Ayurvedic Food Recipes for Weight Loss

Ayurveda has put emphasis on food, not only for its basic nature as a fuel for running the body but also for its overall impact on the health of a person. Food taken for balancing the doshas, keep one fit and fine. If anyhow, someone develops diseases, ayurveda cures them also through natural ways. For obesity or unnatural weight gain, Ayurveda suggests to improve food habits and taking diet according to Ayurvedic body type.

Ayurvedic Foods for Weight Loss
Ayurvedic food for balancing all the three doshas include, cooked oatmeal, psyllium chapattis or flatbreads, khichari, mung dal soup, lauki squash, green leafy vegetables, stewed fruit, lassi, ginger lemon appetizer drink, spiced tea, spiced milk, pomegranate chutney, spice mix, and many more. From among innumerable dosha balancing food, there are some that are specifically beneficial for losing weight. Some of such food recipes are described below.
Recipes for Weight Loss
Khichdi

Khichdi can be described as a porridge type of dish prepared from mung lentil and rice as the main ingredients. Various herbs and spices make it a healing recipe for various diseases. Ayurvedic therapies use it for cleansing due to its ease of digestion and assimilation. Khichari can be eaten by persons with any type of doshas but is especially good for vata.
Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup split moong dal (lentil)
• 1/2 tbsp ghee or sesame oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
• 1/4 tsp hing also called Asafoetida
• 1/2 inch finely chopped ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 4 to 6 cups of water depending upon the consistency desired.

Directions:

• Wash the lentil and rice together.
• In a heated heavy-bottomed saucepan or pressure cooker add Ghee (clarified butter) or oil.
• When ghee gets warmed, add hing, cumin and mustard seeds. Wait till the seeds crackle.
• Add chopped ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds.
• Add rice and dal, turmeric, salt and chili powder.
• Mix in gently.
• Add water and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. If using saucepan, cover it, reduce heat to low and cook undisturbed until soft for about 30 minutes.
• Switch off heat, let khichari rest for 5 minutes.
• If using pressure cooker, cook the khichdi for one whistle.
• Let the cooker cool off.
• Fluff it up gently with a spoon, add a tablespoon of ghee (optional) and serve.

Yellow Mung Lentil Soup:

Simply called 'dal' in India, mung lentil soup is an excellent Ayurvedic diet which reduces the effects of Kapha and Vata Doshas. The spices and cilantro(coriander), used in this preparation reduces the Pitta Dosha. It is light and easily digestible. Anyone can have it without any worry about gaining weight.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup of yellow split mung dal ( yellow lentil)
• 6 cups of water
• 1/2 tsp. black mustard seeds
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 2 tbs. of ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 pinch of hing (Asafoetida)
• 2 tbs. freshly chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves
• 1/2 tsp. rock salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander seeds

Directions:

• Wash the Mung dal.
• Add the dal and water together in a pot. Cook for 30 minutes.
• Stir the mixture occasionally till the lentil becomes soft.
• Add Ghee to another pan and heat at medium heat.
• Add all the spices when hot.
• Now add this spiced Ghee mix to the soup.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.
• Have it alone or with whole wheat chapattis or rice.

Apart from having light, digestible and dosha balancing foods, reduce weight by natural ways by following the below tips:

• Mix one spoon of honey and juice of one lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Drink it on an empty stomach every morning. It helps in activating metabolism which reduces fat from body.
• Drink lots of water. It helps in flushing out toxins.
• Increase fruit and vegetable intake.
• Include Mint, Carrot, Ginger, Cinnamon and Black Pepper in your food recipes. They are excellent detoxifying agents.
• Include fiber-rich food like Oat Brans, Beans, Lentils, Fruits, Vegetables, especially green vegetables like Broccoli, Asparagus, Kale, Cabbage, Green Beans etc. in your diet.
• Exercise regularly. If not heavy work-outs, at least go for walking, jogging or swimming.

Look Beautiful, the Natural Way

Our skin faces a constant barrage of chemicals everyday from pollution to harsh chemically formulated products that strip the skin of its natural balance. These simple Ayurvedic home remedies help you to attain a clear, healthy and glowing complexion. Ayurveda mentions many simple natural ways to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. Using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals.

Below are some simple 'secrets' to achieve a naturally beautiful skin.

• Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.
  
  
• Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
  
  
• Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)
  
  
• Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
  
  
• Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.
  
  
• Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.
  
  
• Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
  
  
• Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.
  
  
• Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.

Try out some of these simple natural remedies for smooth, clear and radiant complexion.

Home Remedies for Treating Low Libido

From among the instinctual needs of any human being, one is that of sex. However, sexual instinct or sexual drive is not similar in all- it ranges from low to excessive desire for sex. With increasing stress and “not so healthy lifestyle”, low libido has become more common these days. The problem of low sexual drive was present in ancient time too. As such, there are many Ayurvedic treatments for curing this problem.

