Author: Dr.Sandeep Krishna sandeep

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), is a magical herb in Ayurveda used very extensively to treat neural disorders and improve brain power ever since the Vedic times. The name Brahmi is derived from Lord Brahma who is responsible for the creation of the universe. Concomitantly Brahmi is associated with everything related to intelligence, boosting memory and sharpening concentration. The benefits of this miraculous medicine don’t just stop there but there are a lot more, and today the entire world is increasingly realizing the medical properties of this Ayurvedic herb.
In Ayurveda, our bodies are comprised of 3 energetic principles- vata, pitta and kapha, whose imbalance creates diseases. Brahmi is recognized as a fundamental herb that balances all the 3 doshas leading to a myriad of health benefits. Now here are 5 magical benefits of Brahmi.
1. Brain tonic
Brahmi is the ultimate solution for all brain disorders and to enhance mental health. It soothes the nerves making the information processing more effective, it bridges the connections between the neurons boosting one’s thinking process and creativity. Also, it is the best help to be sought to improve one’s memory and to treat diseases like Alzheimers, Autism and Parkinsons disease.
2. Respiratory disorders
Brahmi pacifies Vata and thus it can cure respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, chest cold and nasal congestion. It reduces the inflammation in the throat and the respiratory tract and helps to clear out excess phlegm giving the affected person considerable relief.
3. Stress
Consumption of brahmi reduces the levels of Cortisol, the stress hormone in the body. It brings down anxiety and stress also by improving the production of serotonin, the hormone that calms the mind.
4. Good for liver health
Liver performs the function of detoxification in the body and Brahmi is said to improve the liver function that has been damaged by the toxic food eaten today.
4. Antioxidant
Brahmi is also an antioxidant that helps the body against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are the unstable molecules in the body that attack other stable molecules damaging the living cells. Brahmi works to neutralize these free radicals and slow down the aging process.
The health benefits of Brahmi doesn’t end here, there are a lot more in the list. The above mentioned are some prominent and widely acknowledged benefits that the magical herb provide.

Tonsils are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the back of the throat and they constitute a part of the lymphatic system and is responsible for fighting foreign pathogens inhaled or ingested. Tonsillitis condition is defined as the inflammation of tonsils in response to the invasion of bacteria or virus.
Ayurvedic Understanding of Tonsillitis
In Ayurveda, Tonsillitis is called as Tundikeri and all the 3 doshas viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are involved in the disease. Furthermore, exposure to cold environments, intake of cold foods and excessive talking can worsen the condition by aggravating Vata and Kapha doshas.
Triggering factors
Exposure to cold and moist climate, cold breeze, intake of cold and frozen foods such as ice creams, cold drinks and foods like curd triggers Tonsillitis. The disease is sometimes contagious, especially with the school going children. It’s most likely that the bacteria and viruses causing Tonsillitis easily spread among children while they spend time together.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Some of the common symptoms of the condition are –
1. Swelling inside the throat and redness causing pain
2. Difficulty in swallowing
3. Fever and chills
4. Sore throat
5. Loss of appetite
6. Bad breath
Ayurvedic way of treating Tonsillitis
In Ayurveda special herbs, medications, therapies and diet is suggested for the treatment of Tonsillitis. To prevent the condition from causing troubles further, Ayurveda also recommends an appropriate regimen and lifestyle to be followed.
Home Remedies for Tonsillitis
° Lemon: Lemon has notable anti- bacterial and anti- inflammatory properties. Drink lukewarm water added with lemon juice, a tea spoon of honey and a pinch of salt twice daily for a few days.
° Turmeric: Yet another substance rich in anti- inflammatory and anti- septic qualities, Turmeric is also an effective remedy for Tonsillitis. Add one teaspoon of turmeric and a pinch of black pepper to hot milk, drink it before sleep for a few days; it speeds up the healing process.
° Basil: Boil ½ a cup of water in 10-12 basil leaves for about 10 minutes, strain and add juice of one lemon and honey to it. Drink the preparation twice daily for 3 days.
Ayurvedic Tips
° Take enough rest and don’t strain your throat
° Drink only warm water and eat only warm food
° Gargle daily with a solution of common salt dissolved in half a glass of warm water
° Include black pepper in the diet
° Avoid day sleep for it causes kapha build up
° Do not eat very sour and spicy foods
° Stay away from milk and dairy products as they also increase Kapha

Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the respiratory system in which the airways are narrowed with swelling and the accumulation of mucus resulting in wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. The inflammation occurs in response to an allergen, cold air, excessive physical exertion or emotional stress.
Ayurvedic understanding of Asthma Condition
Asthma is known as Shwasa Roga in Ayurveda and its incidence is attributed to improper digestion. Undigested food produces toxins or Ama, as a result vitiated Vata circulates along the respiratory tract and excess Kapha gets accumulated in the airways blocking the channels.
Ayurveda describes 4 types of Asthma:
• Maha shwasaa characterized by heavy breathing,
• Urdhava shwasaa characterized by prolonged upward breathing,
• China shwasaa characterized by interrupted breath
• Tamak shwasaa characterized by darkness behind eyes.
Symptoms of Asthma
1. Coughing, especially in the night
2. Wheezing
3. Chest tightness and pain
4. Shortness of breath
5. Headache
Asthma attack is the sudden worsening of Asthma symptoms by tightening the muscles around the airways. In such cases the patient would experience severe wheezing, difficulty in talking and feeling of anxiety, a pale & sweaty face and blue lips or fingernails are also the symptoms of Asthma attack.
Causes of Asthma according to Ayurveda
Heavy diet, intake of excessive salt, intake of cold food, exposure to cold and damp areas, dust and smoke, cold baths results in Vata imbalances causing Asthma. Similarly, Kapha dosha is vitiated by the heavy consumption of non-vegetarian food, dietary food, banana and black grams etc.
Ayurvedic treatment for Asthma
Ayurveda treats asthma from its root, i.e., right from digestion. Before adopting a regimen to treat asthma, Ayurveda prescribes Shodhana or purification to expel excess doshas from their sites of accumulation. A right diet and some lifestyle changes follow the purification procedures to avoid further accumulation of toxins in the body. Vamana and Virechana karmas are the 2 purification therapies adopted to clear toxins from the body to treat Asthma. Vamana and Virechana are the actual treatments or ‘Pradhan karma’, they also require ‘purva karma’ or preparatory procedures to be carried out in advance.
Brief descriptions about the Ayurvedic procedures for detoxification are given below, the first two being purva karma.
• Snehana: Snehana, also called Oleation therapy, uses fatty products to lubricate the body administered either internally or externally in the form of oil massages.
• Swedana: Swedana is a method of inducing sweat to dilate the channels of the body and detach toxins from the tissues.
• Vamana: Vamana therapy is a medicated emesis therapy where in herbal medicines induce expulsion of toxins ( vitiated doshas especially Kapha dosha ) out of the body, through the oral cavity.
• Virechana: Virechana therapy is a medicated purification therapy in which the patient is given herbal medicines through the oral cavity, the medication acts internally to force the excretion of impurities which are brought from cellular level to gut level.
Diet and Lifestyle to treat Asthma
Ayurvedic therapies expel out all kinds of impurities from the body, after which, a proper diet and lifestyle is recommended to prevent the body from further getting affected by the condition.
Do‘s
⋅ Drink warm water
⋅ Consume more green leafy vegetables and fruits as they contain anti-oxidants
⋅ Eat a light dinner at least an hour before sleep
⋅ Practise breathing exercises and yoga to improve lung health

Don’ts
⋅ Heavy foods like cheese, curd, butter milk, creams, and banana
⋅ Greasy, fried foods and processed foods containing preservatives
⋅ Sour food
⋅ Excessive exercises

