Thursday 21 June 2018

Cervical Spondylosis: Ayurvedic Treatment

Cervical Spondylosis: Ayurvedic Treatment

Source - The exceptional Ayurvedic Blog - https://easyayurveda.com/2015/05/30/cervical-spondylosis-ayurvedic-treatment/

Cervical spondylosis is caused by degeneration of bones, discs – cartilage cushion between the neck bones and joints of the neck. This condition is usually found in middle aged people and elderly. It is a wear and tear disease. Neck pain, stiffness, headache, numbness, etc. This is one of the diseases wherein Ayurvedic treatment has very good promise.
Normal neck bones versus cervical spondylosis

Easy explanation of Cervical spondylosis:
The neck bone structure consists of bones stacked one over the other with sandwitch of disc cartilage in between. The triangular – circular aperture within these neck bones (cervical bones) paves way for the nerves from the brain to pass through. The branches of these nerves (nerve roots) arising from through the back and sides of these bones form plexus (merge and divide) and form different nerves. This complex arrangement of nerves is called cervical plexus. These nerves spread on the sides to supply to neck, face, back of the head, ears, shoulder and the full length of the arms.
cartilage disc deneration and herniation

With ageing, the bones and the cushioning cartilage disc start to lose strength. This makes the soft cartilage to thin, expand, slip (called herniation of disc), touch and irritate the nerves.

The degenerating discs also become flat with brittle edge causing nerve irritation. Nerve irritation leads to symptoms like pain, numbness etc.

The stiffness arises because of lack of cushioning between the neck bones, causing a friction whenever neck is moved.

This condition is also called Cervical osteo arthritis. Another term Cervical spondylitis is used, when the patient has active inflammation (redness, swelling, increase of temperature etc).

HERNIA OF THE DISC – SLIPPED DISC

It is more commonly found in males of middle age group. People who are under exertion, frequent travellers can end up with trauma on neck bones, leading to spondylosis.

Bad posture is another strong etiological factor which results in the stiffness due to spondylosis.

In Ayurveda, a condition called Greeva graham is explained. – a condition with cardinal feature of stiffness of the neck is explained and it exactly suits with Cervical spondyslosis.

Greeva means neck and Graha refers to stiffness. It is explained as a Vata condition. Increase in Vata leads to depletion of body tissues. (For example, with ageing, Vata increases and body tissues start degenerating.) The dryness and degeneration caused by Vata leads to decrease of Kapha Dosha. Sleshaka Kapha is responsible for cushioning in between bone joints. Hence disc degeneration sets in leading to spondylosis.

Some compare this condition with another disease called Vishwachi / Apabahuka.


Causative factors for Greevagraha (Cervical spondylosis) :
Food habits that increase Vata Dosha –
Intake of dry, cold/ frozen and light food
Fasting for long period – leads to depleted nourishment and increase of Vata Dosha.
Untimely intake of food
Junk food, Sodas
Less intake of water/liquids
Excess intake of curried food etc

Viharaja (Bad Habits)-
Night awakening
Day sleep
Heavy exercise
Suppression of the urges
Weight bearing in the head, shoulder or neck
Walking for long distances
Bike riding for long distances.

Manasika Hetu (Psychological factors )-
Stress, Grief, Anger, Fear, Loss of interest in work etc

Clinical features of Greevagraha (Cervical spondylosis) :
Pain in the neck
Difficulty in the usual functions of the neck like rotation, flexion, extension etc
Radiating pain to the shoulder, forearm or arm
Muscular spasm
Numbness
Joint stiffness
Fatigue
Headache
Tingling sensation, numbness, weakness in the arms
Difficulty in walking, lack of co-ordination

Line of Treatment in Greevagraha (Cervical spondylosis) :
Snehana (Oleation): Both internal and external oleation are beneficial.
Swedana (Sudation): Mild to moderate sudation can be carried.

Mridu shodhana (Mild purgation) – with Castor oil mixed with milk or Aragwadha phala majja (Fruit pulp of Cassia fistula) etc

The above three procedures help to normalize movement of Vata in proper direction.

Greeva basti (Retaining the medicaments in the nape of the neck)
In this procedure, a compound is created around the back of the neck with black gram paste. Medicated oil (Ksheerabala oil, Bala Ashwagandhadi oil etc) is heated and is retained within the compound for a few minutes time.

Logic: The heated oil helps to improve the space between the two neck bones, leading to relief from disc herniation. The oil, along with oral medicines help to improve nourishment of disc cartilage and bone, reversing the degeneration process.
These four form the basic procedures to treat. Other than this, many secondary procedures such as
Shirodhara
Abhyanga
Patrapinda Sweda
Shastika Sali Pinda Swedam/ Navarakizhi
Pizhichil (medicated oil bath) etc are administered to relieve pain, inflammation of muscles and ligaments and to improve flexibility of neck bone joints.

Ayurvedic Vata Pacifying herbs useful in cervical spondylosis:
Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)
Sahachara (Barleria prionitis)
Shallaki (Boswelia serrata)

Ayurvedic medicines for cervical spondylosis:
Rasnairandadi kashaya – used in backache, low back pain, pain in flanks and locked jaw. It is more commonly used in South Indian Ayurveda practice.
Sahacharadi kashaya – Relieves pain associated with neck, hip and low back.
Rasna saptaka kashaya
Yogaraja guggulu – widely used in the Ayurvedic treatment for various types of arthritis
Mahayogaraja guggulu – It is widely used in the Ayurvedic treatment of joint diseases, skin diseases, piles, sprue, diabetes, gout, fistula, bloating, emaciation, low digestion power, etc
Ksheerabala (Avartita) – useful in reversing tissue deneration.
Trayodashanaga guggulu – It is widely used in the Ayurvedic treatment of joint pain related disorders.
Dashamoola rasayana – Relieves pain and inflammation
Rasnadi guggulu

Oils for external application: 

Wholesome diet and habits in Greevagraha (Cervical spondylosis) :
Red rice (Rakta shali)
Wheat (Godhuma)
Milk (Ksheera)
Ghee (Ghrita)
Butter (Navaneeta)
Warm water (Ushna jala)
Vishrama (Rest)
Proper position while sitting and lying down (Sukha asana) etc
Unwholesome diet and habits in Greevagraha (Cervical spondylosis) :
All causative factors mentioned above should be avoided.

