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health

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Metabolism

In every living organism in this world, there is a chemical reaction happening which is known as Metabolism. We use this term to describe every chemical reaction happening in the body’s cells that helps in breaking down food into energy. Every living thing desperately needs this energy to survive. It controls the physical phenomenon as well, which includes:

  • Helps in blood circulation
  • Proper breathing
  • Aids in controlling body temperature

Through our wonderful workings of metabolism, life is sustained in this world.

Few people have a fast metabolism, and it can make you lose weight faster than people who have a slower metabolism. For a healthy life, it is crucial to have a healthy metabolism which helps in giving the energy to fight off diseases and ensure a peaceful life.

Ayurvedic ways to improve your metabolism

In Ayurveda, we happen to see various ways that hold the power to greatly helps in improving our metabolism. Some of the best are mentioned below:

  • Start the day with a lukewarm glass of water or with a warm cup of herbal tea: This helps in removing toxins from your system and improving your digestive system.
  • Use your body temperature as a guide: this means eating hot food when you’re cold and cooling food when you’re hot such as coconut milk.
  • Don’t skip any meals: In Ayurveda, skipping even a single meal is not an option. Make sure to eat wholesome food on time, and in the right portions
  • Use spices like Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a sweet oriental herb that is great for your digestive fire and helps in revving up the metabolism. You can either consume Cinnamon through tea or while eating a meal that is high on carbohydrates.
  • Drink a glass of cumin water daily
  • Use black pepper: Pepper is said to consist of piperine that aids in improving our metabolism. You can add it to your tomato juice and drink it up which will give your body the ability to burn calories faster.
  • Sleep and Metabolism: Having a sound sleep at night does have an impact on having a fast metabolism. Sleeping for too long or having disruptions while sleeping can be a cause of weight gain. Studies show that people who sleep less than 6 hours per night have the tendency to eat more (especially carbohydrates) because they have reduced leptin levels. People who sleep less do not have the energy to exercise which will lead to weight gain. 7-8 hours of sleep is considered adequate.
  • Meditate to reduce stress and anxiety: Dedicating some time in a day to yourself even for 5 minutes can helps in reducing stress and anxiety which in turn greatly improve one’s metabolism.
  • Water and Kapha Dosha: Staying hydrated is a key to a healthy metabolism. Most of us lose 3 – 4 liters of water through urination, sweat, breathing, and bowel movement. Those who exercise also lose a lot of water as well as those who consume dry foods (chips, cookies, bread, etc.). Kapha dosha imbalances happen due to overeating, eating dry foods, high salt foods, and poor water metabolism. The body becomes more dehydrated and struggles with enzymatic activity. 1-2 liters of warm water per day is ideal for Kapha dosha. Sip water throughout the day to keep the body hydrated all day long.

Let me know once to start to apply these tips and what worked for you. You can also try my Kapha Detox program. I have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions.

There are also some recipes on my website that promotes healthy weight loss. Such as Mung Dal Soup. Ayurvedic Protein Balls, Makhana recipe, Homemade Curry Paste, and Almond Milk Recipe. 

Written By: Syeda Saira

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Yoga Asana for Back and Shoulder Stiffness
Yoga Asana for Back and Shoulder Stiffness

Introduction of Yoga Asana

Asana is a term which came from Sanskrit meaning ‘seat’ which is known to have a meaning as “sitting in a comfortable place” therefore we can say it means “pose” or “posture” which we use while we are meditating. Asana is performed by people as it helps benefit the health, mind, body, and soul. Just like poses, Asana is simply a physical pose you do with your body. So it is a means to practice yoga.

 

Learn more:

What is Ayu-Yog? How to combine Ayurveda and Yoga for Health and Well Being

 

Causes of Back and Shoulder Stiffness

Many people experience back and shoulder stiffness, also known as neck and shoulder pain, or discomfort at least once in their lifetime. It may be due to working for hours long or due to insufficient sleep, but as long as this pain is not continuous, there’s no need to worry.

