Medicines in Ayurveda and Allopathy – Is It Okay to Take Together

  “Can I take Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines together?”   This is the frequent question asked by my patients, and the answer is NO. Ayurveda and Allopathy are two entirely different systems of medicines.    Ayurveda    As an Ayurvedic doctor, my line of treatment mainly includes diagnosing and treating the root cause of health conditions. The treatment involves dietary and lifestyle changes and mild Ayurvedic medicines and Panchakarma detoxification, if necessary.    The main intent of my treatment is to correct the digestive fire (Agni) of the patient. This is because according to Ayurveda, an imbalanced Agni is the root cause of all diseases (Rogasarve api mande agnou).   When I say Agni or gut health, I am taking care of your liver health which is crucial for digestion. The liver has two main functions- one is fat metabolism, and the other is detoxification. When you are putting yourself on so many medications, the liver has to try hard to detoxify them while not helping with the core treatment principle. This is why it is essential not to take too many or strong medications when you’re trying to heal from one condition.    If you thought all Ayurvedic medicines are good, you’re wrong. Ayurvedic medicines containing heavy metals and strong herbs, like Ashwagandha or  Shatavari can only have adverse effects on your health.    That is why 80% of my treatment involves food and the rest 20% involves medicines. If at all I have to recommend Ayurvedic medicines to a patient, I usually provide them with the mild ones I and my team make at our unit that contain only locally sourced mild herbs.   This can help your system and your own body to heal by itself by giving it the ideal environment for it to perform better. But it will take a few months.     Allopathy   Allopathy focuses on taking care of the symptoms of a health condition through medication. Hence, the mode of treatment is at a faster pace. The health condition may return in the long run if only its symptoms are suppressed.   Why you shouldn’t mix Allopathy and Ayurveda   There are differences between Ayurveda and Allopathy in terms of medication production, therapy administration, and health approach. Every medical practice, including Allopathy and Ayurveda, has benefits and drawbacks. So, having both Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines together does not seem ideal.   There are many Ayurvedic medications, including tablets of Sudarsana, Anu Thailam, Histantin, and other formulations, that can serve as safe and efficient substitutes for their Allopathic equivalents. Therefore, it is better to focus on one medical system at a time.     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.

Himalayan Birch And Its Medicinal Benefits

I discovered Himalayan birch, also known as Bhojpatra or Bhurja, during my recent trip to Kashmir. The tree holds so much importance in Ayurveda, owing to its amazing properties!   What is Himalayan birch?   The perennial Himalayan birch (Betula utilis) is a member of the Betulaceae family of trees.It grows in neutral, essential and acidic soils. Originally from the Himalayas, the tree is currently found in China, Bhutan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, India, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Kazakhstan and Pakistan. People used it for writing in the past. Because of its anti-dandruff properties, it also has cosmetic applications.  The therapeutic properties of Himalayan birch are numerous, and it is a unique source of phytochemical substances.    Medicinal properties   Bhojpatra has many medicinal properties that make it an ingredient in Ayurvedic medicines. It belongs to a group of herbs that are proven to be anti-diabetic. The bark of  the tree is fragile and lightweight, like paper and is used in making medicines to reduce diabetes. One of the most important Ayurvedic medicines made with this herb is Ayaskriti.  It also treats convulsions, bleeding, diarrhea, wound cleaning, earaches, and mental illnesses.   Additional properties   People in the past also utilized the bark of Himalayan birch to make paper.  Kalidasa, the classical Sanskrit author, reportedly wrote his scriptures on specially prepared thin sheets from the bark of this tree. People still use it today as a paper for writing mantras and even wear it as protection in some parts of India.   The Himalayas boast a great wealth of medicinal plants, but it is also sad to know that many of these species now face threats, and loggers, collectors, and climate change have categorized Himalayan birch as “critically endangered.” Himalayan birch is well-known for its therapeutic and helpful properties in Ayurveda. People know that they have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties and mainly use them to make ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. There are a lot more properties of this tree. But the sad part is it is reducing in count due to climatic change and other environmental factors.   Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) and also one of the best ayurvedic doctor in trivandrum city, living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   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.

