Ayurveda, the oldest form of medicine in India, dates back to over 2000 years. It focuses on holistic health and wellness. Despite its immense benefits, Ayurveda has not become the mainstream and is still used more for prevention than treatment. It is mainly because of our lack of faith in this ancient knowledge. There are many myths surrounding this ancient practice. Let’s attempt to dispel these common myths and learn the facts.

#Myth 1: Ayurvedic medicine is difficult to take

Ayurvedic medicines are in the form of powders, syrups and jams as they are extracts mostly from herbs. Ayurvedic medicines are as per the six rasas or tastes. Ayurveda believes taste applies not only to the taste buds on our tongue, but to the final reaction of food in the acid medium of the stomach. The taste we get in the mouth is called svada and that in the stomach is called paka. For example, Ayurveda describes bread as sweet because its taste in the stomach as a reaction is sweet. However, today many Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies are making drugs in easy tablet and capsule forms, which are easy to take.

#Myth 2: Ayurvedic medicine is non-researched

Ayurvedic medicines are age-old and time-tested. Since time immemorial, this system of medicine has been in use. The medicines are herbal drugs and the formulations have been in active use for centuries, and are still in use. They are recognised under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and the formulations are well-documented in the Ayurvedic formularies and pharmacopoeias. Ayurveda practitioners possess a medical degree and are registered under the Indian Medicine Council Act.

#Myth 3: Ayurvedic medicines are too expensive

Not all Ayurvedic medicines are expensive. Some Ayurvedic formulations contain expensive ingredients like gold and silver, and these medicines are generally prescribed for chronic or severe diseases. If there are some expensive medicines, then there are their substitutes as well, which are affordable.

#Myth 4: Ayurvedic medicines have foul taste and odour

Some Ayurvedic medicines do have foul taste and odour. Some medicines are essential to be bitter in taste as the bitter or pungent taste is required for the body to perform the cleansing act effectively. Nevertheless, if a patient is unable to take a particular medicine, the doctor can prescribe a combination medium like honey or mishri with the medicine.

#Myth 4: Ayurvedic medicines contain steroids

Ayurvedic medicines are either herb based or are manufactured from natural resources or metals that are prepared in accordance with the pharmaceutical and pharmacological evidence available in the Ayurvedic texts. No steroid are used during the manufacturing of any ayurvedic medicines.

#Myth 5: Ayurvedic medicines are slow in showing results

Generally, patients come late with their problems. They try other systems of medicines to get faster results before trying Ayurveda. This delays the effects of the medicine. Ayurvedic medicines work slowly because they first try to neutralise the effects of other medications first.

#Myth 6: Ayurvedic medicine is only for chronic diseases

No doubt, Ayurvedic medicines work wonders on chronic diseases, but they are also equally effective in treating problems like viral fever and common cold.

#Myth 7: Ayurvedic medicines are harmful for the kidneys

This is not correct. This can only happen if the drugs are not prepared under accurate drug standardization and surveillance. People should be careful in using Ayurvedic medicines of those manufacturers who prepare the medicines strictly under standardized stipulations.

#Myth 8: Ayurvedic medicines are only for elderly people

Ayurvedic medicine is suitable for all age groups. There is no limitation in this form of treatment. In fact, Ayurveda is a boon for children when their body system is still tender and the process of immunity is still building. The natural ingredients do not interfere with children’s body resistance and at the same time more safe from side effects.

#Myth 9: Ayurvedic medicines have side effects

All medicines including Ayurvedic have their side-effects if the dosage is not taken as prescribed by the doctor. Otherwise, it can cause harm to one’s health. Otherwise, Ayurvedic medicines are time-tested and are safe.

#Myth 10: Only vegetarians can take Ayurvedic treatment

It is a common belief that while taking Ayurvedic medicines, one has to ban consumption of meat products and onion. This is not true. In fact, many Ayurvedic doctors recommend the consumption of onion and garlic as they have great medicinal properties. Meat is also prescribed in certain amounts to balance the levels of iron in the body, and provide protein needed to treat a certain disease.

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions faced by millions of people across the globe. It is a condition that stops the body’s ability to react to insulin, leading to abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, which, in turn, increases blood sugar levels.

The common symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite. If diabetes is not treated on time, it can lead to serious long-term complications like chronic kidney disease, blindness, cardiovascular disease, foot ulcers, and stroke, leading to death.

Ayurvedic way to manage diabetes

While there are many ways to manage and control diabetes, Ayurveda is a good solution as it has many tips that would help you control the disease. In Ayurveda, diabetes is known as Madhumeha.

