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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.

Dark Neck & Underarm Creams

Are you looking for the best cream for treating dark neck and underarms? The answer is there isn’t any! You could attribute the darkness on your neck to several causes. Hyperpigmentation occurs when certain areas of the skin become darker in colour. If the doctor discovers that hormones are not the cause of the skin colour changes, excessive sun exposure and poor hygiene could be potential factors. Hyperpigmentation, the velvety patches on the folds and creases of the skin like neck, armpits, groin, etc. is called Acanthosis Nigricans (AN). What could be the possible reasons for Acanthosis Nigricans ? Diabetes Acanthosis Nigricans commonly signifies that your body is generating an excess of insulin that it cannot utilize efficiently. Increasing amounts of insulin can lead to a dark patch on the skin. This is called insulin resistance. PCOS Women with PCOS frequently develop dark spots in areas of the body where there is rubbing or friction, such as the neck, underarms, and inner thighs. Obesity (most common) Acanthosis Nigricans is associated with obesity and affects the skin. Over half of adults who are double their ideal body weight suffer from this condition. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism can alter the condition of your skin, hair, and nails. It may also result in skin issues like vitiligo, melasma, alopecia areata, and xanthelasma palpebrarum. Additionally, these conditions can lead to further complications, and consequently, individuals may experience a range of symptoms. Prolonged use of birth control pills Prolonged use of contraceptive pills can result in the formation of hyperpigmentation in areas like the armpits and skin folds. Continuous use of steroids like Prednisolone, etc. The individual experienced the development of thickened, darkened skin in the groin, armpits, and neck following eight years of steroid treatment for dermatomyositis. No creams or peels can cure Acanthosis Nigricans completely. They can only lighten it a little temporarily; however, they can never cure it! Therefore, despite their efforts, the underlying issue remains unresolved. Only internal treatment can cure Acanthosis Nigricans. What to do when you notice you have Acanthosis Nigricans ? First, do a complete bloodwork/hormonal picture; then, consult an Ayurvedic doctor; and finally, find and treat the root cause. If you have PCOS or diabetes, treat it. And if you are obese, lose weight. If any doctor tells you he/she can cure Acanthosis Nigricans completely with skin treatments, and you believe it, then be ready to lose all your money. If you’re looking for the best cream for treating dark neck and underarms, you’ll be disappointed. The condition is Acanthosis Nigricans, which might be related to some underlying health issues that you already have. If you notice AN, consider consulting a doctor and comprehend the root cause because every problem has its own set of solutions. 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.

Cooking Oil Health Facts

Cooking oil is a common ingredient found in our kitchens and is used in many of our favourite recipes. Each kind of oil is usually named after the part of the plant it comes from, like a nut or seed. The type of fat it contains the most commonly defines it. Some oils are more suitable for high-heat cooking as they transform when heated. As we fry food, the oil temperature increases and combines with humidity and air. This leads to chemical processes that alter the oil and impact its flavour. Considering how the oil was manufactured is essential because it can affect its cooking performance and nutritional value. Ayurvedic Perspective There is no one-size-fits-all approach to anything in Ayurveda and this applies to cooking oil as well. Choose cooking oil based on dosha imbalances and the health of the individual. Sesame oil Due to its qualities like sharpness (Tikshna) and penetrating (Sookshma), it is the best oil for the absorption of nutrients. It also helps sharpen your Agni. Mustard oil Mustard oil is a highly heating oil. It is advisable to avoid using mustard oil entirely if you have psoriasis, eczema and other diseases that lead to flare-ups. However, it is suitable for people with diabetes. Coconut oil If you exercise a lot and get exhausted quickly, use coconut oil. This cooling oil suits people with gastric issues but is not the best if you are trying to lose weight. Ghee Ghee is the best when used at medium temperature. It enhances digestion and also nourishes, rejuvenates and replenishes the blood, muscles, bones and reproductive tissues. However, go easy on ghee if you have extreme indigestion and liver diseases. Peanut oil If your digestion is on point, you can consume peanut oil. It can be Vata aggravating, so if you have issues like malabsorption or sluggish digestion, it is better to reduce until the digestion becomes normal. Refined vegetable oils Canola oil, safflower oil, and sunflower oil all highly process and unsuitable for consumption. The Samhitas do not mention olive oil because it is not native to India. According to Ayurveda, if something is Satmya (favourable by habit), it won’t cause any disturbance in your body. However, it does not work in the case of oils. If you grew up consuming refined oils, then that’s not helpful. It may have become favourable by habit for you, but let’s not repeat the same mistake for the next generation! Oil is essential for cooking, but the mandatory point is to choose the wise option among all. Choosing the best oil depends on your Dosha imbalances and health. So, weighing all the positive and negative effects and moving on with the correct option is critical. 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.

