• On 24 Sep 2021
• By Admin

What are the health benefits of Ginger

Ginger Health Benefits –

Ginger has been used since ages as a natural remedy to various ailments, it’s the most common ingredient used in our day-to-day life. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family with enormous health benefits. In Ayurveda Ginger had many synonyms like – Sunthi (the dried form), Maha-aushadh (a great medicine), Vishwa Bheshaj (used in various ailments), Shringver (as it possesses thorns processes).

Ginger is grown mainly in Kerala, Bengal, Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, it flourishes best in hot and humid climates. We hear mainly generally 2 terms related to Ginger – Sunthi, and Adrak. Sunthi is a dried form of Ginger whereas Adrak is a fresh form.

Ginger contains Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Minerals, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Iodine, Chlorine, vitamins A, B, C. Its main component is Gingerine and Oleoresin compound, Zingiberol, Gingerol, Gingerone, and Shogaol. These are the components that are responsible for it’s medicinal properties.

5 proven health benefits of Ginger

1. Prevents cold and cough

We all remember that whenever we suffer from a Cold or cough the first thing our mothers or grandmothers do was to give a pinch of Ginger extract mixed with honey because it is hot in potency and possesses scrapping properties that help to scrap mucus from the minute channels. It is widely used in Kapha disorders in Ayurveda to expel cough out of the body.

A decoction of Ginger can also be consumed in cases of cold and cough. Just add 1 cup of water to a pan and add half Ginger to it, you can also add some basil leaves to it for better results. Now boil the mixture till it reduces to a half cup, and remember not to close the pan with the lid. Afterward, strain the mixture and drink it lukewarm (not too cold not too hot), this mixture has to be consumed twice a day for better results.

Ginger extract mixed with honey can be given to children in cases of cold and cough. As children may not take ginger in raw form due to its bitter nature.

2. Improves Digestion –

In Ayurveda Ginger mixed with salt is given before meals to increase appetite as it possesses Rochan, Deepan properties that increase digestive fire and helps to treat anorexia. A piece of ginger when consumed in its raw form helps to improve digestion.

3. Soothes inflammation–

As we all know that Ginger is hot in potency it is used in many conditions where the person is suffering from cold or any such conditions. Ginger paste along with Turmeric is applied topically in cases of inflammation.  In cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Osteoarthritis ginger paste is applied to reduce local inflammation. A special indication of Sunthi Churna is mentioned in Ayurveda for treating fever. Ginger tea or its decoction can be used in case of menstrual cramps as it is hot in potency. It relieves cramps and ensures better flow.

4. Improves Blood sugar levels –

Ginger possesses several health constituents that help to maintain blood sugar levels, it also reduces the blood cholesterol level and helps to maintain a healthy weight. Regular intake of Ginger extract or in any form with other ingredients helps to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

5. Prevents Nausea or vomiting –

Ginger is effective in case of nausea and vomiting due to the presence of the Gingerol component. Taking Ginger tea with lemon drops helps to reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Benefits of eating raw ginger on an empty stomach

Ginger when consumed on an empty stomach helps to increase appetite. Fresh ginger cut into small pieces mixed with salt can be taken before food or on an empty stomach to increase appetite.

Ginger side effects

It is advised not to take ginger if you are suffering from high BP, epistaxis, Anemia, Skin disorders, Dysuria, Local application on wounds, and if there is an excessively hot and humid climate.

Excessive intake of ginger can cause eruptions of pimples, acne, mouth ulcers, redness in the eyes, or epistaxis as it is hot in potency. Some people may be allergic to ginger, hence they need to avoid this ingredient.

Ginger for skin

Ginger should not be applied directly on the skin as it may cause skin irritation and redness but can be consumed internally for glowing effect on the skin. Ginger had antioxidant properties that help to fight the free radicals of the skin and other signs of aging like Wrinkles, Fine lines, Skin pigmentation, Blemishes, etc.  The antioxidant helps to fight free radicals of the skin hence promotes glowing and healthy skin.

Conclusion –

We all wonder to achieve a perfect body, skin and need instant results. But it’s the long-term damage that we have given to ourselves and is visible in many years hence natural ingredients work slowly to show their effects. All these indications are based on experience hence should be used carefully especially if applied to the skin.

Read Also: Why Sesame Oil is Good for Your Hair

• On 14 Sep 2021
• By Admin

Is Ayurvedic treatment effective for Modern Diseases

Well nowadays people recognize Ayurveda as a source of Herbal Remedies for some common diseases like cold & cough or Ayurveda is just used for manufacturing herbal beauty products. But it’s a 5000-year-old traditional system of Medicine that has lost in importance in this modern era. It’s a Science of Life that emphasizes not only physical well-being but also mental peace.

