The United Nations has declared June 21st “International Day of Yoga” – and out of the 193 member countries of the UN, 192 will be holding collective yoga sessions on that day. More than the gentle exercise of succeeding postures that result in overall physical and mental benefits for health, yoga is primarily the practice of union, as its Sanskrit root “yog” indicates. Union between what and what?

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the most famous sourcebook of yoga elaborates on the meaning of this “union.” The opening verse states:

Yoga is: the cessation of the activity (vrtti) of the mind (citta). Yoga harnesses the mind for the purpose of re-establishing it in its-self, as the ensuing verse states:

The idea of the observer (drastuh) turning the gaze to the “svarup” or one-self, one’s own self, is the essence of vedic teachings and can be found in all the sister vedic sciences, such as Ayurveda, and is particularly highlighted in Vaidya Mishra’s ayurvedic SVA lineage. There is not doubt about the health benefits of yoga. But nowhere is this more evident than in this favorite verse of Vaidya Mishra:

This verse translates into: “Health results when the self is established in its-self.” All of SV Ayurveda is driven towards the practical application of this yogic formula: re-turning the self towards the self, bringing ourselves back home to ourselves, re-uniting ourselves with ourselves. But what does this mean?

In practical SVA terms, Vaidya explains this as the union between the mind and the satwa, or the “light of the soul.” If we were to picture our souls, we would see them as self-effulgent gems reverberating with eternal light. The light aura that surrounds our souls carries powerful life-force, or prana. The mind can be in state of connectedness or disconnectedness with that light. When it is disconnected, it gets led astray by the senses and their objects. When it is connected to this light, and grounded by it, then its actions are life, health, and evolution supporting.

Vaidya Mishra’s SV Ayurveda is geared towards driving the self back to its-self through the full panoply of ayurvedic practices: herbs, diet, routine, marma therapy, transdermal applications, etc, because the disconnection of the mind from the satwa results in the greatest ill-health, also known as: “pragyaparadh.” This can be roughly translated into the “greatest mistake of the intellect.”

The Charak Samhita, the sourcebook of Ayurveda, says: “dhi drithi smriti brahmsaha it pragyaparadha.” What is this “mistake” of the intellect? It is when “dhi dritti and smritti” or the “gathering, storing and recall of information” – primary tasks of the mind, are not working in harmony. When the mind is literally fighting against itself, then it is in a state of pragyaparadh, then an individual is unable to keep proper coordination between manas or thinking, vacha or speech, and karmana or action. Charak Samhita further says: “pragyaparadh tridosha prakopanam,” pragyaparadh unsettles all 3 doshas of the body, inducing certain dis-ease and illness. Disease has its root in the healthy functioning of the mind. The mind can only be healthy when it is in close harmony with itself, basking in the light of its own satwa!

When the mind is not established in its-self, or as Vaidya Mishra would say, in its own “satwa,” the light of its soul, then it gets carried away by the horses, the senses, and is in an unhealthy un-yogic state. When the mind is a-yogic, then it can be led astray into destructive activities that do not support the 3 pillars of life: a) diet or ahar; b) sleep or nidra; c) brahmacharya or life-supporting code of conduct, resulting in further pain and suffering.

SV Ayurveda has many simple and quick yogic techniques to induce the state of yogic self-effulgent joyful peace, where the mind is connected to its own satwa and enjoys endless wave upon wave of bliss.

SVA Marma Massage, in particular the Samadhi Set, have been put together by Vaidya to give the immediate experience of this yogic experience through the science of marma touch, sound therapy, aromatherapy, as well as herbs. The Samadhi Set brings together 5 different modalities to draw the mind back in. The marma points that are selected – tala hridiya, kant, sthapani – are key points that support the mind’s re-turn upon its source, while simultaneously opening the heart lotus to allow its full light to reverberate to the mind. The wild-horses, or senses, are pacified, without having to force them violently. See the article on “Samadhi Set” on www.vaidyamishra.com/blog

Vaidya Mishra also teaches the special advanced technique of kurma pacification. The kurma is the energetic turtle that resides in the lower abdomen. It it the reservoir of soma. It is also the root of the lotus that blossoms in the heart.

In addition to the kurma and the heart lotus, Vaidya Mishra also talks at length about the “bramharandra” or the primary gateway of prana into our body, the thousand-holed pranic filter that is located at the top of heads, that lets in just enough cosmic pranic energy suited to each individual’s physiological needs.

The objective of all yogic practices is to induce more prana. Prana is what we all thrive on. A yogic settled state of silence bliss ushers in waves of pranic energy, grounding us in total mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

You can now let that peaceful joy unfold in your heart through Vaidya Mishra’s Samadhi Set, or one of his many other SVA modalities for enhanced yogic bliss and balance!

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What’s the Difference between Prakrit and High Pitta Triphala?

John S.

What is the difference between what Triphala or Pitta Triphala Tablets do for the digestive system and what do Prakrit Tablets do for the digestive system ?

And are there conditions where both are suggested to be taken?

Thank you for your wonderful formulations.

Vaidya:

Dear John: All triphala formulas support the overall intelligence of the colon. There are a myriad imbalances that can affect the smooth functioning of the colon; whenever anyone is experiencing mild imbalances in their daily bowel discharge, then the triphala formula helps correct it by re-establishing  theintelligence of the colon, and thus supporting bowel evacuation.

That’s the operating principle behind this classical triphala formulation, unlike other natural or synthetic laxatives, in that it does not “force” and take over the colon to bring out a bowel movement, rather it re-initiates the natural functioning and intelligence of the colon so it can resume its own work.

But in my experience as a Vaidya here in the West, even the gentle classical triphala formula, made up of the 3 fruits (tri+phala): Amla (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki,(Terminalia chebula), and Bhibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), may prove to be too harsh for some high pitta constitutions!

For high pitta body types, and all severely pitta aggravated people in general, even the natural warmth of the fully matured Haritaki seems to be too much to handle. For them, I had to put together a unique SVA Formulation. I call it “Triphala for High Pitta.” In addition to Haritaki, Bhibhitaki, and Amla, I have added Rose and Fennel. But I also use the almost mature, not fully mature fruit of Haritaki  in this formulation, in addition to the organic rose extract and fennel that are synergistically infused to cool pitta. The rose and fennel are a pitta type’s best friends, they pacify the pitta dosha so that the remaining ingredients can initiate the bowel cleanse without aggravating and irritating the pitta. High pitta body types are prominent in the western world, and countless SVA clients have benefited from this High Pitta Triphala formulation.

Prakrit, on the other hand, is used when Triphala is unable to help. The Ayurvedic texts explain in great detail that there are very many types and natural predispositions to bowel movements. In general, when people tend to have chronic slow bowel movement, along with a lack of communication betweenPrana Vata, that governs the mind, and Apana Vata that governs the colon, then I use Prakrit to help correct it. Prakrit is a unique SVA formulation that contains  a specific kind of the haritaki fruit. There are seven different species of the haritaki fruit, for the Prakrit formulation, I use the best one, called vijiya haritaki -“victorious haritaki.” I use vijiya haritaki collected from dense forests in the same season it matures, not from past seasons. I then infuse it with medical grade castor oil in homeopathic dosage – below 0.01 %,  weight by weight – in order to support and enhance the ability of haritaki through the prabhava of the castor oil. Castor oil is a laxative but even short term usage can cause dependence if used in large quantities or in its raw physical form. The amounts I use are only for processing, and do not take over the colon’s intelligence, but rather support it, by enhancing the properties of Haritaki.

Castor Oil for Joint Pain?

Hello,

I have a question regarding oils.  I attended an Ayurveda workshop on oils and was advised that Castor Oil is very effective on various types on pain.  I confirmed this with another practitioner and she too advised that Castor oil can be applied daily.  After applying Castor oil on my feet for a few days, I did feel a lot of pain relief, but instead of being cleansed, I became very clogged.  My digestive system almost came to a halt.

Second question regarding oils again – In the workshop, the practitioner mentioned using Avocado and Sesame oil in equal proportion for pain relief. Kindly advise if this is a good combination for pain relief.  I have joint pain that gets aggravated often.  Kindly advise any home remedies.

Thank you and best regards.

Dolly

Vaidya responds:

Dear Dolly: in my personal opinion, castor oil should only be used occasionally, and not on a regular daily basis, as long term use can results in nerve damage – as castor oil is a confirmed neurotoxic substance.

As a formulator, I use Castor oil in minimal quantities and only in very specific formulations. Many people have asked me how come I use Castor oil as an ingredient in my Prakrit Tablet formulation?

In contemporary Ayurveda, as well as in the SVA tradition, we use many toxic ingredients or elements for healing benefits; however, such ingredients have to be ayurvedically processed and treated through the proper samyog and samskar: samyog means proportion with proper combination with other ingredients, and samskar means proper processing with other ingredients. The samyog and samskar steps are in addition to two more steps:

a) nirmali karan,

b) amriti karan. Nirmali karan  means the contaminants in that herb are removed, the plant is cleansed; amriti karan means the toxic substance is transformed through distinct steps into an amrit - a substance that benefits the physiology on many levels, and gives overall life support.

Through Ayurveda then, we can transform a toxic ingredient into a life-giving nectar. However, how beneficial or poisonous it is for the body depends on how correctly we prepare and process it. Specific knowledge with regards to processing, combining, and preparing many such plants and herbs were taught to me by my father, and passed down for countless generations in my SVA lineage.

In SVA formulations with known toxic ingredients, such as Castor oil in the SVA Prakrit Tablets, I use a specific method called guna dhan. Guna dhan is the process of infusing the specific prabhava. Prabhava is the specific effect of the herb or product beyond its post-digestive effect. Once the product has been completely physically processed, digested, and assimilated, it carries a subtle property called prabhava. For example, in the case of Castor oil, its prabhavais virechana, this means it carries a specific way of eliminating toxins by supporting the bowel movement. 

