Ayurveda’s Take on Honey

When you think of honey, you probably imagine it drizzled over your breakfast or stirred into your hot tea. But did you know Ayurveda has some surprising views about it ? While honey is celebrated as a potent remedy, its improper use can turn it into a health hazard. In this blog, let’s explore honey through the Ayurvedic lens, unravel its benefits, and understand how to use it properly.     Honey as per Ayurveda     In Ayurveda, honey is known as Madhu.  Acharya Sushruta describes its properties as follows: Sweet (Rasa)  Slightly bitter (Anurasa) Cold and dry (Ruksha Guna)  Ayurveda reveres it for its ability to balance Kapha Dosha and expel mucus, but also warns that it may aggravate Vata Dosha due to its cold and dry properties.     Benefits of According to Ayurveda       Enhances digestion Weak digestion is a sign of aggravated Kapha Dosha. Having honey helps balance  Kapha Dosha and thereby, improves digestion. However, its overconsumption can cause indigestion.    Boosts immunity Rich in antioxidants, fortifies the immune system and aids in detoxification. It supports respiratory health and alleviates symptoms of cough, asthma and other respiratory disorders.   Heals wounds Thanks to its antibacterial properties, honey is effective for wound healing. It prevents infections and speeds up recovery.   Supports reproductive health It nourishes Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue), improving fertility and vitality.   Promotes skin health Honey is ‘Varniya’ as mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, which means it is good for improving the skin complexion. Its natural moisturising and antibacterial properties make it a key ingredient in Ayurvedic skincare. It enhances complexion and fights acne.   Good for throat    It soothes sore throat and helps with cough, irritation, phlegm and tonsils. It can be mixed with other herbs for a sore throat remedy.    Good for the heart                                                                                            It  improves the blood circulatory system and also purifies the blood. For this reason, people consider honey a nectar for heart health.     When Honey Becomes Harmful ?   Despite its benefits, improper use can lead to serious health concerns:   Heated honey is poison Ayurveda warns against consuming honey in any heated form. Whether mixed with warm water, tea, or milk, heated one creates Ama—a toxic substance that clogs the system and leads to various diseases. According to Acharya Charaka, this is called Samskara Viruddha, where processing (heating) changes its properties, harmful.   Not for hot seasons or excess body heat It  is not suitable for people with excess body heat or during hot weather.   Should not be consumed in excess Ayurveda says you should use it in moderation to reap its maximum benefits. Consuming more than the desired quantity  is equal to consuming poison.      How to Use Honey Safely     Opt for raw, natural honey They heat those available in supermarkets to extreme temperatures and package them.  Always choose raw, unprocessed one sourced directly from beekeepers.   Use at room temperature Use it at the room temperature. Heating it can do more harm than good.   Consume in small quantities Ayurveda advises consuming no more than half to one teaspoon  twice a day. Overuse can turn it into poison, just like excess medicine can harm rather than heal.     Fun Fact: Honey and Modern Misconceptions     Did you know that this is a medicine advised for Diabetes in Ayurveda? Still, it is labelled as unsuitable for diabetics by some brands. That’s because many commercial brands are just sugar syrups masquerading as honey! Real one, when used wisely, can actually help manage diabetes.     Honey in Ayurvedic Detox     People use heated or warm honey only in detoxification treatments like Vamana (therapeutic emesis) and Vasti (medicated enema). In these procedures, warmed honey is expelled from the body through mouth and anus, quickly before it gets into the process of digestion.  But internally, Ayurveda warns against its use in any heated form – directly or mixed with warm milk, warm water, warm lemon water, or tea, etc. Ayurveda explains that warm honey is a slow poison that causes “Ama” or toxicity in the body and its properties turn to that of a poison once inside the body. Ama is a condition where the mucous and toxicity of the body increases leading to many diseases. So, the next time you reach for that jar of honey, remember these Ayurvedic insights.  What’s your favourite way to use honey? Tell us in the comments.    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 Diet and the Art of Mindful Eating