How Much Food Should You Eat Daily?

According to Ayurveda, food is medicine. Along with routine and medicines, diet is equally important for healing and remaining healthy. That is why it is important to choose the right quantity of food to consume.  Ayurveda gives utmost importance to digestion. An imbalanced digestive fire (Agni) is the reason of all diseases. Therefore, eat mindfully considering your body type or Prakriti and health conditions.  Also, in Ayurveda, the quality of food is more important than quantity and the digestive fire or Agni, is taken into account to decide the amount of food one should consume.      Consumption  of  Food      Due to their poor digestive fire, Kapha individuals frequently have slow digestion. Overeating can result in Ama or toxic waste accumulation, which can cause fatigue, lethargy, weight gain and other health issues. Food should therefore be consumed in moderation by Kapha people. Little, regular meals can help keep the digestive fire going and prevent the buildup of Ama over the day.     On the other hand, Pitta people have a high digestive fire, and consuming less food can lead to acidity and heartburn. Hence, the quantity of food should be more for Pitta individuals. However, it is important to avoid overeating as this can lead to indigestion, inflammation and other health issues. Choosing cooling and hydrating foods can also help balance Pitta and prevent heat-related imbalances.     Vata people have irregular digestion, and it may be good one day but bad on the other. Hence, it is difficult to determine if Vata individuals should consume more or less food. However, one general rule of thumb is to eat until the stomach is half full. This allows enough space for air and water, which aids in digestion and prevents overeating.     In general, all Prakritis can aim at eating food until the stomach is half full. This practice promotes healthy digestion, prevents overeating and allows for mindful eating. It is also essential to avoid distractions while eating, such as watching television or using electronic devices, as this can lead to mindless eating and overconsumption.       Apart from the quantity of food, the quality of food is also important in Ayurvedic nutrition. Eating fresh, seasonal and whole foods that are appropriate for one’s Prakriti can promote overall health and balance. Processed and packaged foods should be avoided as they are typically high in preservatives, additives and other artificial ingredients that can disrupt the balance of the body.     Ayurvedic nutrition places a strong emphasis on mindful eating, which involves focusing on the tastes, textures, and aromas of food while consuming it. In order to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, it also entails taking the time to chew meals thoroughly. Mindful eating can help avoid overeating, which also helps to improve general health and well-being.     In conclusion, choosing the right quantity of food in Ayurvedic nutrition involves considering an individual’s Prakriti and digestive fire. Kapha individuals should consume minimal amounts of food, Pitta individuals should consume more, and Vata individuals should aim for half-full stomachs. Mindful eating and selecting quality, whole foods appropriate for one’s Prakriti are also crucial for promoting balance and 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.

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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Rasnadi Churnam

Rasnadi Churnam is applicable for you only , If you are someone who has – Frequent cold and cough Allergic rhinitis Post nasal drip Sinusitis Headache due to cold   Rasnadi Churnam   Rasnadi is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine with its origins in Kerala. Made from 24 herbs and spices, it not only has anti-inflammatory properties, but also offers additional health benefits.  It also helps in subsiding Vata and Kapha.   How to use?     Apply a pinch on bregma and rub into the scalp after a head shower; furthermore, you may also do this after walking in the rain, swimming, or after Nasya. This prevents frequent cold, cough and headache. It is good for kids, adults and babies too.   My story!     This churna has my heart; indeed, its unique smell takes me back to my school days.  As kids, it was mandatory for my brother and I to oil our hair every morning, take a head shower and apply a pinch of this powder on the head before stepping out of the house. I believe that could be one reason why we never got cough and cold often like other kids.   Small habits, big win!     Health is in the small habits. Try incorporating this simple habit; consequently, you will experience a lot of difference       Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life. 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.