In the case of the SVA Prakrit tablets, for example, the bio-chemical potency of the castor oil molecules gets infused into the Haritaki fruits at the micro-molecular and vibrational levels.

What does this mean? In practical terms, only the “intelligence” of the ingredient, of Castor oil, is yoked to or synergistically combined with the Haritaki, to boost and support the properties of the Haritaki itself.

Castor oil is a known neurotoxic substance. When used over a long period of time in large amounts in its raw or crude form either as a plant or oil, whether ingested or used transdermally, it can create dependence – the body comes to depend on it to perform its own automatic functions, such as the daily evacuation of the bowels. I use only 0.01% medical grade Castor oil in Prakrit, in additional to the full ayurvedic processing protocols to transform Castor oil into a nectar, so any side-effects are further totally mitigated. This way, only the shukshmabhag or subtle micro-molecules of the ingredient play a role in terms of the prabhava, the ultimate most subtle post-physical action.

Here is an alternative SVA remedy for your joint pain.

SVA Home remedy for Joint Pain

I would like to suggest the following home remedy for your joint pain:

Take  4 oz. of good quality preferably organic sesame oil, add:

1/2 oz. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) leaf

1/4 oz. Black pepper – ground

1/4 oz. Dry ginger powder

Mix together in a small pot and boil for two minutes. Then use a cheesecloth to strain out the spices and herbs. In the filtered oil, add an equal part of sweet almond oil, then add  5 drops of camphor essential oil, 10 drops of peppermint essential oil, pour into an airtight container, and store for a day to let the formula settle. You can then use this oil to massage your knees and all achy joints, not more than twice a day, morning and evening. This will be a safe and effective oil for your joints. It will not only open the macro and micro channels to release all toxins that are causing inflammation and resulting in pain, but it will also nourish your joints and nerves. Let me know how you like it. Of course, coupling any external local application of herbal formulations will give you best results if you are also keeping a good alkaline anti-inflammatory diet. You can read more about the benefits of the SVA alkaline diet onwww.vaidyamishra.com/blog where I recommend avoiding the neurotoxic family of nightshades (tomato, potato, eggplant, and bell peppers), along with soy, flax, etc. You will then have even better results. Thank you.

The post Vaidya answers your questions: Castor oil for joint pain? and Prakrit and Triphala differences appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

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Properties and health benefits of Iron!

As the verse above explains, iron in sanskrit is called “loha.” In terms of quality, it is rough and dry. Its taste is sweet, but it carries a post-digestive bitter taste. Its vidhya, or potency, is cooling and heavy. It is also astringent, stimulating and supports weight-reduction.

In addition, the verse explains that iron is very good for the eyes. It is invigorating, and supports sexual stamina. It corrects imbalances of the stomach and helps eliminate pitta and kapha related imbalances!

Furthermore: it enhances the skin’s complexion, supports the mind’s functioning: dhi – power of learning, dritti – power of retaining, and smritti – power of recall. Iron supports virility in men, and the overall body. When used properly, it can address many imbalances and diseases.

In another verse of the Rasa Tarangini (Chapter 20 Verse 84), we read:

This verse explains that loha, or iron, enhances the digestive power, supports the body and rejuvenates it. It helps correct chronic skin problems. Nourishes and thus supports the body in its fight against tumors, bacteria. Iron maintains optimal hemoglobin levels, even as it enhances fat metabolism. Iron is great for sugar metabolism; helps one get rid of nausea; supports the lungs. It also helps optimize the properties of different herbs, thus acting like a “yogavahi” – it helps carry and deliver herbs to their destination faster and more efficiently in the cellular system.

Yet another verse explains:

This verse says that iron can be as fierce as a lion when ridding the body of herpes. Iron can help with chronic pain conditions, supports the body’s inner vitality, and addresses chronic inflammatory conditions. It can help with several liver disease conditions. It also helps with hemorrhoids.

Another verse says:

This verse explains that iron helps with chronic problems of absorption, chronic inflammation of the glands in the neck. In addition, it supports the menstrual flow, and pacifies inflammation in the kidneys. Iron supports the heart, and helps the body fight combat chronic fever.

In verse number 89, we read that:

This verse explains that iron is good for diabetic conditions, that it supports and nourishes the

muscle tissue, and nurtures the female body against overall decay after childbirth.

Verse 90 says that:

This sutra explains that iron helps heal the throat, helps with rheumatoid arthritis. It can also have a healing effect on liver related fistulas, when used in combination with different proper herbs. Iron can help heal sinusitis, and hyperacidity.

In verse 92, we read that:

During puberty, iron can help go with hormonal balance, allowing for a smoother puberty, in terms of the menstrual cycle. It can also be used to help support and heal the duodenum, and balance the flow of blood.

Verse 93 says that: iron helps blood supply to the nerves, it helps give better deeper sleep for anemics, it supports the bone tissue in rheumatoid arthritis individuals, and helps maintain the bone tissue by supporting the detox of amavisha, or virulent toxins from it.

Even more, in verse 94, we read that it helps relieve fatigue from the body, enhances overall mental strength, supports hemoglobin levels for women in menopause, specially if there is significant blood loss during menopause.

In verse 95, we read that iron helps with imbalances created by the weakness of the nervous system.

And there are still many more verses covering the benefits of iron for the human physiology, when it is used properly, and with the synergistic

combination of other ayurvedic herbs.

You will also have noticed that these ancient verses list all the possible benefits of iron, specially all the ones modern medicine has also delineated for us. In my SVA lineage, we use iron in combination with distinct additional ayurvedic herbs, for added benefit as well as for targeting distinct conditions and situations. Currently, I have made available a total of 4 kinds of iron Herbal Memory Nectar drops, to address the general deficiency of iron, as well as for advanced specific needs.

SVA Loha and Maha Loha Herbal Memory Nectar Drops

The first two are SVA Loha and Maha Loha, These are identical formulas, except that Maha Loha carries a four times higher quantity or concentration of iron molecules than the regular version, made specifically for those who need the higher concentration. The following herbs are also added to enhance the absorption and delivery of the iron molecules. In addition to loha, these

formulas contain the following ingredient-wise properties:

• Bhring raj (Eclipta alba) is a famous ayurvedic herb that helps enhance the intelligence of the liver and thus supports the physiology so it can properly metabolize and use iron.

•Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) I add so as to enhance the intelligence of the iron molecules to be delivered to the bone marrow.

•Bhumi amla (Phyllantus niruri) to nourish and enhance the intelligence of liver

•Mahasudarshan churn is a classical formula that contains a great number of different ingredients. It supports the intelligence of the liver as well as the detox of the liver.

•Green cardamom pods (Cardamomum) to enhance the efficacy of iron.

• Wild amla (Phyllantus emblica) enhances to absorption of the iron molecules, and secures their delivery into the muscle tissue

• Triphala is made up of Amla (Phyllantus emblica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bhibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). I add this to prevent from the common possible side effect of iron: constipation.

SVA Amla Loha

This specific formula is called “Dhatri Loha” in classical Ayurveda. The word “dhatri” is almost identified with the name amla, because of the health- bestowing properties of the fruit. The literal meaning of “dhatri” is: that which gives, that which takes care of, that which is – in its giving nature – like a nurturing, sustenance-giving, woman! In this formula the amla is added in very high potency to enhance the absorption and use of iron, and give it the potency of heme iron. Scientific studies have confirmed the ancient ayurvedic knowledge which states that in the presence of ascorbic acid, the potency and delivery of iron becomes as powerful as heme iron. However, the embellic acid contained in the amla plant is even more potent than ascorbic acid, and it empowers the iron even further. In addition, amla enhances protein synthesis, so this protein synthesis property of amla, synergistically combined with iron, acts as a highly nurturing formulation for the muscle tissue. I have also added DGL in good quantity in the formula to help pacify and keep overall pitta of the liver and stomach in check.

SVA Guduchi Loha

Guduchi is a very famous herb used to enhance and support the intelligence of all seven physical bodily tissues. It is ideal when used for targeted delivery to the bone marrow. Countless scientific studies have also found that Guduchi can boost the immune system. Guduchi is a very balanced herb for nurturing and detoxifying, so in this formula along with iron, I’ve synergistically added enough quantities of guduchi, so that the micromolecules of iron can reach the bone marrow. In addition, ginger, “pippali,” and black pepper together make up a very ancient formula called “trikatu.” Trikatu is the best “yogavahi,” a product or herb that facilitates targeted delivery for greater faster effectiveness. I have

also added a SVA formulation called “Soma Shakti” to these drops. This is a classical formula whose main ingredient is shilajeet. The ayurvedic shastras say that adding shilajeet to the iron bhasma makes the iron more potent and useful for the body.

These two formulas contain nano-particles of iron, infused in the intelligence of the herbs, spices and essential oils found in the formula. These two formulas are very potent; however, for best results, use under the guidance of a SVA expert.

Disclaimer: the description of herbs, plants, ingredients, and combinations offered in the above articles and verses are meant for educational purposes only. If you have, or suspect you have, any medical condition, check with your medical doctor or physician before using any of the herbs or products mentioned above to your daily protocol.

The post The Benefits of Iron for Health through SV Ayurveda appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

In the herbal treasure cove of Ayurveda, there is one herb that shines brighter and carries an epithet none other does: ginger, and it is called “vishwa bhesaj” – universal or global medicine. Of course, modern research is also in on the great benefits of ginger for health. Studies find ginger to be a potent:

• immuno-modulator – supports the immunity in its fight against foreign agents (bacterial, viral, etc);
• anti-inflammatory – helps manage inflammation by addressing toxic build-up;
• carminative and digestive – re-ignite and balances the digestive organ systems for optimal digestion.