UK Through My Eyes A Journey to Remember

I often lead a busy life. With consultations and other tasks surrounding my hospital, it’s hard to take a breather on a normal working day. That’s one of the reasons I choose to travel occasionally. Travelling has always been one of my favourite things to do. For me, it’s not just taking a break from my otherwise hectic life. It’s also about the joy and excitement that fills in me while exploring the different cultures, languages and foods. My recent destination was the UK. I’ve been wanting to go there earlier this year, but couldn’t due to certain issues. And now that I did, I loved every bit of it! Here’s a glimpse of my trip to the UK. I visited the UK by the end of the autumn season. Winter was setting in and it was really cold. It also rained in between. Roads were adorned with hues of oranges, reds, golds and yellows – just like the serene autumn view out of a desktop wallpaper or a painting. I had an amazing time there riding the subway, exploring the streets of London and of course, doing lots of shopping! In between, I even met some amazing human beings. And of course, how could I miss the famous Buckingham Palace? Another thing I loved about my trip was the food! I tried the local food and also, visited Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant – Heddon Street Kitchen. By the time I landed back in India, I was all refreshed and rejuvenated. And I was back to my busy schedules with a fresh mind! 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.

Inflammatory Foods You Should Avoid for Better Health

Inflammation is a symptom that is generally associated with a variety of health conditions. While the best way to reduce inflammation is to get the root cause treated, it is equally important to keep away from factors that induce inflammation. One of those factors is inflammatory foods. Three Inflammatory foods you must avoid Let us dig deeper into the three inflammatory foods that Ayurveda suggests you should avoid to reduce further complications. Curd Despite being a common ingredient, Ayurveda rules out curd for its heating nature. Curd is a Pitta-increasing food resulting in clogging of channels (Srotas) and increased Ama (toxins). The heaviness and stickiness of curd make it difficult to digest, especially for Kapha-dominant people causing joint stiffness and bloating. Black gram Black gram is also a heavy heating food which can aggravate Kapha and Pitta Dosha, and is not recommended for everyday consumption. Consuming black gram can lead to inflammation in a person with a tendency toward swelling, joint problems and slow digestion. Eggplant Eggplant can cause channel blockages due to its unwholesome and inflammatory properties, so it is not recommended for regular use. It is heating and creates an imbalance of Doshas; especially in those with a Pitta constitution. As a result, it aggravates joint issues, potentially increasing discomfort for individuals with arthritis or inflammation-related conditions. An individual who exercises daily and has good Agni (digestive fire) can moderately consume eggpant. However, if you have health conditions, Dosha imbalance, improper lifestyle or impaired digestion, it is better to avoid it. Inflammation — The Ayurvedic Perspective Ayurveda believes that the balance of Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—is essential for health. The imbalance of any of these Doshas can contribute to inflammation on one or more parts of your body. In Ayurveda, inflammation or swelling is referred to as “Shotha” or “Shopha.” The condition is classified into different types, mainly based on their causes as per Charaka Samhita. त्रयः शोथा भवन्ति वातपित्तश्लेष्मनिमित्ताः, ते पुनर्द्विविधा निजागन्तुभेदेन There are three kinds of swelling: Vataja – caused by the imbalance of Vata Dosha Pittaja – caused by the imbalance of Pitta Dosha Kaphaja – caused by the imbalance of Kapha Dosha These can be further categorised into: Nija – caused by internal factors, such as vitiation of Doshas Agantuja – caused by external factors, such as wounds and fractures More Inflammatory Foods To Watch Out For The list of inflammatory foods do not end with the above three. There are more foods that you can avoid for better health. Refined sugar Ayurveda classifies refines sugar as a Tamasic food, which is devoid of good positive life energy, leading to Ama (toxins) accumulation. This drains our energy and clogs the channels in our body. Processed foods and fast foods These foods are heavy to digest, thus leading to the accumulation of Ama in the body and Dosha imbalances. Also, they do nothing to support Agni (digestive fire) and promote inflammation. Alcohol and caffeine Alcohol increases Pitta, causing warmth, redness and swelling, and can put stress on the liver. Caffeine is a stimulant that can irritate both the digestive and nervous systems, leading to dehydration and worsening inflammation. Inflammation is not a disease, but a symptom. If you have a health condition with inflmmation in the body, consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor and get the root cause treated. And yes, stay away from anything that can worsen your condition, that including the inflammatory foods listed above. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit.