Instruments that help:

Cervical collars: 
They help by restricting the movement of neck. Lesser neck movements help to reduce the pain and heal the ligaments faster. They also tend to increase the space between each neck bone, thereby, reducing the extent of disc prolapse (herniation). Lesser the disc herniation, lesser the irritation the displaced disc causes to the nerve, lesser the pain and discomfort.

You can wear the neck collar at least for 2- 4 hours a day. Do not use it for very long hours or throughout the day.

Cervical pillow:
It keeps the neck in a comfortable position while you sleep.

Cervical traction kit with sand bag:
This is an advanced equipment. It helps to widen the gap between the neck bones, thereby replacing the disc in its normal position. It can be used for a period of 1 – 2 weeks. Seek medical advice for more information.

Yogasanas for cervical spondylosis:
In the beginning stages, Yoga exercises to strengthen neck muscles and ligaments with Asanas like
Soorya Namaskara, Bhujangasana, Makarasana, Ardha Naukasana and Marjariasana can help.
You will have to seek expert guidance for following them.

The benefits would double if you apply pain relieving oil such as Mahanarayana taila, 10 minutes before practicing Asanas.

Greevagraha (Cervical spondylitis) is a health complaint which is increasing day by day in the young adults; lifestyle changes, altered food and habits, work exhaustion, improper sitting posture, excessive travelling etc are the worsening factors for the disease. As the psychological factors are also involved in this complaint it is wise to adopt some relaxing techniques to reduce the pain.
Article by Dr MS Krishnamurthy and Dr Hebbar

Thursday 1 March 2018

Applying Hair Oil for Hair Strength & Quality, Sleep Improvement etc

How And When To Apply Hair Oil? Ayurveda Details

Source -https://easyayurveda.com/2011/12/13/how-and-when-to-apply-hair-oil-ayurveda-details

Applying oil to hair is one of the ways to improve hair strength and hair quality as per Ayurvedic principles. Apart from improving hair qualities, applying hair oil also has other benefits such as – sleep improvement, calmness of mind, remedy for headache etc. Based on the desired effects, the time and method of application of hair oil changes.



Method of hair oil application

How and when to apply hair oil to improve quality of hair?
If you wish to improve the quality of hair, to promote hair growth, to prevent early grey hairs, and split hairs, etc, it is better to apply hair oil at night and take warm water head bath on the next day morning.
Suppose you are taking head bath twice in a week, according to this rule, you may apply hair oil, twice a week, on the nights before the head bath day.

Applying hair oil on the day, after bath is not desirable because, the oil may attract dust over the hairs, when you go out in Sun.

But if you are at home only and love applying hair oil during day, only a minimum quantity of one teaspoon is sufficient. Apply directly to hair roots.

For the purpose of hair growth, the oil can be applied to the hair root, scalp and to the length of hair.

Some people heat the oil in water bath, before application, which is perfectly fine, provided it is only mild heat.

People with headache, red colored rashes on the scalp, people with pitta imbalance should not opt for hot oil hair treatment.

If you are accustomed to apply hair oil daily, then a little quantity of hair oil can be applied daily in the morning. As a general rule, it is better not to expose hair to direct sunlight or dust, especially after applying hair oil.

How and when to apply hair oil for dandruff –
If you are using hair oil particularly for dandruff or for scalp conditions, if the oil is processed with neem and other herbs having bitter odor, then it can be applied half to one hour before head bath.  Hot water head bath is helpful.

The oil can directly be applied to hair roots and the whole of scalp.

Oil to relieve headache –
If your Ayurvedic doctor has advised an oil for headache, then it makes sense to apply the hair oil in the evening time, around 5 – 6 pm. Because, usually the headache is associated with Vata. If we divide a day into three parts, last part is dominated with Vata. Hence, when the Vata is just getting the dominance, it makes sense to apply the oil for headache.

Hair oil for a good night sleep –
Hair oil for a good night sleep is better to apply after food at night. It will be better to do a gentle massage over head after hair oil application.

Sesame oil head massage:
Though coconut oil has become very famous, thanks to Kerala practice, sesame oil massage is what the traditional Ayurveda recommends.

Benefits of sesame oil head massage:
  • One who applies sesame oil on his head regularly does not suffer from headache, baldness, graying of hair, nor does his hair fall. 
  • Strength of his head forehead is specially enhanced; 
  • His hair become black, long and deep-rooted; 
  • His sense organs work properly; 
  • The skin of his face becomes brightened; 
  • Applying sesame oil on the head produces sound sleep and happiness. 

Coconut oil for people with cold and sinusitis –
Hair oils with coconut oil base may worsen sinusitis and cold in a few. If still you wish to enjoy benefits of coconut oil,  take 100 ml of the oil, add 5 grams of pepper powder to it and heat it in mild heat for five minutes and filter the oil when it is still hot. Use this oil for applying to hair.

Sunday 18 February 2018

Food - Right time & type to take, as per Ayurveda

Food - Right time & type to take, as per Ayurveda


Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S - https://easyayurveda.com/2018/01/25/right-food-time-meals-a-day/

‘A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety’ – Aesop

There is certainly a proper time to do everything and intake of food is no exemption. We need to follow proper timing for consuming food. Likewise the food patterns, the quantity and quality of food and the way we eat differ from season to season. In this article I will be presenting the concept of ‘Ahara Kala’ or ‘right time to take food, day wise and season wise’ as explained by Ayurvedic seers.

