Is horse gram good for Pitta bodies?

Horse gram is a popular legume that is often consumed in South India. It is rich in fibre and protein and is great for people looking to lose their weight. However, horse gram is not ideal for all, especially if you are a Pitta body. Pitta Dosha is one of the three Doshas (biophysical energies). This Dosha is responsible for digestion and all metabolic activities as well as maintaining body heat. However, when Pitta aggravates, it can lead to problems like acidity, inflammation and skin issues.  So, if you have a Pitta predominant body type, having horse gram can do more harm that good.    Nature of Horse Gram    Horse gram is considered hot and dry, and it has a spicy taste. These qualities can make Pitta Dosha even more imbalanced because Pitta is already hot. Eating spicy and hot foods can make your body even hotter and cause issues like heartburn and inflammation.  Also, horse gram can be hard to digest. People with a lot of Pitta already have strong digestion, and eating tough-to-digest foods can strain the digestive system and lead to problems. This can create toxins (Ama) in the body, making Pitta Dosha even worse.  Furthermore, horse gram is drying, and Pitta individuals tend to have dry skin and hair. Eating drying foods can make these issues worse and lead to dryness in the digestive system, causing constipation and other stomach problems.  According to Ayurveda, it is best to eat foods that help balance your Doshas. So, if you have a lot of Pitta, it is better to eat foods that cool your body down and keep it hydrated. Some examples of these cooling foods are cucumber, coconut, melons and leafy greens.  Horse gram is not the best choice for people with a lot of Pitta in their bodies because it is hot, hard to digest, and drying. If you are a Pitta person, it is better to focus on eating foods that cool you down and keep you hydrated to balance your Dosha and stay healthy.    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 Cold Showers is Harmful for You ?

Every time I post about warm baths, people ask me if cold showers and cold plunges are good. And for the answer, I would say that it is not an Ayurvedic practice.     Here is why.    Your internal environment is warm, i.e., your body needs warmth for digestion, circulation and all metabolic processes.    Just imagine how during winters, because the external environment is cold, your body tries to keep the internal environment warm. Similarly, when you do cold plunges, your body will have to work hard to preserve that warmth.    Do you really want your body to work so hard?  No!       Effect of cold showers on your body      When you plunge yourself in cold water, you are only aggravating the Vata and increasing the cold. This can mean aches, pains, muscle stiffness, dryness, low metabolism, impaired digestion and imbalanced hormones!    Cold plunges and showers can be stressful on the body, especially if done regularly or for extended periods. This can lead to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, which can negatively impact the immune system, digestion, and mental health. In Ayurveda, stress is considered a major contributor to disease. So, it is important to avoid anything that causes unnecessary stress on the body.    Cold temperatures can negatively impact the neurological system and this can result in a number of physical and mental health problems. The neurological system is in charge of everything, including respiration, digestion, and sleep. Anxiety, sleeplessness, digestive problems and even chronic pain can result from a disturbed neural system.    Warm showers, on the contrary, are Vata subsiding and are best recommended in Ayurveda. As an Ayurvedic doctor, I’d recommend always listening to your body. After all, what it needs is warmth.     Who can do cold plunges/showers?   If you are someone who is habituated to taking bath in cold water, you can continue doing so. This is because it has become “Satmya” for you (favourable by habit). It won’t cause any disturbance in the body.    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.

Have you tried coconut sprouts ?

I have always been fascinated by the coconut tree! It is considered the “tree of life” by many cultures around the world. Coconut trees provide so many different products and is a staple food in many tropical regions. One of the lesser-known parts of the coconut tree is the coconut sprouts. People often overlook this delicious and nutritious delicacy. Coconut sprouts, also known as coconut hearts or palm hearts, are the inner core of the coconut tree’s growing tip. People usually harvest them before the tree has a chance to fully mature, typically when the tree is around three years old. The sprouts are tender and succulent, with a mild flavour that is similar to asparagus or artichokes. One of the best things about coconut sprouts is their nutritional value. They are low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and more. Also being a good source of antioxidants, they help protect against cellular damage and disease.   Ways to prepare coconut sprouts   There are many different ways to prepare coconut sprouts. You can eat them raw, slice and add them to salads or sandwiches, or cook and use them in a variety of dishes. One of my favourite ways to enjoy coconut sprouts is to sauté them with garlic and olive oil. Then serve them as a side dish or add them to a stir-fry. One can also pickle, can, or dry them and use them in soups, stews, and other recipes.   Medicinal properties   In addition to their nutritional and culinary benefits, coconut sprouts also have some medicinal properties. They help regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and boost the immune system. They also have a calming effect on the nervous system and help relieve stress and anxiety.   Despite their many benefits, coconut sprouts are not widely known or available outside of tropical regions. This is partly because they are a relatively rare and delicate crop. And partly because they are not as well-known or popular as other parts of the coconut tree. However, there is growing interest in them and their potential as a sustainable and healthy food source. As someone who has grown up around coconut trees and eaten coconut sprouts many times, I feel lucky to have access to this delicious and nutritious delicacy. I believe that more people should learn about and appreciate their many benefits – both for their health and for the environment. By promoting coconut sprouts and other underutilized crops, we can help diversify our diets and support more sustainable and resilient food systems.   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 Have you tried coconut sprouts ?