According to Ayurveda, a perfect balance between the three fundamental doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha leads to good health. Ayurvedic experts explain that diabetes develops as a result of diminished functioning of agni (digestive fire), which may trigger high blood sugar levels.

Ayurveda suggests increasing the intake of turmeric in our diet to manage diabetes. Drinking water from a copper vessel is also good to prevent the complicating disease. Copper prevents fluctuation of blood sugar levels. The water stored in a copper vessel is called tamra jala and it helps in balancing all three doshas. According to Ayurvedic experts, diabetic people should consume methi or fenugreek sprouts or drink fenugreek water on an empty stomach in the morning. In addition, bitter things like hemp seeds, bitter gourd, amla, and aloe vera have been found to be effective in controlling diabetes.

Ayurveda explains that all diseases are due to some imbalance in a person’s doshas. Type 1 diabetes is due to an imbalance of the Vata (air and wind) dosha. Type 2 is caused due to an excess of the Kapha (water and earth) dosha.

Ayurveda also suggests a diabetic person to avoid intake of sweets and carbohydrates. It is advisable to include more green and leafy vegetables. Besides all these simple solutions, Ayurvedic tonic like Madhumardan works wonders on diabetes.

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Madhumardan for diabetes and its complications

Madhumardan is an Ayurvedic formulation of 32 ingredients, manufactured by Sri Jain Ayurvedic Pharmacy. This time-tested holistic tonic is very effective for treating diabetes and the complications arising from it. This Ayurvedic drug also reduces high blood sugar and is totally free from metallic residues.

This 100% ayurvedic formulation with no side effects. Madhumardan can be taken along with other antidiabetic medicines as well. Known to be a safe, tolerable and acceptable medicine, Madhumardan does not cause a sudden fall of blood sugar level and shows a slow and steady effect on diabetes mellitus.

Ingredients:

Jamun, Chirayata (a herb), Karela      (bitter gourd), Tulsi, Haritaki (a miraculous herb), Amla          (Indian gooseberry), Moti (purified pearls), Methi (fenugreek), Shilajit (mineral pitch), Kaiphal (medicinal tree), Kalijiri (bitter cumin), Neem (Indian lilac), Haridra (turmeric), Baheda (herb), Adusa (Malabar nut tree), Yastimadhu (liquorice), Pushkarmool (herb), Sounth (ginger), Kalimirchi (black pepper), Musta (herb), Pudina (mint), Revendchini , Dhawai, Gurmar (woody vine), Kapikachu (velvet bean), Gokhru, Chaksu (herb), Ratanpurush, Guar gum (fibre from the seed of the guar plant), Sandalwood, Aawartaki, Hazardana  

Benefits of Madhumardan

Madhumardan has multi-faceted effects on different systems and parts of our body such as the digestive system, cardiovascular system, skin, kidney, liver and spleen, blood vessels, respiratory tract, and controls the development of any such complications.

The medicine serves as an appetizer, liver stimulant, and as a mild laxative.

It corrects glucose metabolism, and helps in digestion, eliminating any gas formations.

Madhumardan checks thirst gives a cooling effect and subsides fever.

The ingredients of the medicine act as a blood purifier, anti-inflammatory, and wound healer.

Dosage

It is recommended to take one teaspoon full of powder before meals or as directed by your Ayurvedic physician

Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to make a fertile woman pregnant. One of the major causes of male infertility is due to deficiencies in the semen count and its quality. The problem is also due to abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. These issues usually take place due to illnesses, chronic health problems, injuries, wrong lifestyle choices , and other factors like excessive consumption of tobacco, alcohol, junk food, increased stress levels, etc. These also lead to erectile dysfunction and other related disorders like anxiety and a decreased libido (sexual desire).

Ayurvedic approach to male sexual dysfunction

Thousands of years ago, Ayurveda had perceived the problem of male sexual dysfunction and developed a separate sub-specialty called Vajikarana chikitsa (aphrodisiac therapy). Ayurveda recommends lifestyle changes, plant-based herbs, and a nutritious diet for treating male infertility.

Ayurveda suggests basic lifestyle modulation to treat infertility in males. The Panchakarma treatment has shown good results in bringing the deranged doshas back on track. Panchakarma means five treatments. It is a process to cleanse the body of toxic materials left by disease, poor nutrition, and environmental toxins. It includes five natural methods of elimination and detoxifying the body while balancing the Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Regular exercises and yoga and eating balanced meals are known to have helped in keeping the mind, body and soul balanced. Yogasanas like Padmasana (lotus pose), Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), and Praivritta Trikonasana (twisted triangle pose) are beneficial in treating male fertility.