Acharya Charaka while quoting ahara (food or diet) emphasizes intake of food at the right time (Kala Bhoji) along with intake of compatible (conducive, hita ahara) food in right quantity (mita ahara) of food in order to keep up good health and avoid diseases.

How many times one should consume food?
In Kannada (South Indian Language spoken by people of Karnataka State), there is a famous saying about the number of times one need to take food and its benefit –

‘Ondu Sala Tindavanu Yogi,
Eradu Sala Tindavanu Bhogi,
Muru Sala Tindavanu Rogi,
Nalku Sala Tindavnna Etkondu Hogi’

A person who eats once is a Yogi, i.e. a saint, monk or divine person.
A person who eats twice is a Bhogi i.e. a commoner, a person who lives according to available conditions with a little discipline.
A person who eats thrice is a Rogi i.e. a diseased, always a patient.
A person who eats four times or more is almost considered dead.
How good and practical one this ancient proverb is…….!!


Acharya Sushruta takes a reasonable stand in this regard and permits consumption of food twice in a day. He tells that the food should be taken at two extremities of a day, i.e. once in the morning and once in the evening (night). No food should be consumed in between these two times.

One should consume the food when the below mentioned conditions prevail (when one observes and experiences the below mentioned conditions) –
  1. Visrushta vin mutra – Stools (feces) and urine should have been voided properly
  2. Vishada karane – When the senses are clear, i.e. in the presence of pleasantness of mind
  3. Dehe cha su laghau – Presence of lightness of the body
  4. Vishuddhe cha udgare – Presence of clear belching
  5. Hrudi suvimale – Clarity and lightness in the region of heart, heart being devoid of blemishes (feel of goodness in the chest area)
  6. Vate cha sarati – Proper movement of Vayu, Vayu being in a normal state
  7. Anna shraddayaam – Presence of interest for intake of food
  8. Kshut upagamane – In the presence of hunger
  9. Kukshau cha shitile – The stomach should be empty and clear, light
The presence of the above mentioned conditions is essential and mandatory to consume food. Only when the above said conditions prevail, the body will happily receive the food, digest it properly, assimilate and utilize it properly and provides energy to the body and supports life. When one takes food in the absence of the above mentioned conditions, the food will not be digested; this leads to indigestion which is a major cause of many diseases.

The presence of all the above said conditions defines the proper ahara kala or right time to take food. When food is taken at proper time it is wholesome for health and life, supports the body and is equivalent to a life protecting medicine.

Food should be taken in the presence of Jeerna Ahara Lakshanas i.e. ‘features of proper digestion’
Food should be taken only when the previously taken food has been properly digested. Kshut or Hunger gets manifested only when the Rasa (digestive juices in circulation), Dosha and Mala (excreta, wastes) are properly digested (i.e. when the rasa has been properly distributed and utilized, doshas are properly settled down and when the malas are properly and timely excreted). The appearance of Hunger or Kshut is called ‘Anna Kala’ or proper time to take food.

Jeerna Ahara Lakshanas –
Below mentioned are the signs (features) of proper digestion.
  • Udgara Shuddhi – Cleanliness of belching (no taste in belch)
  • Utsaha – Enthusiasm
  • Vega Utsarga – Proper evacuation of urges (like those of stools, urine, fart etc)
  • Laghuta – Lightness of the body
  • Kshut – Manifestation of hunger
  • Pipasa – Manifestation of thirst
The presence of the above said symptoms or features should be considered as ‘proper time for intake of food’.

Take food when hungry!
The Pachaka Agni or digestive fire present in the belly will digest the food when it is in a balanced state and at the best of its strength. When the food is not provided at the right time and right quantity, the digestive fire digests doshas. In the absence of doshas, the agni digests the dhatus or tissues. This leads to failure of body support system. Ultimately in the absence of dhatus, the agni digests and destroys the prana or the vital life force. The life activities will come to a halt with this and the person will eventually face death.

So, hungry is a natural and inborn signal that the body needs food, and the fire needs the fuel. When one feels extremely hungry, he or she should consume food irrespective of time. Nothing has more priority in comparison to hunger, when it gets manifested.

You can eat even at midnight when you are hungry.
Hunger is one of the urges which should not be suppressed. Generally it is a notion that one should not consume food at midnight. But if one feels extremely hungry at midnight, he or she has to consume food. Not eating food when one feels hungry is dangerous for life and health.


What should be the time gap between two anna kalas (between 2 servings)?
One should not consume food within 1 yama (3 hours) of consumption of food. If taken it leads to Rasodvega, i.e. indigestion and improperly digested food put into circulation which is dangerous for health and becomes life threatening. Similarly one should not fast (totally) for 2 yamas at a stretch (6 hours) since it leads to Bala Kshaya (loss of strength).

Food should not be consumed after the prescribed time
Food should not be consumed after the prescribed time (time meant for consuming food). Likewise, food should neither be taken in excess nor in less quantity.

Consumption of food before the feeling of lightness (which is one of the symptoms which indicate that the previously taken food has been digested) produces Mandagni (indigestion, sluggish metabolism) and related diseases or even death.

Long gaps should not be given between two meals (two servings of food). If one consumes food after long gap, the Jatharagni or digestive fire gets destroyed by the aggravated Vayu. This in turn produces difficulty in digesting food. There will be no interest to consume food.

Consuming food at day and night, their impact on health
We consume food at day and also at night. Very important is to watch out if the previously digested food is digested or not. We need to observe if the food taken in the morning is digested by evening. Similarly we need to check if the food taken on previous night has been digested or not on the following morning. This check should be done before taking the next serving of food.

Acharya Charaka tells that if food is consumed in the evening in spite of the morning food not being totally digested doesn’t cause much harm whereas the food taken on the next morning when the food taken during the previous night has not been digested will definitely have a bad impact on health.

