ORIGIN OF AYURVEDA

There is lot of conversation that takes place regarding the evolution of Ayurveda or the history of the ancient healing science of Ayurveda.The entire philosophy of Ayurveda is based on Sankhya, which means to know the truth. Ayurveda is believed to have originated from the Upnishada portion of the fourth Veda i.e. Atharvaveda
Ayurveda is an Upveda or subsection of the fourth Veda, the Atharva Veda. The 3 vedas – Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samveda represent the psychological process of the human mind. These three vedas represent the three mental powers of Knowledge, Action and Will. Whereas Atharvaveda, of which Ayurveda is believed to have been originated, is the veda of rectification. This lays down specifications about how to bring back the balance and the harmony between these mental states of knowledge, action and will.
Prakriti and Purusha are the two basic energy principles that are the essential components that are believed to lay down the foundation of the entire existence within and of the universe.
- Praktiti is female energy,which is the Creative Energy which is to create.
- Purusha is the male energy which is the Dormant Consciousness is witness to this creation.
- In transcendental stage, both the female and male energies viz. Prakriti and Purusha are in harmony with each other.

Where did Ayurveda come from?

The ancient Indian mythology narrates legends about the evolution of Ayurveda. The ancient healing science of Ayurveda is regarded as the knowledge that has descended on the Earth straight from the Gods in Heaven. Lord Brahma who is the God of creation is believed to have evolved the science of Ayurveda through meditation. HE then passed on the divine knowledge to Daksha Prajapati who was the King of Himalayas. From him, the knowledge of Ayurveda healing was passed on to the twin brothers named Ashwini Kumars who were physicians in the court of Lord Indra, the King of Devtas or the Gods.
When Lord Indra saw Ashwini Kumars performing miracles using the knowledge of Ayurveda, Indra also learnt the science from the twin brother physicians. It was at this time that human beings living on Earth had started to be affected with disease due to losing harmony and discrepancies in diet and lifestyle. The Sages and learned Rishis at that time prayed for relief to humanity and then was the period when Ayurveda descended from heaven to earth. Lord Indra passed on the knowledge of healing mankind to Punarvasu Atray. Rishi Atray further gave the knowledge of Ayurveda to his 6 disciples.. Agnivesh, Bhel, Jatukaran, Prashar, Harit and Sharpani. Of these sages, Agnivesha was most intelligent and wrote the Agnivesha Trantra and from this emerged the well known text of Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita.
There is another story about the evolution of Ayurveda in Indian Mythology. According to this, during the ancient times, The Gods and the Demons were constantly in long war. Whereas the Gods or the Devtas were struggling to save the ailing humanity, the Devils were adamant to prove their power. The war lasted for a very long time till the Gods decided to get Amrita or nectar of immortality extracted from below the ocean. They knew that the only way the nectar which lied hidden deep down below the ocean was to churn the huge ocean. Churning of the ocean at that time has become a legend happening in Indian mythology named as ‘Samudra Manthana’ where Samudra means the ocean and Manthana is the process of churning. Many divine objects emerged by the process of churning of the ocean and at last emerged Lord Dhanvantari who is worshipped as the God of Ayurveda appeared from the ocean carrying the Nectar in one hand and Ayurveda in another.

Reference in Ayurveda Text

When the Sages or learned Rishis approached Lord Indra (for the sole purpose of saving the humanity which was now frequented with diseases), at that time Indra immediately passed on to them the Upveda of Atharva Veda, Ayurveda which can save from untimely death and misery; which had been further divided into 8 treaties or sub-divisions viz. Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Psychology, Toxicology, Rejuvenation, ENT and Aphrodisiacs.
Also, the Ayurveda Shastra or the textual knowledge that was initially known to Lord Brahma, the father of the Gods, the wisdom healing science of Ayurveda which is pure, pious and fault free, was then introduced to and passed on to the Sages to save the mankind from suffering. Later on when the Maharishis or the learned Sages descended onto the Earth with the precious wisdom of Ayurveda, wrote, practiced and promoted Ayurveda by making different Tantras or the knowledge treaties and spread the virtues of the healing wisdom far and wide through the Gurus or the intelligent teachers and preachers of Ayurveda. This is how the bliss of Ayurveda was gained and praised on the Earth while saving and rescuing Humanity from the clutches of disease.
In Ayurveda text it has been mentioned that Ayurveda had to brought to the rescue of humanity when the purpose of human birth of ascending in the virtues of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha was being interfered by the fatal diseases that mankind had started experiencing and there was lot of suffering on Earth for this reason.

Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita:

These are considered the two Famous Schools of Ayurveda. Rishi Agnivesha wrote the Ayurveda text as Agnivesha Samhita somewhere before 6th Century AD. The text was revised later by Charaka in the 1st Century AD. His book of Ayurveda text focused on Kaya Chikitsa or the Branch of Medicine. This was named as ‘Chikitsa Sthana’ and is now popularly known as Charaka Samhita.
Similarly, like the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita was also written in the same period. Yet, whereas Charaka Samhita details about general medicine, Sushruta Samhita deals with Surgical matters and proclaims Sage Sushruta as the ‘Father of Surgery’.

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AAMLA-A BLISS OF FRUIT TO HELP IMMUNITY AND WELLBEING

Aamla or Indian Gooseberry (Latin name: Emblica officinalis) is found extensively in India in the form of two varieties. One is hard, small in size and found in forests; while the other type is softer, bigger in size, more fleshy and is cultivated. Ancient Ayurveda text mentions that special properties of rejuvenation and revitalizing of the entire body systems lie in the fruit of Aamla.

Natural Properties of Aamla:
Aamla is sour in taste, cold and heavy in nature and has a sweet after taste. Chemically, the fruit of Aamla is full of citric acid. Therefore, it is said to contain the best and the largest amount of vitamin C extracted from nature. Other than this, it contains a good amount of calcium and minerals like iron and phosphorous in nominal amounts. Some other important ingredients are albumin, cellulose, fiber, carbohydrate, sugar and water.

Dosha Healing Benefits of Aamla
Ayurveda believes that the fruit of Aamla helps to reduce all the three doshas or the body humors viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha; which when aggravated above their normal limits cause a disease. This is because of the varied properties it holds. Aamla is sour in taste and therefore helps in decreasing Vata dosha or the air body humor. Due to it being cold in nature, calming and soothing in action and having a sweet after taste, it decreases the fire or the Pitta Dosha. And the rough nature of Aamla is helpful in reducing kapha or phlegm inside the body.


Health Benefits of Aamla:
The fruit of Aamla is found to be mainly useful in decreasing the heat as per its natural properties. Therefore, its most extensive use has been seen in the treatment of the diseases associated with increased body heat. For example; it proves quite useful in ailments like burning sensation in eyes and in soles of the feet, increased thirst; or when there is immature graying of the hair due to excessive heat inside the body.

Medicinal Usages of Aamla:

• During the summers, the most often symptoms due to the elevated external heat can be relieved. Burning sensation of the skin and any headaches associated with a heat stroke can be relieved by the applying a paste made of Aamla in milk.
• The juice extracted from the fresh fruit is put in the eyes for curing the burning and inflammation; and for the longevity of eyesight.
• For the digestion disorders like acidity, loss of hunger and hemorrhoids; the use of Aamla in the form of medicines as well as diet is quite beneficial.
• Fresh juice of Aamla is given on an empty stomach in disorders like Diabetes and urinary incontinence.
• Some preparations like Aamla Murraba (sweet jelly) can be taken for long periods as a tonic to do away mental and physical fatigue.
• The powder of dried Aamla taken with honey twice in a day is a good cure for cough.
• For immature graying and falling of the hair, try washing the hair alternately with the powder.

from curejoy.com

IMPROVE EYE VISION

Losing vision or facing eye strain? Ayurveda believes that the root cause in most of the cases of failing vision, especially in the younger age, lies with habitual suppression or improper evacuation of the bowels as well as chronic cold and congestion. Therefore, Triphala or powder of the three Myrobalans (Aamla- Indian Gooseberry, Harad -Indian rhubard and Baheda-Beleric Myrobalan) is recommended both for internal as well as external purpose. Other drugs of choice like Mahatriphla ghrita, Yashtimadhu churana, Saptamrit Lauha etc. may be taken after consulting an Ayurveda physician. Particularly in case of chronic cold, there are some beneficial medicated oils that need to be deeply inhaled along with the therapy

Care of Eyes is Mandatory

Daily eyewash has been since ages suggested by Ayurveda sages so as to be able to own the perfect natural vision life-long. As daily routine, eyes need to be washed with cold water. It is also suggested that prior to this act, the mouth be filled with water. This would make the eyes to be protruding out and better cleansing of the same could be accomplished.
Other than this, local applications of medicated Anjanas have been recommended so as to keep the eyes clean and eye vision sharp.
Also according to Ayurveda, our eyesight is the product of Agni or the fire. Therefore it is particularly important to save the same from phlegm.

