires one should fulfil in their lifetime for a happy, successful life.    इह खलु पुरुषेणानुपहतसत्वबुद्धिपौरुषपराक्रमेण हितमिह चामुष्मिंश्च लोके समनुपश्यता तिस्र एषणाः पर्येष्टव्या भवन्ति । तद्यथा – प्राणैषणा, धनैषणा, परलोकैषणेति । । ३ ।।   Prana Eshana   The desire to live well with happiness and longevity. This is the consciousness initially confines and constrains within the body. The subconscious awareness that we are all born possessed of opened up.  Because of this awareness, we are able to continue living and take part in the play that is life.   Dhana Eshana   The desire to earn money legally, in the right way, therefore, is a fundamental aspiration for many individuals. Dhana eshana, the second kind of consciousness, connects the biological self and the phenomenal world, which is associated with the material world. The world’s material splendours now reflect the self. We pursue material possessions like designer clothes, spacious homes, real estate, land, and sizable savings accounts. This searching for outside things along with our yearnings, aspirations, desires, and dreams is a significant portion of our existence. We live through them, and in a daily sense, these material endeavours give our lives meaning.   Paraloka Eshana   The desire to attain Moksha or enlightenment, and consequently, to reach higher consciousness. Paraloka Eshana or Moksha is the playing out of an evolved awareness that has transcended the body and this bright, phenomenal world in its quest for transcendence and escape from whatever bonds that the first two may impose. This is the reason; consequently, the itinerant monk remains unconcerned about his physical form and, moreover, his worldly possessions Propelled by a spiritual inclination or awareness, he sings of realms beyond.   It is impossible to foresee when one instinct will become dominant over the others or which of the three desires in life will eventually take precedence over the others because each soul on a trip follows a road that is entirely unexplored and absolutely unique. At any given moment, the dominant instinct will trigger associated thoughts, wants, acts, and results of those actions (Karma). We can, therefore, deeply know and repair our biological, material, and spiritual selves by, in turn, letting our impulses play out.   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.

Three foods that should not be used in excess

Do you know in Ayurveda there are some foods that you should not consume in excess quantity as they can negatively affect your health? This is, in fact, mentioned in Caraka Samhita as “Trividha Varjya Dravya.   Trividha Atisevana Varjya Dravya means that, therefore, three substances should not be taken for a long time. The three substances are Pippali, Kshara and Lavanga. These foods, when used in excess, cause vitiation of all 3 Doshas. But what is the reason behind this? Let me explain one by one.   Pippali or long pepper   Long pepper is, in fact, one of the unique spices that, moreover, has medical benefits. It is used for treating asthma, cough, obesity, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, indigestion, spleen disorders etc. Despite having medicinal value, it is advisable to not consume it for a long time as it leads to the rise in Kapha. Long pepper is hot in nature and when ingested on a regular basis for a long time, it increases Pitta Dosha and reduces Vata balance. Overall it contributes to the rise of Tridosha. One should always take it, therefore, as per the instructions from your ayurvedic doctor.   Foods with Kshara properties like apple cider vinegar   Apple cider vinegar and all kinds of vinegar come under the category of ‘Kshara’ in Ayurveda.  The properties of Kshara as per Caraka Samhita include  Tikshna = Sharp Ushna Hot Laghu = Light Visoshana = Drying Kledayati = Blocks channels Dahana = Burning Bhedana = Penetrating   What happens when you use Kshara in excess? Bad for the eyes Bad for the hair Bad for the heart   An interesting quote from Caraka Samhita- “Ye hyenam grama nagara nigama janapada: satatamupayunjate te andhashandyakhalityapaalityabhajo hridayapakartinashcha bhavanti“ “People of villages, towns and cities where Kshara is used every day, suffer from blindness, impotency, baldness, grey hair and heart diseases!”   It is ok to have apple cider vinegar a little, as a medicine, if prescribed for a reason. However Ayurveda does not recommend everyday consumption.   Salt   It is one of the tastes every meal should have.    “Lunati iti lavanam“.    Salt has piercing properties; moreover, it helps with easy absorption. Additionally, it is hot, strong, and piercing, and furthermore, it improves digestion.  Salt taste dominates all the other tastes but overconsumption of salt is bad for the eyes, decreases the quality of blood and causes early ageing, baldness, graying and wrinkling. Salt should be minimal in your food if you have gastritis, hypertension, swelling in the body or high fever. Himalayan Pink Salt, in fact, is one of the best salts for everyday use. I advise my patients to use a mix of Himalayan Pink Salt and  normal sea salt to help with iodine needs as well!   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.