But if you have been feeling this discomfort for a while now, these may be the causes behind your back and shoulder stiffness:

  • Sitting in a hunched position while using your computer too much
  • Overuse of poor posture
  • Sleeping in an awkward or wrong position
  • Carrying a bag over the shoulder for a long period of time

These are mostly the causes majority of the time. But it could be something serious as genetic, or from injury. In that case, consult the doctor asap.

Symptoms of Back and Shoulder Stiffness

I have written a few of the major symptoms of neck and shoulder pain/stiffness down below, you may have already have noticed some of them:

  • When trying to turn the head to the side, you feel soreness
  • Difficulty in moving the head or even moving the arm properly

Yoga Asana for Back and Shoulder Stiffness

Yoga asana or yoga poses is one of the best methods that can greatly help relieve pain and keep you pain-free in your back and shoulder. Apart from this, have plenty of rest, hot and cold compressions to fasten the healing process.

  • Neck Rolls

Make sure you’re sitting in a comfortable place. Rest your hands on your knees and sit upright while relaxing your shoulders. Gently roll your head to the left or right sides. While doing so, roll your head back and repeat the opposite side.

 

  • Cross Body Shoulder Stretch

Again, sit in a comfortable position with your back straight, and gently pull your arm across your body until you feel a stretch in your shoulder. Hold this for like 3 breaths, then release and repeat the process with the other shoulder. Super easy to do and very effective.

 

  • Warrior Pose

Have a standing position, bring one foot forward and another back, and then slowly lean into your front foot while bending that knee. During this, slowly lift both your arms and spread out your entire wingspan – one hand facing your front foot and the other towards your back. Hold this yoga asana for 30 seconds and then repeat it with another foot.

 

If you are in Canada or USA – you can order from Conscious Health shop the pain relief ointment that I have made. You can check out product details, availability, price, and reviews here.

This is my personal creation that I created for my parents, then my friends, extended family as well as my clients. 

All-natural pain relief formula for tired, achy muscles, tendons, and headaches. Contains ‪Ayurvedic herbs and essential oils. A nourishing and strengthening ointment with analgesic qualities, it is used to soothe sore muscles and tendons, flexible joints as well as support an active lifestyle. Apply under your feet and affected area.

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with:

Simple backache – sprains, arthritis, strains, bruises, cramps, and headaches.

Written by: Syeda Saira

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You are most likely to be infected with cold and flu unless you live in a bubble. But there is always a way. Proper care and smart choices make all the difference to protect yourself from infections even if there is a cold and flu season.

Before we dive into ayurvedic preparation, let’s first understand briefly about the cold and flu season.

What Is Cold and Flu Season?

In terms of symptoms, flu is generally worse than the common cold. According to experts, cold and flu season tend to last for about 12 weeks but it mostly depends on where you live.

Now, there are numerous ways you can treat cold and flu, but the wise thing to do is to prepare for it. What does it mean? Well, when you work towards preventing getting sick or infected, and you use the right methods for the prevention, then you’re most likely to be protected from infections like cold and flu.

Symptoms:

If you have been feeling a few of these mentioned symptoms, then it means you have probably have caught the flu or cold.

  • General tiredness or fatigue
  • Difficult breathing deeply
  • Body or muscle aches
  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy or running nose
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headaches
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Ayurvedic Preparation for Cold and Flu Season

Prathishyay is a term for the common cold in Ayurvedic. Ayurveda strongly recommends the strengthening of the immunity to prevent diseases like flu or cold from its attack. Following are some of the best Ayurvedic Preparation for Cold and Flu Season.

  • Chew on Dry Ginger

Ginger has strong antioxidant and anti-microbial along with pain-relieving properties which helps in relieving sore throat and treating infections in the nasal passage. You can either chew dry ginger or inhale ginger-infused steam that will greatly help in reducing sinus and lung congestion.

  • Do pranayama and stretching

Doing pranayama and stretching is known to relieve chest constriction due to sneezing, or coughing. It is basically, sitting in a relaxed position with a straight back, taking a deep breath, and allowing the breath to fill your upper chest. And release the breath and along with it the tensions and the stresses.