Why Ash Gourd Juice is Great for the Mind?

If your mind is like a monkey jumping from one thought to other, then Ayurveda has a remedy for you. Sushruta – one of the three main authors of Ayurveda explains a simple remedy with ash gourd to calm your mind. The ancient ayurvedic remedy known as ash gourd, also called winter melon, recognizes for its calming benefits. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels and improves mental clarity. This is even prescribed as a medicine for conditions like psychosis You can use this simple recipe for the ultimate calming effect on your mind. Blend the ash gourd after boiling it in water and add a small quantity of Mishri (rock sugar). Consume a small portion of this juice – not more than 30ml after breakfast by around 11:00 am daily. However, experts advise not to consume this on an empty stomach as it may adversely affect your physical well-being.   Ash Gourd and Doshas     Ash gourd can subside Vata and Pitta Dosha in the body and has a very cooling potency. However, people having underlying issues like colds, asthma, and sinusitis should take care while taking it due to its cooling properties. Asian cuisine traditionally uses the nutrient-dense vegetable for its medicinal properties. Ash gourd is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains a unique type of fiber called pectin, which has been shown to promote gut health and boost immunity. It  also helps improve digestion and promote healthy weight loss. Also it helps in treating acid reflux, bleeding disorders and constipation problems. It  also acts as an aphrodisiac, which increases sexual potency and improves your sexual health. With its versatile use in Ayurvedic medicine, ash gourd can be a great choice for anyone looking for natural ways to bring more balance and peace into their lives.   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 I became an Ayurvedic Doctor?

As a full-time ayurvedic doctor, I pack my days from 6 am to 8 pm. Beyond patient consultations, my responsibilities include team meetings, product and medicine supervision, and creating content about Ayurveda.  Despite my busy schedule, I make it a point to remain active on social media. Here’s why.  Right Information First and foremost, I believe that the choices we make in life should stem from awareness rather than ignorance. My ultimate goal, dream or vision is to bring global acceptance to Ayurveda.  Some individuals write books, some deliver talks, and I create content – it’s as simple as that.  Consider this: There’s no money to be made if everyone enjoys good health. The real money lies in selling sickness. The medical, pharmaceutical, and diagnostics industries, consequently, all thrive on this unfortunate reality! The beauty of Ayurveda, unlike other medical systems, is that it not only talks about treating diseases, but also an equally bigger wing – prevention. And let me ask you this: Is there much money to be made from prevention? No, there isn’t.  That’s precisely why large corporate companies around the world conduct wellness programs and even have dedicated wellness departments that hold wellness talks and the like to raise awareness about prevention. Even if it looks like the act of engaging employees, the hidden agenda is also to help insurance premiums. It’s a great example – there’s no fortune in wellness, only in illness. Ayurveda, on the other hand, as a system of medicine, beautifully embodies the concept of prevention.  Coming back to the financial aspect of sickness, the modern pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries heavily rely on medical professionals and their practices. Trust me when I say that numerous pharmaceutical companies and diagnostic labs reach out to me, asking me to refer their lab tests and medicines for my patients.  The perks offered can be quite enticing, in fact, they come with promises of international travel and more.  We have all been wired subconsciously by marketing strategies. For instance, let’s talk about the culture of blood tests. Even if you’re dealing with a specific health condition, it’s entirely ethical, therefore, for a doctor to recommend relevant tests.  These tests, therefore, aid in accurate diagnosis and, in turn, help plan the most suitable treatment.  This is a standard practice and I do it too.  That’s doing blood tests for diagnosing diseases. That’s a thing.  But what about running blood tests to diagnose health itself? I’m not just talking about blood tests; I’m referring to DNA tests, food intolerance tests, food allergy tests and countless others. Even children as young as 3 or 4 years old undergo such tests – all in the name of diagnosing health. I understand that not everyone may agree with what I’m saying and that’s okay – that’s how marketing has deeply ingrained certain beliefs and preferences within our minds.  People love to be comfortable. We’re surrounded by every possible convenience to make our lives comfortable. People prefer to hear what makes them comfortable. They gravitate toward familiar narratives. But when someone presents ideas that challenge their preconceptions, they get uncomfortable. Here is a lot of misinformation or programmed information around. I aim to bring your awareness, therefore, by giving you the right information.  Since what I share may differ from what you’re accustomed to hearing, it may make you uncomfortable. But that “uncomfortableness” is even a word, then it  will challenge you and make you think.  That’s why I exist for you – to offer knowledge about Ayurveda and health that is real, practical and authentic.   As I mentioned at the beginning, I firmly believe that the health choices we make should be based on awareness rather than ignorance.  And for that very reason, 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 Why I became an Ayurvedic Doctor?

