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5 Natural Supplements You Should Add To Your Diet Every Single Day

1. Turmeric The number one supplement that you need in your life is nothing but turmeric. You may have heard people saying, especially people in the west, talking about having turmeric in the form of teas, in the form of turmeric lattes, or sometimes even in the form of supplements. You don’t need all of these pills and supplements to get your adequate amount of turmeric to help with all the benefits that it is going to give us. Our traditional Indian way of cooking where we add the good fats and the spices, along with that we add turmeric, that is the most bioavailable form of turmeric and that helps with better digestion, better absorption, and better assimilation of all the good things that turmeric has to give us. Now let us understand what turmeric does in our body. For this we have to understand what the properties of turmeric are as per Ayurveda. Ayurveda says every food has certain properties, like there is a specific taste to a particular food item, a particular post-digestive taste. Ayurveda also talks about a property called Prabhava or special characteristic. One special characteristic or Prabhava of turmeric is that it is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. For example, somebody is having a viral condition like chickenpox, we ask our patients to take shower with water boiled with turmeric because it is antimicrobial. When it comes to food poisoning, if you consume more of turmeric paste throughout the day, you are helping your body to reduce inflammation. Even if you have acne, you can use turmeric boiled water to wash your face because of its antimicrobial properties, you don’t need any antibacterial face washes. All bitter tasting herbs are good for your liver. So, if you want to detoxify your liver, don’t go for supplements and medicines that detoxify your liver. Instead, just add a little bit more turmeric to your diet. Adding turmeric to your dishes can help you improve your digestive fire, reduce gas, and bloating. If you have children at home who constantly get bronchitis, cough, cold, fever, etc., turmeric helps you to improve their immunity. Make sure that you add turmeric to your cooking every day. Even in traditional Indian cooking, we have so many dishes like haldi chawal, haldi doodh, haldi ka achar, turmeric lettuce soup. All of these are very good for improving your digestive system. 2. Dry Ginger Number two is dry ginger. I am talking about dry ginger and not wet ginger. Wet ginger is extremely heating, extremely pitta increasing. Dry ginger is also warm; it is much less heating compared to wet ginger. When you buy ginger, make sure that you leave it outside and don’t keep it in the fridge so that it gets a little dry and then you can use it for cooking. Just like how we said turmeric was anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory because of its prabhava, ginger also has a prabhava. And what is that? Dry ginger is anti-emetic. That means if somebody feels like vomiting, dry ginger is what we give. It’s also good for improving digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. It helps in reducing gas and bloating. It helps in subsiding Vata gently. Just like how I told you about turmeric, don’t take dry ginger as a pill or a supplement. Instead, make sure that you have dry ginger in a cooked form along with other spices and good fats. I personally add dry ginger every day to my cooking. However, one special indulgence that I really love doing is to have dry ginger wali masala chai. After heavy meals, if for example, you had a biryani and you’re now feeling very heavy, very bloated, or you have this guilt feeling that you shouldn’t have had it because you can’t even think of the digestive problems that may come, then have dry ginger powder mixed with a little bit of rock salt, add a little bit of water and consume it. That will help you subside the gas and bloating. It will also help you improve the digestion. And if you’re somebody who feels constipation, you can have a glass of dry ginger water in the morning. Make sure that you add two glasses of water, add one piece of dry ginger and reduce to one glass to get the maximum essence of dry ginger. And drink this water. This can ease your bowel movements. 