Kitchari Myths and the Truth About Its Ingredients

“Kitchari is a nutritious Indian dish consisting of rice and lentils or occasionally mung beans. Highly favored by Ayurvedic practitioners, Kitchari is an ideal dish for purifying the body. It is also comforting when you are not feeling well or bouncing back from overindulgence. Kitchari is unique because it provides both a cleansing and nourishing effect on the body. It is easily digestible, giving your body a chance to rest, assisting in removing toxins from the body and improving the health of the digestive system. Lentils and beans are rich in protein, which can help prevent hunger and reduce fat storage in the body. Kitchari is nourishing and helps keep you satisfied, making it easier to stay committed to the cleanse without feeling hungry. ”   The notion that I have described above is what I have found in Google elaborating all the benefits of Kitchari, but there are some quick facts that I would like to share related to this concept.   Kitchari is the most famous and hyped Ayurvedic Food on the internet. It is a typical Indian lunch dish.   Ayurveda is much more than a Kitchari! There are so many fantastic recipes (I will introduce a few in my future posts) in Ayurveda; why only Kitchari? The fact is, most Kitchari recipes I have come across on the internet and in many Western Ayurvedic cookbooks are totally wrong.    So why is Kitchari, not the real Kitchari?   Firstly, the name itself is wrong! Sanskrit name (Ayurvedic texts): Krsara Indian name (Hindi): Khichdi Internet name: Kitchari (Who named this?)   During my six years in Ayurveda College, I did not have Wi-Fi. I had no access to the outside world. Once I came to Dubai and started reading up things online, I had a revelation – Kichari is synonymous with Ayurveda! Whoever talks about Ayurvedic food talks about the dish!   I had to literally go back to my textbooks to see if I missed something so important! I just realized that’s how the Ayurvedic internet world works and also went through a few Western Ayurvedic books – they also mention the same Kitchari but got all that wrong!   First, it is not made with Basmati Rice (Basmati rice is the most inferior quality of rice according to Ayurveda)   Also, it is not made with coconut oil (Coconut oil is heavy, cold, and difficult to digest).    The new-age Kitchari is heavy and hard to digest, while the real Ayurvedic one is totally digestible, light, and suitable for all Doshas, especially Vata! It is excellent as a mono diet for detoxification, too!    The recipe   This is the (Real) recipe for preparing Kitchari.   Ingredients 12 parts unbroken Sona Masoori rice Eight parts mung beans, a.k.a green gram (soaked) Asafoetida Fresh ginger Ghee Salt to taste   How to prepare: Cook rice and soaked mung beans in water till it comes to a dry oatmeal consistency. In a pan, add one tablespoon of ghee, fresh ginger, asafoetida and turmeric. Add a little salt to taste if you wish, and add to the cooked rice beans mix. That’s it! Simple. Light. Digestive!   Kitchari is one of the most delicious and healthy foods for the diet, but you should focus on preparing it with the correct ingredients and cooking methods. I can name you the most famous western Ayurvedic author, giving Kitchari recipe with Basmati rice and coconut oil, making it totally wrong!! Try to learn and practice Ayurveda directly from authentic Ayurvedic textbooks written by Vagbhata, Caraka, or Susrutha. Trust me, your eyes will open to a whole new world!   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.

Is Brahmi good for kids’ brain development?