Variants of ‘time of intake of food’ which cause health disturbances
The below mentioned variants with respect to ‘time of intake of food’ are dangerous for health –

  • Samashana (Sama Ashana) – Intake of wholesome and unwholesome food mixed together is called as Samashana.
  • Vishamashana (Vishama Ashana) – Intake of less or more food at irregular intervals, not maintaining time is called Vishamashana.
  • Adhyashana (Adhi Ashana) – Intake of food before the previously taken food has been digested is called Adhyashana.

All the above said three variants are said to produce death or dreadful diseases. Therefore they should be avoided. Food should be consumed at the right time and in right quantities if one is desirous of enjoying a disease free life and good health.

Less food and more food, both are not beneficial for health
Too less food or too much food either is not conducive for health. The digestive fire or agni doesn’t get kindled or enhanced by taking less food or fasting. Similarly the fire is not enhanced by intake of more quantity of food. Fasting or absence of food in the gut extinguishes the existent fire. Similarly excess of fuel in the form of food extinguishes mild fire. Therefore food should be taken according to one’s capacity, following the rules and regulations of intake of food, in right and measured quantities.

Food intake in various seasons
In seasons where the nights are lengthy and days are short, one should consume food only in the morning
In seasons where the days are lengthy and nights are short, one should consume the food indicated in first prahara at night and in the afternoon itself
In seasons where the day and nights are of the same length, food should be taken at the indicated time.

Just Before Finishing –
A wise man will know when to take his food, what to eat and how much to eat. In this article I have touched upon the details of ‘Ahara Kala’ or right time for consuming food as explained in Ayurvedic treatises.

‘So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being’ – Franza Kafka

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Eating not only nourishes the body but also mind. Following simple eating rules make the eating lot more enjoyable and beneficial. Here are a few healthy eating rules.

Don’t watch TV while eating.

No facebook / twitter / snapchat / whatsapp while eating.
No smartphone/ tablets while eating.
No texting messages while eating.
No phone calls while eating
Do not eat hurriedly.
Eating together with family, at least at night or at least once a week.
No junk stuff or aerated drinks with food.
No anger, no sad feelings, no depressed mood while eating
Do not talk while eating.
Avoid negative feelings and talks.
Avoid disrespecting food.
Do not waste food.
Chew food well before swallowing.
Try drinking water in between meals.

Food quantity: Stop eating before full stomach. As per Ayurveda, heavy food that take long time to digest should be consumed till half of the satiation level. Food that are light to digest should be consumed just before stage of satiation. The right amount of food is that which undergoes digestion before the next meal time.

Ideally, Two parts of the stomach (half of its capacity) should be filled with solid foods, one part by liquids and the remaining one part should be kept vacant for accommodating air.

Consuming a very less amount of food / continuous fasting will lead to depleted body growth, immunity and strength. Consuming excess of food causes indigestion, obesity and a host of related disorders.

Food that can be consumed habitually – As per Ayurveda, the following foods can be consumed habitually. 

Wheat, rice, barley, meat of deer, pigeon, Jivanti herb, young radish, Amla, dry grapes, Pointed gourd, green gram, ghee, clarified jaggery, milk, honey, pomegranate, rock salt (Saindhava).



Food that should not be consumed habitually are – dairy sweet products, curds, solid part of curds, Kshara (alkalis), fermented gruel, uncooked radish, meat of animals which are emaciated, dry meat, meat of boar, sheep, cow, fish and buffalo, black gram, germinated grains, dried vegetables, small variety of barley, half cooked molasses.

No curds at night. Have buttermilk instead.
No heavy sweets or oily food at night.
Eat 2 – 3 hours before going to bed.
If your meals contain sweets, better to eat it at the beginning.
Cold water is ideal to drink after having food with barley, wheat, curds and honey.
Warm water is ideal after consuming buttermilk, fermented gruel, dishes prepared with vegetables, green gram and other legumes.

If you have taken oily food, drink hot water and do not drink cold water

The ideal time for taking meals is after the elimination of feaces and urine, when the mind is clean, when the Doshas are moving in their natural paths, when belching are pure without and foul smell or taste, when hunger is well manifest, when the flatus is moving downward easily, when the digestive activity is keen, when the sense organs are clear functioning, when the body is light. Food should be consumed observing the rules and procedures of taking food.


Healthy eating rules as per Charaka Samhita Vimana Sthana 1st chapter:

  • One should eat only that food in proper quantity which is hot, unctuous.
  • The food should not be contradictory in potency – Eg; mixing of cold ice creams with coffee (hot)
  • Food is taken in proper place equipped with all the accessories, without talking and laughing, with concentration of mind and paying due regard to oneself.
  • One should take warm food. When taken warm, it is delicious; after intake, it provokes digestion. The food gets digested quickly and helps in the downward passage of vata (wind) and detachment of Kapha. Therefore, one should take warm food.
  • Unctuous (oily) food:One should take unctuous food; unctuous food is delicious, after intake, it provokes the subdued power of digestion; it gets digested quickly; it helps in the downward movement of Vata (wind) it increases the plumpness of the body, strengthens of complexion.

Intake after digestion of previous meal:

  • One should take food only when previous meal is digested. If one takes food before the digestion of the previous meal, the digestive product of the previous food, i.e immature Rasa gets mixed up with the product of food taken afterwards, resulting in the provocation of all the Doshas instantaneously.
  • If food is taken after the digestion of the previous food while the Doshas are in their proper places and Agni (digestive enzymes) is provoked,
  • There is appetite
  • The entrances of the channels of circulation are open,
  • Eructation is purified
  • There is unimpaired cardiac function
  • Downward passage of the wind and
  • Proper manifestation of the urges for voiding of the wind and
  • Proper manifestation of the urges for voiding flatus urine and stool,
  • Then the product of food does not vitiate the Dhatus of the body, but on the other hand it promotes longevity in its entirety.
  • So one should take food only after digestion of the previous meal.
Intake in proper place and with all accessories:
One should take food in proper equipped with all accessories. By doing so, there will be no emotional strain.