An Ayurvedic diet is a major part of my treatment plan for my patients for all health conditions. According to Ayurveda, food is medicine. It not only provides you energy to sustain, but it also heals you. I am someone who gives importance to diet.  80% of my treatment involves food and the rest 20% involves medicines.    If you know me, you might have seen me talking about gut health all the time. Poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases. So, the best way to have a balanced gut health is to have foods that are suitable for you.    Ayurveda believes that each person is unique. That’s why each of my patients is given a personalized diet plan tailored to suit their body type (Prakriti), Dosha imbalances and health conditions.   In this blog, let us explore more about the power of the Ayurvedic diet.   Understanding Ayurvedic Nutrition   Ayurveda defines good health (as mentioned in Sushruta Samhita) as follows:   “Sama Dosha Sama Agnischa Sama Dhatu Mala Kriyaaha Prasanna Atma  Indriya Manaha Swastha Iti Abhidheeyate”    A person is in good health when their Doshas, Agni, Dhatus (body tissues) and Mala (waste products) are in balance. Also, the Mana (mind), Indriyas (sense organs) and Atma (soul) of the person must be in a pleasant state.    And for all these to be in balance, food plays an important role. Food, when not digested, turns into Ama (toxins). The accumulation of Ama in the body, therefore, causes imbalances in your Agni and Doshas; as a result, this can lead to diseases.  That’s why it is important to have light, digestible foods that suit you.   Furthermore, Ayurveda emphasizes the significance of consuming locally sourced and seasonal foods. It’s crucial to adjust your diet to accommodate changes in weather and seasons. This helps keep your dominant Doshas in check and boost your immunity according to the season.    Foods based on your Doshas   Each person has a unique constitution of the three Doshas, out of which one or two may be predominant. So, it is important to eat foods that help balance out your predominant Doshas. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor to figure out your Prakrit as well as Dosha imbalances and to guide you regarding your diet.   Vata Dosha   Vata Dosha is associated with the characteristics of air and space; moreover, it embodies qualities such as lightness and mobility. This Dosha governs movement, creativity and communication. Vata people are full of energy, possess great creativity and have quick-thinking abilities. Imbalanced Vata can result in feelings of anxiety, fidgetiness and difficulties with digestion.   Foods to balance Vata: Hot and prepared foods, such as soups, thick stews and vegetables cooked by steaming. Healthy fats, like ghee, avocado and sesame oil. Basic spices, such as cumin, ginger and cinnamon.   Pitta Dosha   Pitta Dosha is, indeed, the combination of fire and water in the body. Furthermore, it regulates the body’s energy usage and, consequently, the process of breaking down food for energy. Pitta people tend to be passionate, committed, and able to maintain their focus on objectives. However, an imbalance in Pitta may manifest as irritability, inflammation, and digestive issues.   Foods to balance Pitta: Cooling foods like Cucumber, mint, and coconut. Foods with robust and intense tastes, such as pungent leafy greens and fenugreek.   Avoid overindulging in extremely spicy, sour or fried foods.   Kapha Dosha   Kapha Dosha, resembling the elements of earth and water, provides the body with solidity, power and hydration. Individuals who possess a robust Kapha constitution typically exhibit composure, compassion and willingness to assist others. Excessive Kapha can result in feelings of fatigue, weight gain and congestion.   Foods to balance Kapha: Warm and spicy foods, such as red peppers, garlic, and ginger are great.  Leafy greens, beans and quinoa are examples of foods that are not heavy and do not leave you feeling overly satiated.   Limit your consumption of dairy and high-fat foods.   Foods that promote healing   Ayurveda categorizes foods based on their taste (Rasa), potency Virya), and post-digestive effect (Vipaka). Incorporating the six tastes – sweet (Madhura), sour (Amla), salty (Lavana), bitter (Tikta), pungent (Katu) and astringent (Kashaya) – ensures a well-rounded diet that satisfies the body’s needs and promotes healing.   Many everyday ingredients possess remarkable healing properties, according to Ayurveda. Turmeric, for instance, is revered for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a staple in Ayurvedic cuisine. Other examples include ginger, cilantro, and cumin, each offering unique health benefits. To reset gut health, emphasis is placed on easily digestible foods such as cooked vegetables, whole grains like basmati rice, and nourishing soups.  Ayurvedic nutrition extends beyond physical health to encompass mental and spiritual well-being. Therefore, have foods like almonds, saffron, and ghee that help nourish the mind and enhance spiritual awareness.   Foods based on seasons   According to Ayurveda, there are 7 seasons (Ritu) – Vasanta Ritu (spring), Greeshma Ritu (summer), Varsha Ritu (monsoon), Sharad Ritu (autumn), Hemanta Ritu (late autumn or pre-winter) and Shishira Ritu (winter).   Seasonal changes, consequently, affect your body and, as a result, bring about imbalances in your Doshas and Agni. So, it is important to eat accordingly.   During Vasanta Ritu, consume dry (Ruksa) and cold (Sheeta) foods. You can have foods with Madhura (sweet) taste during Greeshma Ritu. Foods with Lavana Rasa are the best for Varsha Ritu.  During Sharad Ritu, have dry and cold foods with Madhura, Tikta and Kashaya Rasas.  Snigdha (unctuous) and Ushna (hot) foods are, therefore, best suited for Hemanta and Shishira Ritu.   Ayurvedic principles of eating   Here are the 10 principles of eating (Ahara vidhi vidhana) recommended by Ayurveda: Ushnamashneeyat: Eat warm food. Snigdhamashneeyat: Eat unctuous food (not dry). Matravadashneeyat: Eat the right quantity. Jeerneashneeyat: Eat food only after the previous meal gets digested. Viryaavairudhamashneeyat: Eat compatible foods. Ishtadeshe ishtasarvopakaramashneeyat: Eat food in a good place and also, ensure you… Continue reading Ayurvedic Diet and the Art of Mindful Eating

