Stiff Person Syndrome through the Ayurvedic lens

Recently, Celine Dion – the popular singer revealed that she has been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome. For many, the name of the disease has been unheard of and there were many articles written following the reveal, giving information about the condition. What is Stiff Person Syndrome from an Ayurvedic point of view? Let’s find out in this blog.     What   is   Stiff   Person   Syndrome?     Stiff Person Syndrome, SPS in short, is a progressive neurological condition like Parkinsonism. It comes with the following symptoms:   As the disease progresses, the patient experiences the following:   SPS as per Ayurveda   SPS is primarily due to unaddressed Vata imbalance for long periods.  It also leads to undernourishment of all the 7 tissue systems (Dhatus) including blood, bone, muscle, bone marrow, etc. owing to low digestive fire (Agni) and Ama (toxin accumulation).   SPS is a rare disease. In my entire practice, I have seen only 2 patients with SPS and strangely, for both patients, there was a history of emotional trauma in the past.   The first patient was my BAMS final exam case study and hence, I could not do much follow-up.    The second patient was on my 6-month program, now taking only review consultations every month. The treatment has been going on for over 2 years with medicines, diet for Vata imbalance and body treatments to bring back the strength of muscles.¬† Though the condition may take more time to cure, currently the patient is only on mild medications and can walk, do daily activities and has a good quality of life. She is 71 and even does swimming!   I have seen the history of deep emotional trauma in patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia too.   Trauma need not be grief or divorce or losing someone or abuse, it can also be being denied of something they ought to have, but couldn’t have it.   And if you’re struggling with any health issues, book a consultation with us or if you have any queries, contact us. We’ll help bring you back to good 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Tongue Assessments in Ayurveda

Tongue is one of the sense organs; it is the organ of taste. But Ayurveda sees it as a far more important tool that can be used for diagnosis. It is considered the window of the inner system and that is why tongue assessment is an important part of Ayurvedic diagnosis. In Ayurveda, a tongue assessment helps to recognize the following conditions: Any Ayurvedic doctor can clearly see the imbalances of the body and hence digestion by looking at it. You can also do a self-assessment.   Regularly checking your tongue helps you identify when toxins are being accumulated in your body, when certain foods you consume are causing negative reactions to your system, or when other indications of disorder arise.     Tongue Assessments     If your tongue is yellowish, cracked and rough, it denotes a Vata imbalance.   Your tongue shows shades of red, blue or black and if you experience a bitter taste often, it denotes a Pitta imbalance.   If you have a white, clear, watery, it implies Kapha imbalance.   Do a self-assessment You may wonder – oh! my tongue always looks a certain way; therefore, how do I figure out if it has any abnormalities?  Just like how you take a BP or do a self-examination of the breast, it is important to check it for a range of days to look for signs of digestion. Tongue analysis is something you can do by yourself.  I advise my patients to take a photo of their tongue every morning before brushing; consequently, they should send it for 15 days. Do this for 15 days. If, however, you notice any abnormalities, it could be an indication of poor gut 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  … Continue reading Tongue Assessments in Ayurveda

Truths I Wish More People Understood About Ayurveda

Ayurveda, being the traditional system of medicine, is often compared with modern medicine. Not many people go for Ayurvedic treatment at the first chance. Many consider this as the last resort after having tried all other systems of medicine and failed. One of the main reasons is the lack of understanding of Ayurveda.  As an Ayurvedic doctor, here are 7 truths  that I wish more people understood.     7 truths about Ayurveda     Ayurveda is a life-long journey, not a 1-month challenge Ayurveda is not just about treating the symptoms. It is about digging deeper into the root cause of a health condition and treating it while ensuring that it does not reoccur through diet, exercise and medicines. It is also about the prevention of health conditions that are likely to occur in the future through food, lifestyle and medicines. These achievements cannot be made in a day or a month. That is why it is a life-long journey.   When you start eating food that suits your body (Prakriti), healing begins, rather than consuming food labelled as healthy. There are many food items are labelled as healthy.. But not all healthy foods are suitable for you. Ayurveda believes in eating whatever is suitable for your body and that is where your healing begins.   There is no one-size-fits-all approach in Ayurveda. Even identical twins with the same disease may need different diet, routines and medicines. Ayurveda does not believe in providing the same treatment for everyone with the same health condition. The diet, routines and medicines recommended differ from person to person.   Just like ‚body language, mind has a language too. No other medical science explains mind language like Ayurveda Many a times, physical health conditions are a result of the state of your mind. Ayurveda believes that mind has a language just like body language. And it is probably the only system of medicine that explains mind languages.   There would be fewer hospital admissions and surgeries in the world, if people started taking Ayurveda as the first line of treatment As I said above, Ayurveda treats the root cause of a health condition, which means there is lesser scope for the health condition to recur. So, if people started taking it as the first line of treatment ‚ right when they feel they need to consult a doctor for a health condition, there would be lesser hospital admissions and surgeries in the world. Ayurvedic treatment includes lifestyle changes and medicine.   If Ayurveda was a teacher, the first lesson would be on self-discipline Ayurvedic way of life imparts qualities like organization and self-discipline through a consistent daily routine. Therefore, it is not only your physical health that will improve when you choose Ayurveda. Your mental health will be in check and you also learn values like self-discipline.   These are only 7 truths, and more yet to come…   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    … Continue reading Truths I Wish More People Understood About Ayurveda