Honey is a wonder medicine whose uses have been discovered and re-discovered since ages. It’s a substance that can bring about incredible results even when consumed in its pristine form. Honey’s significance in human history is understood by its depiction in the Stone- Age paintings. The miraculous properties of honey hail from its composition, It contains more than 200 substances, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars and a lot more.
Honey, a salient element of Ayurveda is now undergoing diverse experiments world – wide to be used in modern medicine. The following are a few among the countless benefits of honey to mankind.
1. Instant energy
Honey contains different kinds of sugar molecules, especially glucose and fructose. These sugars are responsible for releasing energy, glucose is very easily absorbed by the body compared to fructose, but both give instant energy to the body. The energy released boosts endurance and reduces muscle fatigue; these qualities of honey make it a perfect component of diet for athletes and people engaging in physical exercise.
2. Boosts immunity
Its anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties help the body fight many diseases including fatal ones like cancer and heart disorders. The concentration of antioxidants varies with the floral sources of honey. For example, darker honey most often has more antioxidants than lighter honey. It also cleanses and builds up your digestive system giving you optimal health. Honey is also used as a natural anti-septic and hence treats wounds and leg ulcers.
3. Enhances complexion
Honey has a hygroscopic nature, meaning it is capable of absorbing moisture from air and thus when applied on the skin keeps it hydrated. Honey is also a natural cleanser that exfoliates skin to bring out radiance and glow. Its anti-oxidant properties prevent the skin cells from damage and also supplies nutrients to the skin promoting the growth of new tissue. In short, honey protects your skin and keeps it rejuvenated always.
4. A safe sweetener
Honey is the most widely used natural sweetener, as mentioned before contains different kinds of sugars making it a sweetener far safer than white sugar to consume. Prevention should be taken though as a tablespoon of honey contains about 63 calories. Honey also contains Dextrin, a starchy fibre which aids in balancing blood sugar levels.
5. Helps to lose weight
Though honey is rich in calories, it also contains 22 amino acids, good amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals; their presence makes honey get metabolized better. Generally, accumulated fat results in bulkiness and over- weight, honey is said to have the ability to mobilize the fat stored in the body. Consumption of honey with warm water and lime is recommended to burn this stored fat to provide energy used for your daily activities. This way, a regular course of honey would help to reduce weight. On top of that, honey has been proven to increase the levels of good cholesterol in the body and reduce cardiovascular strain leading to a healthy life.
6. Improves sleep
Every organ in human body follows a cycle to repair the damages. Liver mends itself during 1 a. m. and 3 a. m. for which it requires high amount of glycogen. Though liver stores glycogen for the night, it would have been used up by the time liver comes in to action resulting in a search for the fuel and thus insomnia. Consuming raw honey before sleep ensures an additional supply of glycogen to the liver, smoothening its functions and hence a sound sleep.

Here are 5 Ayurvedic home remedies to follow for balancing your Agni (Digestive fire) and strengthening your Digestive system –

1. Lemon and Ginger
Cut ginger into small strips, mix it with lemon juice and some salt and keep the mixture refrigerated. Eat one or two strips of soaked ginger before every meal, this will increase the digestive fire and ease the digestion.

2. Drink warm water
Having warm water is said to stimulate Agni, resulting in hunger and easy digestion; on the other hand cold water extinguishes the digestive fire.

3. Time matters
Ayurveda recommends lunch to be the largest meal of the day and it needs to be consumed when ‘Agni’ works at its best. 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. is the best recommended time for meals because that’s when the digestive fire is the strongest. Similarly, dinner should be eaten before 8 because by night the body gets ready to rest and rejuvenate, if food is eaten late in the night it would
remain undigested.

4. Lassi
Having lassi is good for digestion as it contains lactobacilli, bacteria that lubricates the intestine to aid digestion.

5. Calm environment
According to Ayurveda, human body needs a calm and uplifting environment to process and assimilate food because food is life-giving. While eating it is recommended that one should be relaxed & seated in a calm environment and should neither stand nor walk.