Is Ayurvedic treatment effective for Modern Diseases?

It’s a big question for most people whether Ayurveda is effective for modern diseases, will it work or not? And the answer is “YES”

Ayurveda works for every disease be it Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney disorders, etc, it works effectively in chronic diseases. And there is no comparison of the Allopathic Medicinal System with the Ayurvedic Medicinal System, both are different pathy of treatment. Allopathic System is an emergency treatment for diseases whereas Ayurveda focuses on the prevention of diseases and if affected with any disease it works on the root cause to remove toxins or cause of disease so that do not occur in future. Ayurvedic medicines work effectively in Chronic diseases without fewer or no side effects.

Why we should opt for Ayurveda?

Ayurveda focuses on the prevention of diseases, works on Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and Panchmahabhuta (Akash, Vayu, Agni, Jal, Prithvi) theory. It is believed that Ayurvedic medicines do not have any side effects or do not cause any harm to our body but it’s not true, Ayurvedic medicines do cause side effects if doses are not administered properly and without any proper guidance. Ayurvedic medicines are prepared from herbs, inorganic substances like metals, ores, etc.

It’s not only about medicines but it’s the food which we consume in 24 hours & the cause of many diseases. Ayurveda is the only science known so far that focuses on the way, time, and methods of eating food. Acharyas had mentioned the food to be consumed, how it should be consumed, when to consume, even the incompatible food (food mixtures that should not be consumed together).

And we all know how food has affected all our lives, nothing is available in its purest form. People eat unnecessarily without proper hunger, suffering from Constipation, IBS, dysentery and still more digestive issues WHY? Because they are not taught about it and seriously nobody teaches us that we should not consume food till the previous meal has been digested.

It’s not only about the food but also the daily activities we do in our daily routine. Acharya Charak had mentioned a separate chapter about “Dincharya”, how our daily regimen should be. From waking up at Brahma Muhurta till we fall asleep at night, every order is mentioned with proper indications and contraindications. So why we are confused between the Allopathic and Ayurvedic Systems of Medicine, they both hold separate roles, which can’t be compared.

Read Also: Oil Pulling

Why people do not accept Ayurveda as their first line of treatment?

Still, now Ayurveda is considered as a secondary line of treatment. Patients when diagnosed with a disease opt for instant relief but achieving an instant relief is not the cure of disease, it has to be removed from its roots. A patient comes to Ayurvedic therapies and medicines when the disease becomes chronic & already had suffered too many side effects of the 9-10 years of medicines intake. And it’s common that we mostly are fascinated towards the modern age, and ignore our roots.

Ayurveda is a 5000 years old system of Holistic system of medicine, quoted in various Samhitas. But we forget that everything is derived from the Vedas and many modern surgeries are mentioned in Sushrut Samhita. It’s necessary that we focus on Ayurvedic concepts whether it’s about food, living, or any disease. It mainly focuses to balance our Tridoshas and our diet, exercise.

Half of the Indian population is suffering from lifestyle disorders and these disorders do not need medicine they need proper guidance. It is said that –“If you will not eat your food as a medicine then you have to eat medicine like your food”, so following this concept we should be aware of the demerits of having unbalanced food.

Conclusion –

Thus the concept of the traditional system of medicine needs to be enlightened and their principles spread to the masses so that minimum or no person should suffer from any kind of disorder. No pathy claims to cure patients 100% but still, everyone is trying their best to fight this battle. The current scenario of COVID infection had proved that if the Allopathic and Ayurvedic Systems work in coordination, then there will be a time when the morbidity rates will be reduced to a greater extent.

• On 27 Aug 2021
• By Admin

Oil Pulling Benefits?

Oil Pulling

Acharya Charak had mentioned oil pulling in Dincharya Adhyay, and also mentioned its benefits for oral health. Oil pulling known as Gandush in Sanskrit is a process in which medicated oil, decoction, or plain water is held in the mouth. There’s another term used in Ayurveda i.e. Kavala which should not be confused with Gandush. Kavala is also an oil pulling process but in this method, the medicated oil, decoction, or any liquid is moved inside the mouth and in the case of Gandush the liquid is held inside the mouth without moving it.

Oil Pulling Benefits?

Many Acharyas had mentioned oil pulling as it possesses numerous benefits for the oral cavity. We eat a lot in 24 hours so it can lead to the formation of plague so it helps to maintain oral hygiene and prevent plaque formation. It imparts strength to the jaws, clarity to the voice, excellent gustatory sensation, and gives protection from dryness of throat, lips, dental caries, etc. It has a good role in preventing and curing both local and systemic illnesses.