Ayurveda Home Remedies for Recovering Eye Sight

• The juice extracted from the fresh fruit of AMLA,is to be taken twice a day in a dose of 20 ml for the longevity of eyesight.
• Regular intake of pepper powder with honey acts as a boon for recovering the diminished vision.
• Rubbing the soles of the feet with mustard oil or ghee (clarified butter) regularly may be of good help.
• Being rich in vitamin A,MANGOO is a boon for the eyes. A regular intake of the same during the season is recommended for recovery from eyestrain.
• Fresh juice extracted from properly cleaned Rose petals is believed to improve the eye vision. This can be used both for external and internal purpose.
• Take regularly approx. half to one-teaspoon powder of the herb of Liquorice twice daily along with cow’s milk to improve the failing vision. This is extremely beneficial for the eyes. It can also to be taken mixed with honey or ghee.

MOOD CHANGES DURING MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Apart from the physical changes a woman her cycle, ,= there are emotional turbulences that make it a real roller coaster ride of feelings for everyone involved. Things look bright and sunny one day and on other days trivial matters drive her up the ceiling.
Researchers attribute most of the spikes and troughs to the fluctuations in the hormone estrogen, which the body produces to prepare the body for conception. Estrogen has a direct bearing on the “feel good” mood regulating neurotransmitter, serotonin (increasing its production and sensitivity) that explains the highs of chirpiness and mood changes that most women goes through every month.
Apart from the hormonal changes, physical disturbances (majorly arising from hormonal imbalances) like poor health, cramps, bloating, cravings, sore breasts, weight gain, migraines, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue can cause or intensify irritability, mood swings, depression, and other psychological disturbances.
If you add the emotional stresses like overwork, stress, and lack of social support, it can wreak havoc in a woman’s sense of well being and balance. Understanding a woman going through these times is vitally important to make the process natural and non-stressful. Women should eat a healthy diet, exercise, take supplement and rest properly to avoid moods from getting out of hand and to accept the changes naturally.

MOST FERTILE DAYS

chances of conception is stronger before the age of 36 for both men and women. For men, 3 days of abstinence (lack of ejaculation) allows the body produce sufficient sperm to make them more fertile.
Women are most fertile during ovulation and 2-3 days after it. Ovulation occurs halfway through your menstrual cycle i.e. between 10-16 before menstruation. For example, if the menstrual period is 30 days apart, then ovulation occurs on 16th day. If the menstrual cycle is 28 days apart, then it occurs on the 14th day. If the menstrual cycle is 32 days apart, then ovulation occurs on the 18th day.
To have a better chance at conception, it’s a good idea to be sexually active on alternate days or once in three days starting from 10th day of the cycle upto 20th day. This is considered better than trying everyday because total sperm production and semen volume recovery might take upto 2 days. Sperm can live up to six days in a woman’s body, so you can try a few days before you ovulate for chances of conception.
 

DASHMULARIST AND CHANPRAYAS

Two of the most potent tonics in 6000 year old Ayurveda – Dashamularishtam and Chyavanaprasham has Bilva tree ingredients as an essential item

Wanna have a gander into what makes a simple herbal Ayurvedic arishtam ( tonic ) with NIL side effects..  

What do these modern suited and booted allopathic doctors of Big Pharma know ?    

They know only chemical medicines with more side effects than good effects.

6000 year old Dashamoola Kashayam Ingredients:

Dashamoola  ( group of ten herbs ) -

Bilva – Aegle marmelos

Agnimantha – Premna mucronata

Shyonaka – Oroxylum indicum

Patala – Stereospermum suaveolens

Gambhari – Gmelina arborea

Brihati – Solanum indicum

Kantakari – Solanum xanthocarpum

Gokshura – Tribulus terrestris

Shalaparni – Desmodium gangeticum

Prishnaparni – Uraria picta

It is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Dashamoola Kashayam benefits:

It is used in the Ayurvedic treatment of pain in flanks, fever, bronchitis, cough with sputum.

Dashamoola Kashayam dose:

The dose is 12 – 24 ml, before food, at about 6 am and 6pm or as directed by Ayurvedic doctor.

It is usually advised to add equal amount of water to the kashayam.

It is advised to have a long pepper along with this medicine.

Dashamoola Kashaya Side Effects:   There are no known side effects of this medicine.

Dashamoolarishta benefits:

Indigestion, lack of taste, respiratory conditions, fistula, in diseases of Vata imbalance, vomiting, anemia, liver diseases, skin diseases, haemorrhoids, urinary tract conditions.