Ayurveda on Low Libido
There are Ayurvedic therapies for almost all of the known diseases. It also gives a treatment for increasing libido which is known as Vaajikarana. This therapy increases the strength of a man to perform sexual act, just like a 'Vaaji' or horse, thus called 'Vajikarana'. This therapy leads to overall happiness, strength, potency to produce offspring, and increased duration of erection. The original scriptures of Ayurveda by Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata, describe such simple remedies that can be followed with the help of easily available ingredients in any kitchen. However, before moving on to these home remedies for increasing libido, one must also know the causes of low sex drive so that they may be avoided.

Causes of Low Libido
Ayurveda mentions the following causes for decreased Libido

• Compulsive sex with a person who is not liked by the partner.
• Anxiety and stress.
• Destruction caused to semen by consumption of spicy, salty and hot food.
• Overindulgence in sexual activities leading to low quantity of semen.
• Controlling sexual urges for longer duration leading to obstruction of semen which in turn results in low libido.
• Impotence by birth.

Home Remedies for Increasing Libido

• Consume eggs of fish/ swan/ peacock/ hen. Fry them in pure ghee before eating.
• Have sweet soup made from black gram. Mix black gram, rice, wheat and long pepper in equal quantities. Grind them to make powder. Fry the mixture in pure ghee and then cook it with milk. Eat after adding sugar to it.
• Mix Triphala powder in water. Keep it away for half an hour. Add a table spoon of pure honey. Have this in early morning daily.
• Add a tea spoon of honey in a glass of milk and drink. It increases resistance against diseases and give strength and feeling of wellness, necessary for general health including libido.

Herbal Remedies for Increasing Libido
Apart from the common ingredients, there are some Indian herbs that also cure the problem of low libido as well as other sex problems.

Shilajit (asphaltum, mineral pitch) – Shilajit not only increases body immunity but also acts as a aphrodisiac agent by arising sexual drive. It improves blood circulation and thereby maintains proper blood supply to the penis and testicular area. The quality of sperms is improved by this herb and it also increases body vigor. For all its qualities, it is rightly said the Indian Viagra.

Safed musli (curculigo orchioides) – Popular by the name of alternative Viagra, Safed musli is one of the most effective aphrodisiac agent. The roots of safed musli not only increase the sexual drive but also improves physical stamina.

Akarakara (Spanish pellitory, anacylus pyrethrum) – This herb is known as a very good sexual enhancer that not only excellently improves the sexual life of the patient but also makes him perform in such a way that leads to orgasm in his partner. It is used to treat the sexual problems like premature ejaculation, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and impotence. It also improves sperm count.

Ashwagandha (withinia somnifera) – Ashwagandha increases sexual potential on one hand and solves sexual problems on the other. It improves the blood circulation, increases stamina and enhances sperm count. It is popular by the name of Indian ginseng due to its properties that are similar to ginseng.

Reduce Weight by Natural Ways

The chief cause of obesity or overweight is often overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating such as improper mixing of food items in one meal.

In ayurveda, Charak Samhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. Out of these, the obese body is described as the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. Obesity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue.

Extra fat puts a strain on the heart, kidneys, liver and the joints such as the hips, knees and ankles and thus, overweight people are susceptible to several diseases like coronary thrombosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders. Chief cause of obesity is overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating or mixing non-compatible food items in one meal.

To decrease weight and get rid of obesity three things must be kept in mind:

• Controlling eating habits.
• Regular exercise.
• Avoiding the causes of weight gain

Diet recommended to lose weight

• Early morning
  Juice of half a lemon mixed in a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey.
  
  
• Breakfast
  Wheat or Mung bean sprouts and a cup of skimmed milk.
  
  
• Midmorning
  A glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice.
  
  
• Lunch
  • Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes. Steamed or boiled vegetables
  • Whole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis (Indian bread) and a glass of buttermilk.
  • Roasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger mixed in the buttermilk.
  
  
  
• Mid-afternoon
  • Coconut water
  • Dry fruits
  • Lemon tea
  • Fresh vegetable soup
  
  
  
• Dinner
  • Whole grain bread or chapatis
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Seasonal fruits except banana and apple.

Home Remedies for Losing Weight

• Increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables and low calorie foods.
• Avoid intake of too much salt as it may be a factor for increasing body weight.
• Milk products like cheese, butter etc. and non-vegetarian foods should be avoided as they are rich in fat.
• Mint is very beneficial in losing weight. A chutney of green mint with some simple spices can be taken with meals. Mint tea also helps.
• Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways.
• Regular intake of carrot juice.
• Avoid rice and potato, which contain a lot of carbohydrates. Among cereals wheat is good.
• Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful in loosing weight.
• Honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions.
  Dosage: One should start with small quantity of about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.
• Fasting on honey and lime- juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. For this, mix one teaspoon of fresh honey with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water.
  Dosage: Take several times a day at regular intervals.
• Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.
• Exercise is an important part of any weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat.
• Walking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming or rowing.
• The gum of Commiphora Mukul called 'guggulu' is the drug of choice for the treatment of obesity.

Preparation of Home Remedies
According to ayurveda home remedies are prepared in the same way and with the same purpose as other ayurvedic medicines. The main aim is to obtain the maximum therapeutic benefit while making it palatable.