#WorldDigestiveHealthDay

Frozen Shoulder and its Management in Ayurveda
Frozen shoulder, otherwise called ‘adhesive capsulitis’, is a condition that limits the free movement of the shoulder. It develops gradually as tissues around the joint become rigid & stiff, and scar tissues are formed making the movement of the shoulder extremely painful. Frozen shoulder is an occurrence most commonly seen in people between 40- 60 years old, and very specially women and people with diabetics.
Ayurvedic Understanding of Frozen shoulder
In Ayurveda, Frozen shoulder condition is referred to as ‘Ababahuka’. It is caused by the vitiation of Vata dosha, which when accumulated in the joints absorbs fluid of the joint causing the stiffness of the joint.
Ayurveda explains 2 causes for the disease, the external and internal causes. External causes refers to the inflammation of the joints due to injury or a wrong sleeping posture. Internal causes of frozen shoulder come from irregular eating habits and the consumption of excessively pungent and bitter foods.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder According to Ayurveda
The condition develops gradually and transpires in three stages.
1. Freezing stage – This stage can last between 6 weeks – 9 months. Any activity of your shoulder causes pain, and movements of your shoulder gets limited.
2. Frozen stage – In this particular stage, stiffness is more in comparison with the pain, infact pain may reduce. Patient may feel that the shoulder is frozen due to extreme stiffness. It can last between 4 to 6 months.
3. Thawing stage – In this stage the symptoms may come down and you can gradually see an improvement in the movements of your shoulder. This stage can typically last between 6 months to 2 years.
Management of Frozen Shoulder According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda, the ancient science of healing treats the root cause of the disease, thus the treatment for frozen shoulder aims at bringing a balance to the vitiated vata dosha. The Ayurvedic way of treating the disease ranges from holistic treatments to consuming proper nutrition, and a few changes in the lifestyle.
Treatments
• Snehana: Snehana or the oleation therapy is a method to lubricate the body and is done both internally and externally. Internal application of Snehana means administering products like ghee, oil, fat, or bone marrow to manage the imbalanced vata dosha. External application of Snehana involves oil pulling, head massage or oil massage. The aim behind Snehana is the lubrication of the body systems.
• Swedana: Swedana or fomentation therapy is the use of hot or moist substances to stimulate perspiration or sweating thereby expelling the toxins and loosening the body.
• Basti: Basti is the cleansing technique wherein medicated oil and herbal decoction is given as enema to cleanse the colon. It helps in rejuvenating the body and eliminate the vata dosha.
• Nasya karma: Nasya karma refers to administering herbal medication through the nostrils to purify the head region of the patient. It helps in expelling the imbalanced doshas above the neck.
Apart from these treatments like ‘Pizhichil’, ‘Elakizhi’ are also performed to treat frozen shoulder.
Lifestyle modifications
Frozen shoulder can be kept at a distance if one takes care of his lifestyle. Practise yoga and meditate daily, engage in mild exercises to keep the shoulders moving, shower in warm/ hot water and take proper rest.
Diet to fight frozen shoulder
Consume foods that would help the body reduce vata dosha from the body and fight inflammation. Make your diet rich in oils and ghee, probiotic rich food like yogurt, fresh vegetables and fruits, and oil-rich foods like avocado, coconut, olives, buttermilk, cheese, eggs, milk, wheat, nuts and seeds.

From boosting immunity to helping ensure good sleep, pumpkin seeds offer many potential health benefits. The small wonder is called a nutritional powerhouse because of its numerous health-enhancing nutrients and antioxidants.

Here are 9 potential health benefits of the superfood according to Ayurveda –
1. Good for Heart Health
Rich in magnesium, many antioxidants and fiber, Pumpkin seeds helps in many important heart functions.

Including pumpkin seeds in your all daily diet is recommended to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.

2. Boosts Immune System
Pumpkin seeds are extremely rich in Zinc and various antioxidants which helps in boosting your immune system.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast topped with pumpkin seeds for a boost.

3. Promotes healthy Cholesterol levels
Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds can help lower the level of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body.