Glow and Complexion – 8 Best Ayurvedic Herbs

We all desire flawless, radiant skin.  There are various skincare products and treatments that offer the same. But nothing beats the power of Ayurvedic herbs for improving the glow and complexion of your skin!   Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of herbs that have been used for centuries to enhance the skin’s glow and complexion. In this blog, I’ll introduce you to the top 8 Ayurvedic herbs that can help you achieve the radiant skin you’ve always dreamed of.   Glow and Complexion Herbs       Sandalwood (Chandana)   Part used: heartwood   Sandalwood has a calming and cooling effect on our bodies and mind. It is rich in antioxidants that help retain the moisture of the skin and reduce skin dryness. It also helps remove wrinkles, acne, tan and scars on the skin.     Alexandrian Laurel (Punnaga)     Parts used: stem, bark, seeds   Alexandrian Laurel, also known as Punnaga, rejuvenates the skin. It also fights skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, etc. Leaves of Punnaga are also used to treat chicken pox, scabies, skin inflammation, etc.     Indian Madder (Manjishta)     Part used: Root   Manjishta can be used both externally and internally to improve the complexion of your skin. Apart from that, it is a rich source of antioxidants and hence, helps manage common skin conditions, like acne and pimple. Also, Alizarin – a compound present in Manjishta has anti-bacterial properties and helps soothe skin allergies, rashes, etc.     Crested fever nut (Lata karanja)     Parts used: Leaf, bark, seeds   Lata karanja is a powerful Ayurvedic herb, with many uses. In terms of skincare, it is great for treating skin diseases, like scabies, eczema, psoriasis and leprosy. The astringent properties of the herb also help relieve inflammation, contagious skin diseases, etc.     Asoka (Sita)     Part used: Bark   The antioxidant properties of Asoka help manage skin conditions and also lighten your complexion by removing toxins. Therefore, it is one of the majorly used ingredients in cosmetic products to improve complexion. It also helps rejuvenate the skin and soothes skin inflammation.   Vetiver (Ushira)   Part used: Roots   Vetiver is great for dull and inflamed skin. It helps nourish and hydrate the skin and also maintains the pH balance of the skin. Vetiver also helps to even out your skin tone and tighten your skin pores. It also has anti-ageing properties that help delay the signs of ageing.     Licorice (Mulethi)     Parts used: Root, underground stem   Licorice is my favourite among all Ayurvedic herbs for skincare! It helps improve the complexion of your skin by reducing damage to the skin caused by the sun. It also lightens scars and reduces wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice help soothe skin conditions.       Indian Sarsaparilla (Sariva)     Part used: Root   Indian Sarsaparilla is a Pitta pacifying herb and is, therefore, widely used to promote healthy skin. It helps to maintain an even skin tone and improves the texture of the skin. The natural cleansing properties of the herb add to the glow of your skin. It is also used to soothe skin conditions, such as psoriasis.   Most Ayurvedic formulations for enhancing the complexion and glow of the skin contain one or many of the above-mentioned herb. You can try a few of these in powdered form in your face packs!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  … Continue reading Glow and Complexion – 8 Best Ayurvedic Herbs