Bacopa monnieri is a plant that thrives in moist environments found in various regions around the globe. It goes by names like water hyssop, Brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort, and is employed in traditional Ayurvedic practices. It has a mild odour, and the plant’s foliage is dense, elongated and full of moisture that measures between 4 and 6 millimeters in width.   The leaves are elongated with a broader tip; furthermore, they are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. The flowers are small and white, each with four to five petals that are of the same shape. It can thrive in slightly saline water as well, and cuttings often propagate plants.   After discussing all the characteristics of Brahmi, let’s move on to understand its medical effects on kids.  Is Brahmi good for children? Brahmi is one of the very potent Ayurvedic medicines or supplements that you can give to your kids to improve their memory, intellect, and brain power or retain power. The best time to consume it is the night after you have dinner. Just one teaspoon or less than a teaspoon is fine.   If the baby is having more heat issues and digestive issues, try to reduce the dosage to a quarter teaspoon every night, but don’t give it for more than two months.    Personally, I am not in favour of medicines and supplements for kids. I strongly believe in the power of food as medicine. If your baby eats light digestive food and has good Agni, they don’t require supplements as the body will be able to absorb nutrients well from the food itself.   There was so much discussion recently about Swarnaprashana. But I don’t recommend as there are stringent protocols, dosages and purification processes to be followed to make it safe for babies – giving gold to babies is no joke. Imagine, therefore, how much the tender liver, kidneys, etc., need to work to detoxify it.  Never give it without consultation from an Ayurvedic doctor. Brahmi Ghrita is a much, much, much safer herbal medicine for boosting brain functions in kids. This is way better than giving metal-based heavy drugs (even if it has gold) to kids.    Make sure you give half a glass of warm milk or warm water after you give Brahmi ghee!   You can buy Brahmi Ghrita from any of the Kerala-based brands like Vaidyaratnam, Sitaram or Kerala Ayurveda. If you are outside India, you may, for instance, find it on Distacart.   People have utilized Brahmi, a powerful plant, for many years to enhance brain function and memory retention. It can also boost the immune system, reduce children’s anxiety and stress, and improve their ability to concentrate. Including Brahmi in your child’s meals can promote better health and 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.

Hypothyroidism Diet : Ayurvedic Recipe for Thyroid Balance

Do you have hypothyroidism ?    If yes, then this Ayurvedic recipe is for you!   You can include this Ayurvedic recipe for hypothyroidism in your everyday diet to get better effects. The main essence of the recipe is Moringa or Shigro. Drumsticks and the fresh leaves are the main ingredients of the recipe.    Moringa, the superhero plant, is packed with nutrients. It’s like a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and some compounds that might have anti-inflammatory properties. People in various cultures have traditionally used Moringa to boost energy and enhance overall health. The moringa plant grows in both Asia and Africa.  Another name for it is the “miracle tree” or “drumstick tree.” Its rise in popularity can be attributed to its positive impact on health; moreover, it is also due to its nutrient-rich composition   The recipe   Ingredients:    Washed fresh drumstick leaves (3 bunches around 500 g) Ghee/ coconut oil – 1 tablespoon Mustard seeds – 1/4 teaspoon Cumin seeds – 1/4 teaspoon Grated coconut – quarter to half cup Onion – 1 small Garlic – 3 one-inch piece Turmeric – 1 teaspoon Red chilli powder – 1/2 tablespoon Curry leaves – 5 Whole green chilly split – 2   Method of preparation:   First, wash fresh drumstick leaves, and then squeeze the water off completely. Finely chop them and place it over a clean cloth to absorb water else; the dish will turn mushy if there is water content in it. In a blender, add grated coconut, garlic, cumin, turmeric, and red chilly powder and make a coarse paste. In a pan, on medium flame, add ghee. To this, splutter mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped onions, and then add the leaves and saute. Once the leaves soften, add the coconut paste prepared earlier. First, add salt; then, cover, and finally, cook for 10-15 minutes on a low flame You can have this as a side dish with rice.   Moringa is beneficial for hypothyroidism, but it should be noted that this ayurvedic recipe cannot provide a complete cure for hypothyroidism.   However, hypothyroidism can be reversed with dietary and lifestyle changes and Ayurvedic medicines. You won’t have to depend on thyroid medicines any more!    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.