Even though western medicine has yet to adopt the use of ginger medicinally, concentrated extracts of ginger can now be purchased at health food stores for all to consume. But ayurvedically speaking, this would not be a good idea. Or would it? The greatest distinctive trait of Ayurveda is its understanding of the individual physiology and its uniqueness: each body’s needs and ailments need to be addressed individually, even when the symptoms are identical. This means that not everything is good for everybody all the time. But if ginger is “vishwa bhesaj,” doesn’t it mean that it is good for all, at all times?

You may be new to Ayurveda, but you’ve probably still heard about the different body types: vata, pitta, kapha – different combinations of the elements found in nature: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Everybody is born with a unique blueprint combination of these 3 types or tendencies in different proportions. Those born with predominant pitta body type tend to have more fire, or heat, in them.
Just like our bodies are made up of the different elements of nature, so are all the edibles under the sky characterized by different combination of the elements of creation. Chilies, black pepper, ginger, for example, carry more heat or fire. If a pitta body type eats more of these fiery ingredients, they increase the heat in their body and thus imbalance themselves.
In this context, this is one way of understanding the age-old adage: you are what you eat! Our bodies are made up of the same stuff the world around us is made up of: the elements. We each carry a balance of those elements in our bodies, and we can either maintain or disrupt that balance by ingesting more or less of the elements through our food. This, in a nutshell, perhaps, is ayurvedic healing summarized: re-instating balance by working on the level of the creational elements. So that, the ayurvedic expert is one who has studied all the properties and possible combinations, and also is one who is expert at understanding which elements on which level/layer need to be addressed in the body, when and how.
So if, according to Ayurveda, we know that ginger is pungent, and hot and spicy, how come ginger is good for all at all times? How can ginger be good for pitta body types? Is this an oversight of the ayurvedic texts?

If you study the (ayur) vedic texts without a “guru,” it is easy to reach faulty conclusions, or get confused and give up! But under the guidance of one already well versed in these texts, and who has acquired not only the intellectual knowledge but also carries the experiential knowledge, you can be guided to unfold the vedic knowledge so it does not contradict itself.  This is how my father, Vaidya Kameshwar Mishra, guided me and taught me about the countless wondrous plants and ingredients in Ayurveda. So let’s study ginger together today. I would like to discover with you not only what some selective sutras say about the balancing properties of ginger, but to share with you the recipes that I was taught, recipes that make ginger a tridoshic ingredient that even high pitta body types can use in the high heat of Summer!

First, let’s look at the Charak Samhita, for it is there that we that ginger is a “medicine for all,” after listing many of its health-supporting properties, saying:

Rocanam: it enhances the taste buds – taste plays a major psycho-dynamic role in the digestion and assimilation of food and nutrients, sharper taste buds support the digestive system;
dipanam: it enhances or sharpens the digestive fire – leaving no room for undigested bi-products or “ama;” vrsyam: it enhances the reproductive fluid – the health of the reproductive fluid is an indication of the health of all the tissues that precede it, such as the lymph, blood, muscle, fat, bone, and bone marrow; when the reproductive fluid is healthy, it means the remaining fluids are doing good, this only highlights the role of ginger on all the tissues; adraka, or ginger, is a global medicine, because it is vata shamana (vata pacifying); shleshma harana (kapha pacifying); vibandeshu (helps to address constipation); rasastasyopadisyate – ginger juice is known to be good for all things!
But it’s not just the Charak Samhita, but Bhava Mishra as well, the author of many ayurvedic canonical texts, who recommends ginger across the board before every meal:

This is a very famous verse in the ayurvedic community. Literally, it says: bhojanagre, before your meal (lunch and/or dinner); sada, always; pathyam – (it is) good; lavanardrakabhaksanam, to eat soma salt mixed in with ginger.
The next line in this verse says: the purpose of this recipe is “agnisandipanam,” to increase or sharpen the digestive fire, or pachak agni. “Rucyam” means it enhances and clears the taste buds, by pacifying bhodak kapha, or the kapha that governs the tongue. The final work in the verse says: juhvakanthavisodhanam: this recipe purifies or cleans the tongue and the throat.

So again: good for all? Under all circumstances?

In my experience, as a Vaidya in the Western world, if you already feel hungry, and you are high pitta by constitution, then you should not follow what this verse says! The recommendation in this verse is ideal for those who are experiencing less or no hunger at all before a meal; only then is it ideal for them to consume some ginger mixed with rock salt (as opposed to sea or other types of salt) before their meal. But how to know when to follow and when not to follow what the sutra-s say? A little knowledge is always a dangerous thing, so if we love Ayurveda, unless we have studied it thoroughly, it is best to be under the guidance of an expert healer or teacher, otherwise we can harm ourselves, and others  as well!

If you want to study Ayurveda, you have to study it all, read it all. For that, you have to peruse the original texts – never rely on translations or interpretations. Bhava Mishra recommends ginger in this verse; but we have to keep reading Bhava Mishra and see that elsewhere, he speaks again about ginger, but it just so happens, that in another verse where he is lauding the properties of ginger, he also lists contraindications:

According to Bhava Mishra, here is the list of contraindications for ginger:
kushta: in day-to-day parlance, kushta would translate into leprosy; but in this context, it refers to any chronic skin disease coming under the umbrella term of kushta. Almost all chronic skin diseases are connected to either recurrent allergies or autoimmune disorders. They need immunosuppression, or immuno-corrective herbs and spices. Ginger is an immuno- modulator, that’s why it would be contraindicated for skin conditions.
Pandu -  this is jaundice, or hepatitis, where the liver is weak. Therefore, anything that would stimulate the liver, such as ginger, would not be good.
Krichchhe raktapitta – krichhe means old, and raktapitta means: a disease where pitta is  very high in the blood, where the blood gets too thin and hemorrhage can happen. Scientifically speaking as well, ginger has been found to be a great blood thinner, hence the contraindication in this instance.
Vrane Jvara – fever due to chronic ulcer. Ginger is detoxifying. For anyone experiencing fever, ginger can induce a detox crisis, increasing the fever.
Daahe, or burning in the body. Burning happens when pitta is high in the body. Ginger being hot by property, it can increase pitta. So it can increase the burning sensation in the body.
Nidagha shari’ah na eva- in the the hot days of summer, or the hot days of autumn, ginger should not be administered, as it will only serve to make the heat/fire bigger, aggravating pitta and causing further imbalances.

In yet another verse, Bhava Mishra, adds yet another layer to the knowledge and use of ginger.

Ardrakam, or ginger, is: srngaberam, syatkatubhadramatatha, rdrika – these are additional Sanskrit names for ginger. In addition, ginger is: bhedini, it carries the prabhava or property of breaking down heavy clusters of kapha, or ama, which can clog and block channels, even though ginger itself is gurvi, since it carries a lot of juice – liquids are usually high in soma. However, even while being “gurvi” or heavy, it is “tiksnosna,” or sharp and hot. This is a wondrous property of ginger to be able to maintain such a great balance in its chemical make-up. It is also  “dipani,” stokes or increases, the digestive fire; it is “katuka,” its immediate taste in the mouth its pungent, even though it carries a  “madhura pak,” its the post-digestive taste is sweet. Ginger is “ruksa” or drying – it burns off phlegm;  it is “vatakaphapaha” or pacifying to vata and kapha dosha.
Bhava Mishra ends his verse by introducing a new element, he says: these “gunah” or properties are carried by “sunthyaste’pi” – ayurvedically processed ginger which is called “sunthi.” Sunthi, or “santyardrake’ kilah” enhances the production of breast-milk. But what is “sunthi?”

Sunthi is ayurvedically processed ginger. So to recap: there is ginger, dry ginger (in root or powder form), and then there is sunthi. What is Sunthi? Sunthi is ayurvedically processed ginger; and there can be different types of sunthi, based on how and with what it was processed. Here are some properties about Sunthi from Bhav Mishra.
Ayurvedically prepared ginger enhances appetite, burns ama, and pacifies vata. it supports pachakagni, thus enhancing the digestive system as well. it is pungent, and light, it is unctuous and hot. The vipaka – post-digestive taste – is sweet. It pacifies kapha and vata, particularly the kledak kapha and the samana vata of the stomach. After balancing samana vata, apana vata goes down, that’s how it helps to support the bowel movement.

Another verse further details the properties of “sunthi:”

In another verse, below. Bhava Mishra says that sunthi enhances the reproductive fluids (vrsya); supports the vocal chords; pacifies nausea; smoothes the breathing; pacifies cholic pain; pacifies the cough; and supports cardiac health; supports the immune system against elephantitis; eliminates sweeling; helps in hemmorhoids; helps in tymphanitis; pacifies samana vata.

And yet another verse, lists additional beneficial properties of sunthi, that ginger itself does not carry:

In fact, ginger is ruksh – carries dry heat, but sunthi is moist and hot! And this small difference has great consequences in the body!

As this verse says: because sunthi is full of power of agni, it absorbs the water in the colon, that’s why sunthi is “grahi” which is the prabhava that enhances absorption, but at the same time, it carries the property of “vibhandbhedini” – it breaks the old fecal matter, evacuates them. Because this sunthi has that unique prabhava of “vibhand bhedini” along with being “grahini” or absorbing, it means that with regular use of sunthi, it enhances the intelligence of the colon, so that the colon knows whatever is bad for the body, it eliminates it, and whatever is good for the body, it absorbs. now: there is a unique comparative difference between raw ginger and properly made sunthi. ginger is heavy or “guruvi” and “sunthi” is light, or “lagu.” ginger is “tikshnoshna” sharp and hot.