Ayurveda also suggests certain dravyas for male infertility and to maintain sexual wellness. These include cow milk, ghee made with cow milk, honey, ashwagandha, shatavari, triphala, shilajitu, etc.

Some of the dravyas that are reported to be useful include:

To enhance semen: Milk, ghee, shatavari, ashwagandha, etc.

To purify semen: Sugarcane, kushtha, etc.

To promote quality of semen: Brahmi, shatavari, guduchi, etc.

To increase libido: Kesar, garlic, long pepper, clove, etc.

To prevent premature ejaculation: Nutmeg, ashwagandha, chandana, etc.

Recommended food intake

Ayurveda suggests including fresh, organic fruits, fruit juices, vegetables, coconut, coconut milk and coconut meat in the diet. Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, black currants, figs, dates, etc. with milk are said to be effective.

Recommended therapies

Since males suffer from psychological problems as well due to infertility, the important line of treatment is psychotherapy and counseling to reduce stress, depression and anxiety that has arose due to infertility. Side by side infertility treatment is done. Therapies like abhyanga (body massage), shirodhara, nasya, etc are given to relax the mind and body.

Rejuspermin capsule for male infertility

Rejuspermin capsule is a proprietary Ayurvedic medicine, manufactured by Dr. Palep Medical Research Foundation. It is beneficial in conditions like less sperm motility due to male infertility. This Ayurvedic medicine is also used in conditions like premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and male infertility due to low sperm density and movement.

Rejuspermin capsule contains the following:

Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, Asparagus ascendens, Adhatoda vasica, Gokshura, Mucuna pruriens, Sida cordifolia, Swetha musli, Shilajit, Ipomoea digitata, Hemidesmus indicus, Tinospora cordifolia, Boerrhavia diffusa, Emblica officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Tribulus terrestris, Amalaki, Piper Longum

Role of key ingredients

Kapikacchu or Mucuna prurience contains L-DOPA, which enhances libido and sexual performance, improves mood and increases energy levels.

Gokshuru is considered as a natural aphrodisiac, which helps to elevate the testosterone levels, and thus helps to solve infertility problems.

Swetha musli herb is useful for problems like low sperm count and decreased libido. It also helps to enhance male potency and prevents premature ejaculation.

Shilajit is a powerful antioxidant, aphrodisiac and strength promoter.

Amalaki is a strong antioxidant and rejuvenating herb with detoxification and cleansing property.

Benefits of Rejuspermin Capsule

1. Enhances spermatogenesis and increases sperm count
2. Improves sperm motility hence increases the conception rate
3. Corrects erectile dysfunction
4. Restores vitality through phytonutrients
5. Helps to increase libido, prolongs ejaculation and improves performance
6. Prevents pre-mature aging

Dosage

You can take 1 to 3 capsules twice a day for 3 months or as per your Ayurvedic physician

We live in such a competitive world where keeping uptime matters the most. To become successful in life one should value the time and also should know how to use it effectively. Intellects value time more than money since lost money can be regained but not the lost time. Thus, it’s very important to have such a lifestyle that favors the best usage of time. And getting up early in the morning is one such practice that is considered as the key to success.

Almost everyone wants to be successful but then only a few succeed simply because it demands focus, dedication, and commitment. Similarly, even though the majority of the people wish to reap the benefits of waking up early in the morning only a few ends up achieving. However, nothing is impossible to accomplish when a person has a deep desire to do something. As we all know that “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” For efficient usage of a day, Ayurveda suggests waking up early in the morning, around 45 minutes before sunrise which is called Braahmi Muhurtha. Ancient ayurvedic texts also provide a few effective tips to become an early riser which are as follows:

Self-isolation from all electronic gadgets before going to sleep

An adequate amount of last night’s sleep is essential for the body and mind to be fully active on the next morning. Thus, it’s important to go to bed early so that one can rise up early. For ancient people, it was very easy to follow this practice as they didn’t have many obstacles such as mobiles, laptops, tabs, etc like we do! It will be great if we’re able to assume that those gadgets don’t even exist after 9 pm so that unnecessary distractions can be avoided and can go to sleep early.

Have an early light dinner

It’s a known fact that to stay healthy along with the quality of food, quantity also matters. The most common pattern followed by the people when it comes to food quantity is to have a heavy breakfast, moderate lunch, and a light dinner. Having a light dinner between 6-7 pm not only helps to stay healthy but also aids in waking up early. Heavy dinner which includes sweets, oily foods, etc. should be avoided. Going to bed with a light appetite helps to become an early bird.