  • Hydration is the key

One of the most common and easiest ayurvedic preparation is to remember to stay hydrated. Whether you like to drink water or lemon/honey-infused water, it’s important to be hydrated by taking your required daily intake. Most people also like sipping watermelon or cucumber juice, make sure that it is made without any preservatives and is fresh. Remember to consume homemade immune-boosting drinks and you’re good to go.

In ending notes, there are a few more ayurvedic preventions you can do such as gargle with salted water, sipping lukewarm water, eating light, and a nourishing meal. All of these not only fight off cold and flu but also build your immune system. This ayurvedic preparation will greatly help and will fight off any existing disease-spreading germs and viruses.

Kadha Recipe

In India when someone has a cold, flu, infection, sore throat or body ache their mother’s or grandmother’s make “Kadha” at home. Kadha means herbal tea – it is a medicinal tea. Although today many herbal teas are available at health food stores, I can assure you this is a great homemade herbal tea replacement where you are only using your humble kitchen healers.  I am sharing with you my favorite Kadha Recipe A Traditional Healing Tea.

I have made Kadha for myself and have seen great results for cold and body pain. It is indeed ‘health in a cup.’ When I make kadha, I sometimes add turmeric and/or reishi mushroom which is not used in the traditional recipe

Read more about it here.

Warming Energy Ball

Made with dates, sesame, fenugreek, and coconut. Add seeds as available. Such as pumpkin, sunflower, or char magaz.

Tips

  • Steam with eucalyptus oil if they get the sniffles or feet massage with warm mustard seed oil before bed. 
  • Putting 1 clove under the tongue can prevent sore throat.
  • Not to drink citrus fruit. Lime or lemon juice should be taken with warm water. 
  • Wearing socks can help with keeping the feet warm. 
  • Cinnamon tea improves circulation and keeps the warm today. 
  • In extremely cold weather add a bay leaf to the cinnamon tea.

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Why becoming Dairy Free is a Popular Trend

What foods are considered dairy?

Dairy products play a vital role in building and maintaining strong human bones. Foods that contain dairy contents give us important nutrients, such as vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and protein, which make the human body healthy and fit. Wondering what foods are considered dairy? Animal milk, yogurt, cream, cheese, whey, kefir, butter, ghee, milk powder are all the amazing food groups belonging to dairy.

Why dairy is unhealthy for some of us?

Dairy is either good or bad depending on the body. Every person reacts to things differently. Some people can easily digest food and it could be difficult to digest food. Dairy contains saturated fat and is rich in calories. Consuming dairy is not good for a low-calorie diet. Dairy is unhealthy for some people, because it causes inflammation (acne or eczema), raises estrogen, increases weight and the production of mucus.

How to eliminate dairy and what are some great substitutes?

It is extremely crucial to eliminate dairy from your diet if you’re a dairy allergy or have any symptoms of lactose intolerance. A few other signs to eliminate diary are, bloating, sinus infection, or fatigue because of diary sensitivity. If you’ve decided to cut out dairy completely, here are the steps to follow:

  • Familiarize yourself with a vegan diet.
  • Use non-dairy substitutes that are healthy and less processed.
  • Get used to non-dairy products taste. It will take about 4-5 days to up to a week.
  • Get rid of all the dairy products.
  • Make sure to collect dairy-free recipes from YouTube and vegan books.

Fortified soy milk and yogurt are great non-dairy substitutes that are amazing sources of vitamin D, vitamin A, and calcium.

Lactose-free vs. Dairy-free

You must have seen lactose-free OR dairy-free written on several products and foods. Some may think that this is the same and does not have any difference. But there is a huge difference.

In lactose-free products, the dairy product does not contain lactose while in dairy-free products, there is no dairy contained at all. Dairy-free products are made from plants and nuts.

Lactose-free products are for people who are lactose intolerant, and it is difficult for them to digest such foods as they feel bloated, nauseous, and may experience stomach aches. Consuming lactose-free products helps them with digestion.

Homemade non-dairy staple

With nut milk and vegan sauces, you can have your own homemade non-dairy staple.

What if I’m allergic to nuts?

If you’re allergic to nuts or peanuts and still want to consume dairy products, the best substitutes are beans, tofu, potato, and even pea proteins.

