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The Benefits Of Meditation + Overcoming 5 Most Common Struggles of Meditation

  The Benefits Of Meditation It seems that research centered around the benefits of meditation have now been rolling in steadily validating the ancient wisdom common to both Ayurveda and Yoga. Ayurveda is an ancient science which literally means ‘the science of life’. A basic fundamental premise to both Ayurveda and Yoga is that – both a sound mind and sound body are integral to one’s overall health and well-being. “Meditation is mind without agitation.” – Narasimhan Just Some Of The Potential Benefits Of Meditation: – greater clarity and inner calmness – increased creativity and happiness – improved sense of emotional stability – reduced level of anxiety and depression – improved brain function and memory – reduced level of stress ̷...

Ojas – The Divine Essence + 2 “Ojas” Recipes [Hotshake & Laddoos]

Ojas – The Divine Essence Having strong Ojas helps maintain optimum health and many diet and lifestyle factors can contribute to either depleting or nourishing ones Ojas. Ojas is defined as the pure essence of the bodily tissues. This is the refined by-product of digestion which can take up to 30 days to be created. Ojas is also referred to as the source of vitality, immunity and vigor in the body. The quality of Ojas is dependent on diet, lifestyle and stress. Possessing strong Ojas can determine how one’s body reacts to certain diseases and infections. Every tissue system in the body is said to have its own Ojas. Whilst all the physiological systems in the body are maintaining their function at optimum levels, Ojas is preserved. However during disease or infections the integrity of...

Punarnava – The Renewing Ayurvedic Herb

Punarnava – The Renewing Ayurvedic Herb Punarnava is one of the best known diuretic herbs in Ayurveda. The name Punarnava means ‘one that renews the old body’ indicating its potent rejuvenative properties particularly in heart and kidney issues. It is a strong digestive herb that is beneficial in sluggish and slow digestion. However, as it functions by absorbing fluids from the digestive system, it can be very constipating in excess and therefore caution must be exercised whilst using Punarnava. Since it works efficiently in reducing adipose tissue and balancing the urinary system, it is also an effective herb in cases of diabetes. It has a strong action on the kidneys by reducing excess fluids, swelling and edema hence making it an excellent herb in bladder infections and nephritis....

5 Ayurveda Tips For Transitioning Into Fall Season

Ayurveda Tips For Transitioning Into Fall Season Ayurveda defines the transitioning between two seasons as “rutu sandhi”; “rutu” being season and “sandhi” being junction or transition. During this seasonal transition it is recommended that one should change clothes, lifestyle, and attitudes from the old season and enter afresh into the next season. Fall = Dry, Light, Cool, Rough & Windy From the perspective Ayurveda, each season is dominated by characterstic qualities. For example, summer is hot and fiery while winter being icy and cold. Likewise, fall is considered a transition period characteristic of being dry, light, cool, rough and windy – all which naturally increase vata conditions [i.e. dry skin, constipation, arthritis, stiffness of the joints, rheumatism].   ...

Gurmar – The Sugar Destroyer

Gurmar – The Sugar Destroyer Gurmar is one of the most prevalent ayurvedic herbs for diabetes. Also known as Shardunika the name Gurmar translates to ‘destroyer of sugar’ and thereby suggestive of its properties as being an effective herb for balancing blood sugar levels. It can increase the light, air and space qualities in the body and so its use must be carefully monitored, particularly in cases of hypoglycemia and heart conditions, as it can also stimulate the heart. Despite having strong diuretic, antidiabetic and hypocholesterolemic properties it is a rejuvenative herb which is effective in reducing the hot, sharp, liquid and heavy qualities in the body. Properties: Gurmar is a light, dry herb and has a bitter and astringent taste with a cooling effect in the body. Its post dig...

8 Tips For Sound Sleep – An Ayurvedic Perspective

8 Tips For Sound Sleep – An Ayurvedic Perspective Sleep is one of the fundamental mainstays in Ayurveda. It is vital to sleep the appropriate hours at specific times in order to achieve balanced health. Sufficient sleep has tremendous health benefits including relieving stress, anxiety and restoring vitality. During sleep the body works to repair and rejuvenate tissues along with aiding protein synthesis and muscle growth. Sleep also promotes metabolic waste removal as well as assisting the immune system. In young children particularly, sleep is vital to the development of brain tissue. Adequate sleep also facilitates learning and memory skills and is therefore an integral part of the maintenance of health. Sleep varies according to one’s constitution and state of balance.  Therefore...