It is used as a general health tonic.

Dasamoolarishta is also used for ladies having problem with conception and pregnancy.

It improves immunity and strength.

Traditionally, it is used in the treatment of following diseases:--

Grahani – Malabsorption syndrome, IBS

Aruchi – Anorexia

Shwasa – respiratory diseases, wheezing, asthma

Kasa – cough, cold

Gulma -bloating, abdominal tumor

Bhagandara – anal fistula

Vatavyadhi – Vata imbalance disorders, neurological disorders

Kshaya – tissue depletion, chronic respiratory disorders

Chardi – vomiting

Panduroga – anemia

Kamala – liver disorders, jaundice

Kushta – skin disorders

Arsha – piles

Meha – urinary disorders, diabetes

Mandagni – low digestion strength

Udara – ascites

Sharkara – urinary gravels

Ashmari – urinary calculi

Mutrakrichra – difficulty in urination

Dhatukshaya – in emaciated, lean and weak person

Krushaanaam pushtijanana – improves nourishment in lean and weak.

VandhyaanaaM garbhada – useful in female infertility

Shukraprada – Improves sperm and semen quality and quantity

Balaprada – improves immunity, strength

Dasamoolarishtam side effects:   NIL.

Dashmoolarishta ingredients:

Bilva (Bael), - Aegle marmelos – root / stem bark – 48 grams

Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum) - root / stem bark – 48 grams

Gambhari (Gmelina arborea) - root / stem bark – 48 grams

Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens) - root / stem bark – 48 grams

Agnimantha (Premna mucronata) - root / stem bark – 48 grams

Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum) – root / whole plant – 48 grams

Prishnaparni (Uraria picta) -  root / whole plant – 48 grams

Brihati (Solanum indicum) -  root / whole plant – 48 grams

Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum) -  root / whole plant – 48 grams

Gokshura (Tribulus) – Tribulus terrestris -  root / whole plant – 48 grams

Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) – Root – 240 grams

Pushkaramoola (Inula racemosa) - Root – 240 grams

Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) – stem bark  / root – 192 grams

Guduchi (Indian tinospora) – stem – 192 grams

Amla – Indian gooseberry – fruit – 154 grams

Duralabha (Fagonia cretica) – whole plant – 115 grams

Khadira (Acacia catechu) – Heart wood – 77 grams

Bijasara (Pterocarpus marsupium) – heart wood – 77 grams

Pathya (Terminalia chebula) – Fruit – 77 grams

Kushta (Saussurea lappa) – Root – 19 grams

Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia) - Root – 19 grams

Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) – Heart wood – 19 g

Vidanga (Embelia ribes) – Fruit – 19 grams

Madhuka (licorice) – Root – 19 grams

Bharngi (Clerodendrum serratum) - Root – 19 g

Kapittha (Feronia limonia) – Fruit powder – 19 g

Bibhitaka (Terminalia bellirica) – fruit – 19 g

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) - Root – 19 g

Chavya (Piper retrofractum) – Stem – 19 g

Jatamansi (Nordostachys jatamansi) – Rhizome – 19 g

Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla) – Flower – 19 g

Sariva  (Hemidesmus indicus) – Root – 19 g

Krishnajeeraka (Carum carvi) – Fruit – 19 g

Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) – Root – 19 g

Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) – Seed – 19 g

Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) – Leaf – 19 g

Pippali (long pepper) – Fruit – 19 g

Puga (Betel nut) – Seed  - 19 g

Shati (Hedychium spicatum) – Rhizome – 19 g

Haridra (Turmeric) – Rhizome – 19 g

Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa) – Fruit – 19 g

Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides) – Stem – 19 g

Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea) – Stamen – 19 g

Musta (Cyperus rotundus) – Rhizome – 19 g

Indrayava (Holarrhena antidysenterica) – seeds – 19 g

Karkatashrungi (Pistacia integerrima) – Gall – 19 g

Jivaka  (Pueraria tuberosa) (Official substitute) – Root – 19 g

Rishabhaka (Microstylis wallichii) – Root – 19 g

Meda  (Polygonatum cirrhifolium) – Root – 19 g

Mahameda  (Asparagus racemosus) (Official substitute) – Root – 19 g

Kakoli and ksheerakakoli  (Withania somnifera) (Official substitute) – Root – 19 g

Rddhi & Vriddhi (Dioscorea bulbifera) (Official substitute) – Root – 19 g

Water for decoction – 20 liters. Boiled and reduced to 5 liters.