Multitask in Ayurveda’s P.O.V

Multitask involves performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Many individuals believe that multitasking is a display of intelligence and should be practised for maintaining brain health. but can your mind really multitask?   The truth is that our brains are not built to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.   We focus on doing one thing at a time and giving it our complete attention. Our brains rapidly switch between various tasks when we engage in multitasking. The ever-shifting aspects of life stimulate our mental faculties, leading to exhaustion and reducing the efficiency of the brain. It becomes challenging for us to focus on a single task, even when we’re not juggling multiple tasks.   Though it may seem that the mind is capable of doing many things at a time, it cannot. Instead the mind can switch tasks quickly and that happens one after the other.   Ayurveda’s take on multitask   Kudos to modern science for discovering this after the 1900s, but total respect to Ayurveda and Indian philosophy to have spoken some 5000 years ago!   Ayurveda says that the mind has a quality know as “ekatwam” or oneness. The mind is only one. The mind can do only one job at a time. Think of seeing food in front of you. You see, hear, smell and taste the food. You feel the mind is into all of these thoughts at the same time. It is not. The mind is not invested in multiple things at a time, even if we feel it is.   Ayurveda quotes an interesting maxim for this – ‘Utpala satadala suchivedha nyayam.’   When a needle is pierced quickly through a hundred lotus petals arranged one over the other, it may seem the needle pieces all 100 petals simultaneously, but in reality, it makes piercing one after the other. The mind is like the needle here. Impressions happen one after the other.   So stop believing that your mind can multitask. Instead of doing many different things at a time, like having a coffee while typing on a laptop or talking on the phone to the boss, try to do one task at a time so that all your attention goes into one task, which means increased productivity!   Health effects of multitasking   Multitasking can lead to increased stress and elevated blood pressure and heart rate. It can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. If your high blood pressure persists over time, it can have adverse effects on your brain, increasing the likelihood of cognitive problems.   According to Ayurveda, multitasking upsets Vata, the element that controls flow and movement. When we don’t let our minds focus on one activity at a time, we continuously disrupt our attention.  Among other symptoms, anxiety, disarray, overstimulation, and trouble sleeping are signs that Vata is out of balance. Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on giving crucial chores your whole, focused attention—yes, even eating. Ayurveda holds that we cannot perform two attentive actions at once. For example, we cannot drive and chat on the phone at the same time since doing so puts us at risk of an accident because both tasks require our mental focus. So, yes, your mind can multitask. But it does not fit your mental health.   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.

What are the three stages of life in Ayurveda?

According to Ayurveda, every human being goes through three stages in their life: the Kapha , the Pitta and the Vata phases.    What do these phases comprise?   Let us find out!   Kapha Phase   This is the growth phase, also known as the building phase. This is the time starting from your birth to the puberty phase. During this growth phase, you will feel that you mostly have mucus-related conditions and upper respiratory tract conditions because this is a Kapha-dominant phase.   The nature of Kapha Dosha   The soil and water components make up the majority of Kapha. It is, without a doubt, the densest and most substantial of the three Doshas. In addition to providing the body with structure, cohesion, lubrication, hydration, and sustenance, Kapha is heavy, slow, calm, greasy, smooth, soft, steady, gross, and foggy. It also supports anabolic (building) biological processes and growth.   Pitta Phase   It is also known as the maintenance phase, and this is the time when you reach puberty to the time you reach 50 or 60 years. During this phase, you mostly have conditions around the stomach area, and this includes menstrual issues, reproductive issues, stomach-related issues and many more.     The nature of Pitta Dosha   Fire and water make up the majority of the elements that make up Pitta. Compared to Kapha, Pitta is less dense and more solid than Vata. It controls digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, transformation, and body temperature. It is light, sharp, hot, greasy, liquid, spreading, and subtle by nature.   Vata Phase   It is also called the decline phase. Around 50-60 years, your body begins declining as Vata becomes dominant. During this time, your body will feel muscular-related conditions. When Vata element rises, you experience physical and mental changes, such as dry skin and declining cognitive function.  However, wisdom and softness can also come with the Vata stage.    The nature of Vata Dosha   Vata is the most delicate of the three Doshas, mainly composed of the elements air and ether (space). Vata governs mobility, communication, creativity, flexibility, and expansiveness. It is light, chilly, dry, rough, mobile, subtle, and transparent by nature.   The Kapha, Pitta, and Vata stages of life are consecutive times in our lives when we naturally and physiologically experience an increase in the characteristics that are specific to each of the Doshas. For instance, children who are in the Kapha stage of life have greater access to the attributes of Kapha due to the inherent rise in Kapha traits in the body. However, this also raises the possibility of having a Kapha imbalance because like attracts like. Introducing Kapha-pacifying elements can help kids achieve balance and prevent Kapha imbalances.   Even though all three of these life stages are merely generalizations, this framework may be rather insightful, particularly when examined through the prism of your own experience and takes into consideration the plethora of other factors that are particular to you. You are considerably more likely to experience the effects of those energies that most correspond with your constitution and current level of balance, your mental and emotional character, and your lifestyle choices. Keep in mind that each of us progressively moves from one stage to the next. In the end, what counts is how your unique Doshas are affecting you at any given time.    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.