Neem – A Powerful Purifying and Detoxifying Herb

 “That Which Purifies The Earth.” Neem – A Powerful Purifying and Detoxifying Herb Neem is a tree that grows in the tropical regions of India. It is widely used and an extremely popular ayurvedic skin herb. The name ‘Neem’ is derived from the Sanskrit name ‘Nimba’ and is its common name. In India, all parts of the neem tree are used and can be fashioned into decorative objects as well as for medicinal purposes. Neem is one of the most powerful blood purifying and detoxifying herbs. It is an effective anti-inflammatory and also has antibacterial, antifungal, antihelmintic and antiseptic properties. It works as an active antacid as well as encompassing alterative, hypoglycaemic and antipyretic effects. Some of the many ayurvedic actions that Neem possess include; preventing...

Kutki – A Popular Liver Tonic

Kutki – A Popular Liver Tonic Kutki (katuka) is a popular liver tonic herb. Although its name means ‘pungent’ it also has a strong bitter taste. It grows at high altitudes in the Himalayas and is also known as ‘Dhanvantarigrasta’ because it was said to be consumed by Dhanvantari (father of Ayurveda). It pacifies excess heat in the body due to its antinflammatory properties.  It is a light and dry herb and therefore can increase these qualities in the body; hence its use must be carefully monitored. Kutki works especially well with diseases related to the liver and has antibacterial and expectorant properties. As it also works on the immune system by stimulating it, it is sometimes said to be contraindicated in certain autoimmune diseases. Actions: Kutki has several ayurvedic actions ...

The Benefits Of Turmeric

The Benefits Of Turmeric Turmeric is a common spice found in almost every kitchen in many Asian countries like India. Amongst its countless roles, turmeric is commonly used for cosmetic and coloring purposes. Turmeric is widely utilized in Ayurvedic Medicine in treating allergies, immune conditions, liver diseases and neurologic disorders. It is considered a holy, auspicious and natural healer. Some of the many health benefits of Turmeric are: COMMON ALLERGIES: A pinch of turmeric in hot water can be used as an effective steaming method to assist in coughs and colds. Add a pinch of turmeric and salt to warm water and use this for gargling twice a day for alleviating sore throats. ASTHMA & BRONCHITIS: As Turmeric has an affinity with the lungs, it can be used with a holy basil decoction...

10 Golden Rules of Food Intake ~ Eating Healthy

  “Without proper diet, medicine is of no use. With proper diet, medicine is of no need.” – Ancient Ayurvedic proverb   The 10 Golden Rules Of Food Intake According to Ayurveda if we do not follow the proper rules of eating then the consumption of food can generate ‘aama’ [undigested food material, toxins] and the absorption of these toxins can be a detriment to overall health and wellbeing. According to modern science free radicals are considered to be an important causative factor for many diseases. Similarly, from an Ayurvedic perspective, ‘aama’ is considered to be the root cause of most and nearly all diseases.   ”Aharavidhi-Vidhan” The 10 golden rules of food intake is described in Ayurveda as ”Aharavidhi-Vidhan”. Acharya Charak has described these 10 rules of fo...

Easy And Healthy Ways To Lose Weight

Easy And Healthy Ways To Lose Weight From an Ayurvedic standpoint, weight gain occurs as a result of excess earth and water elements in the body. This creates sluggish/weak digestion which leads to low metabolism. Signs and symptoms associated with obesity include lethargy, breathlessness on exertion, excess sweating, excess thirst as well as weight gain. Usually the etiological factors of obesity are due to poor diet and lifestyle choices. The typical American diet is extremely counterproductive in the maintenance of good health. Fried foods, excess salty and sweet foods as well as sodas have become a part of the ‘norm’ in todays society. The use of ice in drinks and the popular usage of frozen foods has also contributed to the rising levels of obesity. There are some simple ayurvedic rec...