Signs of dairy-free life is for you or not.

If you don’t consume dairy products and you feel reduced anxiety, better sleep, less mucus, less prone to cold and flu, and reduced migraine attacks then dairy-free life is suitable for you.

Why I’m dairy-free?

 

References:

https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/dairy

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326269

 

 

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What is Migraine?

Migraine is a medical condition in which a person experiences an extremely severe pounding headache. It can last for hours or sometimes even days. The ponding headache typically starts from the forehead, between the temples, or around the eyes. Migraine headaches get worse with time. A person experiencing migraine is sensitive to any movement, action, bright light, or loud noises. Any such sensation makes the headache worse. A person can also experience nausea, dizziness, neck pain, vomiting, extreme fatigue, and nasal congestion during a migraine. Severe migraines can affect a person’s daily life.

Are Migraine and Headache the same?

People usually confuse migraines with headaches. They think that a severe headache is known as a migraine, but in general, headache is one of the symptoms of migraine. The symptoms of migraine are more intense as compared to headache. Migraine is a medical chronic condition, and the cause is unknown. Headaches on the other hand can be triggered due to stress, depression, or anxiety and typically goes away in few hours.

What causes and trigger Migraine?

A migraine occurs typically in three stages, these are:

Stage 1: Prodrome

This stage involves emotional changes such as depression and anxiety. At this stage, a person will be sensitive to any movement, action, bright light, or loud noises.

Stage 2: Mild to Severe Headache

At this stage, the person may experience other common symptoms like nausea, dizziness, neck pain, vomiting, tiredness, and nasal congestion

Stage 3: Migraine Hangover

At this stage, the person feels extreme fatigue and irritability which may last for another 2 days.

Ayurvedic Treatments to Treat Migraine

In Ayurveda, migraine is known as “Ardhavabhedhaka” and the vital cause of migraine is due to tridoshic condition which causes an imbalance of pitta-vata and gathers Ama toxins. Following ayurvedic treatments are used to treat migraines. Depending on the severity of migraine, we can combine the treatment methods.

 

  • Triphala Churna

Triphala churna is an organic blend of haritaki, bibhitaki, and amla. It helps to improve nasal congestion and blockage.

  • Ksheera Ghrita

Ksheera ghrita is a glass of milk and ghee which is mixed to effectively treat migraine headaches.

  • Sitopaladi Churna

Sitopaladi churna is a combination of mishri, vankshalochana pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. By using sitopaladi churna, increases the lung’s capacity and eliminates cough. It can also be consumed with honey.

  • Dhoomapana

Dhoomapana is used to lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. It calms the nerves the lighten to load on the head.

  • Nasya

This is one of the highly recommended “Panchakarma Therapy” to cure migraines or continued headaches. For better results, do it early in the morning on an empty stomach an hour before having a meal. This treatment provides significant relief from migraines.

Other Treatments to Treat Migraine

  • Yoga
  • Regular Exercise
  • Relaxation Techniques

 

References:

https://familydoctor.org/condition/migraines/

https://www.summahealth.org/flourish/entries/2020/08/migraines-vs-headaches-whats-the-difference

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148373

https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/migraine-bothering-you-try-these-versatile-ayurvedic-remedies-for-instant-pain-relief

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We all are aware of the importance of focusing on breathing patterns to welcome comfort and relaxation in our lives. To incorporate that into our lives, there are countless methods, processes, and ways you can use to practice breathing and reap its benefits. One of these ways we will discussing is Pranayama, and we’ll walk you through its meaning, how-to’s, and benefits.

What is Pranayama?

Pranayama is an ancient yoga practice of controlling the breath (breath control). It is a Sanskrit word where Prana means “vital life force” and Yama means to gain control. It is the means of elevating our energies through the control of our breath. It is a practice through which you can attain higher states of energy.

Pranayama allows our conscious and subconscious minds to get still and be in the now. Therefore, it is obvious that this practice means far more than breath control.

Pranayama explained in Spiritual context

Inhalation, retention, and exhalation are three stages in the Prayanama practice. These stages of breath in Prayanama practice aids us in connecting us to the universal soul.