Position of an alarm clock

Despite we sleep with the strong determination of rising up early, without the help of an alarm clock it isn’t that easy to wake up. Also, we can’t always rely on our family members or roommates to wake up all the time as even they can miss out. Thus, it’s the best idea to set timing on the alarm clock and place quite far from the bed. Why far? Well, if it’s kept at the reachable distance from the cot, there are more chances of one snoozing or off the alarm and going back to sleep again! After all, early morning nap is the sweetest nap. 

Drink water

Water plays a vital role in the human body. Out of many health benefits, we obtain from drinking pure water, it also helps in waking up early. On drinking a glass of water before going to sleep urges a person to rise early due to the need for emptying bladder by urinating. Those who have diseases like diabetes and other urinating issues like frequent urination are recommended not to consider this tip.

Plan following day activities before sleeping

Along with getting up early in the morning, how we are going to use the entire day also matters. Planning the next day activities with schedules not only creates a sense of determination but it also reminds our coming day work commitments. Having a purpose behind doing something will always yield good results. Thus planning for the next day will be a motivation for one to rise early.

Regardless of whichever tips being followed one ought to be patient enough until getting used to the new lifestyle. Certainly, it will be difficult during the initial days. However, one has to hold on with the never giving up attitude knowing the fact, “Practice makes a man perfect.”

Male infertility is fast becoming a common phenomenon due to today’s stressful lifestyle. Besides stress, other modern issues like inadequate nutrition, high levels of radiation from devices and gadgets like mobile phones, less and poor quality sleep, and chemicals and pesticides in our food, contribute to men suffering from fertility issues.

Ayurvedic approach to male infertility

Infertility is a medical condition when men have inadequate production of normal, motile sperm. According to Ayurveda, some of the male infertility related problems include shukrakshaya (decreased count of sperm), premature ejaculation, nocturnal emission (an involuntary ejaculation of semen during sleep), etc.

Ayurveda believes that male infertility can be treated by detoxification and dosha cleansing. It strongly recommends herbs that reduce stress, build immunity, and rejuvenate the key tissues and dhatus. These help to nourish the body and make healthy sperms in men.

Cleansing tissues: According to Ayurveda, we get exposed to many toxins and chemicals that get deposited in our body’s tissues and fat. These toxins have negative impact on male sperm count. In such a condition, Ayurveda recommends cleansing deep tissues. It is beneficial to eat organic plant-based foods that are free from pesticides. A detox every month is essential. During detox, men cannot smoke or use tobacco in any other mode. They should also stay away from alcohol.

Managing stress: Stress is a major reason to reduce quality and quantity of sperm. Our body responds to stress by releasing hormones that have negative effect on our body. Stress can be reduced by breathing exercises as during stress, we breathe faster in an effort to quickly distribute oxygen-rich blood to our body. Abdominal breathing for 20 to 30 minutes every day can relieve stress. Nadi shodhan pranayama helps to balance the air flow between the nostrils, and brings balance to the mind. The breathing technique called bhramari is also very effective in helping the mind release stress. The herb brahmi also helps to calm the nerves.

Ayurveda also recommends proprietary Ayurvedic medicines that do not have any side effects. One such drug is Shilapravang Special.

Shilapravang Special for male infertility

Shilapravang Special is a proprietary Ayurvedic medicine, manufactured by Shree Dhootapapeshwar. It is used for treating male infertility, premature ejaculation, nocturnal emission, and other male infertility related disorders.

Ingredients:-

Dhootapapeshwar Shilapravang Special contains the following:

Shuddha Shilajit 40 mg

Pravala Bhasma 20 mg

Vanga Bhasma 20 mg

Suvarnamakshik Bhasma 20 mg

Guduchi Satva 20 mg

Ashwagandha 60 mg

Shatavari 15 mg

Shilajit is a mineral pitch that has occurred due to a long process of breaking down of plant matter and minerals. This sticky, black, tar-like substance is found in rocks of mountains. It is considered as an excellent rejuvenating tonic that ensures balanced and harmonious health. Known as a sex tonic, Shilajit increases the core energy responsible for sexual drive. It also cures debility, fatigue and provides strength to muscles and bones.

Pravala Bhasma is a natural source of calcium and an Ayurvedic medicine prepared from coral. It treats conditions of bone metabolic disorders associated with calcium deficiency.

Ashwagandha is very effective in curing male infertility. It is also beneficial for metabolism and helps to provide proper nutrition. Its anti-inflammatory properties help the nerves and also cures sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction and oligospermia.

Vanga Bhasma treats diseases of gastrointestinal tract and genito-urinary system.