3. Amla This one is my favorite. If you don’t want to have any supplement at all in this world, then one supplement that you need in your life is amla or amla powder. This is something that you must include in your life. Whether it is in the form of amla powder, amla juice, as amla murabba, amla candy, whatever it is, amla has to go into your system every single day. Every house should have some form of amla ready to be served every day because amla helps in a lot of ways beyond what you can imagine. There is a particular practice in Ayurveda. We call it as Kuti Pravishika. It is for people who want to reverse aging. It is a complete process. And the one thing that is given to people who wants to reverse their aging is Amla. Amla has rejuvenating or anti-aging properties which can actually reverse your aging. It is amazing for your skin, amazing for your heart, amazing for your hair, amazing for your digestive system, your liver, your intestine, and it’s good for your eyes. So, if you want to take that one supplement every day, take Amla. How can you consume Amla? You can have Amla juice. Again, Amla juice, don’t have it as a… Continue reading 5 Natural Supplements You Should Add To Your Diet Every Single Day

Beyond Remedies: Ayurveda & the Body’s Intelligence

Most of us treat health like a problem‑solution game. Dry skin? Apply something moisturizing. Low energy? Drink something strong. Upset digestion? Take a quick‑fix remedy. But Ayurveda asks us to pause and ask a deeper question: What is the body trying to tell us through these experiences? As you continue listening to more insights from Ayurveda, you’ll noticed something beautiful. The body is constantly adapting, and our role is to support that intelligence instead of overriding it. Let us explore how this works in everyday life. Not Everything Natural Is the Same In today’s wellness world, “natural” is almost a magic word. But Ayurveda digs a little deeper and asks: How natural? And more importantly, how suitable is it for you? Take camphor, for example. At first glance, it might seem like any camphor will do. But Ayurveda differentiates between: Natural camphor (Bhimseni camphor) Synthetic camphor They look similar, but their qualities are different. Natural camphor has an irregular, crystalline shape and dissolves slowly. Synthetic camphor is uniform, very rigid, and burns with a harsher, sharper flame. Why does this matter? Because subtle qualities affect how a substance interacts with the body. A harsh, synthetic version can irritate rather than soothe. Ayurveda teaches us not to trust only the label, but to observe the qualities—how something feels, smells, and behaves. That attention to detail can make a big difference in how your body responds. The Forgotten Art of Preparation Another often overlooked part of health is how we prepare what we eat and use. Take dry ginger powder, for example. Making it at home usually means fresher, purer ingredients. Store‑bought is okay too, but only if you are sure it is unadulterated and of good quality. Even the way you consume it matters. A small amount of dry ginger boiled briefly and then reduced in water can become a gentle digestive tonic. But this is not one‑size‑fits‑all advice. If someone already has a lot of internal heat (Pitta), even something considered helpful like dry ginger can increase burning, acidity, or discomfort. In that case, it needs to be used cautiously or avoided until the heat is under control. This shows a simple yet powerful idea: The same ingredient can heal or harm depending on the internal environment of the person. The Body Is Not One System—It’s Many Working Together Ayurveda does not see the body only as organs and bones. It describes the body as several functional energies working together in harmony. One of the most beautiful frameworks is the five types of Vayu, or subtypes of Vata: Prana Vayu – governs breathing, perception, and mental clarity Udana Vayu – supports speech, expression, and confidence Samana Vayu – manages digestion and assimilation Vyana Vayu – handles circulation and movement Apana Vayu – oversees elimination and reproductive functions When you look at the body this way, symptoms start to make more sense. For example, someone who struggles to speak clearly or feels hesitant to express themselves may not be dealing only with an emotional issue. It can also involve Udana Vayu being disturbed. Similarly, poor circulation and stiffness are not just physical problems. They may indicate that Vyana Vayu needs support. This interconnected view reminds us: Nothing in the body truly operates in isolation. When Substitutes Are Not Real Substitutes Modern thinking often asks, “Can I use this instead of that?” But Ayurveda is cautious about substitutes because it focuses on energy, not just appearance. Take sesame oil, for example. It is widely considered ideal for daily use in many Ayurvedic practices. If you cannot find or use it, alternatives exist, but they are not equal. White sesame oil can be acceptable, though it may be slightly less potent. Coconut oil can work, but it suits some people better in heat‑dominated conditions. Other oils may be suitable only