Let’s take an example. We can’t see our reflection clearly if the mirror in front of us is stained. Now, if that mirror is crystal clear and clean, we can easily see our reflection. Similarly, if our minds are continuously cluttered with thoughts and our spirit is confused, practices like Pranayama unlocks the patterns that clear the complexities in our mind and thus refining our physical state with time.

How to Practice Pranayama?

Before we dive into the steps to practice Pranayama, we will first list some important points that you must take into notice if you are looking for a good outcome.

  • The clothing should be loose and light. Don’t wear any belts or anything tight that can come between your deep inhalation process
  • Find a peaceful place that is quiet, clean, and especially where there is fresh air
  • Try to practice in the same place
  • The best time to practice Pranayama is in the early morning or in the evening.
  • Pranayama should be practiced half hour before breakfast or 4 hours after the food. This practice can become difficult if it is done on a full stomach
  • Never restrict or force your breath. Just go with the flow
  • Lastly, awareness is a crucial part of any breathing practice. During the practice, it is natural for the mind to wander off. Don’t resist it or get agitated by it, simply understand that it’s natural and get your mind in control by getting your focus back on your breaths.

How to do it: Sit in a comfortable place with a straight posture. Take a steady breath. Inhale deeply as you reach your lung capacity but don’t force it. Hold the breath for a second and then exhale slowly through both nostrils.

You can repeat it as many times but doing this practice 20 times is recommended.

There are also further types of Pranayama and a few of them are:

  • Sitali Pranayama
  • Ujjaya Pranayama
  • Kapalabhati Pranayama

Benefits of Practicing Pranayama

Our thoughts can either uplift us or break us down. Daily stresses and habits like overthinking can create energetic obstacles in our spirit and bodies. We can become rigid and perplexed. This can have a negative effect on our lives. That’s where the benefits of practicing pranayama come to play a part. It helps us to regain our focus, take control over our breaths and thoughts, helps us in breaking unhealthy patterns, and above all, improves our health by keeping our heart and mind healthy and sound.

As we take a breath and inhale, we introduce oxygen whereas we remove carbon dioxide from our body which helps in removing toxins. Pranayama not only improves our inhalation and exhalation processes but also brings remarkable physiological benefits. By making the mind calm, it helps to relax one’s physical body and also one’s mind. This practice helps to reduce unwanted thoughts and conflicts in your mind and provides you with vitality. And if it is done religiously, it can transform your physical and mental energies states. Read more about it here.

Want holistic protection from Corona Virus using Pranayama? Give this blog a read.

If you want to learn how to apply Pranayama in your daily life and customize your routine according to your current health condition please book an appointment with Nahid Ameen. Pranayama can be used for digestion, hormonal balance, depression, anxiety, and better respiratory or lung health combined with a customized diet and lifestyle plan.

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The Power of Microgreens - the Sattvic Food Gem in Ayurveda

What are Microgreen?

Mircrogreens, which are also known as “vegetable confetti”, are baby plants which are harvested between 10 and 14 days from seeding. They are young edible seedlings of beans, herbs, grains, and vegetables. They are sometimes confused with sprouts because they are tiny and perfect. They are easily available from shops and can be grown anywhere even at home using vegetables seeds, grains, or herbs. Microgreens are loaded with nutrients and vitamins, because of which they are also known as the powerhouse of natures multivitamins. They are also known as living foods because they are organic and very close to nature.

Microgreens

How do you grow them? (Hydroponic and in soil)

Mircogreens are an amazing source of nutrients. They are very easy and fun to grow, whether indoors or outdoors. People who are interested in kitchen gardening, grow microgreens in their kitchen window ledges. We can harvest mircogreens in 2-3 weeks. Microgreens can be grown in soil or hydroponic environment. Microgreens which are grown using in soil and hydroponic methods have high nutritional values.

Growing microgreens in soil requires soil and ample amount of sunlight. Sattvic foods, such as peas, sunflower, beets, cilantro, lentils, beans and others are grown in soil. Sattvic foods are very simple and should be grown organically using extremely rich fertile soil.