Meals That Fit Your Lifestyle

Meals are structured times for eating, typically consisting of a variety of foods that provide essential nutrients and energy.   Do you know which animal that eats 7-8 small meals daily? The answer is “only humans!” Modern medicine and even many online sources say eating multiple small meals is beneficial. But what does Ayurveda have to say?   The Ayurvedic perspective   According to Ayurveda, contrary to the principles of modern nutrition, eating multiple small meals a day will not keep the metabolism strong. It works the opposite way – it lowers your “Agni” or digestive fire!    Eat when you are hungry   Ayurveda says you should only eat when hungry and stop when you feel full. When you feel hungry, it indicates that your digestive enzymes are fully produced to the highest extent. Therefore, your body will break down the food you eat properly.   Ayurveda advises eating proper full meals 4 hours apart, sitting down, without talking.   Eat mindfully   It also suggests enjoying food with all your senses – touch, feel, smell, look, and listen to it! Eating four times a day has proven to assist some people in controlling their blood sugar levels and avoiding overindulging in larger meals.. Remember that the caliber and amount of food eaten at these meals matters just as much as how often they occur.   Give time to digest   After eating a proper full meal, you should allow the body time to digest the food entirely and form hunger. Once hunger is created and the previous food is completely digested, and you see signs like udgarasuddhi (belching without the smell or taste of the last meal), you can have the next meal. This usually takes 3.5 to 4 hours. It is essential to wait for hunger to form well before the next meal as it allows you to understand your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues.   Be consistent   Eating on time is very important too, ideally around the same time every day! Eating on time every day helps your body adjust to a set routine. Maintaining a regular eating schedule encourages the body to acquire all the energy it needs and, in turn, reduces the intake of sugar, junk food, and fast food. Planning your meals and snacks can help you eat better and have more energy throughout the day. This keeps your body working at its best all day. Consistently eating at regular times each day helps our bodies recognize hunger cues. This enables you to identify your hunger better and satisfy it healthily.   Let’s start eating like real humans again! Will you still be eating 7-8 meals a day after this?   It’s not about how many times you eat in a day, but how you are consistent with your timings and what you eat that counts! This helps improve your digestion and your life expectancy.     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.