Medicines in Ayurveda and Allopathy – Is It Okay to Take Together

  “Can I take Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines together?”   This is the frequent question asked by my patients, and the answer is NO. Ayurveda and Allopathy are two entirely different systems of medicines.    Ayurveda    As an Ayurvedic doctor, my line of treatment mainly includes diagnosing and treating the root cause of health conditions. The treatment involves dietary and lifestyle changes and mild Ayurvedic medicines and Panchakarma detoxification, if necessary.    The main intent of my treatment is to correct the digestive fire (Agni) of the patient. This is because according to Ayurveda, an imbalanced Agni is the root cause of all diseases (Rogasarve api mande agnou).   When I say Agni or gut health, I am taking care of your liver health which is crucial for digestion. The liver has two main functions- one is fat metabolism, and the other is detoxification. When you are putting yourself on so many medications, the liver has to try hard to detoxify them while not helping with the core treatment principle. This is why it is essential not to take too many or strong medications when you’re trying to heal from one condition.    If you thought all Ayurvedic medicines are good, you’re wrong. Ayurvedic medicines containing heavy metals and strong herbs, like Ashwagandha or  Shatavari can only have adverse effects on your health.    That is why 80% of my treatment involves food and the rest 20% involves medicines. If at all I have to recommend Ayurvedic medicines to a patient, I usually provide them with the mild ones I and my team make at our unit that contain only locally sourced mild herbs.   This can help your system and your own body to heal by itself by giving it the ideal environment for it to perform better. But it will take a few months.     Allopathy   Allopathy focuses on taking care of the symptoms of a health condition through medication. Hence, the mode of treatment is at a faster pace. The health condition may return in the long run if only its symptoms are suppressed.   Why you shouldn’t mix Allopathy and Ayurveda   There are differences between Ayurveda and Allopathy in terms of medication production, therapy administration, and health approach. Every medical practice, including Allopathy and Ayurveda, has benefits and drawbacks. So, having both Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines together does not seem ideal.   There are many Ayurvedic medications, including tablets of Sudarsana, Anu Thailam, Histantin, and other formulations, that can serve as safe and efficient substitutes for their Allopathic equivalents. Therefore, it is better to focus on one medical system at a time.     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 treatment and its truth