Depression : Five physical symptoms

Depression is, indeed, a condition that causes prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness in individuals. Furthermore, it can significantly impact various aspects of a person’s life. Experiencing sadness or feeling low is a common response following a difficult loss or experience. But how can you understand whether those are symptoms of depression? Symptoms of depression Here are some physical symptoms that help you know whether you have depression: Unintentional weight loss Digestive issues like lack of appetite, indigestion Abnormalities in the head, neck, and above regions include: Aches and pains Noise in the ears Uncomfortable dreams The feeling of a void in the head Restless eyes Abnormal facial expressions Increased/decreased or irregular sleep Increase respiration /chest tightness If these symptoms persist for longer than 2 weeks, it may indicate a severe form of depression. These symptoms may also indicate the presence of other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Is there any cure for depression in Ayurveda? If you are moving around this question, then the good news is depression is not considered a MAJOR disease in Ayurveda and is treatable! The treatment of depression in Ayurveda includes the following: Yoga and meditation Overcoming depression requires balancing the Doshas. Consider incorporating daily meditation and yogic breathing practices into your routine to promote a sense of calm and balance for your Vata. Medicines, diet and routines Yoga and meditation are the two main effective methods to treat depression while balancing the mind and emotions. Some postures like shoulder stand, fish pose and seated twist help stimulate blood vessels and rejuvenate the expressions. A regular diet, including fruits and vegetables, while checking it on a routine basis is vital to get effective results because it plays a key role in medication to cure the disease. Detoxification Detoxification is designed, therefore, to assist your body in regaining health. Each individual has a unique combination of Doshas determined by their genetic makeup and personality and can impact their well-being in various ways. Seeking the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor can help assess your unique body type (Prakriti) and offer remedies for it. The cardinal symptom of depression is the feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness. In our daily lives, with life chasing us literally, it is normal to feel that way. However, if this feeling continues for over 14 days, do not stop yourself from seeking help. Luckily, it is very much treatable without much difficulty. 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.

Conceive with Care : The Ayurvedic Essentials to Get Pregnant

Embarking on the journey to conceive is an extraordinary and hopeful chapter in many people’s lives. According to Ayurveda, there are, in fact, 4 essentials (Garbhasambhava Samagri) for conception. Whether you are just starting or have been on this path for a while, understanding these essentials can make the journey smoother. The essentials to Conceive Ayurveda lists out few essentials that are necessary for conception. Fertile period (Garbhasaya Ritu) From the 14th to the 16th day of menstruation, after bleeding stops, this period is, in fact, called Ritu Kala. This is fertile phase of your monthly cycle and is therefore, very crucial. It is the right time for conception. The uterus (Kshetra) A healthy, disease-free uterus is ideal for conception; furthermore, the uterus is home for the growing embryo. If there is any disease of the uterus, treat it before conception. Nourishment (Ambu) When food digests, Rasa Dhathu is formed. Its main function is Preenana or nourishment. A growing foetus, consequently, receives nourishment from the mother’s Rasa Dhathu. Hence mother’s nutrition is extremely important. The gametes (Beeja) Beeja means seeds. Specifically, it denotes the sperm (Shukla) and, on the other hand, the ovum (Artava). It is said that, ultimately, the quality of the seedling depends on, in fact, the quality of the seeds. The best way to improve the quality of Beeja is by following a healthy lifestyle and diet. Tips to boost sperm health Here are 5 simple ways by which you can boost sperm health: Keep your laptops away from your lap Keep your phones away from your pocket Include cooling foods in your diet Strictly avoid incompatible foods Reduce stress and exercise more Best foods for sexual health You can also try the following foods to improve your libido and sexual health: Pomegranate Barley soup Dates Black gram soup with ghee and rock sugar Moringa If you are finding it difficult to conceive, remember, in fact, Ayurveda has the answers you seek for infertility. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor for guidance. Furthermore, Ayurvedic treatment does not involve any painful procedures or strong medications. It’s all about preparing your body by correcting the imbalances and administering Ayurvedic herbal combinations and formulations that enable natural conception. 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.

Quantity of Food Guide for Optimal Health

In Ayurvedic nutrition, we do not count the calories or weigh the food in grams. The quality of food matters more than quantity. Ayurveda thinks of food as medicine. This means the choices you make about what you eat can affect your health. When I treat my patients, 80% of the treatment involves coming up and implementing a suitable diet plan considering many factors, like their health conditions, body constitution (Prakriti) etc. And to decide on the quantity, we look at the digestive fire (Agni) of the patient. Right Quantity of Foods you should eat ! Every individual is different and therefore, the quantity of food you can have depends on your Prakriti. Kapha – less is more! Kapha people have a low digestive fire and therefore, have a sluggish digestion. Therefore, the quantity of food they consume should be minimal. Excessive consumption easily causes Ama (toxic waste accumulation) and leads to more lethargy, tiredness, weight gain and other conditions. Pitta- feed the fire! Pitta people have a high digestive fire. If you eat less, the fire will not be satisfied, leading to acidity and heartburn. Hence the quantity of food should be more. Vata – I’m unpredictable! Vata people, on the other hand, have irregular digestion. It may be good one day, but bad on the other. Hence it is difficult to say whether Vata people should eat more or less. However, one general rule you can use is to eat until the stomach is half full. In general, all Prakriti can aim at eating food until their stomachs are half full (leaving the rest for air and water). However, if you have Kapha or Vata predominance, choose your quantity wisely. Now if you have no idea what your Prakriti is, please consult an Ayurvedic doctor. Do not attempt those online quizzes as most of them are not accurate. Rules of eating right quantity of food Ayurveda has set certain guidelines for eating. They include the following: Eat warm food, added with good fats. Eat the right quantity, after the digestion of the previous meal. Eat favourable food. Eat compatible foods. Do not talk or laugh while eating. Eat neither too slow nor too fast. Engage all your senses, body and mind while eating (mindful eating). The last point is the most important of them all. Be aware of what you eat, how much you eat and how you eat and see how it has a positive impact on your overall 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.