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Benefits of Shilapravang Special

Promotes formation of best quality Saptadhatu, the seven body tissues. According to Ayurveda, the human body is made up of Saptadhatus, which means seven constituent elements. These seven dhatus make the entire structure of our body.

It not only strengthens the Shukra, but also increases the sustaining capacity.

The medicine boosts stamina, vigour and vitality in men and relieves mental stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

The drug is beneficial in case of male erectile dysfunction.

 It also helps to counter premature ejaculation.

Dosage

It is recommended to take 1 to 2 tablets twice a day with milk or as directed by your Ayurvedic doctor.

Safety information:

Keep out of the reach and sight of the children. Read the label carefully before use.

Use under medical supervision

Stress and breathing are interconnected. Have you ever observed how you breathe when you feel relaxed and how it changes when you are stressful? Stress is a natural reaction to our experiences, which happens physically and mentally. Stress can be beneficial to our health if it is short-term, but it’s harmful when it becomes chronic or happens for a longer period of time. Chronic stress can affect our health and manifests in symptoms like irritability, anxiety, depression, headache and insomnia.

The science behind stress and breathing

Our body responds to stress by releasing hormones that increase our heart and breathing rates. Stress hormones affect our respiratory and cardiovascular systems. During stress, we breathe faster in an effort to quickly distribute oxygen-rich blood to our body. If we already have a breathing problem like asthma or emphysema, stress can make it even harder to breathe. Under stress, our heart also pumps faster.

Abdominal breathing for 20 to 30 minutes every day can reduce anxiety and relieve stress. While we do deep breathing, it increases the supply of oxygen to our brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness. Breathing exercises, therefore, help us feel connected to our body. It keeps our awareness away from the worries in our head and calms our mind.

Ayurvedic approach to stress

According to Ayurveda, high levels of stress cause excess build-up of free radicals in the body that lead to disease and premature aging. We feel stress when the Vata dosha gets imbalanced. However, all three doshas can play a role. Usually, the Vata types are likely to develop Vata-aggravated stress reactions like anxiety, phobias or even anxiety neurosis. Pitta persons experience increase in Pitta during stressful moments and react to stress in the form of anger. Pitta types also suffer from hypertension, peptic ulcer, and other Pitta disorders. On the other hand, Kapha individuals react to stress by developing active thyroid function or slow metabolism, and even increased blood sugar.

Ayurveda offers many ways to combat day-to-day stress. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to control stress. When we breathe deeply, it sends a message to the brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to our body. The symptoms that arise due to stress like increased heart rate, fast breathing, and high blood pressure, etc, will all decrease as we breathe deeply to relax. In fact, the way we breathe affects our whole body.

Breathing exercises to relax

Most of us take short, shallow breaths into out chests. This makes us feel anxious and it zaps our energy. We should always take bigger breaths, all the way into your belly.

Breathing exercises are a good way to relieve stress. These exercises are easy to learn, and can be done anytime. Moreover, we do not need any special tools or equipment to do these exercises.

Breathing exercises should be done daily, and they don’t take too much time. You only need to take out time and pay attention to your breathing. Begin by just 5 minutes a day, and increase your time gradually as you become comfortable. Practice multiple times a day.

Belly breathing: This exercise is quite easy to do and relaxing, too. You can do it anytime you need to relax or relieve stress. Sit or lie on your back in a comfortable position. Keep one hand on your abdomen, just below your ribs and the other hand should be on your chest. Now take a deep breath in through your nose. You can feel with your hand that your belly is pushed up. Your chest should not move. Now breathe out through your lips as if you are whistling. Now your hand will feel that your belly is going in, and use it to push all the air out. Do this exercise 3 to 10 times a day or whenever you want to relieve stress. Each time observe how you feel at the end of the exercise.

When you master this simple breathing exercise, you can move on to advance ones like roll breathing, 4-7-8 breathing and morning breathing. You can see which one works well for you and keep doing that exercise till you get good result

In the age of trying to look youthful and beautiful, we tend to do many things that are artificial and use a lot of chemicals through our cosmetics, etc, which harm us in the long run. Aging is natural and we cannot hold it back. We can at the most delay it by certain natural ways.

While we cannot stop aging, we can decide how we choose to age. Ayurveda guides us to be stronger, confident, and powerful as we age and teach us how to make aging natural and easy with balance and grace.

According to Ayurveda, the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that represent five elements of nature—ether, air, fire, water, and earth, make our body. The negative side effects of aging are due to imbalances in these doshas. To prevent these negative side effects, we need to find balance. But with age, practicing balance becomes difficult. We have to understand the qualities of old age and need to create a balance with the three constitutions in our body. When we learn to live life in rhythm with nature, we remain in optimum health and have peace of mind.

