#ayruveda

Asafetida - Spice with Interesting Uses

The scientific species name assa-foetida is composed of the Persian word aza meaning “resin” and the Latin word foetidus meaning “smelly” referring to the plant’s rather strong and unpleasant odor.

At the time of the Roman Empire asafetida was a popular seasoning and the Romans referred to it as “food of the gods.”

For centuries the plant was imported from countries around the Persian Gulf to Europe.

In the Middle Ages, asafetida was used both as spice and medicine across Europe.

In Chinese herbal medicine, asafetida has been used since 600 AD mainly as a nerve stimulant in the treatment of neurasthenia (nerve weakness).

The herb is also widely used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) as a brain stimulating herb.

SAY NO KNEE PAIN WITH THIS RECIPE!! - OKRA SEEDS- #findingnaturalcures

HOW DO I USE OKRA SEEDS? - Buy some okra seeds from organic market. - Take 10 seeds of okra with a glass of water on empty stomach in the morning. - You'll feel the benefits in a week. It may take 3 months of regular consuption everyday for a full recovery.

Though pregnancy is the most cherishable phase there are ups and down’s during pregnancy. Handling the common complaints and keeping oneself at ease is not difficult.

Some tips to help cope:

Nausea and vomiting

Eat small portions for a meal.

Avoid spices like green chilly, black pepper etc.

Avoid oily food.

Take smaller sips of fluid rather than a glass full of fluid.

Avoid citric food right on empty stomach.

Don’t drink too much of water soon after meal. Try to leave a gap of atleast 35 min.

Use ginger as Ginger ale, ginger tea.

Practice pranayama regularly with relaxation techniques.

Constipation

Eat fibre rich food.

Drink lot of water.

Drink 1 glass of warm water at bedtime. If you are highly constipated try adding 1tsp ghee with hot water, 45 minutes before bedtime.

Add prunes, dates, figs daily.

Eat 1 banana per day.

Stay active with light walking and Yoga practices designed for antenatal care.

Thigh or low back pain

Keep the calcium supplements across pregnancy.

Expose to sunlight especially in the morning.

Apply Ayurvedic oil before a warm shower.

Yoga based stretches and back strengthening.

A hot water bag before retiring to bed.

Lumbar stretch before retiring for the day.

Lack of sleep

Intake of milk in the evening with turmeric can help.

Apply oil to the body before a warm water shower.

Diffuse lavender oil or apply diluted portions at bedtime.

Warm foot bath at bedtime for 15 minutes.

Perform Bhramari Pranayama.

Diet and lifestyle plays a major role during pregnancy from maternal to fetal health. It is very crucial to take care of diet during pregnancy. In one of the Ayurveda classical text book ‘Charaka Samhita’ it is mentioned that ‘The life of living thing is food; the entire world seeks food, complexion clarity, good voice long life, understanding, happiness, satisfaction, growth intelligence etc. are all because of food.”

‘Kashyapa Samhita’ elaborates on pregnancy care. During pregnancy the mother’s nutrition bears a great impact on the foetus’s growth and its future. Ayurveda lays great emphasis on ensuring holistic nutrition. A combination of Ahara (diet), Vihara (regimen), Vichara (emotions/thoughts) and Aushadha (medications) have been given great significance in Ayurveda in antenatal care called as Garbhini Paricharya.

Recommendations for pregnancy

In the 1st trimester, pregnant women have to manage between morning sickness, food aversion, fatigue and discomfort and eating healthy food can become a challenge. Most of the pregnant women finds no desire to eat food. Body is experiencing surge in hormone which can lead to nausea and it can also trigger digestive discomfort including constipation and reflux. Food rich in calcium, Vitamin C and nutrients and important in first trimester. Ayurveda recommends use of good quality ghee and milk for fulfilling the requirement of protein and fat to support. Lot of liquid food is advised to avoid dehydration in case the pregnant lady is unable to eat well. It’s good to avoid spicy food, oily deep fried food, Processed food as it can increase digestive issues.

In the 2nd, trimester, the complaints ease out and this phase of pregnancy has less discomforts compared to the first trimester. However it is very important to eat right in a manner that ensures that both mother and fetus receive adequate nutrition. Eating a normal home cooked meal is always the preference. Iron is required for adequate supply of oxygen. Iron deficiency can cause anemia and may lead to premature birth. Calcium and Vit D are essential for development of fetal bone and teeth. Do note that the fetal bone development takes place during the second trimester. Magnesium rich food such as Almonds, banana, spinach are recommended to help better nerve and muscle functions and maintain normal blood pressure in the pregnant woman.

Ayurveda recommends Butter and Ghee helps in building up the muscle tissue. Butter is sweet in taste and very cold (cooling) in potency. It has the property of preventing bleeding during pregnancy. Butter is said to improve strength, digestion and complexion. These recommendations should be followed under a physician’s advise.

The 3rd Trimester is a different experience with emotional and physical challenges owing to increase in changes in fetus and maternal body. Hunger pangs might increase and many times women complain of waking at night or early morning due to hunger. Women also experience constipation in late pregnancy due to pressure of gravid uterus over the bowels. The fetal demands start increasing and nature starts helping the mother get ready to deliver.

Therefore food has to be in accordance to the condition. Fiber rich food, diet high in fruits, vegetables and low-fat forms of protein. Slightly more folic acid is needed in the 3 rd trimester. So fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, and wholegrains are good to have.

General Dont’s during pregnancy

Aerated drinks.

Food with taste enhancers such as MSG (Monosodium Glutamate).

Food with preservatives.

Sweets or desserts frequently.