Being guruvi, or heavy, for high pitta/low agni people, it can create more clogging. Ginger being tikshnoshna, hot and sharp, can aggravate pachak pitta and burn the kledak kapha of the stomach. However, since sunthi is snighdoshna, hot but unctuous, it can open the channels without burning them up! Otherwise, ginger and sunthi has overall, the same effect on the physiology, but these three unique qualities of properly made sunthi, is good for the western high pitta bata people in high stress situations, and even better than raw ginger itself.

My father taught me that the pitta aggravating properties of ginger can be pacified enough to be used by a pitta type through proper “samyog” – combination with other ingredients – and “samskar” – preparations or processes. This is sunthi. And most of all, you must remember, that sunthi is not dry ginger as the common misconception has it.  The main purpose of making sunthi from ginger is to add cooling properties to it, so as to abate the heat of ginger. Ginger then becomes tri-doshically pacifying, cools pitta even as it still balances vata and kapha through its warming properties. It can then be safely used in cooking, and in varying proportions it is almost good for everybody!

If you google sunthi, many references and articles on-line refer to sunthi as dry ginger, or dry ginger powder. This is incorrect. In fact, there are 3 distinct types of sunthi, based on 3 different ways of processing/preparing the ginger. In my lineage, which is always very specific and practically oriented, we prepared each different type of sunthi to address specific imbalances, or a specific physiology. Here are the recipes that I was taught. You can make these at home – but use caution.
Recipe for sunthi: Get fresh ginger (make sure it has less fibre as that’s better) slice it thin, boil it with good spring water, dry it – you can either dry in sunshine or use a food dehydrator with controlled temperature. When the ginger s fully dry, then pulverize it and use it. This is sunthi! This sunthi is good for kapha body types. Unlike what some might say, this is not ginger powder, because when you boil it and then throw out the water, ginger’s tikshnoshan – sharp and hot – quality goes low, and it becomes more “grahi,” more absorbing, because you have infused the energy of soma through the water, and it has also lost some of the essential oils that make the ginger so sharp and hot. See the scientific explanation of this simple process of boiling and how it changes the chemical make-up of ginger:

The essential oil (gingerol gets released into the water while getting boiled, so the pitta aggravating qualities of ginger are reduced, and it is thus safer for pitta body types. it is also good for those who have high kledak kapha – heaviness after eating, lack of appetite, slower digestion, but no hyperacidity or burning in the stomach. This is not for pitta or vata symptoms. For them, we can use this ginger in cooking, not more than 1/4 to 1/2 tsp in cooking with vegetables and lentils. If they are experiencing lack of appetite, then they can use 1/4 tsp of sunthi with  2 pinch of soma salt mixed in with lime juice.

Recipe for Sunthi for high pachak pitta people: (use 1 lb of ginger for 1 gallon of milk) clean the ginger root (get the less fibrous type), make thin slices and set aside. In a separate pot, bring raw milk to the boiling point, slow down the heat, then add the slices of ginger, boil on slow heat for another 10 minutes. Remove the ginger from the milk, rinse it by running good spring water through it, rub it so as to totally remove any residues of milk, then dry it in a dehydrator thoroughly, then pulverize it. Keep this powered in an airtight container and refrigerate because the residue of the milk can invite bacteria. This is ideal for high pitta/low agni pitta types, and even high pitta/high agni people. When using, start with 1/8 tsp of sunthi and cook with it, don’t eat this directly for high pitta and high agni people. Cook with with your lentils and squashes, milk, rice pudding, fruits. You can also add it to stewed fruits. Do not drink the milk cooked in this process, as it is very heating. It should only be used under specific circumstances under a vaidya expert guidance only.
Last but not least, here is a recipe for tridoshic sunthi: slice the ginger thin, clean it, get edible food-grade limestone, about 10 grams, add 1 liter of water. When you add the limestone to the water, there will be a chemical reaction. Be very careful, as the water will boil and rise, keep yourself away as the droplets can burn while the chemical reaction is on. Once it settles down after 10-15 minutes, use heavy duty gloves to be safe, and filter the water with a coffee filter, capture the water, then add the ginger slices to the lime water and soak the ginger in the water for 4 hours, then strain and rinse it thoroughly, take out all residues of the limestone, then dry it, then dehydrate the slices.

I am sharing this wisdom with you, but this process should be done under expert supervision, because when you add live limestone to the water, it bubbles and can burn you. Also there is a residue of limestone that needs to be completely rinsed out. When done properly, this is sunthi, almost tridoshic, except for those who have too high kledak kapha or too high pachak pitta. This sunthi has longer shelf-life than the one prepared with milk and water. At www.chandika.com we carry this sunthi. It is good to use, to be safe, instead of raw ginger. You can use it in your cooking, you can use for desserts, wherever the recipe calls fro ginger. It is also good to boil with milk, or bake it for ginger cookies. You can also add pinches to your herbal water. This way you get all the health benefits of ginger, minus the pitta aggravating heat and sharpness. In SVA, with the knowledge of proper samskar and samyog, preparation and combination, you can have your ginger and eat it too!

Ginger Peppermint Rose Tea – to pacify high pitta

in 8oz of water add:
2 pinches of SVA sunthi powder
2 pinch of DGL powder
2 rose buds
1/4 tsp fennel seeds

Boil for 5-8 minutes, strain, and enjoy anytime of the year or day!

The post Have your Ginger and Eat it too! appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

“Dear Vaidya:
My students have been asking me about this relatively new product glorified as being very healthy. I’d be very grateful to get your opinion on it:
I’ve never used it myself: https://www.onnit.com/onnit-mct-oil/

Thank you!
Divya A.”

Vaidya responds:
Dear Divya,
MCT vs LCT:
Sometimes more is less! This new tendency to prefer oils that have high content of MCFAs (Medium Chain Fatty Acids) also known as MCT (medium chain tryglycerides) over oils that contain long-chain tryglycerides (LCT) is based on research findings. MCTs have been found to be easier on digestion and easily broken down and absorbed; more readily available in the liver and transformed into energy; stimulating for the body’s metabolism and thus supporting weight loss. Most vegetables oils contain long chain fatty acids (LCT) that get stored in your arteries or in your body as fat, slow down your metabolism, and put strain on your pancreas and digestive system. Compared to LCTs, MCTs have fewer calories per serving, roughly 8.3 calories per gram rather than the standard 9 calories per gram, according to research findings.

In contrast, coconut contains almost 2/3 MCTs, making it the queen amongst healthy vegetables oils, and yet, the new trend is to prefer MCT processed oils over coconut oil. Medium-chain triglycerides, or fatty acids, such as lauric acid, are characterized by a specific chemical structure that allows your body to absorb them readily as a whole, making them easily digestible — because your body processes them as it would carbohydrates, and they are used as a source of direct energy. Lauric acid, as a component of triglycerides, comprises about half of the fatty acid content in coconut oil, laurel oil, and palm kernel oil (not to be confused with palm oil). Otherwise, lauric acid is relatively uncommon. It is also found in human breast milk (6.2% of total fat), cow’s milk (2.9%), and goat’s milk (3.1%). The most popular MCT products have been derived from coconut oil or the palm trees ; the irony is that, however, most lose their Lauric acid content during processing. Lauric acid is prized around the world as a powerful antimicrobial agent, used in both food preservation as well as in drugs and nutraceuticals.
To beat the competition, the manufacturers of this particular brand whose link you have forwarded states that they have added lauric acid to their product, but they do not disclose their method of processing, nor what their source of lauric acid is:

In addition, the MCT oil that is obtained is irreparably a processed product diminished in prana, and we do not know what actual properties it carries inside the body once it is ingested. They say they they take their cue from mother nature, but they do so to try to improve upon her creation and make a product that she should have but did not, when there is a naturally perfect product that already exists and that we could be consuming as is, namely: coconuts!

Coconuts, ayurvedically!

Nature has not only made coconut oil rich with nutrients and benefits, but those nutrients are found in such a balanced proportion, along with Nature’s intelligence, that they are very easy for the human physiology to digest, for the liver to transform, and to make available to all the organs of the body. Our body’s digestive system and system organs can metabolize coconut 100%, and whatever bi-products are obtained, the body is able to easily discard them.

Ayurvedically, coconut is a perfect fruit that need not be touched in any way to be enhanced or improved upon. In this sense, manipulating or processing the coconut in order to alter the chemical ratios of long or medium fatty chains, or meddling with the natural intelligence of the coconut’s molecular make-up, is not such a good idea.  Ayurveda does give us the opportunity to process raw material in certain circumstances. For example, we can detoxify certain naturally toxic ingredients or substances in a process called “amritakaram.” But coconut is not one of those ingredients that need this processing, as its naturally somagenic content is balanced and ready to be consumed – as is. For those living in a hot climate, as well as for those with a “high pitta and high agni” digestive tendency, coconut oil is the best oil for cooking, or for drizzling over hot food – preferably not salads. So my suggestion would be to consume organic virgin coconut oil, not processed coconut oil, to keep the intelligence of its natural molecular make-up intact 100%.  But I would add some ayurvedic precautions, even to the consumption of coconut.

Caution for Coconut
On ayurvedic grounds, however, I do caution people. Perfect as coconut is, there are some situations where it should be avoided.  Of course, you can follow the basic guidelines of ayurveda for your body type, and determine whether coconut oil is good for you on a regular basis. However, in some situations, even the ayurvedic body type of high pitta high agni individuals may not be ready to consume coconut oil. For example: if the “kledak kapha” in the stomach is  aggravated.

Kledak kapha is one of the 3 subdoshas that govern digestion in the stomach. In the stomach you have “pachak pitta” cooking the food; “samana vata” churning it and moving it around to expose the food ingested to full cooking; and “kledak kapha” to moisten the food by lubricating it so that it gets cooked and not burnt by pachak pitta! Kledak kapha also helps to maintain the stomach environment in balance by pacifying pachak pitta, and it keeps pachak agni, the digestive fire, under control as well, so it does not burn down the stomach, even or specially so in the absence of food.