Having 2 to 4 tablespoons of dry roasted pumpkin seeds daily will help lower your LDL levels. Make sure to eat the seeds without adding any extra salt.
4. Good for Arthritis
Pumpkin seeds and their oil comprises anti-inflammatory properties that is helpful in treating arthritis.

Massaging the affected area with pumpkin seed oil twice a day for around 10 minutes would help alleviating the pain and inflammation of the joints.

5. Fights Anxiety and Depression
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in pumpkin seeds and other vital nutrients in the superfood helps fight anxiety and depression.

A handful of roasted pumpkin seeds can calm you down after a stressful day.

6. Strengthens Bones
Being a rich source of magnesium and phosphorus, that are vital for bone health, Pumpkin seeds can help strengthening the bones.

Having ¼ cup of pumpkin seeds daily can reduce bone weakness and osteoporosis symptoms.

7. Anti-diabetic
Pumpkin seeds are rich in ingredients like Trigonelline, Nicotinic acid, and D-chiro-inositol which helps improving insulin regulation.

It is important to consume pumpkin seeds in their raw form to obtain all the nutritional benefits from these seeds.

8. Good for Digestive health
A diet rich in fiber is essential in keeping your gut in good shape. Pumpkin seeds are a great fiber source (5.2 grams of fiber per ounce of whole pumpkin seeds).
9. Promotes Healthy Sleep
Having pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed or mixing the seed powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it at least 1 hour before bedtime, is beneficial as it provides your body the tryptophan needed which promotes a restful night’s sleep.
Note: The seeds are best advised to be consumed in raw form to avail all its benefits. Also, it is recommended to consume pumpkin seeds in moderation as it contains high calories.

Keep Your Skin Beautiful & Glowing the Ayurvedic Way

MEET THE MIRACLE HERB – MINT

“The Aromatic & Cooling Herb,” Peppermint leaves are one effective herb which is been used in Ayurveda for over many centuries known for its miraculous healing effects and medicinal values. The leaves are very popular for its pretty shape, amazing aroma and the cooling effect it imparts.

It is a great herb when it comes to skin care as it embraces two important ingredients, menthol and salicylic acid. Menthol helps in nourishing the skin and keeping it refreshed. Salicylic acid is an exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. Mint leaves are great natural cure for the skins with acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of leaves also helps to soothe mosquito bites and other types of skin irritations.

TIPS TO USE THE HERB:

1. Mint juice can be used as scrub – Take little oats and mix it with mint juice. Then scrub the skin with this mixture to remove dead skin cells. This treatment will also help to hydrate and moisturize the skin. Not only this, it also helps to remove/ lighten pimple marks.

2. Mint to treat cracked heels – Use mint leaves by boiling them in little water and then soak the feet in it. This helps to soothe cracked heels, removes smell and makes heels soft and clean. Not only this, the kind aroma of the mint leaves will help to calm your nerves and senses, and make you feel relaxed.

3. Mint leaves to treat blackheads- Apply a paste of mint leaves on blackhead or on affected areas and leave for 15 mins and then wash it using cold water. Using mint for skin helps in getting rid of patchy skin too.

4. Salicylic acid which is present in mint leaves helps to cure acne. Apply a thick paste of mint leaves and rose water on your face. Leave for 20 mins and wash it using cold water. Repeat this regularly to get rid of stubborn acne and acne marks.

5. Apply fresh ground mint leaves on your face to lighten your skin tone dramatically. Application of mint paste or mint juice helps to diminish under-eyes circles as well as puffiness of eyes.

6. Crush mint leaves and combine it with honey to apply on your skin. This mint face pack cleanses and tightens your pores completely, giving you a fresh and oil-free skin tone.

7. Using mint juice on the skin will help to soothe mosquito bites and other types of skin irritations. Mint leaves also helps to soften and calm the dry, rough and itchy skin.

Glowing skin not only enhances our self-confidence but is also an indicator of our health.

EMBRACE MINT AND LET YOUR SKIN SMILE.