Healthy Tips

Common Cold and Respiratory Problems

As we transition into the spring season and the onset of warmer weather begins, there can be internal changes in the Agni (digestive fire) or the way our body's digestive system works, which can lead to respiratory issues and common colds.

Remedies

• Follow a light diet to help strengthen digestion
• Biggest meal should be eaten midday when digestion is strongest
• Use lots of ginger! Hot water with ginger strengthens digestion. Add 2-3 slices of fresh ginger root to water that has been boiled for at least ten minutes. For added flavor, add a little lemon & honey. Ginger tea before meals is also a helpful digestive aid
• Regular exercise can help strengthen the body. Try to get 30 minutes daily.
• Minimize intake of cold foods and drinks, and also fried, salted, and fatty foods
• Eat daily 2-3 servings of vegetables & vegetable-based soups, fresh salads, light fruit, whole grains and beans
• Ghee or clarified butter can help with digestion
• Use Amla, Chyawanprash, Turmeric, and Lung Support to treat cold and respiratory ailments
• Two supplements in particular that can help strengthen the immune system are Amla and Tulasi (Holy Basil). Amla is the highest source of vitamin C and tests have proven that the natural vitamin C in Amla is more quickly assimilated by the body than synthetic vitamins.
• Tulasi (Holy Basil) is useful in treating respiratory infections and protects the body with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be taken as a supplement or mixed with ginger and honey to make a tea.

Spring Skin Care

In the spring, many Kapha-dosa related skin problems become prevalent, such as excessive oiliness, breakouts, and lack of clarity. Ayurvedic skin care in spring should emphasize cleansing and rejuvenation.

• Focus on deep cleansing of the skin (twice a day), exfoliation and gentle nourishment in preparation for the heat in the summer months. Make sure to use an appropriate cleanser for your particular skin type.

•  Once a week treat yourself to a facial, with Ayurvedic herbal steam therapy. Add appropriate herbs and essential oils for your dosha. The herbal steam treatments will help release deep-seated toxins and clearing the pores of the skin, giving it room to breathe freely.

•  Neem leaves can work wonders on oily skin. A neem tea can be made for quick daily exfoliation by steeping 1/4 teaspoon neem leaves in a pot of boiling water. Once it has cooled a little and is at a comfortable temperature, dip a washcloth in the infusion and dab your skin several times thoroughly. Follow with an appropriate toner.

•  In Ayurveda it is common in spring to rejuvenate the skin regularly by performing a total body exfoliation. Using a mix of four parts chickpea flour or coarse oatmeal and one part sandalwood powder, blend in a little milk or water. Apply the paste to wet skin, gently scrubbing rougher areas such as knees, elbows and feet with a washcloth. Allow to dry a few minutes and rinse off with plenty of luke warm water.

•  Nourish your skin with a light application of a natural organic moisturizer. Tattva's Herbs will soon be introducing an entire line of ayurvedic skincare creams. Many people find that coconut oil is soothing and light, with a wonderful fragrance.

•  Spring cleansing internally with a healthy diet is very important to help purify the blood and sweat glands. Eat cleansing vegetables & fruits high in water content. Avoid rich foods, heavy cheeses, fried foods and sugar - especially if your skin tends to be naturally oily, as these types of foods will clog the channels further and can lead to breakouts.

•  The ayurvedic self-massage called abhyanga-using warm oil, is recommended for everyone in the spring. The treatment not only keeps your skin silky-smooth, it also tones the muscles, calms the nerves and aids circulation, while helping to release deeply embedded toxins. Choose a massage oil that works for your skin type.

Delicious Recipes

Mung Dhal Kichari

 

• 1 cup yellow mung dhal
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 inch (approx. 1 Tbsp) piece fresh ginger root-peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 cupfresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 inch piece cinnamon bark
• 5 whole cardamom pods
• 5 whole cloves
• 10 black peppercorns
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 more cups water
  

Soak dhal for 1-2 hours before preparing this dish.

Wash the dhal and rice until water is clear.Put ginger, cilantro, and 1/2 cup water in blender and belnd until smooth.Heat a large pan on medium heat and add ghee, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns and bay leaves, stirring for a minute or two until fragrant.

Add the turmeric, salt and blended mixture. Stir until lightly browned.

Add the rice and dhal, mixing until everything is well blended. Stir in the 6 cups of water, cover and bring to a boil. Let the mixture boil for 5-7 minutes, turn flame down to low and simmer lightly, with cover on loosely until the dhal & rice are soft. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

 

Spinach and Potato Curry

• 3 medium potatoes or 6 medium parsnips
• 1 large bunch fresh spinach (1 ½ pounds)
• 1 ½ tablespoons ghee
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/8 teaspoon hing
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
•  1/2 red or green pepper, chopped

Wash spinach and potatoes. Cut potatoes into ½ inch cubes; chop spinach. Heat ghee in heavy saucepan or skillet and add mustard seeds and hing. When seeds pop, add turmeric, potatoes, and water. Stir. Cover and cook on medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Then add spinach and all other ingredients. Mix well. Cook covered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Serve.

 

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Additional Information:

SHATAVARI is also know as Asparagus racemosus. It is a cooling, calming, nourishing and purifying herb which has a special affinity with women, though it is also excellent for men.

SHATAVARI tones, cleanses, nourishes, and strenghtens the female reproductive organs and so is traditionnaly used for PMS, ammenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, and pelvic inflammatory disease like endometriosis. It also supports deeper tissue and builds blood and so it helps to remove infertility, prepare the womb for conception, prevent miscarriage and acts as a post-partum tonic where it helps to increase lactation and normalize the uterus and the changing hormones.

So many of these benefits abound because Shatavari contains phyto-estrogens, hormones that normalize estrogen levels and also play an important role in preserving women's long term health. Clinical studies suggest that plant estrogen's are better than drugs for hormone balancing since they do not produce negative side effects. This gentle herb will promote an easier and more balanced life.

English name: Asparagus, Shatavari

Botanical name: Asparagus racemosus

Ayurvedic name: Shatavari

Family: Liliaceae

Parts used: Root