Three foods that should not be used in excess

Do you know in Ayurveda there are some foods that you should not consume in excess quantity as they can negatively affect your health? This is, in fact, mentioned in Caraka Samhita as “Trividha Varjya Dravya.   Trividha Atisevana Varjya Dravya means that, therefore, three substances should not be taken for a long time. The three substances are Pippali, Kshara and Lavanga. These foods, when used in excess, cause vitiation of all 3 Doshas. But what is the reason behind this? Let me explain one by one.   Pippali or long pepper   Long pepper is, in fact, one of the unique spices that, moreover, has medical benefits. It is used for treating asthma, cough, obesity, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, indigestion, spleen disorders etc. Despite having medicinal value, it is advisable to not consume it for a long time as it leads to the rise in Kapha. Long pepper is hot in nature and when ingested on a regular basis for a long time, it increases Pitta Dosha and reduces Vata balance. Overall it contributes to the rise of Tridosha. One should always take it, therefore, as per the instructions from your ayurvedic doctor.   Foods with Kshara properties like apple cider vinegar   Apple cider vinegar and all kinds of vinegar come under the category of ‘Kshara’ in Ayurveda.  The properties of Kshara as per Caraka Samhita include  Tikshna = Sharp Ushna Hot Laghu = Light Visoshana = Drying Kledayati = Blocks channels Dahana = Burning Bhedana = Penetrating   What happens when you use Kshara in excess? Bad for the eyes Bad for the hair Bad for the heart   An interesting quote from Caraka Samhita- “Ye hyenam grama nagara nigama janapada: satatamupayunjate te andhashandyakhalityapaalityabhajo hridayapakartinashcha bhavanti“ “People of villages, towns and cities where Kshara is used every day, suffer from blindness, impotency, baldness, grey hair and heart diseases!”   It is ok to have apple cider vinegar a little, as a medicine, if prescribed for a reason. However Ayurveda does not recommend everyday consumption.   Salt   It is one of the tastes every meal should have.    “Lunati iti lavanam“.    Salt has piercing properties; moreover, it helps with easy absorption. Additionally, it is hot, strong, and piercing, and furthermore, it improves digestion.  Salt taste dominates all the other tastes but overconsumption of salt is bad for the eyes, decreases the quality of blood and causes early ageing, baldness, graying and wrinkling. Salt should be minimal in your food if you have gastritis, hypertension, swelling in the body or high fever. Himalayan Pink Salt, in fact, is one of the best salts for everyday use. I advise my patients to use a mix of Himalayan Pink Salt and  normal sea salt to help with iodine needs as well!   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.

Kitchari Myths and the Truth About Its Ingredients

“Kitchari is a nutritious Indian dish consisting of rice and lentils or occasionally mung beans. Highly favored by Ayurvedic practitioners, Kitchari is an ideal dish for purifying the body. It is also comforting when you are not feeling well or bouncing back from overindulgence. Kitchari is unique because it provides both a cleansing and nourishing effect on the body. It is easily digestible, giving your body a chance to rest, assisting in removing toxins from the body and improving the health of the digestive system. Lentils and beans are rich in protein, which can help prevent hunger and reduce fat storage in the body. Kitchari is nourishing and helps keep you satisfied, making it easier to stay committed to the cleanse without feeling hungry. ”   The notion that I have described above is what I have found in Google elaborating all the benefits of Kitchari, but there are some quick facts that I would like to share related to this concept.   Kitchari is the most famous and hyped Ayurvedic Food on the internet. It is a typical Indian lunch dish.   Ayurveda is much more than a Kitchari! There are so many fantastic recipes (I will introduce a few in my future posts) in Ayurveda; why only Kitchari? The fact is, most Kitchari recipes I have come across on the internet and in many Western Ayurvedic cookbooks are totally wrong.    So why is Kitchari, not the real Kitchari?   Firstly, the name itself is wrong! Sanskrit name (Ayurvedic texts): Krsara Indian name (Hindi): Khichdi Internet name: Kitchari (Who named this?)   During my six years in Ayurveda College, I did not have Wi-Fi. I had no access to the outside world. Once I came to Dubai and started reading up things online, I had a revelation – Kichari is synonymous with Ayurveda! Whoever talks about Ayurvedic food talks about the dish!   I had to literally go back to my textbooks to see if I missed something so important! I just realized that’s how the Ayurvedic internet world works and also went through a few Western Ayurvedic books – they also mention the same Kitchari but got all that wrong!   First, it is not made with Basmati Rice (Basmati rice is the most inferior quality of rice according to Ayurveda)   Also, it is not made with coconut oil (Coconut oil is heavy, cold, and difficult to digest).    The new-age Kitchari is heavy and hard to digest, while the real Ayurvedic one is totally digestible, light, and suitable for all Doshas, especially Vata! It is excellent as a mono diet for detoxification, too!    The recipe   This is the (Real) recipe for preparing Kitchari.   Ingredients 12 parts unbroken Sona Masoori rice Eight parts mung beans, a.k.a green gram (soaked) Asafoetida Fresh ginger Ghee Salt to taste   How to prepare: Cook rice and soaked mung beans in water till it comes to a dry oatmeal consistency. In a pan, add one tablespoon of ghee, fresh ginger, asafoetida and turmeric. Add a little salt to taste if you wish, and add to the cooked rice beans mix. That’s it! Simple. Light. Digestive!   Kitchari is one of the most delicious and healthy foods for the diet, but you should focus on preparing it with the correct ingredients and cooking methods. I can name you the most famous western Ayurvedic author, giving Kitchari recipe with Basmati rice and coconut oil, making it totally wrong!! Try to learn and practice Ayurveda directly from authentic Ayurvedic textbooks written by Vagbhata, Caraka, or Susrutha. Trust me, your eyes will open to a whole new world!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Quantity of Food Guide for Optimal Health