If somebody’s kledak kapha is high, then the pachak pitta, the fuel of the digestive fire, becomes sluggish – too much soma moistens and puts out the fire, because the gap, the sandhi, where the cooking takes place, is inundated, and the pachak agni goes low. Think of this in terms of a burner, or ghee lamp wick, which transforms the liquid ghee, in this case pacha pitta, into the flame. When kledak kapha is high, the digestive flame, pacha agni also known as jatharagni, goes low. Then we get an overall digestive situation called: “mandagni,” or low flame. This is when people feel that their digestion is slow, or metabolism is low. In this case, people will still be able to digest the coconut oil, but not 100%. Then what happens?
Ayurveda says that if you digest 99%, and even one percent remains undigested, or semi digested, then you make toxic residue, called “ama.” Toxins settling in the tissues, or organs, or different parts of the body, dampen the metabolic rate and create a friendly environment for bacterial growth. When ama gets to sit in the physiology, it may also develop into a more aggressive type of toxic build-up, called “amavisha.” In the long run if left un-addressed, amavisha creates inflammation that can bring about any chronic disease.

Ghee – for one and all!
So ideally, high pitta and high agni individuals who experience sharp hunger at all times of the year and are able to to process and metabolize food fully without getting a feeling of being bloated, or gas, are the one ones who can enjoy the full benefits of food prepared with coconut oil. As for the rest of us, who may not have that fiery metabolic system, ghee is the best alternative.
The Charak Samhita describes ghee as “snehuttamam” – the best fat for human consumption. Ayurveda explains that in contrast to coconut oil which is high in soma and can therefore be hard to metabolize unless one has high pitta and high agni metabolism, ghee strikes the perfect balance between soma and agni. This is particularly the case when we consumes ghee made the traditional way, from butter that was made from raw cream turned into yoghurt, and not straight from cream/fat. My SVA Mum’s ghee is made from butter that has gone through the fermentation process or the culturing process where live bacteria are involved. Even though after the final cooking step the bacteria are no longer alive, their initial presence endows the fat molecules with agni; in addition, the churning of the yogurt in order to extract the butter, that friction of the churning process also provides more agni. Finally, when that butter is cooked, further agni or fire is infused into it.
In this sense, ghee is the best fat for high pitta and low agni individuals, because this fiery energy helps to clear the “wick” of the digestive process. Ghee has a very high burning point and it is therefore ideal for cooking spices in it – cooking on higher heat, since ghee won’t burn as easily and quickly – allowing for the full potency of spices and herbs to unfold into the fat medium and be transported deeper into the bodily tissues. In addition, ghee carries all the properties that coconut does: it lubricates the brain, the cellular system, nourishes the joints, nurtures the skin. Ghee is even recommended for people who have “mandagni” or low agni (high pitta low agni). When cooked with the proper metabolism enhancing spices, ghee becomes the ideal fat for those with slow metabolism.
In India, in areas where tropical temperatures presides (specially in south India such as in kerala, some parts of Tamil Nadu), or in countries such as Malasia, Indonesia, where extreme hot weather conditions dominate, coconut oil is used exclusively. However, according to Ayurveda, it is not recommended to use coconut oil for long term, specially in cold climates. In countries where the climate varies seasonally, it is possible to use coconut oil in the hotter summer months and then switch back to ghee in the remaining months of the year.
So for your students who ask you whether or not to initiate the use of MCT oils, tell them they should avoid consuming processed fats, not matter what the promises of modern scientific findings, and favor coconut oil in its natural state instead. And then add that you know of something even better than coconut: ghee! You can teach them how to make their own traditional ghee, or show them the SVA ghee. You can also educate them about my herbalized ghee, the SVA Maha Saraswati Ghee, that contains a very powerful herb, jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), that boosts and supports brain functioning and health, not to mention the health endowing properties of ghee itself. Maha Saraswati ghee can be melted to be used on toast, in your cup of tea, or in your sandwiches! Let’s fuse the ayurvedic wisdom of the ages with our modern lifestyles to accomplish the great health we all deserve to carry out joyful lives!

 
References
1. Drugs.com: Lauric Acid
AOCS Lipid Library: Palm Kernel and Coconut (Lauric) Oils
NYU Langone Medical Center: Medium-Chain Triglycerides
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Facts About Coconut Oil — What Is It All About?

Metabolism: Effects of Dietary Medium-Chain Triglyceride on Weight Loss and Insulin Sensitivity in a Group of Moderately Overweight Free-Living Type 2 Diabetic Chinese Subjects
Nutrition Review: Medium Chain Triglyderides: Beneficial Effects on Energy, Atherosclerosis and Aging
ChooseMyPlate.gov: How Much Is My Allowance for Oils?
2. Know Your Fats, by Mary Enig, Ph.D, Bethesda Press. p. 259
See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/mct-oil-vs-coconut-oil-the-truth-exposed/#sthash.pZmZsW0N.dpuf

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If it does not, then you are transdermally poisoning yourself on a daily basis! 

We know, with Ayurveda, that there are four kinds of toxins that can harm us. But one of them is particularly insiduous, as it is slow and silent, creeping into our physiology at our own invitation, poisoning us slowly but surely, day in and day out (you can read more about all 4 types on my blog at www.vaidyamishra.com/blog).

We chose to wake up to it and fall asleep with it every day. In Ayurveda, it is called “garavisha” from “gara” = slow, and “visha” = poison. It refers to poisoning by heavy metals and other naturally occurring elements in nature. In the west, we have named toxic substances that harm us: “xenobiotics.” By definition, xenobiotics are foreign chemical substance found within an organism that are normally not meant to be there as they are not naturally produced by or expected to be present within that organism. We are poisoning ourselves daily with a wide range of carcinogenic health hazardous toxic chemicals from sunrise to sunset: starting with that toothpaste that contains chemical additives, the mouthwash that has synthetic flavors and colors, our shampoo and conditioner, our bath soaps, the perfume or deodorants we use to cover up body odor, the make-up we apply on our faces to conceal fatigue and aging, even the room air-fresheners. But while we may chose not to use some of the above items, something none of us can do without is: detergent.

Did you know that the detergent that you use to wash your clothes leaves behind a trail of toxic chemicals that come in direct contact with your skin, not just during your waking hours, but while you are also asleep. Did you know that this is the worse poison you can expose yourself to?

All laundry detergents that are traditionally formulated to clean and sanitize your sheets, and clothes contain a long list of chemicals that are highly hazardous to health. All these chemicals have been identified by research as xenobiotics, and in Ayurveda, we know them to be slow poisons, or garavisha. Garavisha slowly spreads into the body so that you won’t feel anything for weeks, months, or years. But that chronic and/or autoimmune condition that you suddenly wake up to one fine morning will be its gift down the line. Here is a list of all the toxic chemicals that you are exposing yourself to. Your current detergent may contain some or all of the following toxic hazardous ingredients:

Synthetic Fragrances -  75% of the fragrances contain phthalates. Phthalates have been linked to diabetes, obesity and hormone disruption which affects both development and fertility. They are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxins and synthesizers.

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) – This group of nonionic surfactant petrochemicals has already been banned in Canada and the European Union, but it is still found in American detergents. NPEs are endocrine disruptors that adversely affect physical function and fetal development. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to these chemicals, which are known to adversely affect neurologic, immune, cardiac, kidney and liver function as well.

Bleach, (Sodium Hypochlorite) – Sodium hypochlorite and other cleaning chemicals such as fragrances and surfactants react to generate chlorinated VOCs ( volatile organic compounds), which are very toxic and are considered human carcinogens. Chlorinated compounds are emitted during use; as it flows down the drain, bleach can produce organochlorines ( OC) , which are endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic, and carcinogenic.

EDTA ( ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) – This group of compounds is used as an alternative to phosphates to reduce mineral hardness in water, to prevent bleaching agents from becoming active before they are put in water, and also as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA has been found to be citotoxic (kills cells) and as well as genotoxic (damages DNA) in laboratory animals.

Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonates (LAS) – These synthetic petrochemicals are normally listed as “anionic surfactants” on labels, and are one of the most common surfactants in use. During their production process, carcinogenic and reproductive toxins such as benzene are released into the environment. They also biodegrade slowly, making them a hazard in the environment. The amount of LAS used in detergents may vary to as high as 30% of the weight of the total product

Phosphates -  Phosphates are the main cleaning ingredients in many detergents and household cleaners because they break down dirt particles and remove stains by softening the water and allowing suds to form, which enhances the cleaning power of the detergent. Phosphates residues are known to cause nausea, diarrhea and skin irritation. They remain active even after wastewater treatment processes and end up in rivers and lakes, where they act as “toxic fertilizer”.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) , Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Ammonium Laurel Sulfate (ALS) – are commonly used in detergents and acts as surfactants and emulsifiers, giving the detergent foaming abilities.  Over 16,000 research studies on SLS have shown links to irritation of the skin and eyes, organ toxicity, developmental/reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology, biochemical or cellular changes and even cancer.

A great amount of studies have been conducted on the toxic health hazardous chemical fumes – VOC volatile organic compound – that penetrate our bodies via different means: inhalation; transdermally through our skin; through exposure to contaminated food and water. Entering the body through different pathways, xenobiotics, or garavisha, travels all the way deep into the body by crossing the bodily tissues one after the other: rasa(lymphatic tissue), rakta (blood tissue), mamsa (muscle), meda(fat), asthi(bone), majja(bone marrow), and shukra (reproductive tissue). Depending on whether these toxic chemical fumes are lipid or water soluble, they find their host either in the fat tissue, or if they are water soluble, they remain in the blood tissue.

