Ayurveda defines health as a balance of Dosha, Agni, Dhatu, and Mala. But along with the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, Ayurveda specialises the diet (Ahara) and believes that healthy nutrition nourishes the body, mind, and soul. So, improving digestive health is significant.
Our digestive system breaks down the food we eat into the nutrients our body needs. When digestion is not as good as it should be, the body sends clear signals like excessive gas, bloating, high acidity, frequent loose motions, or bowel irregularity.
Nowadays, many lifestyle diseases are increasing daily due to incorrect eating practices and cookery procedures. In Ayurveda classics, emphasis has been laid on the right way to eat food. Food consumed in the right manner serves as nectar to rejuvenate the body and maintain health. Hence, your lifestyle and your choice of foods can affect how your body digests what you eat.
Ayurveda has described Agni as an important factor of digestion and metabolism in our body, responsible for digesting, absorbing, and assimilating food. In addition, it converts food into the form of energy and, therefore, is responsible for all the vital functions of our body.
About the importance of Agni, Acharya Charak has mentioned that after the stoppage of the function of Agni, the individual dies. And when the Agni of an individual is normal (sama), that person would be healthy, happy, and live a long life. But, if the Agni of a person is vitiated, the whole metabolism in his body would be disturbed, resulting in ill health and disease. Hence, Agni is the pedestal (mool) of life.
In Ayurveda, Agni is defined in various types divided as per their functions and their presence in a specific part of the body.
The following are the various types of Agni:
A weak digestive system leads to weakened Agni. Ayurveda suggests a few home remedies to improve digestion that you can easily incorporate into your daily regime. It will facilitate weight loss, improve your metabolism and regularize bowel movements.
Studies suggest meditating daily for a considerable amount of time can positively affect your body and help improve digestion. It helps restore the body's homeostasis, promoting a better digestive system. It is recommended to meditate every day for 20-30 minutes, morning and evening, to set the body in motion and reap the maximum benefits.
Starting your day with Yoga, running, or walking will not only make you feel energetic throughout the day but also keep your digestive system healthy. In addition to this, short walks of 15-20 minutes post every meal will help digest the food properly. Short walks and Yoga helps control the fluctuations caused in blood sugar levels after eating anything if you have diabetes.
When you overeat, your body and digestive system go for a toss. It also becomes difficult for the food to break down properly, which leads to indigestion, discomfort, and acidity. The key lies in eating in moderation and not going overboard. Ayurveda recommends leaving some space in the stomach as that aids in easy digestion of the food.
Drinking herbal or ginger tea throughout the day aids in the effective digestion of the food. Ginger is a time-tested remedy in Ayurveda and provides many health benefits. It also aids in relaxing the muscles of the intestines, thereby relieving you from the symptoms of gas, acidity, or indigestion. Combat the problem of how to improve digestion naturally with this simple tea recipe:
Start eating a big lunch. According to Ayurveda, the body is best equipped to digest meals during midday because the digestive system secretes the maximum amount of digestive juices in the daytime. So, it is best advised to have a hearty meal at lunchtime. Doing the same in the evening or dinner can adversely affect the stomach as the digestive fire is at its weakest, and the body hardly gets any time to digest the food.
Detoxification always works its magic. It is a natural way of flushing out harmful toxins and free radicals from the system. These toxins in the body are the primary reason for blocked intestines, irregular bowel movements, and an inactive digestive system. Periodic cleansing also aids in the rekindling of the Agni and rejuvenates the tissues.
A simple fruit juice diet once a week can do the trick. One can also opt for a mono-diet to drink fresh fruit juices or detoxify water for half a day before resuming the usual food intake.
1. Triphla Rasa – 2 tsp at night with the same water.
2. Avipattikar Churna – 1 tsp in the morning, empty stomach with warm water.
3. Shankh Vati – 2 tablets after lunch with normal water.
Also Read: Constipation: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment with Ayurveda
Apart from the digestive functions, Agni is responsible for the production of strength, which has two aspects. One is the strength to resist disease and decay in the human body, and the second is the strength to perform physical exercises. Due to faulty Agni status, several undigested by-products are formed and tend to block the microchannels of the body. It will result in the accumulation of Doshas and finally precipitate in the form of the disease.
