An Ayurveda Secret For Preventing Colds – Nasya
Right functioning of your nasal passage way and breathing freely through your nostrils is the secret for preventing colds.
It allows prana (energy) to directly enter your brain.
This subtle prana or life-force stimulates and rejuvenates your brain keeping it active, sharp and adaptable.
In addition, proper functioning of the nostrils help maintain your immune system and prevents disease as prana is able to flow more freely to all the tissues of your body.
Prana absorbed in the nasal passages becomes purified so that your lungs are able to absorb and extract the life-energy from it.
But, in order for prana to be absorbed effectively, you must keep your nasal passage clean.
The best way to clean your nostrils and nasal passage is through the Ayurvedic art of Nasya
What is Nasya? Continue reading
What is Ayurvedic Massage – Abhyanga And What Are The Benefits
Ayurvedic massage (abhyanga) is a self-applied massage done with certain oils to relax, rejuvenate and nourish the mind, body & spirit.
It is recommended daily or as often as one would like; it can be done in as little as 5 minutes or lasting up to 20 minutes, which feels quite nice.
Abhyanga is best done in the morning and will give you many benefits throughout the day.
Some of the benefits of Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage include:
Healthy, radiant skin
Nourished and lubricated joints
Increased circulation in the body
Rejuvenation of the mind
Deep restful sleep especially if done before bed
Releasing of deep-seated toxins in the skin, joints, and tissues of the body
Slowing down of the aging process through diseases prevention such as arthritis
Calming of the mind and nervous system, promoting better focus and balanced emotions
Decreased anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed and spaced-out (these are signs of excess Vata dosha – air and ether elements) in your system
The first thing you need to do before starting your massage is to choose body oil that is most suitable for you. Continue reading
Turmeric Recipes For Healing And Health
Turmeric is sometimes mixed with other warming herbs, often ginger in the Ayurvedic diet.
The combinations allows for a proper synergy of herbs with food for healthy eating and digestion.
Turmeric doses and preparations
I often use about a teaspoon (a piece the size of my thumb) of chopped or grated fresh turmeric for a meal for two to three people.
Most of my Ayurvedic food recipes generally call for turmeric as an essential ingredient.
When using turmeric in Ayurvedic treatment, you should be careful not to take in excessive doses.
A dose of up to 3 grams of dried turmeric root or 0.5 milliliters of turmeric oil per day has been shown to be safe.
Too much turmeric may thin your blood and contribute to bleeding disorders. Excessive intake of turmeric may cause stomach upset.
Like most foods turmeric is better consumed fresh because it hasn’t been processes in any way and all its natural elements are intact. Buy organic if you can from your local health food store or farmers market.
Buying the herb fresh will often be cheaper and will also be free of many chemicals which are usually added to nutritional supplements.
The rhizomes or roots of the turmeric plant (Latin Curcuma longa) are often sun-dried and then ground to a powder which is use as a spice (found in most curries).
When using turmeric as a spice it can be sautéed in ghee or added to foods as they are being cooked. The Ayurvedic diet recommends cooking turmeric before you eat it.
Turmeric has a potent color, aroma and is quite flavorful. Continue reading
Ayurvedic Cough Remedy And Recipe
Many of us will suffer from some sort of coughing condition throughout or lives.
In Ayurveda there is a very effective Ayurvedic remedy that I have experimented with and refined over time.
It consists of three main ingredients that are noted for their healing properties.
I will describe each one of these ingredients in more detail in future articles.
For now I hope you enjoy this Ayurvedic recipe.
In addition to curing and preventing coughs of all kinds (It has worked amazingly well for me) it is also a tasty beverage that aids in digestion. Enjoy.
Fennel Licorice Tea Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
1 teaspoon of chopped licorice herb
½ teaspoon of marshmallow herb
Add the ingredients above to one cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a cup and add a teaspoon of raw honey once it has cooled a bit.
This tea is especially used for colds that include cough, both producing and non-producing. It helps with runny nose and congestion.
Drink this tea several times a day to help relieve and rid you of a cough. You can also take the tea when you feel a cough coming on. It is a good cold prevention recipe and will boost your immune system.
Image courtesy of VancityAllie
Ayurvedic Cold Remedy And Recipe
Well here in North America, autumn is upon us and the weather seems to be gradually cooling.
Those who have a lot of pitta or fire in their constitution may find this to be a relief.
However, you should be careful not to expose yourself to the cold to quickly or abruptly.
Getting a chill from a change in weather is one way to catch a cold.
Prevention is the best cure so stay warm by dressing warm (from head to toes) and gradually allow yourself to feel the cold – wet or dry.
If you however do end up catching a chill or cold virus then try this Ayurvedic remedy for immediate relief.
As soon as you feel something coming on take this ayurvedic remedy to prevent it from getting worse.
Ginger Cinnamon Tea Ingredients:
1 teaspoon or thumbs nail size of grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground cinnamon or 1 small cinnamon stick
A pinch of cardamom powder or 1 crushed cardamom pod Continue reading
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