Some common methods of preparing home remedies are:

• Juice
  The juice may be taken from the fresh leaves, flowers or stems of the herb. The part of the herb used should be crushed or ground in a mortar and pestle, to make a paste. This paste should be put in a piece of cloth and squeezed to take out the juice.
  Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.
  
  
• Powder
  Dried herbs are used for powders. The herbs are usually dried in a cool, shady and well-ventilated place, although some herbs are dried in direct sunlight. The herbs are then ground into a fine powder and stored in a dry, airtight bottle. The powder may be taken with water, or if specified, with milk or honey.
  Dosage: Half to one teaspoon twice a day
  
  
• Decoction
  A decoction is prepared by boiling the herb in water (ratio: 1 part herb to 16 parts water). The herbs are broken into pieces and soaked in water overnight. This mixture is then boiled until it reduces to one quarter of the original volume. It is then filtered and stored in a glass bottle.
  Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.
  
  
• Infusion
  Herbs are soaked in water to make an infusion (ratio: 1 part herb to 8 parts water). Hot infusions result from adding herbs to hot water, or gently heating but not boiling the mixture. This is strained and taken internally. Herbal teas are forms of hot infusions. Cold infusions are made from soaking the herb overnight. Honey can be added.
  Dosage: half to one cup once or twice day.
  
  
• Paste
  A paste can be made from either fresh or dried herbs. The flowers, roots, stems, leaves or bark are ground and mixed with water. Pastes are mainly used for external application, in cases of cuts, burns and swellings. The paste should be thick enough to be applied in a layer to the skin.
  
  
• Tablets
  The herbs should be first dried separately and then mixed together in a powder form, in fixed proportions. Water or herbal juice can be added to this powder to make a paste, from which tablets of a specific size or weight are made. Tablets remain potent longer than juices, powders, pastes or decoctions.
  Dosage: 1 or 2 tablets twice a day.
  
  
• Medicated ghee and oil
  Ghee is cooked with herbal juices, decoctions or pastes. The ghee should be heated with the herbal mixture at a moderate, controlled temperature. High temperatures can easily burn the ghee or oil, destroying its effectiveness. Medicated ghee and oils are either used internally or massaged externally.
  Dosage: Half to one tablespoon.

Health Benefits of Sesame, Rapeseed, Linseed and Groundnut

Ayurveda is the natural way of being healthy. It always advocates naturally occurring herbal products for keeping human body healthy. Apart from using barks, leaves, roots, fruits, and flowers of various plants, Ayurveda also uses seeds of many plants for general health conditions as well as for curing many diseases. Some of these seeds are Sesame, Rapeseed, Linseed and Groundnut. Let's see how they are beneficial for human health.

Sesame
Sesame is one of many important Indian herbs which is the source of sesame seed or benniseed and sesame oil. Sesame oil has powerful antioxidants, which can lower high blood pressure. Some of the uses of sesame are described below:

Cold: Rub warm sesame oil on the patient’s chest skin until the skin feels warm. Do it just before going to bed.

Diarrhea: Mix ground sesame seed in the mixture of 150 – 200 ml of water (boiled and cooled off) and 1 teaspoon of honey. Drink in small portions till the upset stomach is cured.

Gastritis and ulcerative colitis: Consume half to one tablespoon of sesame oil 1 – 3 times per day.

Constipation: To cure constipation, take half to one tablespoon of sesame oil daily. Increase the dose (double it up) if experiencing chronic constipation.

Intestinal colic: Sesame is also useful for child care, specially when experiencing acute abdominal pain. Rub a little quantity of oil into the belly till the skin absorbs the oil fully.

Skin irritations: Sesame is used to treat inflammation of skin and on mucous membranes. Take juice of aloe vera leaves and vine fruits in equal parts. Mix one part of this mixture with one part of sesame oil. Apply externally on itching skin areas. It can also be taken orally (1 tablespoon 2 – 3 times a day).

Inflammation of breast: Sesame is also good for women's health. In case of mastitis or inflammation of breast, roast a portion of sesame seeds and grind them into powder. Mix it with vegetable oil and apply to the areas of the inflammatory gland.

Rapeseed
Rapeseed is the seed of rape plants and the source of an edible oil. Cold pressed rapeseed oil has very low levels of saturated fat. It contains 59% mono-unsaturated fats and3 0% poly unsaturated fats which contribute in lowering harmful LDL cholesterols. It is also a natural source of Vitamin E, a strong anti-oxidant which protects against heart diseases, cancer, ageing and for skin care.

Inflammation: Grind the rapeseeds and apply it on the swollen part of the body.

Gastritis: Apply rapeseed oil on the navel and massage with it on both the sides.

Winter fatigue: If you feel tired and are unable to sleep in the winters, massage the whole body with rapeseed oil. Applies the oil on the soles before going to bed, It cures numbness of leg and relieves of tiredness.

Sagging breasts: To make breasts firm and healthy, massage them with rapeseed oil.