after individual assessment. And some substitutes, like certain refined seed oils, are simply not appropriate at all, even though they look similar. Why such precision? Because Ayurveda does not just replace one ingredient with another. It works with qualities like heat, heaviness, lightness, and penetration, and matches them to the person’s condition. Similarity in appearance does not mean similarity in effect. Skin, Sensitivity, and the Limits of Moisturizing We often treat dry skin as a surface problem. We apply more oil, carry more creams, and buy richer lotions. But Ayurveda sees dry skin as a reflection of deeper imbalance, especially of Vata. When common oils are not tolerated, something like Shatadhauta Ghritam can be helpful. Shatadhauta Ghritam is ghee that is transformed through repeated washing with water. It becomes cooling, light, and deeply soothing, and can be used as an external application. Interestingly, even people sensitive to dairy may tolerate it on the skin, because: It is processed differently It is used externally, not ingested Still, Ayurveda adds important nuances: It is not suitable for infected or oily skin. Sensitive individuals should always patch test first. This level of personalization shows an essential truth: Healing is not about finding the single best product. It is about finding the right match for your body and condition. Simple Practices, Done Mindfully Some of the most powerful Ayurvedic practices are also the simplest. Take foot soaks, for example. Warm water alone can relax muscles and improve circulation. Adding a little salt can enhance the effect. Herbal decoctions can be used when extra support is needed. No complicated steps. No fancy equipment. Just a simple, grounded practice done with awareness. Even something as basic as water temperature matters. Lukewarm water is usually preferred. It gently stimulates the body without shocking it, which supports smoother digestion and circulation. These small details may seem minor, but they… Continue reading Beyond Remedies: Ayurveda & the Body’s Intelligence

Ayurveda’s Take on Alcohol

For many, celebrations are incomplete without alcohol. But have you ever wondered what Ayurveda says about it? Interestingly, Ayurveda doesn’t completely forbid alcohol. Instead, it stresses moderation and mindful consumption. Is Alcohol Allowed in Ayurvedic Practices? Yes, there is mention of alcohol within the medicinal context in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic preparations like Draksharishta contain self-generated alcohol. These are made using natural fermentation techniques and contain healing herbs for health benefits. However, recreational use of this should be approached with caution. Effect of Alcohol on Doshas Pitta Dosha: Alcohol has heating, sharp and penetrating properties. Too much of it aggravates Pitta-related conditions like acidity, liver inflammation and skin rashes. Vata Dosha: Alcohol has a drying effect too, and this can aggravate Vata Dosha causing anxiety, restlessness, and digestive issues. Its drying nature can disturb mental clarity, cause dehydration, and can also lead to joint pain or bloating. Kapha Dosha: High indulgence can overburden Kapha Dosha, resulting in excess mucus secretion, lethargy, weight gain and sluggishness. To counterbalance these effects, Ayurveda emphasizes moderation and pairing with the right foods. Is Drinking Alcohol Allowed in Ayurvedic Diet? Alcohol is not forbidden in Ayurveda, but it is not advised as part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle. If you drink, take the following into account: Do not drink on an empty stomach To calm Pitta, consume cooling and sweet foods the next day Drink twice the water to stay hydrated Ayurvedic Remedies for Alcohol Detoxification For the consumers, detox is a must for the negative effects to not take a toll on you. Ayurveda recommends: Dry fruits: To get rid of the hangover, soak some dry fruits the night before and eat them in the morning. Figs, dates or black raisins are great for reducing Pitta and fighting dehydration. Draksharishta: Consume 15 ml of this Ayurvedic tonic mixed with an equal amount of water after meals. It helps the health of the liver and digestion. Head massage: At my clinic, I prepare a night routine oil with pure sandalwood in it. Use this oil for a head massage followed by a cold shower. Alcohol and Digestive Fire (Agni) Ayurveda places great importance on Agni – the digestive fire. Alcohol, when consumed in large amounts can dampen your Agni, resulting in indigestion, flatulence and toxin build up (Ama). To support your Agni: Eat light, easily digestible meals after drinking Avoid mixing alcohol with fried or heavy foods Drink herbal teas with ginger or fennel to