Intake not in hurry:
One should not take food too hurriedly. If food is taken too hurriedly it enters into a wrong passage and it does not enter into the stomach properly.

Intake not too slow:One should not take food very slowly because this will not give satisfaction to the individual.

Intake with concentration:
One should not talk or laugh or be unmindful while taking food. One taking food while talking, laughing or with detracted mind subjects to the same trouble as the one eating too hurriedly. So one should not talk, laugh or be unmindful while taking food.

Intake with self-confidence:
One should take food in a prescribed manner; with due regard to his own self. The knowledge of the usefulness or otherwise of food articles is the Sine Qua non for self- preservation. So one should take food in a prescribed manner with due regard to his own self.

The rules of food consumption or dietetic rules are called Upayoga Samstha. Upayoga Samstha forms a part of ‘Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Aayatanaani’ i.e. ‘Special conditions for intake of food’.




Upayoga Samstha and Jeerna Ahara LakshanasUpayoga Samstha is totally dependent on the Jeerna Ahara Lakshanas i.e. symptoms of proper digestion.


Jeerna Ahara Lakshanas –Below mentioned are the signs (features) of proper digestion. 
Udgara Shuddhi – Cleanliness of belching 
Utsaha – Enthusiasm 
Vega Utsarga – Proper evacuation of urges 
Laghuta – Lightness of the body 
Kshut – Manifestation of hunger 
Pipasa – Manifestation of thirst 


Rules and Regulations for intake of food (Upayoga Samstha)It is important to take the food which is wholesome and good for our body, for our health and for sustenance of life.

The rules and regulations for intake of ahara (food) are as enlisted below. They are applicable for both diseased as well as healthy people.


Proper quantity of food should be consumed while following the below mentioned rules as mentioned in Upayoga Smastha – 
Ushnam Ashneeyaat – Eat hot and fresh food 
Snigdham Ashneeyat – Eat unctuous food 
Matravad Ashneeyaat – Eat according to proper quantity 
Jeerne Ashneeyaat – Eat after feeling hungry, after the digestion of previously consumed food 
Veerya Aviruddham Ashneeyaat – Eat food which is not contradictory in potency 
Ishta Deshe, Ishta Sarva Upakaranam Cha Ashneeyaat – Eat in desired place with desired articles 
Na Ati Dhrutam Ashneeyaat – Do not eat in a hurry 
Na Ati Vilambitam Ashneeyaat – Do not eat very slowly 
Ajalpan, Ahasan, Tanmanaa Bhunjeeta – Eat with utmost concentration without talking or laughing 
Aaatmanam Abhisameekshya Bhunjeeta Samyak – Eat after self analysis 


Ushnam Ashneeyaat – Eat the foods which are hot and freshAll of us love to eat the food when served hot and fresh isn’t it? Yes, Hot and fresh food has a different appeal and life in it. It is instantly rejuvenating. The benefits of consuming hot food are as below mentioned – 
Ushnam hi bhujyamane swadyate – Hot food gives good taste, also enhances taste 
Bhuktam hi agnim audaryam udeerayati – Hot food increases the Agni or metabolic fire on entering the belly (stomach). This in turn sets right the metabolism, enhances appetite and capacity to digest food. 
Kshipram jaraam gachchati – Hot food gets easily digested. 
Vata anulomayati – Expels the vitiated Vayu, pacifies Vayu 
Shleshmanaam cha parihrasayati bhinna sanghaatam karoti – Reduces or destroys the vitiated Kapha and keeps it under balance 


Snigdham Ashneeyaat – Eat the food which is unctuousUnctuousness in the food is brought about by the addition of sneha or unctuous materials. These include taila (oil), sarpi (ghee), majja (marrow) and vasa (muscle fat). The benefits of consuming unctuous foods or snigdha ahara are as below mentioned – 
Snigdham hi bhujyamaanam swadhyate – Unctuous food is delicious, enhances taste 
Bhuktam cha anudeerya agnim udeeryati – Unctuous food kindles the digestive fire and enhances the capacity to digest 
Kshipram jaraam gachchati – gets digested in quick time 
Vata anulomayati – pacifies vata 
Shareeram upachinoti – nourishes the body 
Drudhee karoti indriyaani – strengthens and stabilizes the sense organs and improves their perception power 
Bala abhivruddhim upajanayati – promotes and enhances strength and endurance 
Varna prasaadam cha abhinivartayati – helps in providing and enhancing good color (and complexion) 




Maatravad Ashneeyaat – Eat in proper quantitiesQuantity of food varies from person to person and depends on one’s capacity to eat and digest. One should always eat food keeping quantity in consideration. Over-eating and under-eating as per one’s capacity are both harmful for one’s health. The benefits of consuming food in proper quantity are as below mentioned – 
Matravaddhi bhuktam vata pitta kaphaan apeedayad ayuhu eva vivardhayati kevalam – Food taken in proper quantity will not disturb or aggravate the doshas, in fact it enhances the life quality and quantity (life span) 
Sukham gudam anuparyeti – easily passes down to the rectum 
Na cha ushnam upahanti – it does not impair the power of digestion 
Avyatham cha paripaakam eti – the food gets easily digested 

The food when consumed in proper quantity at proper time always enhances agni (power to digest food), i.e. increases digestion. It is also dependent on nature of food consumed. The heaviness (guru) and lightness (laghu) of the food substances should be known and decided before consumption.

Guru ahara or heavy food should be consumed until one is half satisfied, i.e. half of one’s capacity or half of one’s stomach’s capacity. Laghu ahara or light food should also not be taken in excess or up to the point of satiety.