Dull Skin: If you have this problem, boil rapeseed in milk till the whole milk dries. Dry these boiled rapeseeds further and grind it. Apply this pack on the whole body for a glowing skin. Teeth and gums problems: Add rock salt in rapeseed oil and brush teeth with this paste to strengthen the teeth and curing bleeding gums. It also holds tooth decay and gives shining and sparkling teeth.

Arthritis: Add camphor in rapeseed oil and massage the affected areas.

Ear problems: Pour four to five drops of rapeseed oil in the ears everyday for curing ear pain caused due to cold wind.

Cough: Grind the rapeseeds and lick it with honey for immediate relief in case of phlegm related problems.

Cracked lips: rapessed can also be used for beauty care. Apply rapeseed oil on navel before having bath to prevent cracking and dryness of lips.

Lin seed
Linseed is the product of flax plant. It is the richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids and contains almost twice as much of the Omega-3s as fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids lower high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels about 25% and 65% respectively. They lower the probability of a clot blocking the artery in the brainstroke, heart attack, lungs (pulmonary embolism) or the organ (gangrene). Omega-3s also bring down high blood pressure.

Cough: If you suffer from cough and cold, grind linseeds and sieve the powder and then boil it in water. Add 20 gm sugar candy or honey and take it for immediate relief in cough and other respiratory problems.

Seminal issues: If men have some problems related to semen, they can take equal quantities of linseed powder and unrefined sugar with half part pure ghee. Take one spoon of this mixture thrice daily to cure even the problem of infertility.

Insomnia: Mix equal quantities of linseed and castor oil in a bronze plate and beat the mixture nicely. Apply it in the eyes for getting good sleep.

Cholera: Mix 5-6 grams of linseeds powder with 50 gm of hot water. Administer this water to cholera patient regularly.
Groundnuts


Groundnuts, also known as peanuts, are tasty as well as healthy. They are beneficial in the treatment of hemophilia and other such inherited blood disorders. People suffering from nose bleeding also benefit from eating groundnuts and it is also helpful in reducing excessive menstruation

bleeding in women. Groundnut is rich in protein, phosphorous, thiamin and niacin which are needed to maintain and repair the bodily tissues. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, boron, etc. that help in brain function and development as well as strong bones. They have anti-oxidants and a chemical called resveratrol. These help in reducing the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases, cancer risk and also help in anti-ageing.

Diabetes: Roasted groundnuts and have them in little quantity daily.

Physical weakness: Use groundnuts in everyday cooking like in fried rice etc. for easy bowel movement and overcoming tiredness.

Mouth Care: Chew few groundnuts everyday with salt to make the gums and upper jaw strong.

Feeding mothers: If the feeding mothers do not get sufficient milk, they should eat groundnuts regularly.

Dry skin: During winters, mix a little groundnut oil, milk and rose water and massage the whole body with this blend. Take bath after 20 minutes to keep your skin soft and smooth.

Five Simple Rules for Healthy Life

We all long for a healthy and peaceful life. Ayurveda, which in its name contains the term “Ayu” meaning life, tells about how to keep balance in all our bodily aspects so that we can get health and longevity. These are very simple things regarding such basic activities as breathing, eating, sleeping etc. However, due to our hasty lifestyle, we often forget to observe these simple rules Here's a list of five basic rules, which, if included in our daily routine, can prevent us from many diseases. Ayurveda defines therapy as any method that involves the process of balancing the doshas.

Rule # 1: Breathe Properly
Breathing is the most basic condition for survival. If we breathe in a right manner, we give ourselves more prana (life-force). Always breathe deeply, slowly and smoothly. This way you relieve stress and send more oxygen to the blood, brain and muscles increasing your energy levels and mental performance. Never breathe through mouth. If possible, learn ayurvedic therapies like “Pranayam” which is a traditional series of breathing exercises. Even if you do not learn it, always pay attention to how you breathe. Gradually, you will develop the habit of breathing deeper and slower. Set aside some time in your daily schedule for aware breathing. When stressed, sit down for a while in a relaxing position and breathe deeply before you react.
Rule # 2: Drink Plenty of Water

Water is not only essential for rehydration but also leads to purified blood, glowing skin and healthy body tissues. Thus, you look beautiful, the natural way, when you drink plentiful water. Ayurveda suggests observing urine as a guide to know how much water you need to drink daily. If your urine is not clear or it looks too concentrated, you should increase your daily intake of water. Inadequate water leads to headaches

and fatigue as also to dehydration which has serious health consequences. Sip water over time rather than gulping it down in large quantities. Do not have too much water just before or during meals. Drinks containing caffeine and alcohol do not substitute water. Fruits and vegetables with high water content can be taken but plain and pure water is essential.
Rule # 3: Eat the Right Food

Ayurveda recommends right kind and right quantity of food planned according to one's own body constitution. Inappropriate foods and poor eating habits can result in many diseases like diabetes, obesity etc. If you want to reduce weight by natural ways, you should control your eating habits and exercise regularly. Food needs are unique to one's body. So, be attentive to what you eat and how these affect your overall health. Avoid those foods which do not suit you. Eat pure, fresh, whole, natural foods. Make an eating routine and follow it. Make eating your meals an important activity and don't neglect it for other works.
Rule # 4: Exercise Regularly