strengthen digestion. An Ayurvedic Perspective on Alcohol “Madhye tu matra gunatmanam, ati doshakaram nrunam.” [Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana Chapter 24, Verse 30] Translation: “Alcohol in moderation is beneficial, but in excess, it becomes harmful.” The key is Yukti – using appropriate judgment. As per Ayurvedic texts, alcohol can act as both nectar and poison. The impact depends on the dose, person and situation. It is, therefore, used in Ayurveda as a solvent in formulations like Asavas and Arishtas. These are herbal preparations created through natural fermentation and are used for specific ailments. Ayurveda sees alcohol addiction as an imbalance in the mind and body. Through detoxification treatments such as Panchakarma, both liver health and mental health can be restored. Too much alcohol disrupts the balance of Doshas, impairs Agni and causes a toxin build-up. Ayurveda emphasizes Madhyama Matra – the middle path of moderation. Small amounts of alcohol, consumed mindfully, may be acceptable, but overindulgence is harmful. Instead of the conventional alcoholic drinks, you can opt for Ayurvedic drinks such as Herbal Teas or Draksha Rasa (grape juice). They not only satisfy the palate but also provide nourishment and balance. Fermented drinks like Takra (buttermilk) and herbal infusions are better alternatives. These drinks are light on the system, assist in digestion and support Dosha balance. A Quick Reality Check So, before you raise a glass at your next gathering, remember that alcohol is not essential to celebration. Ayurveda inspires us to live a life with balance and mindfulness. If you decide to drink, do so responsibly, and always pair it with self-care practices to minimize harm. Or better yet, explore Ayurvedic alternatives that nourish both body and soul. Alcohol can be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be the whole thing. Choose balance, moderation, and care for your body because health is the ultimate wealth! 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.

Gut Health – Unlocking the Power of Ayurvedic Foods for Digestion

From bloating and constipation to IBS and diarrhoea, poor digestive health has become a sign of modern times. A sedentary lifestyle, improper meal times, unhealthy food choices and mental stress are some of the modern-day contributors to poor gut health. It is alarming to note that nearly 40% of adults suffer from gut issues, ranging from heartburn and bloating to acid reflux and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). According to Ayurveda, poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases. So, neglecting these problems could lead to severe conditions like colon cancer. The Reasons Your Gut Is Not Happy Fatigue, IBS, constipation, bloating, diarrhoea, unintentional weight changes, etc. are all signs of poor gut health. If you see it from the Ayurvedic perspective, Then, it’s time for you to hurry up and consult a doctor. One of the main reasons for your gut health issues is lack of sleep. The role of good sleep in digestive health is, however, often overlooked. Serotonin is produced in the gut; therefore, any imbalance can significantly affect its production. A weakened immune system can also lead to poor gut health. Your body is not capable of fighting diseases as it has not absorbed nutrients from the food. Another reason for digestive issues is excessive consumption of incompatible and processed foods. The Gut-Mind Connection The gut-mind connection has been scientifically proven. Unlike the popular adage ‘You are what you eat,’ Ayurveda believes that ‘you are what you digest’. Healthy digestion is vital to wellness. In Ayurveda, gut health is derived from ‘Agni’ – the digestive fire. It not only has a bearing on your digestion process, but it also influences your emotions and thoughts. Most digestive problems arise due to an imbalance in Agni. This imbalance in turn affects the Doshas and accumulates Ama or toxins. The GI system and the central nervous system are deployed and connected. Food can trigger mood changes. Ayurveda says, “Rogah sarve api mande agnou,” meaning, a low Agni or poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases – be it physical or emotional. It means your gut and mind are connected. Following a regular daily routine or Dinacharya is intrinsic to wellness as per Ayurveda. This regularity also goes a long way in maintaining a healthy nervous and digestive system. Furthermore, Ayurveda recommends mindful eating, which, in a way, means the mind and the gut are connected. Additionally, mindful eating is about involving all your senses as you eat. It makes you aware of the quality and taste of the food and portion control. This nourishes the inner Agni, thereby