Examples of laghu ahara or light food are – shali shashtika (rice or paddy grown in 60 days), mudga (green gram), lava (meat of ), kapinjala (meat of ), ena (meat of antelope), shasha (meat of rabbit), etc. These foods in spite of being light in nature shall be consumed by taking quantity into consideration. They should not be taken in excess or beyond one’s capacity.

Examples of guru ahara or heavy foods are – pishta (flour products), ikshu (sugarcane), ksheera vikriti (milk and milk products), masha (black gram), anupa pishita (meat of animals and birds residing in marshy regions), audaka pishita (meat of aquatic animals) etc. Since therse foods are basically heavy in nature, they should be taken in proper quantity, half of one’s capacity to be precise.

The basic criteria of looking into the quantity of consumed food is that the ‘food should be taken in a quantity which gets digested easily’.

Jeerne Ashneeyaat – Eat the food only after the food taken previously has been digestedOne should consume food only after the previously taken food has been properly digested and the symptoms or features of proper digestion have appeared. If one happens to consume the food in spite of the previous food not being digested, the new food gets added to the indigested food (semi-digested) and form a vicious mixture. This will further aggravate the doshas leading to the manifestation of various diseases. Thus the food shall be consumed after the proper digestion of the previously digested food which is marked by the manifestation of hunger.

Benefits of eating the food after the previously taken food has been digested – 
Swasthanastheshu dosheshu agnau cha udeerne – doshas remain in their own sites without trespassing into other sites and kindles the digestive fire 
Jaataanaam cha bhubhukshaayaam – good appetite is manifested, enhances appetite 
Vivruteshu cha srotasaam mukheshu – the srotases or channels are cleansed and their openings at their origin get clear and dilated 
Vishuddhe cha udgare – the belching are clean and clear 
Hrudaye vidhuddhe – cardiac functions get going in an uninterrupted way, feel of cleanliness and lightness in the cardiac region (chest) 
Vata anulomye – vata gets subsided, expelled 
Visrushteshu vata mutra pureesha vegeshu – proper evacuation of flatus (fart), urine and feces 
Ahara jaatam sarva shareera dhaatoon apradooshayad ayuhu eva abhivardhayati – the consumed food enhances the life span without vitiating or disturbing the tissues of the body 

Veerya Aviruddham Ashneeyaat – Eat food which is not contradictory in potencyOne should choose his or her food wisely such that one food is not contradictory to another food in terms of their potency. This means to tell that one should eat foods which are not contradictory to each other in potency or veerya.

Benefits of eating food which is not contradictory in potency –Viruddha aaharajaihi vikaaraihi na upasrujyate – On consuming the foods which are mutually contradictory in terms of veerya or potency, one would surely suffer from many diseases in future. But when one consumes food which are not contradictory in potency he or she will be free from the risk of suffering from such diseases (caused due to veerya viruddha ahara i.e. foods contradictory in potency).

Example, one should not take milk and fish together. They are veerya viruddha aharas, i.e. they have contradictory potencies. Milk or ksheera is of sheeta veerya (cold potency) but fish or matsya is of ushna veerya (hot potency). When they are consumed mixed together their veeryas get contradictory and will have a dangerous impact on health. They will also cause diseases like rakta vikriti (blood contamination or vitiation), Kushta (skin disorders), napunsakata (infertility) etc. These diseases occur due to antagonistic or contradictory veerya in the milk and fish which do not form a compatible combination.



Ishta Deshe Ishta Sarva Upakaranam Cha Ashneeyaat – Eat food in desired and likable places with desired articles. The place where we consume food also is important. It should be a lovable place, which we like very much, very much in sync with our emotions and compatible with us. If we have food in undesired places or places which cause aversion or those places we hate, the food doesn’t get digested, in fact it may produce severe aversion, nausea, vomit, indigestion and many other diseases. Similarly we should have all the desired articles in the vicinity before we consume the food, including likable dining table, seating, utensils etc. these things will produce pleasantness of the mind and create an ideal environment for food consumption. It also makes food taking a pleasure and lovable event rather than a formality. Pleasant mind can receive and digest food in a better way.

Benefits of taking food in desired places with desired materials –Na anishta deshajaihi mano vighaat kara bhaavaihi mano vighaatam prapnoti, yatha eva ishtaihi sarva upakaranaihi – On consuming the food in desired and lovable place and in presence of desired materials, the mental instabilities and diseases which occur due to consumption of food in undesired places in the presence of undesired materials are not manifested. In fact, the mind will be at peace and healthy and the consumed food will become conducive to the body and will easily get digested bestowing good benefits to the body and mind.

Na Ati Dhrutam Ashneeyaat – Do not eat food in a hurryOne should dedicate good time for consumption of food. Food should never be taken in a hurry. It should be gradually consumed with pleasantness of mind, by fixing the mind on the food.

Effects of taking food in hurry – 
Utsnehanam – The food travels in abnormal routes and may enter undesired passages (like respiratory passages) 
Avasaadanam – The food gets depressed or stagnated 
Bhojanasya apratishtanam – Food doesn’t enter the stomach properly and also doesn’t stay in the stomach properly (until it is digested) 
Bhojya dosha saadgunya upalabdhihi cha na niyataaha – One cannot get (appreciate) the goods (benefits) and bads (non-benefits) of the food when food is taken in a hurry. One cannot relish or appreciate the taste of the food. Likewise the person taking food in a hurry cannot make out the presence of foreign bodies in the food. In this case, the foreign bodies in the food like stones etc enter the stomach and damage the digestive organs and also cause many diseases. 

Na Ati Vilambitam Ashneeyaat – Do not eat food very slowlyFood should not be consumed slowly. It should be taken comfortably, easily but not slowly.