In Ayurvedic nutrition, we do not count the calories or weigh the food in grams. The quality of food matters more than quantity.     Ayurveda thinks of food as medicine. This means the choices you make about what you eat can affect your health. When I treat my patients, 80% of the treatment involves coming up and implementing a suitable diet plan considering many factors, like their health conditions, body constitution (Prakriti) etc. And to decide on the quantity, we look at the digestive fire (Agni) of the patient.     Right Quantity of Foods you  should  eat !    Every individual is different and therefore, the quantity of food you can have depends on your Prakriti.     Kapha – less is more!  Kapha people have a low digestive fire and therefore, have a sluggish digestion. Therefore, the quantity of food they consume should be minimal. Excessive consumption easily causes Ama (toxic waste accumulation) and leads to more lethargy, tiredness, weight gain and other conditions.     Pitta- feed the fire!  Pitta people have a high digestive fire. If you eat less, the fire will not be satisfied, leading to acidity and heartburn. Hence the quantity of food should be more.    Vata – I’m unpredictable!  Vata people, on the other hand, have irregular digestion. It may be good one day, but bad on the other. Hence it is difficult to say whether Vata people should eat more or less. However, one general rule you can use is to eat until the stomach is half full.    In general, all Prakriti can aim at eating food until their stomachs are half full (leaving the rest for air and water). However, if you have Kapha or Vata predominance, choose your quantity wisely.  Now if you have no idea what your Prakriti is, please consult an Ayurvedic doctor. Do not attempt those online quizzes as most of them are not accurate.      Rules of eating right quantity of food        Ayurveda has set certain guidelines for eating.  They include the following:    Eat warm food, added with good fats.  Eat the right quantity, after the digestion of the previous meal.  Eat favourable food.  Eat compatible foods.  Do not talk or laugh while eating.  Eat neither too slow nor too fast.   Engage all your senses, body and mind while eating (mindful eating).    The last point is the most important of them all. Be aware of what you eat, how much you eat and how you eat and see how it has a positive impact on your overall health!        If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Goat Milk Good for your health?

There are many discussions going on about whether the goat milk is good for your health or not. And one of the varieties of milk that is part of the debate is goat milk .   In this blog, let us find the answer to the question from the Ayurvedic perspective.   Properties of goat milk   Picture a goat in your mind—it is lean, always active, drinks lots of water and loves eating grass. Surprisingly, its milk also has similar properties. According to Ayurveda, consuming goat milk can help maintain a lean physique, enhance activity levels, boost strength, alleviate Kapha, and prove beneficial for conditions related to dryness and weakness   Ashtanga Hridayam Suthrasthana – an ancient Ayurvedic text mentions the following about goat milk.   Atyambupana vyayama katu tiktaashanair laghu।  ajam shosha jwara swasa rakta pitta atisarajit।।     This milk is beneficial for those who engage in excessive physical activity and consume a lot of water. It has a pungent or bitter taste, making it light and easily digestible. It is beneficial for conditions like emaciation, fever, and shortness of breath It also helps pacify conditions related to bleeding disorders (Rakta Pitta) and is effective in alleviating diarrhoea.   Goat milk for kids   Diluted goat milk with a lot of water is a good replacement for breast milk for babies. It also helps subside loose motions in babies and kids. But make sure that the milk is genuine.   As we navigate through the infinite number of debates surrounding milk consumption, the Ayurvedic perspective sheds light on the goodness of goat milk. It is a nourishing alternative even for babies. Our cultural practices, rooted in the wisdom of Ayurveda, continue to shape our dietary choices.   Whenever a baby is born in my family, the first thing people look for is a good source of goat milk. If you ask my grandmother, she will say  it  has lots of  health benefits for kids. But she may not know the reason.   That is how Ayurveda has been interwoven in our culture. It is high time we are appreciative of our culture and Ayurveda. Let us go back to our roots. Are you with me? Do you have similar doubts regarding your child’s diet? Then join our child care program today! We’ll help you. You can join our  Health Programs  for mind and body detox.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Fruit rules you didn’t know about !