Ayurveda emphasizes that the major cause behind digestive problems is Agnidushti. This is why the main principle of treatment of all diseases in Ayurveda is to restore and strengthen the Agni (digestive and metabolic fire), preferably using Ayurvedic measures. Find lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar. All the products on-site are genuine. One can also consult our top Ayurvedic and Unani experts like Dr. Ayush, an expert in yoga and naturopathy. Through meditation, healing, and diet and nutrition, our physician can help revitalize your digestive health and improve overall well-being.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
One of the most important elements determining someone’s physical appearance is hair. Men and women worldwide constantly seek the best Ayurvedic treatment for hair fall to enhance the appearance and health of their hair.
However, due to various causes such as a poor diet, environmental factors, hormonal imbalance, or stress, we often suffer from hair issues. These issues include hair fall, premature greying, and thinning. Moreover, many commercial hair care products use many chemicals that damage not only the hair but also, potentially, the body's nervous system and endocrine system too.
Also, the products we use to treat our damaged hair often have only a superficial effect and leave the underlying causes unanswered. This is why we should consider home remedies and herbal products to take care of our hair from its roots.
A study on Chennai based population on hair fall with hair related problems among males of age 18-50 revealed the following:
Common symptoms of hair loss can vary in men and women. In women, the primary symptom of hair fall is hair loss in the parting of the head and the mid-frontal area of the scalp. For men, hair thinning on the top of the head, along with noticeable bald spots in the front, are clear indications of male pattern hair loss.
Additionally, if you find more hair than usual on the hairbrush after you brush or after washing your hair and on your pillow in the morning, these are also signs of hair loss. You may consider herbal treatment of hair fall to stop hair fall in the initial level to avoid severe loss.
There are various causes of hair fall that may vary from person to person.
Here are some common causes of hair fall:
These factors can lead to excess toxic substances in the body and cause hair fall.
According to Ayurvedic treatment for hair fall, the hair is a direct by-product of your bone tissue (marrow). It is also linked to the central nervous system and gut. This means any weakness in the bone tissue, nervous system, and digestive system’s health will naturally result in hair loss or diminishing hair growth.
In other words, the imbalance in your unique constituency or ratio (Prakriti) of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas (physical forces) will lead to the underlying issues in bone marrow, nervous and digestive systems. This, in turn, reflects in your scalp and hair.
You can understand your underlying Dosha imbalance or physiological imbalance by assessing your hair texture and the type of hair problems you have.
For example:
The Ayurvedic system is wholly based on balancing the three dosha levels – Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurveda texts, hair fall occurs when a Dosha imbalance occurs. Thus, it is necessary to know the patient's Prakriti to regrow hair. Diet and lifestyle are also significant factors in promoting hair growth.
There are various home remedies that not only help to control hair fall but also help to keep your hair shiny and beautiful. In addition, these remedies can be performed at home quickly due to the easy availability of the ingredients.
An egg has many ingredients like Sulphur, Phosphorus, Zinc, Iodine, etc., that control hair fall and promote hair growth.
To prepare an egg mask, follow these instructions:
This herb prevents hair loss and maintains hair sustainability. In addition, it helps soothe the scalp and eliminate any dry flakes/dandruff.
The protein and essential fats in coconut milk promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
To prepare the milk, follow these instructions:
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which help boost hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Eating healthy and living a balanced lifestyle is essential to keeping your hair healthy. According to Ayurvedic treatment for hair fall, a wholesome and balanced diet enriched with vitamins and minerals helps grow hair.
Following are some diet and lifestyle changes you should adopt in your life to regain your hair:
Along with diet and lifestyle changes, a few herbs help to prevent and control hair fall. These herbs enhance hair quality and make hair shiny. You can use their extracts or powders as hair masks or add them while washing your hair.
Following are the herbs to prevent hair fall:
Shikakai is a magical herb that is very beneficial for hair. It can be considered a natural hair cleanser or shampoo due to its cleansing properties. In addition, it helps to promote hair growth naturally and nourishes hair with its antioxidant properties.