Impact on the tissues/“dhatus” 

Travelling from one tissue deeper into the other, and depending on their solubility (fat or water), they permanently come to reside where they are best absorbed. When they come in contact with toxins that are already present there, such as the micro-crystals of “amavisha,” then they chemically bind themselves to each other and become even more toxic and virulent, traveling to deeper bodily tissues. The deeper they go, the greater the opportunity for them to create local and generalized damage to cells and bring about chronic conditions and diseases.

For example, when they reach the bone marrow, such a toxic load can create difficult-to-treat conditions and auto-immune diseases. This is a very big topic in Ayurveda, and I have discussed it at great length in many of my courses and lectures.

Impact on the Organs 

When it comes to the organs, based on where the toxic damage is located, whether it is in the respiratory tract, or the skin, or the liver, the body will generate different symptoms. The liver, lung, and the skin are usually the immediate victims because they have to process these toxins first and foremost.

Think about it: when you walk past your laundry room and you are either washing or drying your clothes and the air is filled with that synthetic “fresh and clean soap scent,” you are inhaling a cloud of toxic chemicals in your lungs! When these go into the lungs, they inflame the bronchial channels. Long term exposure will burden the lungs and cause breathing problems and complications resulting in disease. 

Then when you put on those clothes, the toxic chemical micro-molecules get immediately absorbed by your skin and delivered into your blood stream. From then on, your body will respond to these hostile toxins either with a skin rash, skin inflammation, or you might not feel anything for a while, and the toxic build-up will continue to accumulate in your body, until you get a different symptom that’s harder to identify and address!

Our bodies are endowed with a great capacity to protect themselves against external toxic materials, they are also highly intelligent and know how to detox when hazardous chemical infiltrate. But if you keep exposing yourself day in and day out to these chemicals, inhaling them, placing them on your skin, it becomes harder for our body, with time, to keep detoxing, and we end up losing the battle.

Most of all, your liver will give up! The liver is the most important organ in our bodies that is in charge of filtering all the toxins we get exposed to. The biggest victim of xenobiotics is by far, the liver. When the liver is challenged, then the intelligence of our blood is diminished, as the liver produces our blood. When our blood loses its intelligence, then our bone marrow tissue becomes compromised. When our bone marrow is under toxic attack and compromised, our immunity fails. The greatest diseases of our age result from challenged and weakened immune systems.

Impact on the physical channels 

Xenobiotics have deleterious effects on all levels of our bodies: large and small, gross and subtle. According to Ayurveda, our micro circulatory channels, called “shukshma shrotas” in Sanskrit, transport and deliver enzymes, nutrients, and many other life-sustaining ingredients and vibrations. When these micro channels are affected and become inflamed due to xenobiotics, they rupture, and the whole chemical balance of our physiology, on a very deep subtle level, is disrupted, resulting in a myriad of incurable diseases.

Impact on Nadi-s, or Vibrational Channels

Vibrational channels receive and deliver pranic energy. Pranic energy is what animates creation, life as we know it on earth. From this energy, our body gets sustenance for all it does. Xenobiotics are made up of synthetic chemicals. They d

o not carry any pranic energy at all. Theirs is an non-pranic vibration that fights against the cosmic pranic energy, as it gets mixed up in our bodies with our own pranic energy. It is liking mixing water soluble ingredients with water, oil soluble with oil, vibrational materials with vibration. The non-pranic vibration from these synthetic chemicals mixes with and pollutes prana because they are both operating on the same level. When xenobiotics race through our blood, disrupting the flow of our bodily pranic energy, they travel and take-over the nadi-s, corrupting in particular the sandhi-s or gaps between two nadi-s where pranic transformation and transmission happens. When things get disrupted on this subtle level, then all bodily metabolic  transformation get compromised. This is akin to the impact that electromagnetic radiation has on our bodies.

Isn’t it time we stopped poisoning ourselves? Why use health-hazardous chemicals when we can use the detergent that mother nature intended for us? Soapnuts (Sapindus mukorossi) grow on trees, that grow wild all over India and Asia. They are natural cleaning berries (the seed is discarded and the shell is used) whose shells release saponins, a natural substance that works much like soap for removing dirt and grease residues from clothes as well as other surfaces. It can be used with hot or cold water. It’s been used in Ayurveda for ever as part of formulations for washing hair! I have been using it in my SVA HerbRich Shampoo for years.

Soapnuts are biodegradable, eco-friendly, sustainable and hypoallergenic. They clean and soften your laundry. They are also the best   thing for babies! I have added strands of Vetiver to give additional freshness and cleanliness. With the Soapnuts, you can not only steer clear of toxic hazardous chemicals that poison your household, but you will also avoid polluting your environment and nature with toxic chemical residues that disrupt the plant and animal cycles on earth. Soapnuts are compostable, sustainable, and fragrance-free. You will never want to use anything else after you see how bright it will make your whites, and bring back the color in your colors, adding softness and freshness, and keeping you garavisha-free all year round! Mother Nature has always given us all that we ever needed, and more! Isn’t the greatest show of gratitude for her gifts the actual use of those gifts, so we can protect our lives and the environment she created for us to thrive in?

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“Dear Vaidya,

What about cold pressed (black) sesame oil, Caraka mentions this as next best after ghee? 

Martin”

Vaidya Answers: 

Dear Martin: yes, this is a good question you raise, as the Charak Samhita states that the next best thing after ghee – in case one cannot consume ghee – is cold pressed black sesame oil. However, again, here we have to take into account the fact that sesame oil, when used as is on its own, can be too heating for high pitta type people. One alternative to correcting this tendency would be to carefully cook this oil with soma-predominant vegetables – such as toru, or loki. These vegetables will balance out the heating tendencies of the sesame oil. Sesame oil is a very unique oil because it can adapt to and adopt the properties of the ingredients it is mixed with. In general, it is ideal for kapha type people, or for people with kapha aggravation, who are experiencing ama production in the stomach due to low-agni and high kledak kapha. In this situation, cooking with sesame oil can be therapeutic.

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” Hello,

I have hard time to get into sleep during night. Many times I was awake whole night, and in the morning I get headaches but I am very proper in following my bed time schedule. I take warm milk with some ginger and turmeric but no help.

I also don’t want to take any herbal medicines as I think it will work till I take those and after it won’t.

So please suggest some transdermal creams to get good sleep which will last for longer.

Nithya”.

Vaidya replies:

Dear Nithya: first thing is you should stop mixing ginger and turmeric with your milk. Instead, make a recipe of milk date shake:

Boil milk with a couple cardamom pods, a stick of cinnamon; take off the heat, pour into a blender and add 1-2 pitted medjool dates and blend. Drink warm before bed.

In addition to this, do a gentle self-massage with SVA Vata oil with Magnesium and Vit D before bed, focusing on your legs and arms and lower back. Then take a shower and wash the oil off.

Nighttime is  “soma time,” and our bodies need more soma to get proper sleep. Milk is somagenic, that’s why it is recommended in general in Ayurveda; but turmeric and ginger are agneya or fiery by nature, so instead of mixing milk with turmeric and ginger, prepare your milk with dates, as a milk date shake. This will give you more liquid soma from milk, and soma from dates as well.

Another thing is: you need to calm down your vata, pacify your nervous system before going to sleep. It will not help that you are going to bed on time if your nervous system is in a state of  disarray from the activities of the day. Some gentle slow yoga will certainly help, or gentle sow pranayam. And you should do a self-massage with SVA Vata oil with Magnesium and Vitamin D. Do whole body massage, leave the oil on for 20 minutes, and then take a nice long shower, using Soma Nidra soap. After your shower, you can also apply the Soma Nidra roll-on on your cervical spine area, and the sides of the neck. The herbs in the vata oil, the Soma Nidra roll-on and the soap, will help pacify your vata and calm you nervous system further, after you’ve done your Date Milk Shake. Try these remedies and let us know.  Thank you.

The post Help: Can’t Fall Asleep! appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

“Dear Dr. Mishra,

I have a question regarding your magnesium/vitamin D oil. I recently received the test results of my blood work and my doctor says I need to take 5,000 units of vitamin D. How much is in your oil? I am not sure I am receiving enough from your oil. I am dark skinned and do not spend a lot of time in the sun.

The doctor has also advised me to take additional iodine. I have purchased your Soma Salt. Does it have iodine? Are there any other natural ways of receiving iodine? 

Finally what do you think of organic cod liver oil from fresh water fish? I took this for 3 years to increase my vitamin D levels which are now at 30. I recently stopped after purchasing your vitamin D/magnesium oil because I did not want to have too much vitamin D. 

I look forward to your response.

Regards,

Rhonda J.”

Vaidya Replies:

Dear Rhonda, my Vit D transdermal cream will deliver 3400 units of Vit D per 1 gram, while the roll-on will deliver 1400 units of Vit D per 10ml of the liquid. The same applies for the roll-on. The key is to supplement these transdermal products with a balanced alkaline diet. If you lead a stressful life-style, inflammation and acidic toxins adversely affect the levels of Vit D in your body as well. Try to correct things holistically, not just by supplementing what is missing. Otherwise, Cod liver oil is also a good source of Vit D that you can take in addition to the transdermal creams. If your diet is balanced (alkaline, nourishing, fresh, and timely), and you are using the Vit D Transdermal creams, you will see improvement over time. Many have.

The SVA Soma Salt does not contain any iodine. You can get iodine through food. For example, seaweed. If you regularly eat seaweed (multiple times a week), you will probably receive enough iodine. However, the availability of iodine from seaweed is variable so that sometimes you may end up getting too much iodine, which you also don’t want.

Cases of iodine toxicity reported in scientific journals are often from excessive amounts of kelp and kelp tablets. Iodine toxicity may develop when intake is > 1.1 mg/day. Consuming too much usually does not affect thyroid function, but it may, causing the thyroid gland to become overactive and produce excess thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), particularly in people who used to consume too little iodine. However, sometimes excess iodine can decrease production of thyroid hormones (causing hypothyroidism). As a result, the thyroid gland enlarges, forming a goiter. Goiters can form when the thyroid gland is underactive or overactive.

