Throughout time, humans have practiced various forms of fasting as a means to better health. In India, a “kitchari cleanse” is a temporary fast, commonly undertaken to reset the digestive system. It involves eating only kitchari prepared with ghee, spices and vegetables tailored to one’s specific dosha as explained by Ayurveda. A kitchari fast for…
The role of kitchari in the diet is far more complex than simply enjoying a delicious bowl for a weeknight meal. It’s used across the spectrum of Ayurvedic and yogic practices for its gentle ability to aid in the detoxification of impurities and toxins that can build up over time in our bodies. A kitchari…
How to Make CCF Tea Mix Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel in equal parts. Add 1 teaspoon CCF tea to one cup of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. Strain and serve. May also use this mix as a seasoning for cooking food. Cumin Coriander Fennel tea (CCF tea)…
Once upon a time in ancient Rome, there was an edible plant known as “Silphium”. It was believed to possess the unusual and highly desirable qualities of being both a contraceptive and an aphrodisiac. This phenomenal plant was cultivated in the oldest Greek city of Cyrene, in North Africa (now Libya) where it was used…
Did you know there’s an old-time secret to a healthy heart? It lies in a simple Ayurvedic preparation known as Arjuna Ksheerapaka. Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), is an herb well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on the heart. In this preparation, the powerful, healing forces of Arjuna are infused into cow’s milk which…
For thousands of years, the Cannabis plant has been used by practitioners of Ayurveda where. It has been part of Indian customs and rituals. For example, during Holi, the festival of colors, a cannabis drink called Bhang is consumed and distributed to the public. This custom is as old as 1000 BC. Apart from its…
Bacopa monnieri is a lovely, flowering herb with small, succulent leaves. It grows in the marshy wetlands of India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It flourishes under water which is why it’s often found in aquariums. Bacopa is known by many names including Indian Pennywort, Thyme-Leaved Gratiola, Herb of Grace, Water Hyssop and…
Nutmeg: Jaiphal – Nutmeg is an aphrodisiac, digestive tonic, very useful even with external application in case of headache, useful in cough, cold, asthma and more. Botanical Name – Myristica fragrans Henlt. Family – Myristicaceae Sanskrit Synonyms: Jatiphala, Malatiphala, Malatisuta – A fruit having fragrans (Jati or Malati means Jasmine, symbolic to fragrance). Soumansayani, Majjasaram…
Ghee is stable fat. It’s great for cooking because unlike butter and some oils, it has a high flash point and won’t easily smoke and burn. Once opened, ghee stores well for several months in a dark, cool pantry or for up to a year in the fridge. However, ghee is not a “forever” fat.…
For thousands of years, the indigenous peoples of India have relied upon the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, a masterful system of holistic health designed to confer balance between mind, body and spirit, promoting strength, peace and well-being to those who follow its guidance. One of the many ways that Ayurveda works to prevent and…