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

The eyes are one of the most important sense organs. You get to perceive the visual information of everything around you through your sight. So you’ve to make your eyes healthy all the time. The eyes are the seat of Pitta (heat) and a Pitta imbalance can result in eye problems. Therefore, it is important to protect your eyes from different eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma or any condition that can lead to vision loss. To maintain healthy eyes, you can avoid making the following mistakes:   Healthy Eyes  Mistakes     Using warm water to wash eyes Washing your eyes with warm water can be damaging. As we mentioned before, the eyes are the seat of Pitta and have to be washed with room temperature or cold water.   Not blinking often Blinking is a natural physiological process to lubricate the eyes. When glued to screens, we often forget to blink. When you do not blink often, your eyes tend to dry out and feel tired. Therefore, make a conscious effort to blink often.   Overusing artificial eye drops Many people use eye drops to keep their eyes moisturized. However, using them for a long time can leave your eyes drier and irritated. You can use Ayurveda- recommended oil-based eye drops instead for long-term use   Using warming sleep masks and hot packs Warming eye masks for sleeping ‚especially if they are tight, can cause blurriness to your eyes.  Also, the material used can cause irritation to the eyes for some. Let your eyes free and breathe in the night. Also, for infection, stye, etc., use a cold pack instead of a hot one as the heat can aggravate whatever eye issues you have.\   Rubbing the eyes Rubbing the eyes is a common habit that everyone has. We often rub our eyes out of habit when, in fact, we forget that there may be an underlying problem causing it. Rubbing your eyes for any reason is blasphemous for eye health. Eyes have a very thin layer of conjunctiva that protects them. When we rub our eyes vigorously, we will be pushing the dirt or dust on the surface deeper into the eyes. It can also cause tear to the cornea. So, instead of rubbing, reach out for cold water and wash your eyes.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Ayurvedic Superfoods to Eat Daily

Ayurveda is all about customization when it comes to foods based on each person’s body type, mental state, imbalances, place of living, climatic conditions, etc. However, on the rarest of rarest occasions, Ayurveda also mentions certain foods universally good for everyone every day. The following list is one of them – Ayurvedic superfoods that you can eat daily. Chapter 8 of Ashtanga Hridayam Sutra Sthana mentions 7 Ayurvedic superfoods that can be eaten daily by anyone, is great for digestion and pacifies all Doshas.   Amla Amla or Indian gooseberry is one of the three ingredients of Triphala and has plenty of health benefits. It is widely used in Ayurveda, especially in making Ayurvedic products. Amla is rich in Vitamin C and this property supports adrenal glands, boosts cellular energy, and is great for skin and blood vessels. It is also good for digestion and boosts the immune system. Being fibrous in nature, Amla also helps relieve constipation and other gut health issues, while supporting the health of the heart and liver.   Pomegranate In Ayurveda, pomegranate is known as Dadima, and it is a popular Ayurvedic superfood, packed with nutrients and known for its blood-purifying properties.   Regular intake of pomegranate helps relieve digestive issues. The fruit has antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for managing heart problems and high cholesterol. Pomegranate seeds help enhance energy levels and sexual stamina in men. The extract of the seed or flower is antibacterial in nature, thus helping to manage dental problems.   Ghee Known as Ghrita in Sanskrit, Ayurveda considers Ghee as the first and most important of all foods. It tops the must-have food list of Ayurveda. Ghee has lots of health benefits. It has anti-ageing properties and is great for eye and skin health. It also helps improve intellect and memory, digestion and Ojus (vitality).   Mung Dal Ayurveda gives great significance to mung dal among all pulses and legumes, and Caraka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text, advises people to consume it regularly. It is highly balancing and easy to digest. It helps balance Kapha and Pitta Doshas, and also works for Vata. Also, mung dal helps heal wounds, is great for throat disorders like cough, tonsillitis, etc. and the health of the thyroid gland. It also benefits the hair and skin and is good for eye disorders.   Honey Honey is what you can call a medicinal sweet in Ayurveda. Many people consider it a remedy for different health conditions and use it for both internal and external applications. Honey is used to treat eye diseases, hiccups, thirst, cough, phlegm, diabetes, obesity, and more. It is also great for digestion. Another benefit of honey is that it acts as an emetic and laxative and helps flush out toxins and undigested food present in the alimentary canal.   Black Raisins Black raisins are packed with antioxidants and iron and are of high medicinal value. It is great for the lungs, nourishes respiratory systems, has a positive effect on the mind and memory and balances emotions. Consuming black raisins soaked overnight helps in bowel movements. Raisin is also a Bringhana food that supports natural fertility in women. It is also great for the hair and for cleansing the blood.   Tender radish Ayurveda recommends the intake of radish on a daily basis. It balances Vata and Kapha and awakens Pitta in the digestive tract. It is a diuretic and provides a cooling effect to the body. Tender radish is also great for health conditions, like, cold, cough, fever, asthma, diabetes, allergies and throat disorders. The flowers, fruit and seeds of tender radish have medicinal properties.   My favourite on the list is Amla! I believe part of the reason for the health of my hair, eyes and digestive system is due to the gazillion Amlas I have consumed in my whole life, no doubt!   What’s your favourite among the Ayurvedic superfoods that has helped you?   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                … Continue reading Ayurvedic Superfoods to Eat Daily