ensuring balanced digestion. Ayurvedic Ways to Keep Your Agni Balanced Here are different ways to keep your Agni on balance: Follow a diet with foods that are simple, light and easy to digest. Be consistent with your mealtimes. Avoid overeating. Avoid incompatible food combinations. Eat your dinner early. Have three meals every day. Maintain a gap of about 2 to 3 hours between your dinner and bedtime. Follow Dinacharya. Keep your body well hydrated. Avoid cold drinks and ice water as it dampens your Agni. Avoid processed and frozen foods. Have warm, freshly cooked foods instead. Ayurvedic Remedies To Soothe Your Gut Here are some Ayurvedic remedies that work best for your gut health: Consume black raisins to support digestive health. They relieve constipation and provide much-needed minerals and nutrients. Guduchi is an Ayurvedic herb that helps soothe gut inflammation. Consume it if you suffer constipation or poor appetite. Add licorice or Yashtimadhu to tea to soothe an acidic gut. Add cinnamon to tea or milk to promote better digestion. It acts as an antioxidant to eliminate oxidative compression in the gut. Use cardamom to reduce inflammation. Furthermore, it alleviates symptoms of indigestion, gas, and bloating. People have used cloves for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Triphala – a combination of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki can be consumed for better nutrient absorption and relief from constipation. Relieve nausea by drinking ginger tea. Add ginger while cooking to promote digestive health. Consume fennel to boost digestion. You can either chew fennel seeds after your meals. Alternatively, brew a fennel tea and have it. Carom seeds or ajwain is a wonderful carminative. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce bloating, gas, and digestive tract inflammation. Use black pepper and long pepper in food or tea to enhance digestive power. Practices For Better Digestive Health Incorporate these practices into your daily life to improve your digestive health: Try meditation to reduce the stress and anxiety that is part of modern-day life. Not only will you have better gut health, but you will also experience a healthier mental and emotional state. Eat foods that align with your Prakriti (body type). This helps prevent Dosha imbalances. Eat seasonal food. This practice maintains energy balance. Local produce is best as it is fresh and has not travelled thousands of miles to get to your plate. Enjoy your food but keep your gut happy too. Have foods that are easy to digest and follow mindful eating. Keep yourself active. Follow an exercise regimen that suits your age, fitness levels, and overall condition. Daily walks can kindle the Agni and build your digestive capacity. Though the principles of Ayurveda date back several thousand years, they hold relevance even today. Ayurveda gives utmost importance to gut health as it has an impact on your overall health. So, have foods that are digestible, follow a daily routine and keep away from stress. If you need any help with your diet. 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.

All About Eye Health – the Ayurvedic Perspective

Ayurveda extends its healing touch to almost every part of our being – this also includes our eyesight. When it comes to caring for our eyes, physical needs and energies that influence eye health – Ayurveda covers it all. For example, Netra Basti/Tarpana, are age-old Ayurvedic therapies that promote eye health. Ayurvedic Perspective on Eye Health Before exploring the therapies, we should first understand what Ayurveda thinks of eye care.According to the principles of Ayurveda, occular health is intricately linked to the balance of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha altogether). It is also connected to the proper functioning of Dhatus (tissues), and the clarity of channels (Strotas) within. Any imbalances in these elemental forces can lead to eye disorders – whether it’s dryness, excessive straining or something more serious like cataracts and glaucoma. Key Principles of Ayurvedic Eye Care Ayurveda has listed out various principles for Ayurvedic eye care. Panchakarma for Eye Detoxification Ayurveda has prescribed panchakarma therapies for eye care. Some popular ones are Netra Basti and Netra Tarpana. Netra Basti, called an eye oil bath, relieves various eye-related issues. In this therapy, a small dough dam is built around the eyes. The dough is made using a mix of flour/black gram paste. Then, warm medicated oil (preferably organic black sesame oil) is poured into the dam. The warmth of the oil enhances blood circulation and issues like dryness and fatigue/strain get fixed. Netra Tarpana is also almost the same, but instead of medicated oil, medicated