How to use-
Brahmi is a very powerful herb to promote hair growth and hair quality. It is useful in preparing herbal oil that is beneficial to make your hair strong and efficient to relieve stress hormones called ‘cortisol’ and lighten your mood. It is also effective for dry and damaged scalp.
How to use-
Amla is enriched with Vitamin C, an essential element to keep hair and scalp healthy and refreshing. In addition, it is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help strengthen hair follicles, and it helps to remove dandruff, dissolve grease and dirt from follicles.
Massaging the scalp with Amla oil can increase blood circulation. It provides essential nutrients to hair follicles to promote hair growth.
How to use-
Also Read: Neem Oil for Hair: Research, Benefits, How to Use it, and Side Effects
In modern medicine, health issues like hair fall, greying hairs, and dandruff are treated symptomatically for months of application. Ayurveda relieves these head disorders in Siraveda at the forehead region to clear obstruction channels. There are various herbs and home remedies available in Ayurveda that help to cleanse the scalp, circulate blood in hair and promote hair growth. Along with Ayurvedic treatment for hair fall, you should also consider healthy diet and lifestyle modifications to ensure speedy hair growth and nourishment. Find lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar. All the products on-site are genuine. To treat hair fall problems and get healthier hair, one can also consult with Dr. Shivani, an Ayurvedic Consultant, and Practitioner with 3 years of experience.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
Pregnancy is the most important and critical part of every woman’s life. So, systematic examination and Pregnancy Care Tips, dietary and other advice are very important during this precious period of time. This systematic supervision is called Garbhini Paricharya (Antenatal Care) in Ayurveda. According to Garbhini Paricharya, the need for Garbhini (ANC Mother) food to be the best source of nourishment for the pregnant woman. It is divided into a nine-monthly diet that is singularly unique to Ayurveda. It changes according to the growth of the fetus in the womb and at the same time ensures the mother’s health.
As per the classical medical tradition, the Vaidyas followed a detailed and comprehensive diet plan. Pregnancy Care in Ayurveda provides a broad expanse of the month-wise diet. This diet may change according to the age, season, place, body constitution, and digestive fire of the pregnant woman. So, the Garbhini should follow a careful regimen of food and behavior during pregnancy for smooth and stress-free delivery.
According to ‘Charaka Samhita’, the pregnancy care Tips in Ayurveda changes every month which is dependent upon the growth pattern, which marks the growth of the fetus. Thus, in the 5th month, there is a predominant growth of Mamsa (flesh) and Rakta (blood) Dhatus. In the 6th month, Bala, Varna, Nails, Hair, Ligaments, Bones, etc. take shape.
Since every month of pregnancy is critical for the growth and development of both the mother and the fetus, Ayurveda curated a healthy pregnancy diet for every single month of the pregnancy. This diet recommendation will help you in taking care of the fetus and mother throughout the pregnancy period. Here are the pregnancy care tips for every month of pregnancy as per Ayurveda:
Diet: One should consume cold milk in small quantities but frequently. Also, mothers should consume Madhur (sweet), Sheeta (cooling to the body), and liquid diet in the 1st month to maintain the fetus.
Medicine: As per Pregnancy Care Tips in Ayurveda, you should consume Jeshthamadhu with white sandalwood powder or red sandalwood powder in cow’s milk is recommended for the first month of pregnancy.
Diet: In the second month of pregnancy, women should have cold milk in small quantities but frequently along with Madhur (sweet), Sheeta (cold) and liquid diet like Milk, Coconut water, Fruit juices, Peya, Kanji (not sour), etc. All these should be in small quantities but taken frequently. Fruits that you should avoid are Pineapple, Papaya, and Sugarcane.
Medicine: In the second month, women should take Ashmantaka (Apta), Til, Pippali (Piper longum), Manjishtha (Rubia cardifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) in small quantities. Also, one should consume Kashaya (decoction) along with milk and sugar. You can also prefer Lotus stem, Nagkeshar milk, or Buttermilk, Lotus, Bell fruit, Camphor, and Goat milk to maintain good health.
Diet: In this month, you can consume rice with milk or ghee and honey (in unequal quantities) along with the same type of fruit juices as mentioned in the 2nd month.