My true purpose of being an Ayurvedic doctor

I am a full-time Ayurvedic doctor who works from 6 am to 8 pm. Apart from consultations, I deal with team meetings, supervise products and medicines supervision and create content about Ayurveda. Yes, I am very busy in life but still am very active on social media. Here is why.   Being an Ayurvedic Doctor   I believe, the choices that you make in your life should be from a point of awareness and not ignorance. As an Ayurvedic doctor, my higher goal or dream or vision is to bring global acceptance to Ayurveda. Some write books, some do talks, and I create content as simple as that. There is no money to be made if everyone has good health. In selling sicknesses, there is a lot of money at stake. The medical industry, pharmaceutical industry, and diagnostics industry – all thrive upon this factor; indeed, they rely heavily on it! The beauty of Ayurveda, unlike other medical systems, not only talks about treating diseases but also an equally bigger wing – prevention. Is there any money to be made from prevention? No. That’s why large corporate companies around the world insuring conducts wellness programs, have even wellness departments doing awareness talks, etc. on prevention so that people do not fall sick often. Even if it looks like the act of engaging employees, the hidden agenda is also to help insurance premiums. That’s a great example – there is no money in wellness, only in illness. Ayurveda is a lot about prevention and that’s the beauty of Ayurveda as a medical system. Coming back to the money in sickness, it is important to note that the modern pharmaceutical industry and diagnostics industries, consequently, thrive on medical professionals and their practice.  If you ask me, you have no idea how many pharmaceutical companies and diagnostic labs reach out to me and ask me to refer their lab tests and medicines for my patients. The perks are high; furthermore, some even promise international travel, among other benefits.   Marketing has wired us subconsciously in a certain way; consequently, it includes the promotion of blood-test culture.  When you have a disease condition and it is important for the doctor to run some tests, that is absolutely ethical as this will help the doctor have a clear-cut diagnosis and plan your further treatment well. As doctors, we all do that. I do that too. That’s doing blood tests for diagnosing diseases. That’s a thing. What about doing blood tests for diagnosing health? Not just blood tests, DNA tests, food intolerance tests, food allergy tests and gazillion tests. Children as young as 3 to 4 years are, therefore, made to take various tests for diagnosing their health.  Unfortunately, not everyone may approve of what I am saying, which is ok ‚that is how marketing has strongly and deeply wired their brains. People love to be comfortable. We have everything around us – every facility around us to make our lives comfortable. People want to hear what makes them comfortable. They hear the same messages continuously. They are happy and comfortable hearing them. But when someone says something, which is not what they have heard usually, they get uncomfortable. There is a lot of misinformation or programmed information around. I, as an Ayurvedic doctor,  aim to bring your awareness by giving you the right information. You may find discomfort from what I say, as it might differ from what you’re accustomed to hearing. But that uncomfortableness‚ if that’s even a word, will challenge you and make you think. This is why I exist for you. To provide you with knowledge of Ayurveda and health, which is, in fact, real, practical, and, importantly, authentic. As I said in the beginning, I believe, the health choices that you make in your life should be from a point of awareness and not ignorance. And for that, I am here for you!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    … Continue reading My true purpose of being an Ayurvedic doctor

Ajwain Faanta

What   is   an   Ajwain   Faanta ?   The Carom seeds are boiled in water to create the herbal remedy known as “Ajwain Faanta” by literally heating them in water. This water is an infusion that is majorly used as a home remedy for various digestive problems, such as indigestion, bloating, and gas, among others, and also to cure respiratory problems. Ajwain: These are seeds commonly used in Indian cuisine because of their strong, peculiar taste. They also have a number of medicinal properties, which include digestion, gas dispelling, and colds. Faanta:  Generally, people give the name “faanta” to the infusion or decoction that results from boiling herbs or seeds in water to extract their useful properties. Ingredients Carom seeds (ajwain) – 20g Hot water – 80 ml   Preparation Boil water in a pan. Then add the ajwain seeds. Now, let it simmer till the water reduces to half in about 10-15 minutes. Strain the water to eliminate the seeds. You can see , Ajwain Faanta is in  liquid form.   Benefits   It has powerful cleansing effects. This helps cure stomach aches and bloating caused due to indigestion and also helps improve appetite and digestion. It also helps in the functioning of our respiratory system and kidneys. This provides relief for menstrual pain and discomfort. It acts as a natural pain reliever and helps in easing cramps. The regular intake of Ajwain Faanta may help in reducing weight through increasing metabolism and breaking down fat. The diuretic properties in ajwain stimulate the process of detoxification through flushing out toxins from the body. Do not drink more than 10ml of Ajwan Fanta at a time. You should also not drink it  if you have stomach pain due to loose stools as it can worsen the problem.  Also, do not have it on an empty stomach if you have stomach pain.   Usage and Dosage   For Digestive Problems: Take one cup of Ajwain Faanta half an hour post-meals.Cold and cough: Take one cup in the morning and evening for relief.For Painful Menstruation: A glass of fomented Ajwain Faanta during the mense may bring pain relief.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Gas or Bloating Remedies in Ayurveda