Coconut Water in Ayurveda

Ayurveda places great importance on natural remedies and nutrition for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Tender coconut water is one of the most treasured natural remedies in Ayurveda.  This refreshing drink is rich in nutrients and has numerous health benefits, making it a staple in Ayurvedic practices. 

Why do you get diseases?

While we readily acknowledge and celebrate birth, the topics of diseases and death often evoke fear and discomfort. Similar to birth, in addition, death and diseases are inevitable aspects of life. While death is unavoidable, you can take preventive measures to resist one of the major causes of it – diseases!   Why do you get diseases?   Caraka Samhita mentions 5 reasons why diseases are caused.     Mithya Ahara Vihara Adopting an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, commonly referred to as “lifestyle diseases.     Asathmya Indriyatha Samyoga Misuse of the senses can cause imbalance of the body and the mind, leading to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body.     Karma   According to Ayurveda, Karma refers to actions and their outcomes, including the diseases one experiences. They are often a result of our past actions.     Kaala   With the passage of time, the body naturally weakens, its immune system becomes less effective and it becomes more susceptible to various diseases.     Prajnaparadha   Ayurveda considers Prajnapradha – an offense against wisdom – as the main cause of all diseases; therefore, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental clarity and insight. In life, where there is hope, there is also despair. Just as normalcy coexists with adversity, similarly, birth accompanies death and disease. While there are certain aspects beyond our control, there are also elements that we have complete control over. It is within our power to take meaningful actions, right at this moment. I will cite an example: You may not be able to naturally reverse the grey hair or that wrinkle that appears after 30 to how it looked when you were 16. But we can do a daily Abhyanga to keep up the youth of skin and hair! The key is to take small steps and approach life one day at a time, striving to live a life free from disease through every means available to us.   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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Temperature Of The Water You Should Drink

 Human body is made up of 50-70% water. Also, our body needs water for the cells and tissues to be hydrated as well as to maintain the body temperature. It is also vital for many other functions of the body. Men should drink 2.5 litres and women should drink 2 litres of water per day. (The numbers represent placeholders for the actual quantities).  Ayurveda says water is “Jeevana” – enlivening, water is “Tarpana” – satiating, water is “Hladi” – gives joy, water is “Amrutopama” – like nectar!  But what is the right temperature of water that you should be drinking?  Hot water?  Warm water?  Room temperature water?  Internet says something, books say another! It is confusing, isn’t it?  Rather than the kind of water that everyone should drink, Ayurveda has clear-cut recommendations on who should drink what. In this blog, let us explore, furthermore, the type of water you should drink, as mentioned in Ashtanga Hridaya Sutra Sthana.    Room temperature water    According to Ayurveda, room temperature water is water that is boiled and cooled down to room temperature.   Drinking room temperature water is more beneficial than warm water in these conditions:  After having alcohol   If you are tired, exhausted or feeling giddy  If you are extremely thirsty  If you have been out in the sun  If you have bleeding disorders  If you have food poisoning     Warm water      According to Ayurveda, drinking warm water, in fact, makes you feel lighter. It also helps improve Kapha Dosha. Drinking warm water also helps reduce the chances of you feeling hungry, thus preventing overeating and reducing your urge to consume junk food.     Drinking warm water is better in these conditions:  If you have less appetite  If you have low digestive fire  If you have throat pain or sore throat  If you have fever, cough, cold  If you have aches and pains  If you have flatulence  Ayurveda does not recommend drinking cold water as it cools down the digestive fire (Agni), thus affecting your digestive process.   Ayurveda also has certain guidelines for drinking water – taking small sips, drinking water while standing and not immediately before or after having food, being some of them.     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.

Immunity Boosting With These 5 Foods

Ayurveda defines strong immunity as a result of good digestion, strong Agni (digestive fire), good liver functioning and a balanced endocrine system. There are many natural foods available that help enhance your immunity. According to Ayurveda, you should add these  foods to your diet to boost your immune system.   The 5 Foods to Boost Immunity:   Amla (Indian gooseberry) Amla has more Vitamin C than in Acai or oranges and has rich anti-oxidant properties that help protect our blood cells from oxidative stress and enhance immune cell function. The Vitamin C in Amla thus helps prevent as well as recover from different types of infections, like common cold. Amla suits every body type and is easy to digest.   Dates According to Ayurveda, drinking warm water, in fact, makes you feel lighter. The fruit is rich in immunity-boosting elements, such as magnesium, copper, selenium antioxidant, etc. that are necessary for immune response.   Ghee (clarified butter) Ghee benefits the Sapta Dhatus (7 tissue systems) of the body and is rich in antioxidants. It has both gut-health-boosting and detoxification properties that are great for the immune system.   Dry ginger Dry ginger is rich in antioxidants. It helps build immunity and reduce inflammation. It is also great for the digestive system.   Black raisins Black raisins improve blood quality and have the potential to reduce the inflammatory response. They are also loaded with vitamins and minerals that help boost the immune system and recover from infections.   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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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.