Perfect fruits for your body type-dosha

VATAS need sweet and juicy fruit (bananas, berries, grapes, kiwis, mangoes, melons, oranges, pineapples) and are best avoiding dry or crunchy fruits (raw apples, cranberries, pears, dried fruit and raisins).

PITTAS need sweet, dry fruits (apples, apricots, cherries, dates, figs, melons, prunes, raisins) and should avoid sour, juicy or astringent fruit (bananas, sour berries, grapefruit, lemons, peaches, rhubarb, tamarind, strawberries).
 
KAPHAS do best with dry, sour fruits (apples, apricots, cranberries, grapes, lemons, peaches, pears, prunes, raisins) and should avoid sweet, heavy fruits (bananas, coconut, dates, kiwis, mangoes, melons, oranges, pineapple).

Aloe Vera: The Ayurvedic Miracle Plant

Aloe Vera, or Ghrit Kumari in Sanskrit, is a member of the lily family and is very cactus-like in its characteristics. The leaves contain the clear healing gel that is 96% water. The other four percent contains 75 known substances including Vitamins A, B, C, E, calcium, amino acids for protein building, and enzymes used in the digestive system.
When taken in liquid form it works on weak digestion, low immunity, fatigue, joint pains, vitamin deficiency and dull skin. As a  natural anti-oxidant and blood purifier, Aloe Vera strengthens the immune system and improves digestion. It is a great skin tonic and anti-aeging agent.
It balances all three doshas : it is soothing for vata, cooling for pitta and clearing for kapha. 

Six Senses Spa Recipe to sooth tender and reddish skin. This formula reduces skin temperature and helps repair sun damaged skin.
Ingredients
3 medium blades of Aloe Vera, mashed which will equal to 2 tbsp of fresh aloe gel.
1 tbsp of lavender water
5 drops of essential lavender oil.
1/2 cup of milk
2 pieces of gauze
Directions
Mix the fresh, mashed aloe vera and lavender water together..set aside. Add lavender essential oil to milk and soak the gauze in this, then place in fridge to cool for about 15 minutes. Using gentle  pressure, put one piece of the gauze over the reddish  or sunburned area. Gently pat on the aloe mixture, cover with the remaining gauze and leave for  15 minutes.  After  removing the gauze, use a moisturizing lotion or leave the skin bare.  Repeat once a day until the redness disappears.
If this sounds all to hard ,you can always visit me At Jajute Wellness ..opening soon..lol

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8 Steps to Ageing Gracefully

Recommendations for enhancing spiritual health and wellbeing.

. Pay attention to your breath. Many cultures identify breath with spirit, seeing the breath cycle as the movement of spirit in the physical body.
. Connect with nature. You can do this by walking or sitting in a natural setting. Allow yourself to slow down, drop your usual routines, and just absorbs the influence of the place.
. Make a list of people in your life in whose company you feel more alive, happy, and optimistic. Our spiritual selves resonates with others, and that connection is a healing.
. Bring flowers into your home and enjoy their beauty.
. Listen to music that you find uplifting.
. Admire a work of art that raises your spirits.
. Practice forgiveness
. Do some sort of service work. Give some of your time and energy to help others.
From "Healthy Aging" by Andrew Weil.

Indian Mango Pickle

Mango
Pickle:

Ingredients:
25 large raw mangoes; 

250 grams of garlic, 

250 grams of ginger, 

250 grams pure red chilly powder, 

500 grams of Salt, 

750 grams of Til oil, (sesame)

2 T spoons mustard seeds, 

1 T spoons methi seeds, 

½ T spoon asafetida.



Method:

Cut mangoes , into 10 piece each. Wipe
the mango pieces dry. Peel garlic and ginger. Grind them
separately into fine paste. Mix the chilly powder and salt
in a bowl. Add garlic and ginger pastes and mix well. Make
a well in the center. Heat oil. Add mustard seeds, methi
seeds and asafetida. Pour this into the well in the chilly
powder mixture. Let it cool. Put a handful of mangoes into
the masala. Mix them in it, lift out and pack into pickle
jar. Continue doing this till all the pieces are covered
with masala and packed. Make the jar airtight and store.
This pickle lasts for one year.