Ayurvedic ways to age gracefully 

Ayurveda respects aging and suggests ways to age gracefully.

Lifestyle management: Ayurveda suggests planning your diet keeping in mind the foods that will create a balance between the doshas, and help in the growth of new cells. Building new and healthy cells while replacing the old and dying cells will keep us youthful for long. If the old cells are not replaced with new cells, the skin becomes wrinkled and the body loses its strength and shape. You should also add foods that will create the least amount of toxins in the body. Your diet should be according to the season and more plant-based diet.

Ayurveda does not advocate for temporary relief of aches and pains while we age. It addresses the underlying causes of pain, which is often linked to poor digestion, wrong nutrition, and accumulation of toxins in the body. Toxins may lead to undigested food deposited in our joints and open spaces throughout the body. Detoxifying the body regularly on a monthly or weekly basis is essential as these toxins can create illnesses.

As we age, our body loses muscle mass and get replaced with fat. We need to slow down the rate of muscle mass conversion to fat mass and retain as much muscle mass for a longer time.

Yoga: While aging, it is essential to stay active and balanced. Ayurveda suggests doing yoga on a regular basis along with other exercises and activities that can help retain muscle mass, reduce fat build-up, and keep us active and flexible. Yogasanas should be personalized with the help of a trainer.

Meditation: Balancing of mind and body is important for good health. It is important to be aware of stressful thoughts and emotions and throw them out from your system, as stress can cause cell inflammation, which in turn can cause many diseases. Regular meditation on a daily basis will clear your mind, calm you down, keeps you away from anger, bitterness, complaining, fear, and negative thoughts.

Herbs: Ayurveda suggests herbs that can delay the symptoms of aging by regenerating new body cells. These herbs have antioxidants that control the growth of free radicals that damage cells in the body. You can include some of these herbs in your diet.

Guduchi is known to revive skin tissues and resolve inflamed skin conditions by its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also enhance the immune system and provide mental clarity.

Guggulu helps in combating various diseases and control the growth of free radicals in the body.

Brahmi enhances the memory. During the process of aging, memory loss is a major problem. This herb is useful for those who suffer from age-related memory loss.

Amalaki or amla, is a good source of Vitamin-C and antioxidants that increase immunity and help our body to fight diseases. This herb helps cure age-related macular degeneration and cataract.

Ashwagandha helps in the process of cell regeneration. In turn, it helps in delaying the signs of aging like wrinkles.

Gotu kola is rich in flavonoids that help to protect the skin while we age.

Ginseng contains phytochemicals that help to get rid of free radicals and protect the skin from exposure to pollution and sunlight

The vegan diet is becoming quite popular due to environmental and health reasons, besides the weight loss angle. When done in the right way, a vegan diet will lead to various health benefits, including improved blood sugar control and creating a balance in your doshas.

A major reason for going vegan is to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty—food, clothing or for any other purpose. Hence, the vegan diet is devoid of all animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy.

Ayurvedic approach to a vegan diet 

While a vegan diet excludes dairy products, Ayurveda recommends certain types of dairy as it considers dairy products like ghee, warm milk, fresh paneer, and lassi to be sattvic (pure). As vegans tend to go more for raw food, Ayurveda believes that raw foods are not good for Vata types because raw and cold foods don’t suit them. However, it suits the Pitta and Kapha types.

If you have decided to go vegan, you may consider applying the Ayurvedic principles to your diet for better health and proper balance.

Ayurveda looks at each individual in a unique way. Hence, each individual needs different nutrients. Here are some Ayurvedic tips to help vegans balance their unique constitutions.

You can replace items such as butter, ghee, yogurt, cheese, and milk with equally nourishing vegan alternatives such as coconut oil, avocados, raw tahini, and raw almonds.

Know your Ayurvedic constitution and choose foods accordingly 

According to Ayurveda, each individual has a particular pattern of energy that is unique and different from others. Each individual has three doshas of subtle energies working within. These are Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). Every one of us has some of each dosha in our constitution, but one dosha is more dominant.

Once you have identified your dosha, you should also know the foods that will balance your constitution and the ones that can cause imbalances such as bloating, gas, or congestion.

If you are a Vata type, take more nuts, seeds, avocados, and other healthy plant sources of fats and oils. Soak the nuts to make them easier to digest. Incorporate white basmati rice, mung beans, or lentils in your diet to get proteins. Uses spices like cumin, coriander, fennel, fresh ginger, cardamom, and asafoetida (hing) in your food. These help in digestion.