Fruits are nature’s gift to us, packed with essential nutrients and delicious flavours. We all know that eating fruits is good for our health, but did you know there are some lesser-known fruit rules that can make a big difference in how fruits benefit your body?    In this blog, let us explore the five rules about eating fruits that you may not be aware of.    The 5 fruit rules    Choose ripe fruits over sour ones     When it comes to picking fruits, always opt for ripe ones over sour ones. Ripe fruits not only taste better, but they are also easier on your digestive system. If you suffer from acidity, acid reflux, heartburn, gas or bloating, choosing the ripest fruit can make a world of difference.      Eat seasonal fruits     Nature, indeed, has a way of providing us with the right foods at the right time.  Pay attention to the seasons and choose fruits that are in season and grown locally. Seasonal fruits are not only fresher and tastier, but they are also, in addition, more nutritious.”    Do not have dairy with fruits     Never combine dairy with fruits. Mixing dairy products like milk or yogurt with fruits can lead to digestive issues. This combination, can create an imbalance in your gut, thereby causing discomfort, gas, and bloating.   Eat fruits in moderation     Moderation is key when it comes to consuming fruits. While fruits are undoubtedly nutritious, overeating them can have adverse effects on your health.  Fruits, on the other hand, need a different set of digestive tools in order to digest.    Have stewed fruits     If you have gut issues or find it challenging to digest raw fruits, consider having stewed fruits as an alternative. Stewing fruits like pears and peaches, can significantly improve your digestion.   Most importantly, listen to your body!    The most crucial rule of all, is to listen to your body.  You are your best doctor, and no one knows your body better than you do.  Pay close attention to how different foods, including fruits, affect you; also, consider their impact on your overall well-being   If a particular fruit doesn’t agree with you, respect your body’s signals. It is essential to make informed choices about your diet and lifestyle based on your body’s needs. You can either avoid fruits that don’t suit you or work on improving your digestion so that you can enjoy them without any issues.     These five fruit rules can make a significant impact on your overall well-being. Remember, when it comes to your diet, you are in control. So make choices that work best for you and your body.        You can join our  Health Programs for mind and body detox. And If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a   consultation with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries,   contact us. You can also   visit.

Buttermilk Recipe : An Ayurvedic Medicine for Digestive Ease

Buttermilk is considered as a digestive elixir!  There is an old India saying that goes:   “Nectar is to gods; buttermilk is to humans” In my home in Kerala, this is made every day, and consequently, we finish off the lunch (always rice) by having spiced buttermilk. Additionally, Ayurveda considers it as a medicine that alleviates all diseases.    In this blog, I’m sharing you a healthy and delicious recipe that is part of my daily lunch!     Ayurvedic buttermilk recipe      There are different variations of buttermilk explained in Ayurveda, of which this is the Ayurvedic buttermilk recipe traditionally followed in most households in Kerala including mine and in my hospital since many generations.   Ingredients (Makes 1 glass of buttermilk):   2 tablespoons of yoghurt  1.5 glasses of water  Himalayan pink salt  Ginger  Cumin powder  Curry leaves   Coriander leaves    How to prepare:     Churn the yoghurt and water in a blender for 2 minutes. Leave and let it settle for 1 minute. Take the clear liquid out – this is indeed, our magical drink(the traditional version). You can remove the cream part that separates, and then warm it to make ghee. Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt for taste, half inch piece of fresh crushed ginger, a pinch of cumin powder and garnish with curry leaves or coriander leaves. There you have the best kind of buttermilk!    This buttermilk is extremely good to take along with lunch (to finish off the meal) especially during fall and winters.    Benefits     This buttermilk has the following benefits:   Lakhu   Light and helps bring lightness to the body.  Kashaya, Amla  Astringent and sour in taste and is thus ideal to have by the end of your meals. Deepana  Enhances your digestive fire (Agni) and helps digestion.  Kapha, Vatajit   Improves conditions due to increased Kapha and Vata.   However, buttermilk in various forms is, indeed, a known cure for various health conditions.  This is good for irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, malabsorption, initial stages of liver dysfunction, anaemia and skin diseases (both internal and external). It is also, notably, best known for its “lightness” property; consequently, this makes it the best drink if you are trying to lose weight. Looking for more Ayurvedic recipes? If so, read my blogs to learn more   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Ragi Power – Why This Ancient Grain is a Superfood

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