Adequate physical and mental activity are significant for health and longevity. As food should be taken according to one's body needs, exercise should also be structured in a way that is ideal to your needs. Walking and yoga are beneficial for all as they can be adapted according to individual needs. Exercising early in the day is best. Do not exercise on an empty stomach or immediately after meals.
Do not pain or exhaust yourself while exercising, do it moderately. Mental exercise should also be followed. Anything that keeps our minds engaged or where you can learn something new, such as traveling, reading, solving puzzles, taking up a new hobby or project etc. will give your mind the much needed exercise. Such activities like gardening, music, teaching and volunteering are examples of activities that enrich you mentally as well as emotionally and spiritually.
Rule # 5: Sleep Adequately

All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy- Ayurveda too believe this. Learn to relax and take adequate sleep as it recharges mind and body for the next day. Sleep deprivation leads to high blood pressure, obesity and depression. How much sleep do you need should be determined by yourself- eight hours sleep theory doesn't fit for all. Quality sleep is what refreshes you. It is when your mind completely disengages from other senses. 'Early to bed and early to rise' is not only a phrase- it's a universal fact for getting sound sleep because the sleep that you get in the earlier hours of night is the most productive sleep. You can adopt many techniques for getting better sleep like a cup of lukewarm milk, deep breathing and a bedtime lower limb massage. So, follow these simple five rules and stay healthy for ever!

Cow Urine Therapy- To Cure All Diseases

Cow has been equated to mother in the Indian tradition. That's not without any reason. As the biological mother nurtures her child by feeding her milk, cow too feeds her milk to one and all. Just like a mother's milk, cow's milk is also considered to be the nectar of life. Not only milk, even cow urine is very beneficial for overall health of human beings. The original scriptures of Ayurveda consider cow urine to be the elixir of life. Perhaps that is why, cow urine is an important part of many Indian rituals where it is taken as holy drink.

Why Cow Urine?
It is a very obvious question- why cow urine is so beneficial for health? The laboratory analysis of cow urine shows that it contains nitrogen, sulphur, phosphate, sodium, manganese, carbolic acid, iron, silicon, chlorine, magnesium, melci, citric, titric, succenic, calcium salts, Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, minerals, lactose, enzymes, creatinine, hormones and gold acids- all needed in smaller amounts by the human body to balance the “tridosha”- vata, pitta and Kapha. Our body contains many micronutrients that give us strength for life. Whenever we urinate, these micronutrients are flushed out of our body. Cow urine meets the deficiency of these micronutrients in the body. It maintains the balance of these substances in our body and cures even the so called incurable diseases.

What Diseases are Cured by Cow Urine?
Cow urine is basically an excellent germicide that kills a variety of germs. Therefore, all the diseases that are caused by germs are destroyed through cow urine therapy. And if it is taken on a daily basis, it improves immunity in such a way that resists almost every disease. Some of the diseases that are proven to be cured by cow urine include:

• Cough
• Dismonerrhoea
• Migraine or headache
• Constipation
• Thyroid
• Skin diseases like eczema, ringworm, and itching
• Acne

It is also claimed to be curing such diseases like cancer and AIDS. Apart from curing disease, cow urine also helps in maintaining the balance of body in which process, it affects certain bodily functioning

• Lowers the levels of cholesterol
• Relieves tension
• Improves memory.
• Enhance the functioning of liver.
• Slows down the process of aging.
• Gives strength to brain and heart.
• Destroys the toxic effects of medicinal residues in the body.

In fact, if cow urine is taken regularly even without having any illness, it keeps our body healthy by giving us immunity, by eliminating toxic substances and by keeping our digestive capacity in good condition.

Ayurvedic Cure for Menstrual Problems

Menstrual cycle is one thing that decides majority of women's health. Most of the women experience painful monthly menses. A painless and problem free menstrual cycle depends on the proper functioning of the endocrine glands to stimulate hormone secretion. With a healthy lifestyle and food habits, one can experience a healthy menstrual cycle. However, if menstrual problems persist, Ayurveda has a cure in the form of many Indian herbs and home remedies that can give relief to the suffering women.


Herbs for Treating Menstrual Problems

Asafetida
Asafetida increases the secretion of progesterone, the female hormone, facilitating smooth menstruation

. It should be fried in ghee and mixed with goat’s milk and a spoonful of honey. Having this mixture for about a month reduces pain during menses.

Henna
Henna has a very cooling effect. The suppositories of its leaves are placed in the vagina of the women who have problem of excessive flow during menstruation.

Ginger
Ginger is very effective for cold climates. The lower temperatures often cause painful and irregular menses. Ginger is infused with sugar and this preparation is administered to the women experiencing difficult menstruation.

Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is known to be a good stimulant of uterus. As such, it is often administered to the women experiencing painful menstruation.

Valerian
Valerian or Valeriana Wallichii is used for stimulation of menstrual blood flow apart from being used for treating many other diseases.