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10 Reasons to Eat Coconut

1.Ayurveda considers coconut a natural stress-buster.
2.Combined with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, coconut is not only delicious and versatile, but also heals the digestive system and promotes better metabolism.
3. The juice of tender coconut has been billed "the world's safest natural soft drink" for being a nutritious thirst-quencher.
4.Coconut has kapha keshya properties -- that is, it improves hair quality. In Southern India, women apply coconut oil to their hair every day-which gives them long, lustrous locks.
5. Coconut is good for curing stomach disorders related to aggravation of pitta dosha.
6. Due to its soma-enhancing or nurturing value, coconut heals hot flashes and restores emotional stability in menopausal women.
7. Coconut improves the complexion. You can make coconut-based skin packs at home.
8.Coconut is traditionally considered a wound healer, especially effective at preventing the formation of scars if applied topically.
9.There is a word called karshan meaning "that which supports the body to stay slim by enhancing fat metabolism." Recent research suggests that coconut is good for burning fat and lowering cholesterol- and it is clearly written in ayurveda that the oil has karshan properties.
10. Coconut helps detoxify and flush toxins out of the body.

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Healthy Hummus

Vata- Easier to digest the whole chickpeas
Pitta and Kapha- this dish is well suited

Healthy Hummus Recipe
250g cooked chickpea
2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
1.5 tbsp water
1 tsp ground cumin
2 small clove of garlic, peeled
1.5-2 tsp tahini(sesame seed paste)
2.5-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Blend all the ingredients together to make a fine paste. Season to taste.
This is a great dish for Kapha and Pitta,  and even vata as the pured chickpeas are digestible.  

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Spice your life- Fennel

In ayurveda, fennel is regarded as one of the most sattvic
spices. It pacifies Vata and Pitta, and is helpful for digestion
for Kapha in small quantities.
Fennel is a sweet tasting cooling spice.
This spice is wonderful for enhancing the digestive
agni(fire). Eating fennel seeds after a meal helps
digestion and freshens the breath. Fennel is also helpful for
facilitating cleansing.
Fennel combines well with other ayurvedic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, clove, and cardamom.
Fennel seeds can be sautéed in ghee and added to prepared dishes
at the end. Sautéing in ghee releases the rich aroma and
flavor of fennel, and ghee also works as a carrier to help transport
the therapeutic benefit of the spice to the cells and tissues
of the body.

Fennel Tea is soothing for the stomach and digestive system.

Turmeric Milk

In Ayurveda,  turmeric is described as an all-purpose cleanser. It is prescribed as a cure for cough. Heat a spoonful of turmeric mildly on a hot plate, dissolve it in hot milk, or just boil the turmeric in hot milk. Consuming this preparation will cure the most chronic of coughs.

Another ayurvedic treatment for cough involves a fresh preparation made from a pinch of turmeric powder mixed with half a spoonful of honey. Consume this preparation several times a day.

The idea is to allow the preparation to remain in contact with the throat for as long as possible. Turmeric cleanses veins and arteries of the circulatory system.

Turmeric is also considered an antiseptic and a great disinfectant. Heat a spoonful of turmeric and mix it with mustard oil- apply it to the affected body part for the prescribed period of time.

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Rooibos Red Tea

Red tea is not a tea in true sense, but an herbal
tisane from aspalathus linearis plant, which is grown in South Africa.
It is locally known as rooibos and is famous for number of health benefits.

Red tea is loaded with polyphenols that provides your body with anti-viral,  and anti-inflammatory properties.
Red tea intake on regular basis helps in combating stress. In addition, it helps in reliving nervous tension and blood pressure problem.

Red tea is rich in calcium, fluoride, and magnesium content. These mineral helps in getting stronger bones and teeth. It protects teeth from decaying in a simple and an easy way.