In Hydroponic method, a good sunlight is needed to grow microgreens. Instead of soil, mineral nutrient solutions in water is used to grow microgreens. This method is excellent for indoor or kitchen gardening. A few microgreens which are grown hydroponically are, lettuce, spinach, bell peppers, cucumbers, and strawberries.

Microgreens

Microgreens

How to add them to your daily diet?

As mentioned earlier, microgreens are powerhouse of natures multivitamin. Adding them into our daily diet will give us daily dose of multivitamins we need. Some of the ways you can incorporate it into your daily diet is:

  • Add microgreens into your salad.
  • Place microgreens (like lettuce) into wraps for extra crunchy flavor.
  • Add microgreens into your smoothies and juices.
  • Garnish or sprinkle into any dish you eat.
  • Add microgreens into your omelet, sandwiches, pizzas, flatbreads, or rolls.

You can easily incorporate microgreens into your daily life because they are taste enhancer and can be added into any food.

Microgreens salad

Types of seeds that can be grown for microgreens

– legumes (chickpea, mung beans, lentils), grains (Buckwheat, Amaranth & Wheat), seeds (sunflower), Brassica family (Broccoli, cabbage, Kale. Radish, Watercress, Arugula, Mustard, Kolrabi etc), Herbs (Cilantro, Basil Sorel, Dill, Anise, Mint, Oregano, Sage), Onion family (Chives, Leeks, Onions and Garlic)

My Top 12 Microgreens

Following are my top 12 microgreens:

  • Alfalfa
  • Broccoli
  • Buckwheat
  • Cabbage
  • Clover
  • Fenugreek
  • Mung
  • Mustard
  • Peas
  • Radish
  • Sunflower
  • Watercress

These microgreens contain innumerable benefits. Because they are powerhouse of natures multivitamin, it prevents many diseases and helps to manage weight. They also assist to treat mental and physical health. They have antioxidant property, which helps to remove unstable waste molecules known as free radicals from the body. Broccoli contains phenolic antioxidant and high levels of vitamin E. Lettuce contains carotenoid antioxidants and is high in vitamin A. Each microgreen contains specific antioxidant.

Microgreen
A brief description about each microgreen is given below:

  • Alfalfa

This herb is also known as Medicago Sativa. It contains saponins, estrogenic isoflavonoids (e.g., daidzein, genistein), vitamin K, and the amino acid L-canavanine. Alfalfa is highly nutritious and have high nitrogen content in it.

  • Broccoli

A branched, green vegetable which has numerous health benefits because it is highly nutritious. It contains fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium and helps to prevent cancer, improve digestion, boost immunity and lose weight.

  • Buckwheat

A type of grain, pseudo cereal, is gluten-free and contains minerals, protein, and fiber. It is a superfood and helps to improve heart condition and promote healthy weight loss. It also aids to manage diabetes.

  • Cabbage

An excellent snack because it has very few calories in it. It has layers of leaf and can be eaten raw in salad. It taste very delicious and crispy.

  • Clover

A small fragrant flower herb which has a nutty flavor. They are very easy and quick to grow.

  • Fenugreek

A clover like herb, which contains different alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. It has powerful blend of flavors and is used in medicine and cooking. It is used as an appetite stimulant, and to treat atherosclerosis, constipation, diabetes, dyspepsia/gastritis, fevers, kidney ailments

  • Mung

Mung are rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. They have fewer calories and has numerous health benefits.

  • Mustard

Mustard is a broadleaf, cruciferous, cool-seasoned annual oilseed crop produced mostly for the condiment market.

  • Peas

Peas are not a vegetable but actually belong from the legumes food category. They are low in calories and low in fat. They are very healthy and nutritious to eat.

  • Sunflower

Easily grown in soil only, they are an amazing source of iron and calcium.

  • Watercress

Watercress contains high amount of vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Besides this, they are an amazing source of folate, calcium, iron and vitamin E.

Reference: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316075#benefits

Written By: Syeda Saira

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Castor oil is also known as miracle oil because it has highly fortifying properties. For centuries, it is being used in numerous treatments because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is extracted from the bean of a castor plant which originally come from Eastern Africa. It is one of the most ancient oil which is famous for its powerful and amazing therapeutic properties. It is used in many Ayurvedic medicines and can be consumed both internally or externally depending upon the type of treatment. In Ayurveda, it is amazing to relieve Vata and Kapha disorders.