Bloating or gas is one of the common digestive issues faced by many. unhealthy food habits, indigestion, desk-bound lifestyle – all contribute to bloating. According to Ayurveda,  bloating or gas is caused due to a weak digestive fire (Agni). They call it aadhmaana and it is a kind of vata imbalance.  Bloating that occurs occasionally is considered normal. However, if it is frequent, it is a sign of imbalance in digestion. Bloating in our abdomen happens when our gastrointestinal tract is not able to split the food into smaller particles for absorption. The body then retains the food, converting it to toxins and receiving no nourishment.  Ayurveda suggests the following remedy for relief from bloating. Garlic milk This recipe is from Caraka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. Ingredients Garlic –   5g Milk    –  50ml Water  –  50 ml Preparation Add garlic paste to milk and water and boil it until the quantity reduces to 50ml.  Strain and drink 10ml two times a day after food. Benefits Garlic milk is good for subsiding gas, bloating, abdominal cramps and constipation. This recipe is also suitable for people with heart disease and arthritis. Ayurveda recommends using small garlic over big ones, though the latter is easy to clean. The reason is that small garlic has more health benefits than big garlic. Small garlic is good for the heart, eyes, liver, hair, hot potency and anti-ageing. It is also useful for relief from worms and digestive issues and for healing wounds. It also reduces Vata and improves vitality. Big garlic, however, is the inferior variety. It has all benefits of small garlic but to a lesser extent. It is also extremely Pitta increasing. Remember, garlic milk is medicine. So, it is not advisable to consume it daily forever. You can use it for a few days and stop it. But, do not store the garlic milk to use later.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Why Amla is the Only Ayurvedic Supplement You Need?

Amalaki or Amla (also known as Indian gooseberry) is a great source of Vitamin C. It can be called an Ayurvedic superfood, for its different health benefits. It has amazing healing properties, the benefits of which extend across the entire human body, right from head to toe, gut to brain, skin, teeth, hair, and much more. For the same reason, many Ayurvedic medicines use it abundantly as an ingredient. Triphala, one of the most widely used Ayurvedic formulas, is also a part of it. Triphala means ‚three fruits,and includes amalaki (Amla), bibhitaki, and haritaki.     Benefits of Amla     In Ayurveda, Amla is considered both food and medicine. It balances all three doshas ‚Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and is suitable for all body types. Apart from Vitamin C, it is also a great source of vitamins A and E, iron, calcium, antioxidants, and dietary fibres. Amla is beneficial for the good health of your skin, hair, eyes, heart, pancreas, liver, kidneys, stomach and much more. It tops the list of Rasayana herbs in Ayurveda. Rasayana means rejuvenating or anti-ageing. This property of Amla helps build a healthy immune system and strengthens bones, teeth and nails. It also helps maintain youthfulness, and boost overall health and wellbeing. Amla has a sour taste, which helps improve digestion by helping the body easily absorb nutrients. It also cleanses the liver, an organ that has an important role to play in transforming food into useful nutrients for the body. Antioxidants packed in Amala help remove the accumulated toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and the entire body.  It soothes the bowels and ensures the regular removal of toxins from the body. It has a predominant sour taste, but it has a sweet post-digestive taste. This makes it Pitta decreasing. Therefore, it is a great cooling herb and is an effective medicine for skin conditions. The sattvic nature of Amla also helps improve awareness, balance emotions and calms the mind. It is also used in oral care, as an ingredient in different Ayurvedic oral care products.     How to consume Amla?     You can eat amla raw or cooked, and it is also available in dried and powdered forms. For Vata imbalance, mix 5g amla powder with sesame oil, and consume before or after food and for Pitta imbalance, mix 5g Amla powder with ghee, and consume before or after food. For Kapha imbalance, mix 5g amla powder with honey, and consume before or after food.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.   You can also follow me on Instagram.