If you are a Pitta type, your digestive fire is the strongest of all of the doshas and you can afford heavier foods. But you are prone to imbalances caused by excess heat like acne, acid reflux, or inflammation. So you should not eat hot, spicy foods, which make you overheated. Instead, you should incorporate cooling foods like coconut and cucumber into your diet. You should consume beans, legumes, and root veggies, and grains—their sweetness is good for pacifying Pitta. Use flax, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds in your food, but refrain from eating an abundance of nuts as they have heating energy that is not good for you.

For the Kapha types, a vegan diet is perfect. Eat more of whole, fresh food and avoid foods that are mimicking meat or other animal products. Such foods may be processed and contain sodium that can make you feel lethargic.

Eat plant-based foods 

Vegan diet can also be unhealthy. So you need to choose your food with care. Avoid processed, packaged vegan foods, which contain preservatives, excess sugar or salt and unnatural sources of protein. These are difficult to digest. Instead, choose plant-based foods. Ayurveda recommends eating foods that are ripened by the sun. Such food will be full of prana (life force), which is capable of providing energy and nourishment. Seasonal and organic foods are the best. You can choose natural sources of protein like beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, and naturally fermented soy products like tofu.

Eat a variety of foods

You should have a balanced diet and consume all nutrients. Don’t overdo by eating only greens to get enough iron or nuts and seeds to get proteins. According to Ayurveda, overeating even a healthy type of food can cause imbalance. So you need to add a variety of foods to get all nutrients. You have to be careful that you don’t increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Study the food that affects you

Observe and analyse the food you eat. Observe which foods make you feel healthy and energetic, and which affect your energy and makes you feel undernourished or bloated

Anxiety is a common mental disorder. Ayurveda believes anxiety is an imbalance in the Vata dosha. An imbalance of Vata is a condition when there is too much energy in the mind and not enough at the feet. This condition is associated with an overabundance of lightness when a person gets erratic thoughts, worries, obsession, confusion, and difficulty in focusing. Vata imbalance is also associated with the nervous system and sleeping disorder. When Vata is disturbed, we feel disconnected from the earth.

Symptoms of anxiety 

Anxiety disorders have a number of manifestations and symptoms. It can be both psychological and physical. Some of the common symptoms are: 

• Constant worry
• Fear
• Obsession
• Stress
• Muscle tension and body pain
• Difficulty in concentrating and disturbed attention
• Low tolerance power
• Obsessive and negative thoughts
• Intense emotions that are hard to control
• Sleep problems
• Stomach upset
• Fatigue
• Palpitations
• Tremor
• Sweating
• Dryness in the mouth
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Cold and hot flushes
• Weakness
• Irritability

According to Ayurveda, anxiety or Vata imbalance can be treated by stabilising the energy, calming the nervous system, relaxing the mind, releasing obsessive thoughts, and connecting these with our body and to the earth. These can be done by making changes in your lifestyle and adopting Ayurvedic lifestyle.

Meditation: It is a magical tool for healing anxiety. Regular practice of meditation helps to release negative thoughts, regulate the breath, and keep us grounded and connected to the earth. Gradually, you will learn to control your mind and, in turn, will be able to manage anxiety. Meditation taps into the channels of the mind and helps to re-pattern our thoughts.

Pranayama: It stimulates the breath and infuses prana in every cell and tissue throughout the body. Disturbances in prana usually lead to fear and feelings of anxiousness.

Foods: Ayurvedic approach to treat anxiety is holistic. For the treatment of the imbalanced Vata, a proper diet is recommended that includes fatty foods, but not heavy foods. Fats that are found in avocado, salmon, olive oil, nuts, coconut, and whole milk help to calm Vata. It is very beneficial to eat zucchini, rice, quinoa and red beets. Fruits like plums, melons, red grapes are suggested. You should avoid raw foods. Your food should always be warm. Have spices that boost Pitta like ginger, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, coriander and cardamom. You can have warm beverages with honey to balance Vata.

Routine lifestyle: Follow a daily routine and avoid erratic lifestyle. This means your sleep hours, meals, work time, etc should be timely. Daily exercise, outdoor walks, and yoga are must. Routine helps to stabilize Vata and calms the chaotic mind.

Ginger-baking soda bath: A warm bath relaxes the nervous system, and makes the mind calm. A ginger and baking soda bath helps to reduce feelings of anxiousness by pacifying Vata. Take a warm water bath at night before going to bed with baking soda and ginger powder mixed in it. The ginger and baking soda bath will make you feel soothing and warm. You can also drink ginger tea. Ginger is warm and good for the cold Vata.