If people consume very large amounts of iodine, they may have a brassy taste in their mouth and produce more saliva. Iodine can irritate the digestive tract and cause a rash.

When iodine is deficient, the thyroid gland enlarges, forming a goiter, as it attempts to capture more iodine for the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland becomes underactive and produces too little thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). Fertility is reduced. In adults, hypothyroidism may cause puffy skin, a hoarse voice, impaired mental function, dry and scaly skin, sparse and coarse hair, intolerance to cold, and weight gain.

Infants, children, and adults with iodine deficiency are treated with iodine supplements taken by mouth. Infants are also given supplements of thyroid hormone taken by mouth, sometimes throughout life. Children and adults may also be given thyroid hormone supplements. But before taking the path of supplementation, unless your medical doctor has already advised you to do so, in which case you should not hesitate to follow his recommendation, it is good to try to correct your diet to include more iodine from natural sources. I do not recommend using regular table salt with iodine, as that salt impairs health by retaining toxins and water in the body. Sea salt that may be a better source of natural iodine might also be too sharp and pitta aggravating according to Ayurveda. So I would try to incorporate food items that can support and boost your iodine levels naturally.

What foods are naturally high in iodine? Iodine is a component of almost every living plant and animal. No standard measurements of iodine in food exist because iodine concentrations vary across the world. In general, foods from the sea contain the most iodine, followed by animal foods, then plant foods. Of all foods, seaweed (like kelp), is the most well known and reliable source of natural iodine. Egg and dairy products can also be good sources.

Other than fortified salt, the concentrations of iodine in these foods can vary widely and this table should be taken only as a rough guide.

The post Vit D and Iodine Deficiency appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

“Hi,

Thanks for your reply. If you happen to have a recommendation list of what herbs to avoid during pregnancy please let me know.

Thank you! Sara”

Vaidya replies:

Dear Sara: any herb which is known to be detoxifying, as well as any herb or plant which is highly estrogenic like fennel; or shatavari. Most famous detoxifying herbs are: neem, guduchi. Stay away from these. But any other herbs with the bitter taste as well will be detoxifying – like milk thistle.

Of course, it all depends on how strong an individual is and whether the herbs are being administered orally – transmucosally – or transdermally, through the skin. But in general, any crude herb which is detoxifying and estrogenic in nature should be avoided by pregnant women. Remember, you should also avoid bitter vegetables like bitter melon, or bitter leafy greens (kale, collards, etc) and estrogenic fruits like pineapple, papaya, or asparagus, fennel sprouts, and anything made with/from soy. Also avoid licorice – it is estrogenic. In addition, at any stage of the pregnancy, it is best to avoid hot pungent foods that use too much red chillies, asafetida (or hing). Green chilies and ginger in moderation are ok, depending on whether the mother’s constitution is high pitta or not.

The post What to Avoid During Pregnancy appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

“Namaskar guruji,

Could you please help my daughter? She is gaining weight, having severe hair fall and always complaining about acidity and indigestion and throat infection. Now she is having pcod problem also. She is 26 years old. Last year only she got married. Please suggest some good medicine for her problems. Vit B12 deficiency is also there.”

Vaidya replies:

From what I can read, most of your daughter’s problems seem to be related to bad diet and bad routine. So first thing to do would be to fix her diet and routine. Please read the articles below that give you the basic guideline to restore balance to your body according to the SVA guidelines. I do ongoing research to bring the best of both worlds – ancient Ayurveda, and modern findings – to keep the SVA principles up-to-date on all health aspects. Diet will be a key factor for your daughter. Eliminating things that are bothering her physiology, and then adding things that will help her balance it. This should help some with all aspects. Read also the article on SVA Hair Care to see what further she can implement. After changing the diet and practicing it for 3 months, some of her symptoms should go away. At that point, please make a phone consultation appointment with Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum, in New Jersey. She will give you a more targeted protocol over the phone. Her number is: 1.856.786.3300. After practicing three months of this diet and routine some problems may go away then Dr. Teitelbaum can take over she can guide you by phone but all of these problems are always connected with bad diet and bad routine.

The post Weight Gain, Hair Loss, Heart Burn and Indigestion appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

“Dear Vaidyaji,

Is it OK to cook Avocados or it should be had raw always?

Thanks,

Pavithra”

Vaidya replies:

Dear Pavithra: cooking avocados is not a good idea because avocado oil and other nutrients in avocado are very heat sensitive. However, raw avocado has a lot of soma, and if your digestive agni is low (pachak agni), and you consume raw avocados, you may make ama (semi-digested material or toxins) from avocado. For high pitta and high agni individuals, raw avocado is a great treat, because their overactive digestion can fully metabolize the raw avocado, but if you tend to have slower digestion, here is a recipe you can try. It will help you in transforming the soma of the avocado into ojas.

You will need:

1 ripe medium avocado – take out the seed and keep the pulp

1/4 tsp. Mum’s Masala

1 tsp. lime juice

Soma Salt per taste

½ teaspoon olive oil

Mix altogether to make a rich creamy texture. If you like chilies, you can add 1 fine shredded green thai chili.

The spice mixture of Mum’s Masala supports digestion and overall metabolism and will help process the richness of avocado so you get the most out of its nutrients without making any ama.

The post Is it ok to cook Avocados? appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Namaskar once again

Misra ji: my husband is 41 years old and he is having lots of knee pain. Some doctors recommended him to have knee replacement, while few recommended some kind of injection. Please suggest if through Ayurveda or diet changes we can heal his knees.

Gurmmet

Vaidya replies:

Dear Gurmeet: it would be advisable to have an ayurvedic consultation with a SVA practitioner. But in the meantime, here is some advice based on SVA principles you can start incorporating that might help alleviate the symptoms.

In general, we use our knee and elbow joints extensively, that’s why they become a target of pain, specifically if the body is acidic. This may happen even at a young age. So first of all, you need to look into the diet he is consuming and eliminate and change anything in the diet that is causing his body’s pH to be acidic rather than alkaline. Adopt the main tenets of the SVA diet which is all about neutralizes the PH of the body otherwise, if you eat acidic food to maintain AVAILABLE HERE. When your body’s pH is low, it eats away at the bone tissue, and the calcium in order to create balance. That’s how our bone tissue gets depleted and we experience inflammation and chronic condition related to inflammatory pain. The bone tissue needs raw material, or soma. Acidic food is full of fire or agni, so acidity of the body attacks the cartilages. Thus changing/amending your diet and adopting SVA principles will be step one. Then step two: in the morning apply HN Cream on the knees, and at night apply Maha Kanchenar and Healthy Joints Transdermal creams. The herbs encapsulated in these creams may help more once we also do whole body massage with Vata oil with Magnesium and Vit D. In addition, add Soma Cal capsules, 1 capsule twice a day. This will supply the best most easy to digest calcium to treat and nourish the bone tissue. The magnesium and Vitamin D oil will enhance the synthesis and absorption of calcium from the Soma Cal capsules as well as from the food. But, without dietary changes, none of these creams, herbs, capsules, nothing will not work!

The post Knee Pain: Surgery or Ayurveda? appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Hey Vaidya Mishra,

I have a high pitta but low agni and I’ve been trying to treat it for the last 5 years of my life. Hence, I only knew about my ‘what I think is my exact condition’ (the high pitta, low agni; specifically low pachak agni) like 2 months back. When I started adding spices to my food: ‘ginger, black pepper, fennel, coriander, cumin,’ and felt much better, but ended up being constipated. I’ve been taking liver bitters (livo map) for the last 3 years of my life, but I found out lately, that those bitters, actually end up cooling me too much and lowering the pachak agni too much, so food end up being remained in my stomach for long time and resulting in burning sensation under my right rib cage (which I think my congested gallbladder). I’m wondering what shall I do? If I stop the liver support (livo map), I end up feeling that I REALLY need it and I end up back to it, because it really relaxes me and cools me down, and get my bowls moving, but when I add those spices, like ginger and black pepper to support my stomach acid, I end up being constipated and my bowls stop moving (because eventually they are carminatives). Coriander is really turning off my stomach acid. I’m a pitta person (diagnosed by an ayurvedic doctor). I’m as well wondering if Turmeric (since you said it is really good for high pitta low agni situation) does increase stomach acid? (the pachak agni), because, I think this is what I at first really have to take care of, because no matter what food I’m eating, it end up remaining in my stomach for long and after I’m starting to feel the pain under my right rib cage. I know that I have weaknesses in both parts, the digestive juices from gallbladder and pancreas and as well a low stomach agni, but when i higher the stomach acid as well too much, then the pain under my right rib cage, as well starts. so I’m guessing this pain starts whenever there’s too much acid, whether from long remaining undigested food in the duodenum and remaining of undigested food in the stomach because of low stomach acid and low digestive juices, or because of high stomach acid (after adding acid producing factors like ginger, black peppers, lemon and apple cider vinegar) and low digestive juices (biles), that not end up neutralizing the acidic food entering the duodenum. I know that balance is the solution, but I’m always end up failing and end up by whether un-floating bowels (if no acid available in my duodenum/stomach) or my bowels are fine (slightly constipated let me say), if acid remains in my duodenum & undigested food in my stomach.

As well, I would like to know your address if it happens that you live in India, since I might be giving India a trip anytime soon.

Thanks,

Georges

Vaidya replies:

Dear George: It looks like you are self-diagnosing and self-treating. Please call Dr. Teitelbaum in New Jersey at 1.856.786.3300 and schedule an ayurvedic over-the-phone consult with her.  But in the meantime, because I can see you are very curious and have a passion to learn Ayurveda, and to help yourself, here is a bigger picture of what might be going on in your physiology ayurvedically speaking, according to your questions and comments.