Castor oil
If a woman experiences congestive pain during her menstrual cycle, she can get relief by taking castor oil before her periods are due.

Ashwagandha
Many women suffer due to heavy menstruation. They can take ashwagandha tonic for reducing heavy flow during menstruation.

Liquorice
The tonic liquorice is also useful for reducing heavy flow during menstruation.

Taking Care of Eyes

Although we use our eyes everyday, we rarely pay attention to them until there is some serious problem. You can maintain perfect eyesight for most of your life by following some simple remedies.

An Important Aspect of Health

If you were asked, "Do you take care of your eyes once a week or at least once a month?", the most common reply would probably be in the negative. The eyes are considered to tbe the most important organ in ourt body and yet, people neglect to care for them.

Although we use our eyes everyday, we rarely pay attention until there is some serious problem. Ayurveda advises to take care of health while in a healthy state. You can maintain perfect eyesight for most part of your life by following some simple remedies.

• Every morning after waking up, fill your mouth with water, close the eyes and sprinkle water on them about 10-15 times. Be sure, as Ayurveda advises, to wake up before sunrise. Do not use hot water to wash the eyes.
  
  
• Do not wash the eyes or face when the body is sweating, especially after hard physical exercise or after being exposed to heat and sun.
  
  
• Do not stare continuously, specially while looking at long distance objects. Blinking or giving rest to the eyes is good. Do not look at the objects in bright sunlight for a long time. Avoid reading, writing or working with eyes in improper light, or when the light is not sufficient. Take a break and give rest to the eyes if you feel heaviness or tiredness in the eyes.
  
  
• Staying up late in the night and sleeping after sunrise is harmful for the eyes. In case of staying up late, drink a cup of water after each hour or half hour.
  
  
• Protect your eyes from dust, smoke, strong sunlight and strong wind. Avoid staying long in such conditions. In case you have to stay, blink often and massage the closed eyes gently with your palms.
  
  
• Try to maintain regular and clean bowel movements. Constipation weakens the eyesight. In addition; too much anxiety, mental stress, grief, anger and worry are harmful for the eyes.
  
  
• Regular eye exercise maintains perfect eyesight. One simple method of exercise is moving the eyeball - right and left; upwards and downwards and rotating it in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.
  
  
• Another simple way of protecting of eyes is through 'palming'. Rub the palms of both hands for about 30 seconds, close the eyes and gently place the warm palms over the eyes.
  
  
• Eating cabbage and carrots is very beneficial for the eyes. These should be eaten raw. It is all right to drink cabbage and carrot juice mixed together or separately.
  
  
• If Triphala (an Ayurvedic preparation) is available, you can wash the eyes with 'Triphala water'. Put a teaspoonful of Triphala powder in a glass of water, and let it stay overnight. Strain the water and wash the eyes with it.
  
  
• Putting one drop of honey in each eye once a week is also beneficial to the eyes. It causes a bit of irritation, but cleans the eyes.

Try these remedies and keep your eyes healthy and beautiful. These remedies can be used by everyone, including those having weak eyesight. Through these methods, one can even improve one's weak eyesight and maybe even give up the use of spectacles forever.

Remedies for Hair Loss and Balding

Hair loss

, thinning of hair and balding are some of the common hair problems. Many of us suffer from these ailments due to our modern lifestyle and diet. Ayurveda can be very beneficial in treating these conditions as it investigates the root cause of the problem. The causes for these hair conditions are:

• Excess of Pitta dosha in the body is the chief cause of hair problems. Pitta is increased by excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meats and excessive smoking. Pitta is also aggravated by eating too much fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods.
  
  
• Intake of too many chemical medicines, low blood circulation, anemia, general weakness after disease, stress, anxiety, and mental tension are also prime causes of hair loss.
  
  
• Chronic diseases like typhoid fever, presence of dandruff or lice and hormonal imbalance also cause hair loss.

So watch out carefully for these reasons! You may be overdoing one of them, and thus losing your beautiful hair.

Treatment

• The first step is to locate the root cause in your diet or lifestyle that may be increasing the Pitta dosha. Once you locate it, try to give up or at least reduce the diet, habit, or activity responsible for increasing Pitta.
  
  
• Always use a natural shampoo or soap to clean the hair. As most soaps and shampoos have chemicals, they might be the cause of your problem. Usually the chemicals have a heating effect, and increase Pitta locally. Amala (embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) are very commonly used in India for washing the hair.
  
  
• Oiling and massaging of scalp is very beneficial for stopping the hair loss. Use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week. Certain medicated oils like 'Mahabhringraj oil', 'Amala oil', and 'Arnica oil' are very useful. Put oil on the scalp, and massage gently in the roots of the hair.
  
  
• The person should maintain a regular bowel movement everyday. In case of constipation, a mild natural laxative can be taken. Triphala, an Ayurvedic herbal powder, is also useful.
  
  
• The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A.
  
  
• Regular physical exercise is very beneficial as it helps in balancing the aggravated doshas.
  
  
• A special Ayurvedic preparation made from Bhringraj (Eclipta elba), Amala, corals, iron and black sesame seeds is very useful, and even stops the graying of hair.
  