Draksha  (Raisins) – Dried fruit – 600 grams

Water for decoction – 2.45 liters boiled and reduced to 1.84 liters

Honey - 307 grams

Guda  (Jaggery) – 3.8 kg

Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) – Flower – 290 g

Kankola (Piper cubeba) – Fruit – 19 g

Jala (Coleus vettiveroides) – Root – 19 g

Chandana (Santalum album) – Heart wood – 19 g

Jatiphala  (Myristica fragrans) – Seed – 19 g

Lavanga (clove) – Flower bud – 19 g

Tvak  (Cinnamon) – Stem bark – 19 g

Ela (Cardamom) – Seed – 19 g

Patra (Cinnamomum tamala) – Leaf 19 g

Wanna know what goes into an 6000 year old Ayurvedic  elixir like Chyawanprash ?   

When I was young my mother gave me this daily as an energizer, brain retention/ recall  booster, immunity booster and pre-emptive tonic.   It strengthens the nervous system, digestion, absorption and assimilation of food and balances stomach acids.

The main ingredient is amla or gooseberry.

Olive, Sunflower ,GRAPESEED,peanut,mustard,ricebran,ovocado,seasame, Canola -WHAT oil TO USE?

According to a study conducted by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, allegedly healthy Vitamin E-rich oils like canola, soybean and corn - may lead to lung inflammation and, possibly, asthma.

These oils contain Vitamin E in the form of a compound called gamma-tocopherol which may adversely affect the functions of the lung, the study reports. On the contrary, the other form of Vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, which you may find in OLIVE,SUNFLOWER oil.
"This is the first study which shows that gamma-tocopherol is associated with worse lung function," said senior author Joan Cook-Mills, an associate professor of medicine in allergy/immunology at Northwestern University.


Sunflower Oil
The oil extracted from the seeds of sunflowers is known as sunflower oil. It has a high quantity of vitamin E, which makes it excellent for being used in and cosmetic products. Sunflower oil is a mixture of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. It has a high smoking point, which means that sunflower oil holds onto its nutritional content at higher temperatures, which is probably why this oil is widely used in deep rying chips, samosas and vegetables.



Coconut Oil
This oil is full of saturated fat. Studies suggest that diets high in coconut oil do raise total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Coconut oil also seems to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and it has the advantage that it behaves very well at high temperatures.


Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil or peanut oil is got a good combination of fats, and has the good monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and is low in bad saturated fats. It's a good all-purpose oil for cooking and I think it works particularly well for Asian foods that are prepared in the wok.



Mustard Oil
Has a near ideal fat composition but not very good as it contains high amounts of erucic acid ranging from 35 to 48%. It is recommended that you don't use mustard oil as the sole cooking medium. It has a high smoking point so it's very good for deep frying.


Olive Oil
If you use Olive oil regularly, you are consuming monounsaturated fats that will help you lower your risk of heart disease and breast cancer, and that's possibly because of its high monounsaturated fat content, which lowers cholesterol. IT IS NOT GOOD FOR DEEP FRYING.-REMEMBER THIS.


Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This oil is a hot favorite, it's derived from the first pressing of olives and if full of antioxidants as well as polyphenyls, that are both considered good for heart health. It's a darker color and has less acidity than olive oil.Use for salad dressing or Satte. DO NOT USE FOR DEEP FRYING.



Rice Bran Oil
A fairly new kid on the block and a fast rising favourite amongst the manufacturers, rice bran oil is made from the outer layer (bran) of the grain of rice. Health experts claim that it's the healthiest oil on the planet.

It has a chemical called oryzanol,good for your cholesterol.It is high in monounsaturated fats and has a fair amount of polyunsaturated fats too, both the good type of fats. Since it has a high smoking point, it works well for deep frying chips and all.



Avocado Oil
It has a mildly nutty, is very rich in monounsaturated fats and is a good way to get Vitamin E in our diets. It glides on very well in a dressing, in mayonnaise, vinaigrette and I find it adds tremendous panache to a simple grilled fish




Sesame Oil
Sesame oil comes in two colors. The lighter one is used in India and the Middle East, and is pressed from untoasted seeds. It has a mild flavour and a high smoking point. The darker variety has a distinct nutty aroma and taste and works very well in Asian food as a marinade or in stir fries.

Both types of oils are high in polyunsaturated fat but they NEVER BE HEATED FOR TOO LONG(DEEP FRYING). Sesame oil also contains magnesium, copper, calcium, iron and vitamin B6.


Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is pressed from grape seeds left over from wine making. It is believed to have very little saturated fat, is filled with good fat, has a very mild taste. It is considered good for cooking and frying