When we try to take care of physical liver organ, trying to detoxify, the liver will leech out toxins that may end up disturbing your stomach and colon. When you trying to fix your colon and stomach, you get constipated. According to SVA, and you might have already read this in my newsletters or on my blog, I use the image of a ghee wick, and the ghee flame, to explain the relationship between a burner and the gap, or space (sandhi) where metabolism or transformation occurs in our physiology. In that gap or sandhi, the transformation of Pitta (the fuel) into the agni (the flame) occurs. When that sandhi is encountering a problem, then you may experience some or all of the problems and symptoms that you list. So along with trying to support the physical liver, the physical stomach, the physical duodenum, or physical colon, one has to address the more subtle and vibrational aspects of digestion, the gaps.  So my suggestion will be, until you see or have a phone consult with Dr.Marianne Teitelbaum, try to adopt or do the following SVA protocols to clean and support your gaps:

-Apply SVA DGL transdermal on the liver area – this is on your right side, just below the last lower rib. Do this at night before going to bed. Then apply Pro Pachaka Transdermal in a clockwise motion, on your stomach, as if the clock was on your stomach – so 9pm would be on your right side, 12 correspond to your neck area, etc. Apply Pro-Pachaka on your stomach after breakfast, after lunch, as well as after dinner.

The DGL cream will re-establish the intelligence of your liver by supporting all the 5 burners of the liver. You see, in the liver we have one pitta, that’s ranjak pitta (fuel); but in the liver we also have 5 burners, and each burner supplies a different kind of flame each flame. Each flame is assigned to address one of each of the panch mahabhuta-s: space, air, fire, water, and earth.

The Pro-Pachaka cream carries all the herbs and spices that vibrationally address the energy of all these burners which help transform the pachak pitta into pachak agni. With this cream, the “freezing effect” that you are experiencing in your stomach or duodenum should be slowly addressed.

Next, you will try to enhance communication between mind, stomach and colon, by applying the DGL transdermal cream, and the Prakrit Transdermal cream on the lower bottom half of your spine, in the morning after shower, and at night before going to bed. This will enhance the vibrational communication between mind and stomach, so eventually your mind will be in charge again of properly commanding when and how much enzymes need to be released after and during your meals. The DGL and Prakrit will help do this. In addition, the DGL and Prakrit creams will also enhance the communication between mind (prana vata) and your colon (apana vata).

SV Ayurveda is a different kind of Ayurveda where in addition to food and spices taken orally to address imbalances on a physical bio-chemical level, we also support things on a subtle vibrational level as you can see. I have not seen your pulse but this protocol that I just gave you should help you, based on my decades of experiences and from the symptoms that you indicated having. Try it and write back to us. Thank you.

The post Typical Case of “High Pitta and Low Agni?” appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Is it better to add salt to the dishes at the beginning or towards the end of cooking?

Vaidya replies:

It is best to add the salt at the beginning because it gets to interact with and penetrate into the molecules of the food with a head-start. In SV Ayurveda we always recommend to add the salt at the beginning so that it becomes part of the molecular structure of the food. So when you minerals, such as sodium, they do not overwhelm your blood stream immediately because they get broken down with the rest of the molecules slowly and in a longer sequence. So, in general for a healthy person, it is best to add the salt at the beginning and cook with it.

The post Salt Now or Later? appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Vaidya ji

I have been suffering from depression and sleep disturbance from last six months. The causative factor was fear of illness due to wrong diagnosis.

The stress has affected my digestion and I get stomach bloating, gas and pain in the lower right abdomen and left chest.

Please suggest some effective way to cure this condition.

Prabhakar M.

Vaidya replies:

Dear Prabhakar:

Learn to do the SVA Samadhi Set Marma Massage (it takes 5 minutes) along with creams or roll-ons (with Ashoka). Also, apply the Super Sport roll-on on your lower spine. I will also suggest you recite or listen to some mantras. Sound vibrations have powerful restorative and healing effects on the nervous system. I suggest the “Heart Lotus Mantra.” Play or recite this 11 times morning and 11 times before going to bed.  and if you believe in mantras do heart lotus mantra 11 times in the morning and 11 times in the evening before bed , eat on time  easy to digest food , if you prefer non-vegetarian diet start eating chicken broth cooked with mums masala, soma salt, olive oil everyday. Do early massage with ashwagandha and magnesium oil every other day.

The post Depression and Sleeplessness appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

I was very surprised to hear about the dangerous effects of repeatedly using castor oil on the skin.

I have used castor oil packs on my body for years, and had very satisfactory results. Also I have applied castor oil to my feet to help combat nail fungus. Do you advise me to stop both these practices?

Thank you for your informative newsletter. Marcia

Vaidya Replies:

Dear Marcia: after having done extensive research on castor oil, in my opinion, long-term use of castor oil negatively impacts the health of the nerves. In your case, since you have been applying it on your skin, it may impact the nerve endings of your skin. Try to substitute castor oil with other oils, such as almond, or jojoba oil. For your fungus, I have formulated a Cassia tora Plus spray, and a Cassia tora lotion. You can first apply the Cassia tora plus spray to clean the toenails gently. This can be done at night. After that you apply the Cassia tora lotion. This may help you, without giving you side effects in the long-term, without damaging your nerves and nerve-endings.  You can call our office and ask for a complimentary sample kit to try it out. Cassia tora seeds are very famous in Ayurveda for addressing fungus in a healthy way. Alternately, fungus occurs due to several reasons, but also due to poor circulation on our toes and finger nails where toxins can get stuck. May I suggest you adopt a good oil to massage your hands and feet twice daily, morning and evening, and keep circulation flowing.

The post Castor oil and Toe-nail Fungus appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Dear Dr Mishra

I am 51 and I suffer from Rosacea and pustules – please what would you recommend. My skin condition on my face is gradually getting worse. I am vegetarian and only have 2 cups of tea daily. Also drink jeera and sonf water also green tea. Drink Lassi as well. Eat lots of fruit and veg and have cut back on bread, fried foods, spices and chillies. What else can I do to help myself. Also I have a creaky knee and dry eyes sometimes watery with floaters. Can ghee with triphala help my eyes?

Many thanks

Amarjeet

Vaidya replies:

I think you would greatly benefit from an over-the-phone ayurvedic consultation with SVA expert Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum. But, in the meantime, from what you write, it looks like you are doing some things that are provoking your pitta dosha. As per Ayurveda, both rosacea and your eye problem are due to pitta aggravation. Your rosacea indicates bhrajak pitta aggravation, which gets further aggravated when you expose yourself to the sun. Your eye problem is due to alochak pitta aggravation. Both these pitta sub-doshas are rooted in the pachak pitta of the stomach, and the ranjak pitta of the liver. Anything hot and spicy, foods or drinks, will aggravate your bhrajak pitta of the skin, and alochak pitta of the eyes.

• My first recommendation would be for you to stop eating hot and spicy food. 
• Second: always eat on time – eat every 3-4 hours.
• Then: pacify your pitta by using my SVA Pitta Masala in your cooking.
• You can also try out my SVA pitta tea instead of the “jeera and saunf tea” you are drinking. The pitta tea is a balanced mixture of herbs and spaces that will target all your pitta subdoshas and give cooling relief.
• Mind the sun: when bhrajak pitta is aggravated, your sensitivity to the sun increases. When pachak pitta and ranjak pitta are aggravated you will experience additional pitta imbalances affecting other organs, as well as your overall mood, and setting things into a circle of imbalance that may be hard to break out of or reverse, unless you use the proper steps. In this picture, the key is to cool your liver without freezing it! Less exposure to the sun will definitely help with this. Along with the list of all these other tips I am giving you.

• Eat warming foods and spices that will not freeze your pitta organs. This is a very delicate balance to achieve, but that’s the objective of my SVA Pitta Masala and SVA Pitta Tea. For the Pitta Tea, use 1 teaspoon per 8 oz water, drink a cup twice a day.
• In addition, apply DGL Transdermal Cream on the stomach area and the liver (on the right side below your rib cage) after lunch and dinner.
• Also apply DGL Transdermal cream on your liver before going to bed.
• Make sure you have good bowel movements daily, because good bowel movements release the toxic pitta accumulated in your physiology on a daily basis. If your bowel movements are not good, if they tend to be slower, use Triphala for high pitta – 1 or two capsules at night before bed. Ideally, you should have at least one if not two good bowel movements every day.
• Never skip or delay meals – as this will unnecessarily further aggravate your pitta.
• Don’t go out in the sun for extended exposure. Protect yourself when you do.
• Specifically don’t go out in the sun  when you are hungry or thirsty or emotionally upset! In SV Ayurveda, we capitalize on a total holistic approach. Although rosacea and your eye problem are manifesting in the skin and the eyes, you need to address the root of your problems rather than the symptomatic expressions of it. The root lies in your stomach and your liver.
• The third main factor in your situation is your “sadhak pitta” – the pitta subdosha which governs the emotional heart. When your sadhak pitta is high, it also aggravates your alochak pitta, as well as your bhrajak pitta. This is one reason why, when people are angry, their face and eyes turn red. To pacify your sadhak pitta, use the SVA Samadhi Set with Ashoka (not Arjuna). Apply some Ashoka cream or roll-on on your talahridiya marma, or heart marma points. You can also apply the SVA cooling Aloe Sandalwood cream  on your rosacea areas on your face -  a very thin layer. At night, apply a very thin layer of Triphala ghee on your temples and eyelids before going to bed.

Try these and let us know. To reach Dr. Teitelbaum for an ayurvedic consult, call: 1.856.786.3300. Thank you.

The post Bhrajak, Alochak and Sadhak Pitta Out! appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.