Medicine: Ayurvedic medicines beneficial are Vrikshadani, Ksheerkakolki, Priyangu, Sariva, Sugar, and Nagkeshar milk. You can also consume Sandalwood powder, khus, lotus, and cold water with milk.
Diet: In the fourth month, Butter taken out of milk, rice with curd, fruit juice, and Coconut water should be taken by pregnant women. Along with that, you can take Hridya Fruits viz. Mango, Watermelon, White pumpkin, Yellow pumpkin, Snake gourd (Chichinda), Berry (Badar), Pomegranate, and Amratak (Ambala) in this month.
Medicine: In this month you can consume Sariva, Rasna, Bharani, or Jeshthamadhu decoction. If a pregnant woman feel she should have thirst, burning, and pain in the abdomen, then milk boiled with banana root, lotus, and khusin the same quantity.
Diet: In this month, you should consume rice, milk, ghee from butter, Mamsa Vardhak (foods which promote bulk in the fetus) such as meat soup, black gram, etc, and Rakta Vardhak (food items that increase the blood and its flow) such as Pomegranate, Chikoo, Apple, Spinach, Beetroot, amalaki, guava, etc.
Medicine – Medicines includes for this month are Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Laghu Kantakari (Gmelina Arborea), Plaksha powder with milk, ground blue lotus, Nagkeshar, and Pumpkin with water. You can also consume Ground pomegranate leaves, sandalwood paste mixed with curd and honey, leaves of Ksheeri trees, Banyan, and Udumbar (Ficus Glomerata).
Diet: In the sixth month consume Ghee, Rice, Gokharu (Tribulus Terrestris), Siddha Ghee (processed Ghee), and Yavagu (Rice kanji). It nourishes the tissues of the child and keeps the mother healthy.
Medicine: The following medicines are beneficial in the sixth month as per Ayurveda:
Also Read: Herbal Remedies for Irregular Menstrual Cycles
In the 7th month, all organs of the fetus grow significantly due to which women usually face itching on their lower abdomen, thighs, or breasts. During this time, they should consume the same food as previous month.
Medicine: The following medications can helps to reduce itching:-
Diet – This month is crucial because some women face extreme weakness in this month compared to the previous ones. So during this month, one should consume Yavagu (Solid rice and liquid portion) in milk to maintain the health of the child and mother.
Medicine: Medicines recommended during this month are:
Diet: As recommended in the previous month
Medicine: In the 8th and 9th month, there is a slight pain in the abdomen and sometimes bleeding through the vagina. So, one should use painkillers and Stambhana (a drug to stop bleeding) medicine. Along with that, one should consider Sariva, Jeshthamadha, Ksheerkakoli Kashaya medicines.
Note: If the pregnancy continues up to the 10th month, then only take – Shunthi, Ksheer Vidari Kashaya, or only Shunthi Siddha milk.
Along with the diet, Ayurveda lists certain factors that can cause disturbances or harm to the pregnant woman and fetus. One should avoid these factors to ensure a smooth pregnancy and a healthy fetus. These factors are as follows:-
Please find below the infographic on “A guide to Ayurvedic care in pregnancy & childbirth”. Feel free to use this infographic but make sure to cite us at www.healthybazar.com.
Garbhini Paricharya was advised thousands of years ago in classical texts of Ayurveda for pregnant women. It can be proven on scientific parameters as well. In Garbhini Paricharya, normal daily activities, therapeutic procedures, and modifications in psychological behavior are advised. During the first trimester, by considering the physiology of pregnant women, the ancient Acharyas have emphasized using highly nutritious household milk products that are easy to assimilate.
In this period, the dietary regimen and treatment protocol is concentrated on providing nourishment and Vata Anulomana. In the 2nd trimester, Garbhini Paricharya helps stabilize Garbha. It is useful in meeting energy and protein requirements. In the 3rd trimester, drugs and practices which relieve Oedema, constipation, backache, etc, are employed. The pregnancy care in Ayurveda aims at excellence in the formation of the fetus, its development without anomalies, secure full-term delivery, and maintenance of the mother’s health. The regimen explained is specific to fetus and mother, helps in easy delivery, and helps in lactation; hence completely fulfills the objectives of prenatal care.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.