Psoriasis With Nail Pitting: Uncovering the Hidden Connection

Psoriasis is a persistent skin condition characterized by redness, scaliness, and itchiness, often accompanied by silvery scales. Sometimes, you can also see nail pitting in psoriasis. It can cause changes in the appearance of your nails, such as the development of pits. The pits are usually very small, less than 1 mm in diameter, around the size of a pinhead. However, on rare occasions, considerably larger depressions and even isolated punch-out portions are visible. If you have psoriasis and you notice nail pitting with/without pain/brownish discolouration/nail separating from the nail bed, chances are, the psoriasis has now progressed from the skin to the nails. This is usually the second stage. It may affect the joints if not controlled immediately, leading to psoriatic arthritis! Is there any treatment for psoriasis? Ayurvedic medication can alleviate your symptoms since it is a chronic ailment with limited treatment options. According to a few studies, people with psoriasis may benefit from Ayurvedic treatment. Ayurvedically, this affects the blood, muscles, lymph, and the skin. The primary line of treatment is, first and foremost, improving the digestive fire (Agni); additionally, it involves administering herbs suited to the patient to open up the channels. Furthermore, doing cleanses like Virechana is essential to purify the body.” Things you must avoid if you have psoriasis According to Ayurvedic experts, the cause of psoriasis is an imbalance of Vata and Kapha Doshas. Toxins (Ama), stress and overindulgence in foods such as seafood, yoghurt, and salty meals. Therefore, if you have psoriasis, reduce the following as much as possible: Excessive consumption of tomatoes Heavy foods like milk, wheat and oily foods Mixing hot and cold foods Raw and uncooked foods Curd/yoghurt Eating food when the previous meal is not fully digested. If you are noticing pitting of nails in psoriasis, consult an Ayurvedic doctor immediately. With Ayurveda, you can heal completely, without even consuming strong medications. 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.

Pulse Diagnosis in Ayurveda: Myth or Medical Marvel ?

Pulse Diagnosis / Nadi Pariksha Ayurvedic medicine has used a traditional and holistic approach to improve a person’s health and well-being while also considering their mental, physical, and spiritual aspects for centuries. The practitioners use various diagnostic methods to check the imbalances of mind, body and spirit leading to diseases. One of those diagnostic methods is Nadi Pariksha or pulse diagnosis. It is widely believed that Nadi Pariksha is one of the mandatory parts of Ayurvedic treatment. But, it is not true. For ages, people have tricked us into believing that nadi pariksha or ayurvedic pulse diagnosis is compulsory for ayurvedic treatment. The absolute truth behind Nadi Pariksha as a diagnosis tool None of the ancient Ayurvedic texts – Caraka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya or Susruta Samhita has any major reference about pulse diagnosis. Then how can Nadi Pariksha be the mandatory part of diagnosis? There is no doubt that the most comprehensive, authentic and recognised course to study Ayurvedic Medicine is BAMS. However, in those 6 years I spent studying to become an Ayurvedic doctor, there was not even a single subject on Nadi Pariksha except for a few words here and there. Why is it given little or no importance if it is the most a major diagnostic tool? I studied Nadi Pariksha from my father while assisting his patients. He had told me that it was just one of the diagnostic tools and not the only tool. Is Nadi Pariksha’s diagnosis so crucial in the treatment process? Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis is a recent advancement in Ayurveda and is not based on the 3 original scriptures. It is just ONE of the diagnostic tools, not the only one of the most important. I don’t do Nadi Pariksha even in my face-to-face consultations. I don’t find it necessary to identify a person’s Prakriti by Nadi Pariksha. With all humility- thanks to the universe and my gurus – within the first few minutes of seeing and talking to a patient, his Prakriti becomes obvious. It is not a magical power, but it just comes from practice. For years, it has been believed that Nadi Pariksha is a mandatory diagnosis method to understand the disease, but the truth is it is just ONE of the diagnostic tools, not the only one of the most important methods of diagnosis techniques. Unfortunately, today, people use nadi pariksha more as a marketing tool to attract others to Ayurveda. 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.

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