  
• Rub your scalp vigorously after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation, and activates the sebaceous glands.
  
  
• A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. The juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot, and lettuce juice is also good to take.
  
  
• Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime juice on the hair is also beneficial. Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also good.
  
  
• Washing the hair with a paste of cooked Urad dal (black beans) and fenugreek (methi) 2-3 times a week, is also good.
  
  
• A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied in the bald patches. It induces hair growth. A paste of seeds of lemon and black pepper may also be applied on the bald patches.

These remedies are worth trying and will solve your hair problems.

First Aid

Simple Ayurvedic remedies can play a very effective role as first aid for many common ailments, such as earache, backache and diarrhea. Try these simple treatments and stay healthy in a natural way.

Asthma

Take one teaspoonful of ginger powder and one teaspoonful of licorice powder. Add half a litre of water and boil the mixture till it reduces to one fourth (about 125 ml.). Strain it and drink it warm. Adding a teaspoonful of honey or one gram of common salt is beneficial.

Backache
Make a paste of ginger, and apply to the affected area. Massaging with eucalyptus oil is very effective. You can also make your own massaging oil. Take 2-3 cloves of garlic, and cut them into small pieces. Put them in 100 ml. of sesame oil or mustard oil (or any other oil if these two are not available). Boil on slow fire for about five minutes. This oil is very good for massaging the area of backache.

Bleeding (External)
Applying a paste of sandalwood powder is helpful in the cases of external bleeding. It stops the bleeding and also heals the wound. Drinking a cup of warm milk with half teaspoonful turmeric powder and a pinch of saffron or alum, added to it is also very good healing drink. It also acts as pain reliever.

Burns
Make a paste of fresh gel of aloe-vera with a pinch of turmeric powder. Adding one 1-2 grams of ghee or coconut oil to this paste makes it more effective. This paste can be applied to the burnt area.

Cold
Take one tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, one teaspoonful of cinnamon powder and one teaspoonful of licorice powder. Add all these together to one litre water and boil on slow fire for ten minutes till about one fourth (250 ml.) of it is left. This drink can be taken three times in a day. Honey can added as a sweetener.

Diarrhea
Add one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger and one gram of nutmeg powder to half a cup of water. Blend them together for few minutes into a mixture. Drinking this twice or thrice a day helps to stop diarrhea.

Earache
Take 2-3 cloves of garlic. Peel off the skin and cut them into small pieces. Add 100 ml. of sesame or mustard oil and boil on a slow fire for about five minutes. Strain and when it becomes cool, drop two drops in the aching ear. Can be used two times a day.

Make a mixture of one teaspoonful of onion juice and half teaspoonful of honey. This mixture is also helpful in earache. Two drops in each ear can be used two times a day.

Eye Burn
Put 2-3 drops of pure rose water into the affected eye. This can be used two or three times a day. It also helps in itchy eyes and reduces the redness in the eyes.

Boils
Apply cooked onion as a poultice on the boil. A paste of ginger powder (one teaspoonful) and turmeric powder (one teaspoonful) is also good to apply on the boil. Either the boil will be suppressed or a head will appear so that the pus can be drained out easily.

Exhaution (Heat)
Drink one glass (250 ml.) of coconut water or grape juice. Take 3-4 pieces of dates and cook them with one glass of milk or water. Eat the dates and drink the milk or water. It is also good to blend them in a mixture before taking. This drink is very good and gives instant energy.

Gum Bleeding
Squeeze the juice of half lemon into a cup of water and add one teaspoonful of honey. This drink should be taken every morning. Massaging the gums gently with coconut oil also helps.

Menstrual Cramps
Take one tablespoon of aloe-vera gel and mix in half a gram of black pepper powder. Such a mixture can be taken 2-3 times during the day or until the cramps disappear. Try out some these simple Ayurvedic first aid remedies and stay healthy.

Tonics

Maintaining a proper strength of the immune system in the body is a basic requirement for staying healthy. To avoid falling sick and to maintain good health

, Ayurveda advises a number of simple formulas which are very effective to increase immunity or 'Ojas'. To become an expert in rejuvenation or 'rasayana' therapy, you might need to join our online courses on 'Original Ayurveda'.

However, here are some recipes for simple Ayurvedic tonics that act as 'Rasayanas'. These are especially beneficial for those who are physically weak, underweight and have weak muscles. The tonics given below nourish not only the body but mind too.

• Eat 3 or 4 figs and drink 250ml warm milk in the morning. One or two teaspoons of honey may be added to the milk for sweetening. Soak the figs in water if they are dry. It is a very good tonic and also cures constipation and anemia.
  
  
• Take 2 walnuts, 4 almonds and 7 raisins. Soak them overnight in water and eat the next morning with 250ml of warm milk. Chew well. It's good to add one or two teaspoons of honey to the milk for sweetening.
  