Effects of taking food too slowly – 
Na truptim adhigachchati – one doesn’t get the satisfaction of taking food 
Bahu bhukte – the person eats the food in excess (more than required), because while eating slowly one doesn’t have the observation so as to what quantity he or she is taking 
Sheetee bhavati aahaara jaatam – the food becomes cold 
Vishamam cha pachyate – the food gets improperly and irregularly digested 

Ajalpan Ahasan Tan Manaa Bhunjeeta – Eat the food with utmost concentration without talking and laughing.One should consume food with utmost concentration on the food, focusing on the food without any deviation of thoughts. One should also not laugh, talk or do any other activities which divert the mind from the food. Similarly one should not consume food while doing some other activity. While taking food, it should be the only activity. Food therefore should be consumed religiously.

Effects of eating the food by deviation of concentration, talking and laughing while eating food –


When one deviates the mind towards other activities while taking food or laughs and talks while taking food, the same ill-effects which occur due to eating the food in hurry (as explained above) will be seen to occur.


Aatmaanam Abhisameekshya Bhunjeeta Samyak – Eat the food after considering oneself thoroughly (after self analysis), after analyzing one’s capacityThe person taking the food is very important. He or she should know what is good and what is bad to them. They should know about the quality and form of food compatible and conducive to them and also the quantity of food which is suitable to them. They should also be wise enough to pick the food or foods and know all the rules and regulations of the food. They should identify themselves and identify selves with the food and food patterns. They should be physically and mentally present in the context of food and enjoy sensible eating which is compatible to health and for sustenance of life. One should remember that we eat to live and not live to eat. For this to happen one should make a self analysis and should know his or her limits (capacity).


Therefore one should have a thorough knowledge of the food, its usefulness and also should be judicious so as to which food is wholesome to him and which food is not. This will help in proper digestion of food and the food will be supportive to the tissues and will guard the life, enhance immunity and promote health, will help in sustenance of life and help one in enjoying a disease free life.

Just Before Finishing –Food is important for living, for health, but when food is consumed following rules and regulations, the benefits it bestows towards comprehensive health is exemplary. In this article I have covered about the rules and regulations related to consumption of food as explained in Ayurvedic treatises.

Eat well, eat sensibly!!

Saturday 15 July 2017

CURD - Benefits, How to use & not to use

CURD - Benefits, How to use & not to use

Compiled from this exceptional blog - http://easyayurveda.com
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu & Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD.

Curd is the most commonly used milk product in most part of the world. But classical method of curdling is not carried by few of the people. In fact sour buttermilk or sour curd should be added to the boiled and cooled milk to prepare curd. It is called as ‘souring’.

But few use lemon, tamarind, vinegar, amla juice etc. Even though by these, curdling takes place, there is difference in the quality of curds. They may not be harmful. But true benefit of classical curd cannot be expected from those curds. To get desired quality and hence the benefits, 1:50 ratio buttermilk and milk are to be added.


Curds benefits, Side Effects As Per Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine explains curds benefits based on different types of curds. These types are explained as per the taste and method of production. If used wisely curds can be an excellent Ayurvedic home remedy for many health conditions.

General curd benefits: Curd has

Amla rasa – sour taste
Amla paka – undergoes sour taste conversion after digestion
Grahi – absorbent, useful in diarrhoea,
Guru – heavy to digest
Ushna – hot in nature
Vatajit – balances Vata
Increases Meda (fat), Shukra (semen), Bala (strength), Kapha, Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Agni (digestion strength) and shotha (inflammation).
Rochishnu – increases taste

Useful in
aruchau – useful in anorexia
Vishamajwara – chronic, recurrent fever
Peenasa – rhinitis
Mutrakruchra – dysuria
Grahani – malabsorption syndrome


Curds qualities and benefits:

रोचनं दीपनं वृष्यं स्नेहनं बलवर्धनम्|
पाकेऽम्लमुष्णं वातघ्नं मङ्गल्यं बृंहणं दधि||२२५||
पीनसे चातिसारे च शीतके विषमज्वरे|
अरुचौ मूत्रकृच्छ्रे च कार्श्ये च दधि शस्यते||२२६||
शरद्ग्रीष्मवसन्तेषु प्रायशो दधि गर्हितम्|
रक्तपित्तकफोत्थेषु विकारेष्वहितं च तत्||२२७||

rocanaṃ dīpanaṃ vṛṣyaṃ snehanaṃ balavardhanam|
pāke’mlamuṣṇaṃ vātaghnaṃ maṅgalyaṃ bṛṃhaṇaṃ dadhi||225||
pīnase cātisāre ca śītake viṣamajvare|
arucau mūtrakṛcchre ca kārśye ca dadhi śasyate||226||
śaradgrīṣmavasanteṣu prāyaśo dadhi garhitam|
raktapittakaphottheṣu vikāreṣvahitaṃ ca tat||227|| –Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 27

Curd is

Rochana – improves taste, appetizer
Deepana – improves digestion strength
Vrushya – aphrodisiac
Snehana – imparts oiliness
Balavardhana – improves strength and immunity
Amla Vipaka – Sour taste conversion after digestion
Ushna – hot
Vataghna – Balances Vata
Mangalya – auspicious
Brumhana – improves nourishment

Useful in
Pinasa (rhinitis),
Atisara – diarrhea,
Sheetaka (fever with cold),
Vishamajwara – irregular fever,
Aruchi – Anorexia, lack of interest in food
Mutrakrichra – dysuria, difficulty to pass urine
Karshya – emaciation

It is generally harmful during autumn, summer and spring seasons. It is invariably harmful in diseases caused by the vitiation of blood, Pitta and Kapha.[225-227]

Types of curds according to Ayurveda:

Thick semi formed curds
Sweet curds
Sweet-sour curds
Sour curds
Very sour curds.

The method of preparation of curds is pretty much the same.

How to make curds?
  • During evening time, take 500 ml of boiled and cooled milk in a vessel.
  • Take previously made curds – two spoons. add this to the milk and keep it for one night.
  • Next day morning, curds is ready.
  • If you do not have two spoons of curds, pre-hand, then you can add one spoon of lemon juice to half a glass of milk. then milk curdles. use this curdled milk  two table spoons to the 500 ml of milk during evening and keep it for one night. next morning, curds will be ready next day morning.
  • If you wish the curds to be sour, then add about three to four table spoons of curds to 500 ml of milk.
  • Ayurveda explains different types of curd with different curds benefits.