Properties:

Castor oil has the following properties:

  • anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties
  • pungent/bitter or sweet taste
  • heavy to digest
  • hot in nature

Castor Oil for Tridosha:

In Ayurveda, it is amazing to relieve Vata and Kapha disorders by balancing it. It also relieves pitta when combined and processed with herbs which have bitter and sweet taste.

Health Benefit of Castor Oil:

Castor oil posses a great number of health benefits. Some of which are listed below:

  1. Castor Oil improves skin and cures skin diseases.
  2. Castor Oil cleanses body.
  3. Castor Oil helps to rejuvenate skin and makes it look healthy.
  4. Castor Oil improves health, intelligence, memory, immunity, and digestion.
  5. Castor Oil relieves lower back pain.
  6. Castor Oil is great to treat belly bloating.
  7. Castor Oil is best in destroying abdominal tumors.

When can we use Castor Oil externally?

  • Castor oil contains vitamin E which makes it excellent for the skin. When applied directly on the skin it moisturizes it and give the skin a subtle glow. Regular use of it makes the skin fuller and plumper.
  • Another amazing external use of castor oil is for hair. When applied directly on the scalp it nourishes the scalp and boost hair growth. It fights numerous hair related issues like, itchy scalp, dandruff, dry hair, hair fall, and split ends. Besides that, it can also be used to grow brow, lashes and the hairline.
  • As mentioned earlies, castor oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, because of which it is an effective remedy for Arthritis. It helps to improve blood circulation and increases body warmth. It also helps to reduce inflammations and relieves pain. It proves effective to reduce joint pain and backaches.
  • In India, it is a common practice to use castor oil as Kajal over the eyes to improve vision.
  • It can also be used to treat dry cracked feet. Gently massage a few drops of castor oil twice a week and get soft smoot feet.

When can we use Castor Oil internally?

  • Castor oil is a powerful laxative. Therefore, can be consumed internally to relieve constipation and promote healthy digestion. You can add one or two tablespoons in ginger tea and drink it at night.

How to make Castor Oil pack?

Castor oil pack is very effective and can be used to break down cysts, fibroids, and lipomas. To make castor oil pack, use soaked flannel oil and cover it with hot water bottle. It is then placed on the affected area for about an hour. It also helps to reduce inflammation, and joint pain.

Note: FDA approves castor oil and it can be used indefinitely.

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Clove for Dental health

What is a clove?

Clove, also known as the Syzygium aromaticum, is a small flower bud which is reddish brown in color. It is an herb and also used as a spice in savory dishes, desserts, and drinks. It has a very strong aroma and pungent taste. In Ayurveda, it has multiple benefits. One of the most prominent use of clove in Ayurveda is in dental health. It is essential to take a good care of dental and oral health to keep the overall health in check. Because of poor dental hygiene we can face several issues which can be very severe. Practicing good dental health with the right tools and ingredients is effective in long-term.

Is clove effective for dental health?

Clove contains a chemical which is known as eugenol. This chemical is extremely effective to fight toothache and cavities. It also helps to fight bacteria and protects teeth. Since the 19th century, most of the medicines contain eugenol in dentistry because of its analgesic, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.

How to incorporate clove into you daily oral regime?

The best way to incorporate clove into you daily oral regime is by making its serum. You can easily use this serum in your daily life.

How to create an essential oil “tooth and gum” serum? 

Take a shot glass – mix 1 teaspoon of organic vegetable oil from your store (it could be an olive oil, coconut oil, or a sesame oil) with 1 drop of Clove bud essential oil (therapeutic grade). Make a larger quantity (using this proportion) for use in your oral care routine and put this in a glass dropper bottle (buy this on Amazon or a natural grocery store). Try adding other bad bacteria fighters like Cinnamon essential oil. 

Attention: Clove essential oil is very strong and should always be diluted (do not use straight).