When you think of Ayurvedic treatment , the first thing that comes to mind is Panchakarma and body massage. What if I tell you it is because your mind has been tuned to think so, thanks to the commercialized version of Ayurveda you often see in the various forms of marketing.  Do not believe in a friend, uncle, aunt or an Ayurvedic doctor who tells you ” Got skin issues, bone & muscular issues, chronic diseases, or just random headaches? Head to an Ayurvedic center, enroll yourself, and undergo a 15-day Panchakarma & body massages!”   That’s not “real” Ayurveda; that’s more of “commercial” Ayurveda!     The truth about Ayurvedic treatment     The truth is Ayurveda treatment is much more than Panchakarma and body massages. A few diseases may need Panchakarma first, but that’s only in “a few” of the diseases. For the rest, it is only the last line of treatment. Ayurvedic treatment for most diseases is about treating the root cause through dietary and lifestyle and medicines, if required. If the patient’s condition does not subside, the doctor may advise panchakarma. Panchakarma is all about detoxifying your body, i.e., removing the toxins (Ama) accumulated in your body. It is just one of the many parts of Ayurveda treatment. Unless you address the root cause of your health condition, panchakarma is really of no use.   Why I do not support “commercialized” Ayurveda   This is my own story and experience.  Before starting my practice, I worked in 2 clinics in Dubai and one in Kerala. In all these three clinics, I have been asked by the management to prescribe mandatory body treatments and Panchakarma for every single patient, whether the patient needed it or not. They offered me decent commissions for every treatment I prescribed. This was totally beyond my ethics of practicing Ayurveda, and I never lasted long in any of these places. From the point of view of the clinic, it was more commercially viable for them when they looked at their fixed and variable costs – the cost of rent of the facility, the salary of therapists, the medicines used for body treatments, the licenses, etc. However, that is not authentic Ayurveda. Ayurveda is all about understanding the patient in and out. It includes understanding their body constitution (Prakriti), lifestyle, health conditions and prescribing a treatment plan that is best suited for them. If it does not get better, you can try body treatments. If you have a disease, do not jump into getting admitted and doing panchakarma and body treatments.  First, consult an authentic Ayurvedic doctor who will help figure out the root cause of your health condition and offer you a personalized treatment plan that involves dietary and lifestyle changes and medicines, if needed. They’d recommend Panchakarma if it’s absolutely necessary.   Choose “real” Ayurveda   Certain conditions require panchakarma, and it is vital. However, today, people misuse it to the extent that every disease treatment begins and ends with panchakarma and body treatments. I never lasted long in any of these clinics as I would not change a bit from my ideologies and ethics of practicing a system in which I have invested my whole life in. That was the triggering point to not depend on any clinic and start my own. I know I am talking about a billion-dollar industry, but it is what it is. Let us bring back real Ayurveda treatment !   Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) and also one of the best ayurvedic doctor in trivandrum city, living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   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.

Himalayan Birch And Its Medicinal Benefits

I discovered Himalayan birch, also known as Bhojpatra or Bhurja, during my recent trip to Kashmir. The tree holds so much importance in Ayurveda, owing to its amazing properties!   What is Himalayan birch?   The perennial Himalayan birch (Betula utilis) is a member of the Betulaceae family of trees.It grows in neutral, essential and acidic soils. Originally from the Himalayas, the tree is currently found in China, Bhutan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, India, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Kazakhstan and Pakistan. People used it for writing in the past. Because of its anti-dandruff properties, it also has cosmetic applications.  The therapeutic properties of Himalayan birch are numerous, and it is a unique source of phytochemical substances.    Medicinal properties   Bhojpatra has many medicinal properties that make it an ingredient in Ayurvedic medicines. It belongs to a group of herbs that are proven to be anti-diabetic. The bark of  the tree is fragile and lightweight, like paper and is used in making medicines to reduce diabetes. One of the most important Ayurvedic medicines made with this herb is Ayaskriti.  It also treats convulsions, bleeding, diarrhea, wound cleaning, earaches, and mental illnesses.   Additional properties   People in the past also utilized the bark of Himalayan birch to make paper.  Kalidasa, the classical Sanskrit author, reportedly wrote his scriptures on specially prepared thin sheets from the bark of this tree. People still use it today as a paper for writing mantras and even wear it as protection in some parts of India.   The Himalayas boast a great wealth of medicinal plants, but it is also sad to know that many of these species now face threats, and loggers, collectors, and climate change have categorized Himalayan birch as “critically endangered.” Himalayan birch is well-known for its therapeutic and helpful properties in Ayurveda. People know that they have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties and mainly use them to make ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. There are a lot more properties of this tree. But the sad part is it is reducing in count due to climatic change and other environmental factors.   Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) and also one of the best ayurvedic doctor in trivandrum city, living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   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.