  
• Take 1 part dry dates (without seeds), 2 parts dry coconut and 3 parts sugar candy. Cut/break them into small pieces and mix together. Take about 50 grams of this mixture every morning. It's specially good for the children and prevents common ailments like tonsillitis, cold, cough, indigestion and diseases relating to teeth. The dose for children is 2 teaspoons and 4-5 teaspoons for adults. Do not drink water immediately after eating this mixture.

Take equal quantity of unpeeled apples and carrots grated. This mixture should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Dose can be up to 200 grams. Do not eat anything for 2 hours after eating this mixture. It is very effective in reducing extra fat, specially for the women. For increasing weight the same mixture should be taken immediately after lunch. Special Ayurvedic tonic for infants:

• Take 1 almond and soak it in water overnight. In the morning remove the skin of almond and make a fine paste by grinding it. Mix in 1 gram of honey. Give to babies who are 4 months or older. It is a nice tonic for both mental and physical development of the child. Please note that the almond should not be bitter and the paste should be very fine.
  
  
• Take 25 grams black chickpeas (kala chana). Soak them in 200 ml water in the night. It is advised to eat these next morning. The water can also be taken with or without mixing a teaspoon of honey. The sprouts made from black chickpeas can also be taken. They strengthen the lungs, help reduce cholesterol and are good in cases of heart disease. Those having a weak digestion or who develop heaviness after eating this, should discontinue.
  
  
• Take 2-3 dry dates and soak them in water every morning. In the evening boil them in 250ml milk untill half the quantity of milk remains. Cool and add one teaspoon honey as a sweetener. Eat the dates and drink the milk. This can be taken one hour before going to bed. Do not drink water for 2 hours after taking this tonic. This tonic helps to build all the 'Dhatus', gives strength to lungs, increases blood circulation, cleans the bowels and alleviates Vata and Pitta.

Shatavari- The Healing Herb for Women!

Shatavari or Asparagus racemosus is one of the many beneficial Indian herbs. The roots of Shatavari contains galactagogue, antispasmodic, appetizer, cooling, tonic and aphrodisiac properties. It is used to treat many diseases but is specifically beneficial for womens health. It regulates hormonal secretion and acts as a galactagogue. Shatavari promotes lactation and as such administered for reduced breast milk secretion in nursing women and to those women who face post-menopausal and menopausal syndrome.

Characteristics of Shatavari

Shatavari is bitter sweet in taste. It is constipating, aphrodisiac, diuretic, carminative, anti-spasmodic, and rejuvenating in nature. It acts as a nervine tonic and appetizer. Ayurveda recommends for such conditions as nervous diseases, dyspepsia, diarrhea, dysentery, tumors, inflammations, burning sensation, eye disorders, nephropathy, hepatopathy, throat infection, cough, bronchitis, gonorrhea, leucorrhea, leprosy, epilepsy, hyperacidity, colic, piles, cardiac debility, hypertension, abortion, general debility and all female reproductive diseases, apart from balancing the doshas of body types.

Uses of Shatavari

The herbal extracts obtained from the roots, stem, and leaves are applied to therapeutic uses of shatavari.

• Root extract is administered to the patients of diarrhea, chronic colic, and dysentery.
• Milk processed from shatavari root is given to patients having dyspepsia and diarrhea.
• Boiled leaves of shatavari dipped in clarified butter or ghee are applied to boils and small pox eruptions.
• Juice of the shatavari bark is mixed with milk and given to women for strengthening their reproductive system and as treatment for gonorrhea.
• The extract from the roots is boiled with ghee, milk and honey and given for treating seminal weakness and general debility.

How Shatavari Helps Women?

Shatavari is considered the best friend of womens health due to the following reasons.

• Shatavari is capable of curing all problems related to female reproductive system.
• It minimizes the complications related to menstrual cycles including pain, loss of blood and other fluids during menstrual cycle.
• It balances the female hormonal system.
• It helps in reducing inflammation of female sexual organs.
• It cures tiredness and morning sickness
• It is useful in issues related to infertility, leucorrhea, and in regulating ovulation which occurs during the menopause cycle.
• When combined with Kama Duba, it is a good treatment for women experiencing hot flashes.

Precautions

• It may cause skin reactions and pulmonary allergic reactions in some people.
• Patients with edema due to kidney disorder or impaired heart function should not use shatavari.
• It is not advised for pregnant women.

Honey

The Predigested Natural Food Since ancient times, humans have used honey as a natural food, as a sweetener, for medical use, for beautification and for many other purposes.

Benefits of Honey

• Eyesight
  Regular use of honey mixed with the carrot juice helps to improve the eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning.
  
  
• Cough
  Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It gives immediate relief in symptoms like cold, cough, sore throat, congestion of chest and runny nose.
  
  
• Asthma
  Mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture (equal quantity). Take this mixture at least three times a day. It helps to cure asthma.
  
  
• Blood Pressure
  Take one teaspoonful of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey. It can be taken twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure.
  
  
• Blood Purification and Fat Reduction
  Take one glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps to purify the blood. It also helps to reduce fat and to clean the bowels.
  
  
• Heart Tonic
  One teaspoonful of anise powder mixed with one or two teaspoonful of honey acts a very nice tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.