Red tea contains zinc and alpha hydroxyl acid, which proves very effective in getting health glowing skin  .You can even apply the red tea powder directly over the sunburns, acnes, pimples and on other skin related disorder.

Since red tea is loaded with anti-spasmodic agents, regular intake of this herbal drink can effectively cure stomach cramps and abdominal pain.



You would be glad to know that regular consumption of red tea helps in slowing down the aging process of body. At the same time, it helps in increasing the immunity level of body.

Red tea also proves highly effective in treating allergies like eczema, bronchitis, and hay fever.

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Kheer - Indian Rice Pudding

Satisfying
Rice Pudding (Kheer)

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Water
• 1/2 Cup Basmati
  Rice
• 4 Cups Whole Milk
• 1 tsp. Chopped
  dates
• 2 tsp. Cashews
  or pistachios
• 3 small pieces
  green cardamom, crushed
• 1 tsp. Sugar (or
  to taste)

Directions:

Soak rice in water for 2 hours. Boil milk. Add rice and all other ingredients.
Boil slowly for 30 minutes or more until the mixture reaches a slightly
thick consistency,  It will thicken a little
more when you let it cool.

Ayurvedic traditions suggests that sweets should be eaten  during the main meal rather than the end  as it may lead to  congestion or sinus problems.  This meal is a very nutritious dish  great for vata dosha. 

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Indian Spicy Spinach-Saag Recipe

(Indian spiced spinach)

Saag, or palak, dishes are spiced spinach purees common in northern India. They often contain additional ingredients such as potatos, fresh cheese, chicken or chickpeas to make a more substantial dish. Saag makes a tasty and nourishing meal when paired with chapati or naan.

4 to 6 servings

• Oil or ghee -- 2 tablespoons
• Onion, chopped -- 1
• Garlic, minced -- 6 cloves
• Gingerroot, minced -- 1 tablespoon
• Coriander, ground -- 2 teaspoons
• Turmeric -- 1/2 teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper (optional) -- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon
• Spinach, chopped -- 1 pound
• Water -- 1 cup
• Salt -- 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Yogurt -- 1 cup
• Cream (optional) -- 1/4 cup

Method

1. Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot or saucepan over medium flame. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic, ginger and spices and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the spinach, water and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, allow to cool a bit. Then use a blender or food processor to puree in batches.
4. Return the puree to the pot. Add a little water if necessary and simmer another 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Stir in yogurt and return to brief simmer and immediately remove from heat. Stir in the optional cream, adjust seasoning and serve.In

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Brahmi for Stress Relieve

The Brahmi Herb

(Ayurvedic Herb)

LATIN NAME:

Bacopa monnieri

Brahmi herb is also known as Indian Pennywort.

Brahmi herb has gained world wide recognition as a memory booster, for promoting mind alertness and is widely used as an antioxidant and in improving the brain cell functions.

It is used as a herbal brain tonic to rejuvenate the body and as a nerve tonic to promote the memory. It helps to overcome the negative effects of stress and improves the memory. It induces a sense of calm and peace for those who suffer from stress and nervous anxiety while at the same time invigorates the mental processes.

The herb is used for cleansing the blood, has an extremely positive effect on blood circulation and the function of the liver, lungs and kidneys. It is also believed to stimulate hair, skin, and nail growth.

Many holistic health care

providers prefer brahmi to be used internally and externally. For its external use, brahmi stress reliever can be applied onto the head and forehead (as Brahmi Oil) as a head massage. This has soothing and peaceful effects onto the brain and hence is useful in treating various problems including sleeplessness and mental distress.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Women who are taking estrogen replacement therapy or who are on birth control pills should not use Brahmi.