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects the communication and behaviour of a child. Although Autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. In the autistic child, three core symptom interactions are observed Social interaction difficulties, Communication difficulties, and Behavioral problems. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Social communication and interaction:

Avoids eye contact

Does not respond to name-calling 

Cannot understand emotions

Is mostly involved in his /her thoughts 

Does not play interactive games even at 12 months

Does not involve in peer learning and group activities

Is withdrawn from outsiders

Cannot adjust to school environment even at 4 yrs of age

Does not sing or play even at 5 years 

Restricted or repetitive behaviour

Lingers on to short syllables

Repeats the question asked then answer 

Continuous humming or repeating words (echolalia)

Hand flapping, spinning around self

Plays with the same toys in a similar way

Emotional and Sleep issues

Anger, Frustration, Self-harm

Seeks attention, but sometimes can’t identify parents in younger days  

Crying and screaming 

Hyperactivity 

Unusual mood, fear or lack of fear

Inadequate sleep, disturbed sleep, reduced sleep, screaming during sleep

Gut Health issues

Can’t assess hunger

Can’t tolerate many food items

Dislike soft and mushy food

Many times don’t like to touch food with their hands

Can’t eat on his own even after 3 yrs

Tendency to constipate

Language and communication Deficit

Delayed onset of speech

Inadequate pronunciation 

Unclear speech

Robotic flat voice

Decreased Writing and reading abilities

Unable to hold pencil or pen

Decreased Language learning skills 

What can cause Autism?

Genetic predisposition

Advanced Parental age 

Stress during pregnancy 

Prescription medication before conception

Substance abuse or dependent medication before conception

Having understood the signs and symptoms of ASD children, we should know that they need attention at all levels. Therefore, one of the parents has to spare more time and contribute a lot to the child’s progress. The parent is the child’s shadow. Hence, their knowledge, patience, and perseverance are crucial for the child’s progress.

Parents are the experts in helping their children as they know it better than anyone and can provide any information that will be valuable in their child’s education and therapeutic approach. Parents are co-therapists and can provide all the information about the child’s daily activity, interests, and development, can actively participate in treatment and re-claim the rights of their child. The involvement of parents in the treatment program will play a decisive role in the treatment outcome. The systematic training of parents helps them regain their lost confidence and reduce their stress in meeting their parental role requirements.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Autism

Ayurveda offers three key therapeutic approaches for managing Autism Spectrum Disorders (Unamada):

Daiva Vyapasraya (Confidence-building treatment) involves rituals and practices that protect the mind and body from unseen environmental factors and evil forces.

Yukti Vyapasraya (Rational Medical Management): This includes the rational use of medications, therapies, dietary adjustments, and activities to maintain bodily equilibrium.

Ayurveda Treatment for Gastric Reflux or Acidity is a common concern in today’s fast-paced world, often arising from stress, irregular eating habits and unhealthy diets. Ayurveda offers a holistic solution addressing the root cause of the disease and treating it through personalized approaches

What exactly is Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD)

Gastro means stomach. The oesophagus is your food pipe (a muscular tube through which food and liquid travel from the mouth to the stomach) Reflux means to flow back or return. Thus Gastroesophageal reflux refers to the backflow of stomach contents including Acid and partially digested food into the esophagus. This happens when the lower oesophagal Sphincter(LES) becomes weak allowing stomach content to return back into the oesophagus

Understanding the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and when to seek help

Common symptoms include

Heartburn: you feel a burning sensation in the chest, especially when eating or lying down

Chest pain: it may mimic heart-related issues

Regurgitation: Backwash of food or sour liquid in the throat

Difficulty swallowing: it is called dysphagia. You feel like food is stuck in your throat or chest

Chronic cough or sore throat: if you have more acid reflux at night time you may experience persistent coughing or throat irritation

Nausea: feel like vomiting, especially after meals

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms very regularly like more than twice a week or if they disrupt your daily life you need to see a doctor

How do I know I’m having heartburn or not a heart attack?

Don’t be panic! here are some key differences

Heartburn usually causes a burning sensation or pain in the chest. usually behind your breastbone, it can also rise up into the throat and you experience a sour or bitter taste in the mouth

A heart attack often feels like a squeezing or pressure in the centre or left side of your chest .it may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw, shoulder or back

If your heartburn medication doesn’t help and your chest pain is accompanied by these symptoms, call for medical attention right away

Ayurveda Treatment for Gastric Reflux

From an Ayurveda point of view GERD is seen as an imbalance in Pitta Dosha which can be compared to Amlapitta explained in Ayurveda texts. the Amla Guna (sour quality) can get aggravated due to factors like stress, spicy foods irregular eating habits etc. leading to symptoms of acid reflux and discomfort

Several reasons can weaken your digestive fire and cause an imbalance in pitta

Including,

Consumption of Alcohol or smoking

Use of Antibiotics very frequently

Blood thinning medicines

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Helicobacter pylori

Stress etc.

How Ayurveda can help you Overcome GERD

GERD treatment in Ayurveda should be done along the lines of Amlapitta therapy to get rid of morbid pitta through deep detoxification like Virechana, Dosha balance restoration using simple herbal medication and lifestyle modification and making dietary changes. also enhancing digestion, remembering lifestyle management remains critical and maintaining a proper balance of pitta in the stomach is crucial in reversing GERD

If you leave GERD untreated the aggravated pitta can also imbalance Vata and Kapha worsening further

If you have chronic acid reflux symptoms your ayurvedic physician may recommend Amana (therapeutic emesis) andVirechana (therapeutic purgation) to help eliminate excess Kapha and pitta Dosha followed by internal medications