The sweetness or the sourness of the curds depends on-How old is the curds – Older the curds, more the sourness.
Amount of curds added to the milk during making curds.

Chemically or microscopically there might not be much difference in these types of curds. But according to Ayurveda, different tastes have different effects over the body. Ayurveda considers the physical nature as well as the chemical nature of any food or herbs.

Curds benefits based on types:
Thick semi formed curds: This type of curd is not fully formed and does not has any particular taste. It is not good for consumption. It causes Tridosha imbalance and ill-health.

Sweet curds: It is the sweet and thick curds. It increases body fat and Kapha Dosha. It calms Vata and Kapha. Useful in certain blood and Pitta related diseases. It is a natural aphrodisiac.

Sweet-sour curds: Its qualities are similar to that of sweet curds.

Sour curds:It increases digestive fire, hot in nature and increases Pitta and Kapha.

Very sour curds:It also increases digestive fire, hot in nature and increases Vata and Pitta.

Overall, sweet curds are cold in nature and sour curds is hot in nature and improves appetite.

A few other types of curds and their benefits:

Curds prepared from goat’s milk is an excellent remedy to balance Tridosha. Used in respiratory conditions and to improve digestion.

Curds prepared from Buffalo milk takes a long time for digestion. Increases Kapha and calms Vata and Pitta. It is a natural aphrodisiac.

Curds prepared from fat-free milk is a natural coolant. Improves taste and digestive power. It is useful in digestive problems.

Curds mixed with sugar is an excellent thirst reliever. so also curds mixed with jaggery. It is also an aphrodisiac. It is good for those who wish to become fat.

Note: curds with sugar, on a daily basis is contra indicated, in healthy people for long term use.

In disease conditions involving excessive thirst, emaciated and persons seeking aphrodisiac treatment, curds with jaggery or sugar is indicated as part of the treatment.

Benefits of curds are innumerable if prepared and used wisely.

Curd consumption at night? Can You Take Curd At Night?

Curd At Night – Ayurveda explains curd as having sour mixed sweet property and it increase Kapha dosha in the body. The mucus generation is also attributed to the effect of Kapha. During night period, there is natural predominance of Kapha in the body. So, curd consumption at night will further increase kapha leading to many complications.

This is quite similar to exposing yourself to hot Sun in the afternoon hours, which is not recommended, because, afternoon period is naturally Pitta predominant period and sun exposure also increases Pitta.




Whenever there is swelling or inflammation, if curds is taken, it worsens the inflammation.

Note that these properties are attributed to sour curds.

Sour curd should not be consumed by making it hot (ushna).

Curds should not be consumed during night (nishi),

It should also not be consumed during spring and summer seasons.

However, sour curds mixed with soup of green gram, honey, ghee , sugar and amla is helpful in relieving Dysurea (difficulty in urination) and indigestion.

Solution:

Try avoid consuming curd at night. because night is basically Kapha predominant period. thus consuming curd at night is best avoided according to Ayurveda. Curd also increases Pitta. Hence, taking it at night might cause indigestion problem.

If at all you are accustomed to take curd at night, I know that old habits die-hard. so, mix a small pinch of pepper powder to curds and consume. (do not add too much. it may cause burning sensation). You may also try adding fenugreek powder if you can tolerate a slight tinge of bitterness. (but this superb combination will relieve all kinds of stomach pain generated due to indigestion).

Buttermilk is best substitute to curds at night. Buttermilk clears the channel and chucks mucus secretion.

Rules for using curd as mentioned in Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 7

# One should not take curd at night;
# If one desires to take curd at night, it can be taken along with ghee, sugar, green gram soup, honey or Amalaka (Amla – Indian Gooseberry.)
# It should not be taken hot.
# If one does not follow these rules he is likely to suffer from diseases like fever, Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Visarpa(Erysipelas), Kushta (skin diseases), Pandu(Anemia), Bhrama(dizziness) and Kamala (Jaundice).[61-62]

Q: sugar added curd or non sugar added curd. which is better?
A: If you are taking curds in the morning, then taking curd without sugar is better.

If you are taking curd at night, it is not recommended as per Ayurveda. But having it with little sugar is better, if you cannot resist it.

1. Shower Body Lotion From Curd:
100 ml curd and 4 cowries are taken together in a steel vessel and kept over night. Next day morning, this curd is taken and used while showering.
Useful in eczema.
It cleanses and clears the lesions instantly and quickens the healing process.


2. Curd Energy drink- Simple lassi
200 ml of curd is added with 20 gram of sugar candy and churned well. As per ones desire mango juice or sliced banana also can be added. A pinch or two of cardamom is added to it. – A cup of it is good to take, per day.

3. Anti Diarrheal Remedy With Curd:
50 ml of curd,
1 spoon of lime water,
2-3 gram of table salt and
a pinch of Ajwayin or Hingu(Asafetida) are taken together and mixed well.
This is given to drink to the patients who are suffering from chronic diarrhea followed with Indigestion, loss of appetite, bloating abdomen etc

4. How To Prepare Mouthwash With Curd?
1 spoon honey,
2 spoon of ghee and
4 spoon of curd are taken and mixed thoroughly.

This thick solution is used as mouthwash.
It is useful in in the cases of the mouth ulcers or blisters of the mouth caused due to chicken pox, oral thrush etc. This can be practiced 2-3 times a day.

5. How To Prepare Facepack Using Curd?
20 gram each of fresh and wet turmeric and carrot are taken and pounded well to obtain fine paste. To this 50 ml curd is added and mixed well. This is used as face pack. It enhances complexion and useful to get rid of blackheads.