ghee (clarified butter) is used. The ghee is also warmed like oil, and this therapy works best for individuals suffering from degenerative eye disorders. Herbal Care Ayurveda gives much importance to herbs. Ayurvedic herbs like Triphala, Amla (Indian Gooseberry) and saffron are popular for their rejuvenating properties. People have been using these herbs altogether to support eye health for years. For example, Triphala eye washes and Amla-based eye tonics are used to improve vision, reduce inflammation and prevent age-old degeneration. Padabhyanga One great way to maintain the eye health with Ayurveda is by doing Padabhyanga, i.e., massaging the feet with organic black sesame oil every night before bed. Dosha Balancing for Proper Vision When your Doshas are not in balance, it has an effect on your overall health and that includes the health of your eyes. One has to follow Ayurvedic lifestyle practices to maintain Doshas, like daily routines (Dinacharya), and stress management techniques. Cooling foods, gentle eye exercises and relaxation techniques pacify your Aggravated Doshas and help with eye strains. Agni Optimisation Also known as digestive fire, Ayurveda emphasizes the role of Agni in occular health. An impaired digestion leads to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) which often affects vision. Once the digestive function has improved through dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes including nutrient absorption for supporting healthy vision. Other Ayurvedic Remedies for Eye Care In addition to the above-mentioned practices, Ayurveda has laid out specific remedies for eye care. Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) How even is this related to eyes? Well, Anulom Vilom is a popular Pranayama technique that helps balance the flow of Prana (life force energy). And this flow of Prana in the body includes eyes as well. Try regularly practising this breathing technique as it enhances oxygenation and eye circulation. Ayurvedic Eye Exercises Next comes simple eye exercises. Try focusing on distant objects, and rotating your eyes in all directions. These exercises can relax the eye muscles. It also improves flexibility and gives relief from strain. Ayurvedic Remedies for Dry Eyes Coming to specific concerns, Ayurveda also offers remedies for dry eyes. Apply rose water or aloe vera gel to soothe dry eyes. You can also incorporate ghee (clarified butter) and healthy fats into your diet. The reason is that fats support lubrication and help moisture retention. Ayurvedic Remedies for Vision Improvement Ayurveda has many offers for vision improvement. It recommends consuming nutrient-rich foods like carrots, spinach, almonds and Indian gooseberry (Amla) for improved vision and eliminating degenerative eye conditions. Ayurvedic Treatment for Glaucoma Next comes Glaucoma. There are multiple Ayurvedic treatments available for this condition. These treatments focus on reducing intraocular pressure and improving blood circulation to the eyes. The therapies include herbal formulations like Guggulu and Punarnava. Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations for Healthy Eyes Maintaining healthy eyes involves adopting a balanced diet and lifestyle practices that support eye health. Here are some recommendations: Nutrient-Rich Diet After therapy and remedies come recommendations. Ayurveda always focuses on taking foods rich in vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants into your diet. Eat as many leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds and fatty fish as required. As this food not only nourishes your body, but even protects the eyes. And the most important point to remember is to follow a diet that aligns with your Prakriti (body type). You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor to figure out your Prakriti and to recommend an Ayurvedic diet accordingly. Hydration Our life schedule can sometimes get tiring. But that should not stop you from drinking enough water. At least three litres of water daily will maintain hydration in your body. It will prevent dryness, a factor that contributes to eye discomfort and fatigue. Protective Eyewear During summers, swear by your sunglasses or protective eyewear. Ayurveda may not have talked about sunglasses, but Ayurveda has talked about sun protection. The eyes are the seat of Pitta, the fire element. Hence it is important to keep the eyes protected against any kind of warm practices, including warm compresses and looking directly at the sun. In the olden times, people used to carry umbrellas in the summer for sun protection. These days it has become “old fashioned” and we carry them only during rain.… Continue reading All About Eye Health – the Ayurvedic Perspective