Lotus

To keep the body in good health is a duty, for otherwise we shall not be able to trim the lamp of wisdom, and keep our mind strong and clear. Water surrounds the Lotus Flower, but does not wet its petals.....Buddha

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Our Daily Bread

The Classical Wheat Roti

• Wholesome and is sweet in taste
• Relieves constipation
• Rich in fiber
• Balances vata and pitta
• Nourishing

Ingredients:

1. Wheat flour – 2 cups
2. Rock salt – 1 pinch
3. Warm water – Sufficient quantity
   

Preparation:

1. Add a pinch of salt to the wheat flour and mix.
2. Gradually add warm water to the flour and knead the dough.
3. Keep it aside for ½ an hour
4. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out individually to make pizza like shape.
5. You may use dry flour to dust the roti while rolling, to prevent the dough from sticking on the surface.
6. Roast the roti on a heated pan
7. Roast it on both sides till it is completely cooked
8. Smear some ghee on both sides
9. It is now ready to be served along with suitable soups or curries of choice

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Ginger

 Botanical Name -Zingiber officinale

Ginger is probably one of the world's favourite medicines and cooking ingredients. Ginger root has been used in Ayurveda for centuries and its fresh pungent flavour makes it an essential spice for Indian and Asian cuisine.
Most  ayurvedic formulations have ginger as an ingredient because its believed to enhance the healing properties of other herbs.

Part used:    Root. [In Ayurveda, distinction is made between fresh ginger root and dried ginger root. Its said that they have different action and effect inside the body when consumed. For example, in conditions like nausea and digestive disorders fresh ginger is suggested,  while dry ginger is suggested for chronic respiratory illnesses, neurological cases etc..]

Powerful anti inflammatory and antibacterial agent. Ginger root contains large amounts of a oil, zingiberene, which gives the spice its anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Ginger cures

Painful joints    Mix 3 drops essential oil of ginger root and 1 teaspoon of almond oil. Rub on inflamed or painful joints and cover with a dry cloth to hold in the heat.

Asthma    A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed in a cup of fenugreek tea made with 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and honey to taste acts as an excellent expectorant in cases of asthma.

Bronchitis    Take a mixture of half a teaspoon each of powdered ginger, pepper and cloves three times daily with honey or as an infusion or tea.

 Eat fresh ginger just before lunch and dinner to enhance digestion. Not only does ginger stoke the digestive fire, it whets the appetite, improves assimilation and transportation of nutrients to targeted body tissues, and clears the micro circulatory channels of the body. The few situations in which ginger is contraindicated are in cases of hyperacidity, during any form of hemorrhage (including menstruation), vertigo and chronic skin disease.
Other than in these situations, ginger is an excellent spice that can be used daily.

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Colds and Cough

Blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing, congestion, headaches and fever are all symptoms of the common cold.
Causes
The aggravation of kapha due to the intake of cold food, drinks and fried foods causes cough. Seasonal changes is also one of the reasons for cough. Improper digestion of food transforms into a mucus toxin (Ama) and this circulates through the body and reaches the respiratory system, where it causes colds and coughs.

Home Remedies

• Take half a teaspoon of ginger juice with half a teaspoon of honey, three times a day (morning, noon and night). In winter, warm the mixture by mixing a teaspoon of warm water in it.
• Mix half a cup of warm water with one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey.
  Dosage: Take several times a day.
• In cases of dry cough (especially during the night), peel a small piece of fresh ginger. Sprinkle some sugar on it and chew.
• Take equal amounts of cardamom, ginger powder, black pepper and cinnamon (1 teaspoon each). Add sugar equal to the total amount of mixture and grind to make a fine powder.
  Dosage: Take half a teaspoon twice daily, with honey or warm water after meals.
• In cases of sore throat, a clove or two cardamoms or a few raisins can be chewed.Gargling with warm salty water two to three times a day is also beneficial.

Try to avoid fry foods, milk products, cold foods and drinks . Keep warm.

• 
  

Veg Thali

Thali-is an Indian meal with contents varying from one regional cuisine to another.
Typical dishes include rice,dhal, vegetables, chapati, papad, yogurt, small amounts of chutney and a sweet dish to top it off. This is your typical six taste ayurvedic meal.
(Kasustav Bhattacharya's thali meal)

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Ayurvedic approach to cooking

In a traditional Indian household , the kitchen is the most sacred place. Since everything in creation is deemed to have a soul, everything is entitled to be treated with respect- especially food.