  • Use it with your dental floss: Apply this to your dental floss (you can use your fingertips or put the floss directly into a shot glass). Floss, as usual, paying close attention to the gum line (be gentle). 
  • Add it to your toothpaste: Apply your toothpaste or powder to your toothbrush, add a few drops of your serum. 
  • Have a toothache? Apply the mixture directly to the tooth and surrounding gum with your finger or a cotton swab.

Benefits of Clove for dental health:

  1. Clove helps to clean teeth & freshens mouth instantly.
  2. Clove relieves tooth pain and strengthens gums.
  3. Clove is an ayurvedic herb and it has anti-bacterial and gum tightening properties.
  4. Clove helps to fights cavities, pyorrhea, bleeding gums, gingivitis, sensitive teeth.
  5. Clove strengthens teeth and gums.
  6. Clove gives long lasting great refreshing taste.
  7. Clove acts as antiseptic and has antibacterial properties.
  8. Clove makes teeth white.
  9. Clove is the best pain relief herb which helps to keeps oral cavity in healthy state and freshens mouth.
  10. Clove also helps removes plaque and tartar.

Are there any side effects of using clove for dental health?

Clove is generally safe to use but continuous rigorous use of clove can have severe effects on the gums and inside of the mouth.

Written By: Syeda Saira

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What is Miswaak?

Miswaak, which is also known as the oldest toothbrush in history, is a chewing stick. It is made from the roots of the Arak tree (Salvadora persica). It is one of the best and cheapest forms of dental hygiene. It is generally used in regions of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central and Southeast Asia. As Prophet Mohammad ((PBUH) used to do miswaak in his daily life, therefore it is considered as “sunnah” in the culture of Islam.

Miswaak not only helps to remover plaque, calculus, and debris, but it has also been useful to show positive antimicrobial activities. These positive antimicrobial activities protect the teeth from cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria.

Miswaak vs Toothbrush

Miswaak is more beneficial than toothbrushes and toothpaste/mouthwash. Besides removing plaque, calculus, and debris, it also provides the remedy to anti-sensitize the teeth; prevents the onset of tooth decay, bone building, and bone protecting properties; strengthens joints, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues; kills pathogens; remineralizes tooth structure; regulates blood pressure; boosts immunity; helps ward off infections; heals tissue repair; reduces bleeding gums; protects from a heart attack, and is anti-cancerous.

Antioxidants may help the body to protect itself against various types of oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species, which are linked to a variety of diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory diseases. The antioxidant capacity of miswaak makes it an excellent instrument for cleaning teeth, oral hygiene, and food removing purposes, whereas toothbrushes are contradicted in patients with hypersensitivity and cardiovascular disease.

Techniques of Using Miswaak/Chewing Sticks

There are two basic methods for using chewing sticks:

  • Pen-grip (three-finger)
  • Palm-grip (five-finger)

In either case, the purpose is to make sure firm but controlled movement of the brush end of the miswaak within the oral cavity, so that every area of the mouth is reached with relative ease and convenience.

The techniques employed for removing plaque routinely are similar to both a toothbrush and a chewing stick: vertical and horizontal brushing. The cleaning movement should always be directed away from the gingival margin of the teeth which means away from the gums, on both the buccal and lingual surfaces.

Benefits of Miswaak

Miswaak helps to

  1. combat tooth decay and cavities
  2. protects against tartar and plaque
  3. combat harmful bacteria and germs 
  4. protects the gums
  5. strengthen the gums
  6. refresh aftertaste 

Besides all the amazing benefits of miswaak, one of the biggest benefits is that it is easily available and cheap to use.

Disadvantages of chewing Miswaak

Although miswaak is considered to be an important help in continuing oral hygiene, certain disadvantages are linked with its use. Its bristles lie in the long axis of the stick, whereas those of a toothbrush is placed perpendicular to the handle. Thus, it is difficult to reach the lingual surfaces of the dentition with a miswak. Another disadvantage is related to the typical use of miswaak for a prolonged time. Studies show that miswaak or chewing stick users may extremely scrub the anterior teeth, which are located in the area of primary concern while ignoring the posterior teeth. Other studies show that it is the primary cause of gingival recession.

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