Uses of Kushta in Ayurveda

Do you know that almost 30% of the world’s population has respiratory problems and almost 40% has skin issues once in a lifetime? Kushta offers natural remedies to those everyday issues and makes it possible to live a balanced, harmonious life. Kushta or Saussurea lappa is a potent herb that is used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of health conditions. It is a traditionally well-known drug for skin diseases, bronchial asthma, diarrhoea, haemorrhages and other related problems. The plant is generally tall and robust with purple or blue flowers. It grows well in the cold regions of India, China, and Pakistan.   What is Kushta?   Kushta is a botanical herbaceous plant. Found in the high altitude of the Himalayas, it is a perennial herb and is chiefly used as a medicine in Ayurveda. The uses are listed in Ayurvedic texts numerous times. Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita –  two of the well-known texts of  Ayurveda emphasises on the usages of the herb as a medicine, especially in jirna jwara and other diseases. It helps balance Doshas and enhance Agni (digestive fire). It also helps in eliminating Ama (toxins) from the body, contributing to better digestion and detoxification.   Benefits for Skin Health   Kushta is highly beneficial for skin because of its soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Anti-inflammatory Properties:  Reduces redness on the skin by making it healthy and hence fights conditions like Psoriasis and Eczema.   Antimicrobial Effects: It has the characteristic to fight the infections, thereby keeping the skin clean and healthy.   Wound Healing: It also has healing properties and quickly cures wounds, cuts, burns and injuries.   Detoxification: It  aids in providing healthy glow to the skin through internal cleansing. Due to its purifying properties, it purifies the blood and flushes the toxins out.   Benefits for Respiratory Health   This herb is considered highly beneficial in improving respiratory health as well. It acts as an expectorant, bronchodilator and anti-asthmatic agent. Expectorant Action: It is helpful in loosening and getting rid of mucus  which makes it easy to breathe.       Bronchodilator:  It widens the lumen of bronchi which makes the passage of air quite easy. Mainly, it results  in the relaxation of the bronchial muscles.       Anti- asthmatic: It has been used traditionally in the prevention of asthma. It helps in reducing the  frequency of the attacks.        For cough and sore throat: It has a soothing effect which is helpful in getting relief from cough and sore throat.   How to Use Kushta?    It is used in various forms depending on the condition being treated. Here are some common methods: Kushta Powder: The powdered root can be mixed with honey or water and consumed to treat respiratory issues.   Kushta Oil: Applying this oil topically helps treat skin conditions and promote wound healing.   Kushta Chatni: Kushta Chatni helps derive the maximum amount of nutrients from your meal.   Kustha Decoction: A decoction made from its root is great for detoxifying and respiratory benefits.   Ayurvedic Recipes Using Kushta   Here are some simple Ayurvedic recipes using Kustha that you can try at home for your health: Kushta Honey Mix for Cough: Mix 1 teaspoon of Kushta powder with 1 tablespoon of honey. Take this mixture twice a day to reduce cough and respiratory congestion.   Kushta Oil for Skin Health: Mix a few drops of Kushta oil with coconut oil and apply it to the affected skin areas to reduce inflammation and increase skin glow.   Kushta Tea for Detoxification: Boil 1 teaspoon of Kushta root in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink this tea daily to get toxins out of the body and boost overall health.   Modern Research on Kushta   Modern research supports many of the traditional uses of Kushta . Here are some of its proven benefits in treating various conditions: Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Researches prove Kushta’s significant anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional use in treating inflammatory skin conditions.    Antimicrobial Properties: Studies have demonstrated Kushta’s ability to fight a range of microbial infections, including those affecting the skin and respiratory system.    Respiratory Benefits: Research supports the use of Kustha in managing asthma and other respiratory conditions, highlighting its bronchodilator and expectorant effects.   Integrating Kushta into Daily Life   Incorporating it into your daily routine can be a natural and effective way to boost skin and respiratory health. Here are some tips: Daily Herbal Tea: Start your day with a cup of Kushta tea to support digestion and detoxification.   Topical Applications: Use Kushta-infused oils or creams for skin care, especially if you have sensitive skin or skin issues.   Dietary Supplements: Consider taking Kushta supplements, available in capsule or powder form, to support respiratory health, particularly during cold and flu season.   Precautions and Side Effects   While Kushta is generally safe, it is important to use it appropriately and consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant. Dosage: Take only as much dosage as recommended by the doctor to avoid any potential side effects.   Allergies: Conduct a patch test before using Kushta topically to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction.     This is an extraordinary herb with its proven benefits for skin and respiratory health. Ayurveda recommends integrating Kushta  into your wellness regimen to  provide you access to health benefits that have been tried, tested and proven beneficial for over a thousand years. But, make sure to consult a qualified doctor before starting to use it.

Psoriasis and Nail Pitting: Uncovering the Hidden Connection

Psoriasis is a persistent skin condition characterized by redness, scaliness, and itchiness, often accompanied by silvery scales. Sometimes, you can also see nail pitting  in psoriasis. Psoriasis can cause changes in the appearance of your nails, such as the development of pits. The pits are usually very small, less than 1 mm in diameter, around the size of a pinhead. However, on rare occasions, considerably larger depressions and even isolated punch-out portions are visible.    If you have psoriasis and you notice nail pitting with/without pain/brownish discolouration/nail separating from the nail bed, chances are, the psoriasis has now progressed from the skin to the nails. This is usually the second stage of psoriasis. It may affect the joints if not controlled immediately, leading to psoriatic arthritis!   Is there any treatment for psoriasis?   Ayurvedic medication can alleviate your symptoms since psoriasis is a chronic ailment with limited treatment options. According to a few studies, people with psoriasis may benefit from Ayurvedic treatment.    Ayurvedically, psoriasis affects the blood, muscles, lymph, and the skin. The primary line of treatment is improving the digestive fire (Agni), administering herbs suited to the patient to open up the channels, and doing cleanses like Virechana to purify the body.   Things you must avoid if you have psoriasis   According to Ayurvedic experts, the cause of psoriasis is an imbalance of Vata and Kapha Doshas. Toxins (Ama), stress and overindulgence in foods such as seafood, yoghurt, and salty meals.   Therefore, if you have psoriasis, reduce the following as much as possible: Excessive consumption of tomatoes Heavy foods like milk, wheat and oily foods Mixing hot and cold foods Raw and uncooked foods Curd/yoghurt Eating food when the previous meal is not fully  digested. If you are noticing pitting of nails in psoriasis,  consult an Ayurvedic doctor  immediately. With Ayurveda, you can heal completely,  without even consuming strong medications.     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.