Read Also: Coffee with Coconut Oil Benefits

When it should be done?

Acharya Charak in Dincharya Adhaya had mentioned the sequence of events that should be done after waking up in the morning.

•Waking up early morning – Acharyas had mentioned to wake up in Brahma muhurta (48 MINUTES BEFORE SUNRISE) that is before sunrise as it’s the best time to gain knowledge and fresh air.

•Passing urge of urination and defecation (Shaucha vidhi) – The first thing to do after waking up is to pass urine and stool, as it removes the metabolic waste products from the body that has been accumulated in the night. The urge for micturition and defecation shows signs of good digestion and a healthy gut. Suppressing the urge for micturition and defecation can lead to various diseases, Acharya Charak had mentioned it as an “Adharniya Vega” which means the vega (urge) which should not behold and has to be expelled as soon as possible otherwise can lead to some serious complications.

•Brushing teeth (Dantapavana) – Brushing teeth was performed for ages when toothbrushes were not invented, even then people were aware of their oral hygiene. They used plant twigs and herbal powders for maintaining their oral hygiene. Even different-different rasa twigs are mentioned according to the predominant dosha in the body. Many herbal powders were also used for cleaning teeth.

•Application of Collyrium in the eye (Anjana) – Anjan is a thick substance made from herbs that are applied to the inner part of eyelids. It soothes the eye and gives a calming effect, it helps to prevent eye disorders, promotes good vision, and also enhances the beauty of the eyes.

•Nasal Installation of Oil (Nasya) – Nasya is a process of installation of medicated oil in nostrils. It is said that Nostrils are the way to the brain, hence it’s an effective way to nourish brain cells. 2-2 drops of medicated oil are inserted into each nostril on daily basis, known as Pratimarsh Nasya.

•Oil pulling in the mouth (Gandusha) – Then after all these processes Gandush is performed, Oil is held in the mouth and kept for some time and then spitted out. Hence it is done in the early morning on an empty stomach and should be performed daily.

Oil pulling with Coconut Oil

Oil pulling can be done with any oil but coconut oil is widely used for this as it tastes better and possesses many health benefits also. Since Sesame oil is considered the best oil among oils according to Ayurveda, so it can also be used.
Coconut oil is very high in fatty acids, these types of fatty acids are healthy as they’re both easily digested and absorbed. It’s an anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Coconut oil has functional ingredients- Caprylic acid, Capric acid, Lauric acid, and Meristic acid. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) act as a potential antibacterial agent which shows the most inhibitory to growth bacteria.

Capric acid and Caprylic acid also inhibit the growth of bacteria. Hence Coconut oil act as a great choice for oil pulling as harmful bacteria attacks mouth first. A single bacteria or any kind of infection enters to gut through the mouth only so it’s necessary to maintain oral hygiene.

Oil Pulling – How to do it?

Oil pulling is done early morning on an empty stomach. And the sequence of steps performed before oil pulling is mentioned above.

Steps for oil pulling are

•First of all take medicated oil or simple oil of your preference for the process
•Fill your mouth will oil so that it can be easily swirled
•You can daily practice Kavala as it needs less oil and can be performed easily
•After filling your mouth with oil, move it inside for 5-10 minutes
•Then spit it off, do not swallow
•Wash your mouth with warm water as oil is sticky in nature hence warm water should be used for gargling
•It can be uncomfortable on the first or second try but daily practicing provides better results

Side Effects 

As such there are no side effects of oil pulling, as it doesn’t involve any chemicals or is a very hard process. Just it should be kept in mind that oil should not be swallowed as in some people it may lead to loose stools or vomiting-like conditions.
But it doesn’t seriously affect health, oil if swallowed also doesn’t cause any harm to the body. And also some people are allergic to a particular oil, then in that case it has to be avoided.

The science behind it 

Kavala and Gandusha were performed since ancient times to maintain oral hygiene and now it has again gained popularity. The fats present in oil mix with saliva to kill germs. As we all know saliva also secretes enzymes and possesses anti-bacterial properties which help to maintain a hygienic environment of our mouth. Oil does possess many anti-bacterial properties, which when mixed with saliva helps to remove toxins from the mouth.

Conclusion

Oil pulling is an ancient method for oral protection but now has gained popularity after many years. We do not realize the importance of our old age concepts and how beneficial they can be for us. Not only this but there are many preventive measures explained in Ayurvedic texts, it’s always said that “Prevention is better than cure” but we do not actually follow this policy. If we start giving importance to our health in a natural way and accept our ancient principles, it’s guaranteed that the chances of serious disorders will be reduced to nil.