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Nasya Home Tips for Beginners and Enthusiasts

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

Hair Oil Overnight: Tips for a Healthier Hair Care Routine

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

Ragi Power – Why This Ancient Grain is a Superfood

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

Summer Drinks: Beat the Heat with These 5 Ayurvedic Delights

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

Morning Practices to Boost Productivity and Mindfulness

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

Kwathita – A Traditional Recipe for Gut Healing

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

Ayurvedic food – Shashkuli

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

Healing Factors in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of balance between the body, mind and spirit. Therefore, healing is a complex process that depends on various factors. According to Ayurveda, there are three factors that influence healing in Ayurveda. In this blog, let us take a closer look at each of these factors and how they impact healing. Factors that influence healing The factors are the strength of the disease (Roga Bala), the strength of the patient (Rogi Bala) and time (Kala). Roga Bala: The strength of the disease Roga Bala refers to the strength of the disease or the severity of the illness. In Ayurveda, diseases are classified based on their intensity, and treatment plans are tailored accordingly. Some diseases are considered mild, while others are more severe and require more intensive treatment. The strength of the disease depends on various factors such as its nature, duration and extent of involvement. For example, a common cold is considered a mild disease, and most people recover from it within a few days with rest and home remedies. However, a chronic disease like diabetes requires long-term management and lifestyle modifications to prevent complications. In such cases, the strength of the disease is high, and the treatment plan needs to be more intensive. Rogi Bala: The strength of the patient Rogi Bala, refers to the strength of the patient; moreover, it signifies the ability of the body to fight the disease. In Ayurveda, each person is considered unique, and their constitution or Prakriti determines their susceptibility to diseases. Some people have a stronger constitution and can fight off diseases more easily, while others are more vulnerable and prone to illnesses. The strength of the patient depends on various factors such as age, diet, lifestyle and genetics. For example, a young person with a healthy diet and active lifestyle is more likely to have a strong immune system and can fight off diseases more easily than an older person with a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. Time (Kala) The third component that affects healing is time or Kala. In Ayurveda, time is crucial for healing and, consequently, overall well-being. There is, however, no overnight remedy for the majority of ailments. Healing takes time. The severity of the sickness, the patient’s health and the success of the therapy are just a few of the variables that affect how long an illness lasts and how long it takes to recover. For example, a mild infection like a sore throat may resolve on its own within a few days, while a severe infection like pneumonia may take several weeks to resolve with medication and rest. Similarly, a chronic disease like arthritis may require long-term management. Understanding the above-mentioned factors is essential in developing an effective treatment plan for any disease. If you’re looking to heal from any health conditions, book a consultation with us and we will help 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.

Ayurvedic recipe for gut – the mid-morning drink

Ayurveda believes that an imbalanced digestive fire (Agni) or poor gut health is the root of all diseases. That is why it is important to eat mindfully. There are plenty of healthy Ayurvedic recipes you can follow, for instance, to keep your Agni balanced. Here is one such Ayurvedic recipe for your gut that can be a healthy replacement for your mid-morning snack – the mid-morning drink! In this blog, let us explore the benefits and learn how to prepare this amazing drink! Recipe Here is the recipe for your nutritious mid-morning drink. Ingredients: Small carrot – 1 Cabbage leaves – 1 to 2 Beans – a handful Coriander leaves – a small handful Onion – 1/4 of a bulb Pepper Himalayan pink salt Method of preparation: Chop the vegetables roughly. In a pressure cooker, add all the vegetables and water. Pressure cook the vegetables for 3 whistles. When the broth is done, set up a strainer in a large pot. Pour the vegetables and broth into the strainer; then, drain the broth. Add pepper and salt to taste to the strained broth. Serve and enjoy! Benefits Here are the benefits you gain from this mid-morning drink: Nutritious option for vegetarians This mid-morning drink, therefore, is a perfect choice for those who are vegetarian. It provides essential nutrients while being completely plant-based. Packed with nutrients The drink is not only packed with vitamins, but also with minerals and antioxidants from the vegetables. Furthermore, it provides essential nutrients that support overall health. If you are not a vegetable lover, this drink is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Aids hydration and digestion The mid-morning drink helps aid hydration and digestion. Also, it is low in calories and can be a comforting and warming drink. This drink is served to my patients at my hospital, especially for those dealing with gut issues. Incorporating Ayurvedic recipe for gut like this mid-morning drink into your routine can promote better digestion, enhance your overall health and provide a delicious way to enjoy 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.

Abhyanga Like a Pro: Master the Art of Self-Massage

Abhyanga or daily self-oil massages are important to live a healthy long life according to Ayurveda. You might think of going to a spa and getting it done. But it is not practical. So, the most useful and effective way to do Abhyanga is in the comfort of your home. Benefits of doing Abhyanga Doing Abhyanga offers the following benefits: Improves strength and flexibility of muscles, bones and joints Slows down ageing Improves skin health Relieves weakness, tiredness Improves sleep Reduces aches and pains in the body Nourishes tissues of the body Rejuvenates the body and promotes longevity How to do Abhyanga at home? Here’s how you can do Abhyanga at home: The first step in performing Abhyanga is to choose the right oil. The ideal oil to do Abhyanga is organic black sesame oil, specifically the darkest or dark organic sesame oil available. The steps Ayurveda specifies the body parts you should focus on when you are doing it. These areas include the top of your head, your palms, feet, navel, ears, and face. These are the main areas you should massage. You can also massage other parts of your body, especially your joints, because they tend to collect Vata, which is the air element. Vata increases when you move your body a lot, so it’s more in your joints. That’s why it is important to massage them with oil. First, take some oil in your palm and gently apply it on the top of your head. Once you apply the oil, use your fingers to rub your scalp. If you want, you can also massage oil along the length of your hair. Next, massage your face. After that, massage your hands and feet, and then continue with the rest of your body. For your joints, move your hands in circular motions, but for other body parts, use longer up-and-down strokes. When you’re massaging your legs, it’s a good idea to massage them in an upward direction, towards your heart. When massaging your hands, fold them and use your hands to massage the long bones effectively. Doing Abhyanga is crucial for maintaining good health, regardless of age. On days when you are really busy, you can, therefore, do a brief 2-to-3-minute Abhyanga. However, you can do it for at least 5 to 10 minutes if you have ample time. To know more about Abhyanga, download my ebook or watch my YouTube video. 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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