Herbs: Ayurveda recommends a variety of herbs to handle anxiety. These herbs are warm and help to rejuvenate the nervous system. Most of these herbs have grounding effect on our energetic body. Some of these herbs are green tea, ashwagandha, shankhpushpi, brahmi, jatamansi and tulsi. These herbs help to balance Vata dosha.

Tulsi or basil protects against chemical, emotional, and physical stress. You can sip on tulsi tea throughout the day. Ashwagandha is a great herb in Vata balancing. It is soothing and warm. Jatamansi, a strong antioxidant, helps to calm Vata and treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Gotu Kola is a magic herb to treat anxiety, depression and stress. Bacopa or brahmi is beneficial in treating anxiety.

Oils are extremely effective in the treatment of imbalanced Vata. Oil massages with ayurvedic oils or essential oils are recommended before going to bed, particularly, massage your feet with these oils. It not only helps to give you good sleep but also makes you calm and relaxed, which are essential for treating anxiety.

In Ayurveda, emotional imbalances take place when we fail to process our emotions at the right time. Our low moods are of many forms—anxiousness, emptiness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, irritability, social withdrawal, sadness, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, etc. These lead to difficulty in sleeping, loss of appetite, weight gain or loss, declining performance, and poor concentration. If we fail to process these emotions on time, they may lead to depression of the worst kind.

Ayurvedic approach to emotional balance

According to Ayurveda, our emotions get imbalanced due to many reasons. This ancient science says lack of coordination between our senses, emotions and thoughts lead to emotional imbalance. As per Ayurveda, our heart, which is the seat of consciousness, is connected with our mind. When this connection gets weak, problems start arising. Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, described the heart as the indispensable for our mental and physical activities. Ayurveda considers the heart as the main support system of our body.

According to Ayurveda, some people who can process their emotions quickly can move on with their lives happily. But people whose processing of thoughts is slow, the negative impressions remain with them for a very long time and affect their thoughts and emotions, leading to depression.

Sadhaka Pitta, which is a type of Pitta, is known to be located in the heart and the helps processing of emotions. The digestive fire, or agni, which is responsible for digesting our food, is actually in every cell of our body, and is also associated with each subdosha. The agni that is associated with Sadhaka Pitta is responsible for processing emotions. This agni is called Sadhaka Agni, which is related to neurohormones located in the brain and all over our body, including the heart. The neurohormones in the heart send signals to the brain stating it as depression or happiness, depending on how we process an incident or experience. So a person with low Sadhaka Agni will often face sadness or depression.

Solutions according to Ayurveda

Ayurveda offers a number of remedies to keep emotions in balance. To restore balance one can adopt an Ayurvedic diet, use Ayurvedic herbal formulas, practice meditation, and make lifestyle changes.

Ayurveda recommends practicing meditation to relieve emotional, physical, mental and environmental stress and achieve a stress-free life.

It is always advised to go to bed before 10 pm (Kapha time of night is from 6- 10 pm) as getting enough sleep is essential for emotional health. Falling asleep during the Kapha time gives you deep sleep and you wake up with refreshed mind and body. If we stay up beyond 10 pm, which is Pitta time of night, we will have difficulty in falling asleep. This can lead us to do unhealthy things like watching TV or snacking, leading to many other problems.

Wake up with sun rise because sleeping late into the morning, which is Kapha time (6 am-10 am), causes the build-up of ama or toxins in the body, leading to the channels of communication in the body to be clogged with impurities. This, in turn, leads to dullness of mind and depressed moods.

Walking outdoors when the sun is rising and breathing deeply is essential for your mental and physical health. Daily exercise is also essential to combat unhappiness as exercise helps to move blocked emotions and hormones out of the body.

Eat unprocessed, organic foods that are rich in nutritive values. They are digested quickly by the body and helps in formation of healthy Ojas, which according to Ayurveda, is the most essential energy of the body. Ojas is created by good digestion and leads to stable emotions and good healthy mind and body. Also avoid eating junk food, canned, frozen or packaged foods, as they promote the creation of ama.

A daily oil massage or Abhyanga increases circulation, allows toxins to be cleared from the tissues, calms the mind and soothes the emotions. The sense of touch is associated with emotions. Massaging gives your skin the stimulation needed to balance Vata dosha and calms anxious feelings and stress.

Consider doing yoga daily. Yoga stimulates the Sadhaka Agni, clears the toxins and improves overall balance of emotions.

Also include breathing exercises such as Pranayama, which opens the mental channels that take oxygen to the brain. Pranayama clears out impurities and create balanced emotions.