Preparing a meal is pure creation. Transforming hard, indigestible food into a delicious meal that is easy to digest is an art form. Many factors affect the final outcome including the mental state of the cook, the quality of the ingredients, the combination of the ingredients, the cooking method, the type of pan and the source of heat. Cook with love and reap the rewards!

Cooking methods

The vibration of the heat affects the vibrational quality of the food; quick and light cooking creates more dynamic food whilst slow and low heat cooking creates a more mellow and grounded meal.

Generally speaking, more watery food is better for thin and dry vata types and less good for heavy set kapha types; oily food is better for vata and the less good for hot pitta types who are prone to having oily skin and kapha types who carry too much fat, and drier food is better for kapha less good for vata.
These are based on degrees of moistness, oiliness and dryness.

Steam - makes the meal soft and moist and enhances the flavours of the
vegetables. Benefits vata, pitta and kapha.

Water sauté - makes the meal more watery, softer. Benefits vata. Also fine for pitta and kapha.

Stir-fry - adds heat and vitality to a meal. Can aggravate pitta.

Oven cooking - more of a drying and heating effect on foods. Baking, rather than roasting is better for reducing kapha as this is a more drying. Roasting is a bit oily and can aggravate pitta and kapha.

Cook with love and peace Fez

What is Yoga?

What is Yoga?

According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra

*" It is a series of exercises that promotes neuromuscular integration."
*"It is a system of healing that complements Ayurveda perfectly, having originated at the same time , in the same place, with same goal."
*"It is a time-tested regimen that balances all three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha.

Ayurveda and yoga are sister Vedic sciences that have been united for thousands of years for the sake of healing body, mind, and consciousness. Generally speaking, Ayurveda deals more with the health of the body, while yoga deals with purifying the mind and consciousness, but in reality they complement and embrace each other.
MYYOGAONLINE

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Ayurveda: Balance and Bliss

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Living an Ayurvedic Lifestyle

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Wholesome foods

The Six Taste Vegi Bowl- Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent and astringent

http://www.flickr.com/photos/roboppy/2801922694/in/photostream/

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Cooling Drink -Sharbat

According to Ayurveda the summer period is when Kapha dosha is reduced and vata dosha is increased. Due to the severe heat we tend to get dehydrated so it is important to have lots to fluids ...sweet drinks like sharbat are traditionally drank in India to cool the body...

Sharbat is a popular Indian "juice" that is prepared from fruits or flower petals. It is sweet and served chilled. It can be in concentrate form and eaten with a spoon or mixed with water to create the drink. Sharbats enrich our blood with enzymes, minerals and vitamins. Today, when we put great stress on being fit, the old traditional sharbat is well suited to cater to the fast lifestyle.

Recipes for Lemon Sharbat is as easy as mixing Fresh lemons , sugar and chill water. You can do the same for Passionfruit Sharbat just add passionfruit juice and seeds with sugar and water....so easy and so good

	MANGO PEACH GINGER (makes about 2 cups) ½ in fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced 1 large mango, peeled and pitted 2 peaches, peeled and pitted 8 -10 ice cubes	Process all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Fez

Summer Meals

During Summer when our body feels hot we want to cool it down. We can do this by drinking cool water, taking a cool shower, a swim in the pool, and by eating seasonal fruits and salads.

How many vegetables should we eat a day? At least 5, a variety of colours and tastes, for the different nutrients found in each.

How much fruit should we eat? The general rule is 2-3 pieces per day, preferably eating a variety of colours, so that we can absorb the variety of vitamins and minerals that come in each type of fruit. Eating fruit before 4pm is best.

Which salads are best? The ones with not only a variety of vegetables, but that also contain ample oils and great flavours to help stimulate our appetite and our digestive system so that all the food will be broken down adequately and all the nutrients will be absorbed.

Oils to use include: olive, flaxseed, grape seed, avocado, sunflower, safflower.

Herbs to use include: coriander, basil, dill, fennel, rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, tarragon, chervil, chives, garlic, pepper etc.