What is Noni?

Noni - Morinda citrifolia, its sanskrit name is Aashyuka. Common name Indian Mulberry.

Why Noni Juice?
"It is a well-know fact that the body absorbs liquids faster and more effectively than solids. Absorption is a very important thing to consider when taking natural supplements."

Reasons to Drink Noni Juice by Dr. Neil Solomon M.D. Ph.D.

1. Prevent and Protect Against Cancer -- Morinda citrifolia might exert a preventative and protective action against cancer during the initiation stage, which is the first phase of the formation of the cancer. Many feel antioxidant activity is an important function of Noni juice and one of the reasons so many people have reported success with cancer while using the juice.

2. Alleviates Symptoms of Arthritis -- There are several ways in which Noni may alleviate the undesirable symptoms of arthritis. Pain is the number one complaint with arthritis. Because Noni has analgesic qualities, it can help relieve this pain. Morinda citrifolia has also been shown to contain scopoletin, which has anti-inflammatory and histamine-inhibiting effects, both of which are excellent for the promotion of smooth joint movement. The cellular-enhancing qualities of Noni may also minimize damage to the joints and other involved tissues.

3. Fights Heart Disease -- Noni juice can help with high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Some scientists believe that Xeronine can help promote a healthy cell structure within the circulatory system. Noni juice can also lessen the symptoms of heart disease.

4. Lowers High Blood Pressure -- In my research, 85 percent of Noni juice drinkers reported decreased blood pressure while drinking Noni juice.

5. Strengthens the Immune System -- Noni juice boosts the overall immune system of the body and helps to maintain optimal health. Noni may help modulate a healthy immune system by either enhancing an already functioning system, by stimulating the components of a sluggish one, or by decreasing an overactive immune system. The mechanism by which Noni can do these different functions is called Adatogenisis.

6. Reduces Symptoms of Fibromyalgia -- Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia experience loss of energy. An increase in energy from Noni is a very positive side effect from the juice. Seventy0seven percent of people with fibromyalgia reported lessened symptoms after they began drinking Noni juice.

7. Fortifies Cell Structure -- Noni is believed to fortify and maintain cell structure. This can be accomplished by Noni helping the body heal itself and because Noni can aid "sick" cells in repairing themselves.

8. Helps Control Diabetes -- Noni can aid in the regulation of insulin secretion by the pancreas, helping control diabetes. Drinking Noni may also help relieve diabetic symptoms through its ability to stimulate the body's production of nitric oxide. Both may also be important factors in decreasing symptoms such as poor circulation and vision problems.

9. Reduces Symptoms of Asthma -- Noni may help in reducing the severity of the symptoms of asthma by boosting and modulating the immune system and enhancing the cellular structure of the bronchioles.

10. Fights Depression -- Noni's ability to modulate natural bio-chemicals such as brain hormones might be why many people have felt less depress after drinking Noni juice.

11. Offers Pain Relief -- Some scientists believe that Noni is associated with the body's production of a very important biochemical known as serotonin, which may involve the xeronine system that is believed to promote the body's ability to ward off pain.

12. Helps Promote Weight Loss -- Noni may help you lose weight by promoting better sleep, aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels, and by boosting the number of antioxidants in the body.

13. Helps Control ADHD -- Noni may be helpful for this condition in both children and adults thought its ability to modulate the production of some of he chemicals in the brain as well as increase overall cellular health in the brain.

14. Helps Treat Migraines -- Preliminary results show that there is a non/serotonin relationship. Studies suggest that Noni juice was clinically helpful in the treatment of migraines.

15. Successful in the Treatment of Addictions -- Noni juice has been said to be successful in the treatment of addictions to heroine, cocaine, marijuana, nicotine, alcohol, prescription drug use and caffeine.

16. Protects Against Strokes -- Noni may help inhibit premature coagulation in the blood, preventing platelets form clumping together into clots associated with strokes.

17. Lowers Cholesterol -- Noni is a potent free radical scavenger that can contribute to lower cholesterol levels and prevents LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) from oxidizing.

18. Increases Memory -- Noni may be used by the brain to encode long-term memory and enhance blood flow to the brain.

19. Strengthens the Nervous System -- Noni functions as a "messenger molecule" that may allow nerve cells in the body and the brain to communicate effectively.

20. Encourages Detoxification -- Noni can increase the rate of liver detoxification by more than 50 percent.

21. Improves Skin Condition -- Noni can be used topically. Its anti-inflammatory and histamine-inhibiting effects can help fight allergies, skin conditions and inflammation

http://www.worldnoni.org

Fresh Mint Tea

Peppermint is the most stimulating of all the mint varieties.
It is cooling,little pungent and great for colds, sore throat, headaches, nervous agitation and improving digestion.

Fresh Mint tea recipe

1. Rinse the mint leaves well.
2. Roughly tear the leaves with your hands and place them in a teapot.
3. Bring the water to a boil let it rest for 30 seconds .
4. Gently bruise the mint leaves with a wooden spoon, to release oils.
5. Add the hot water to the leaves in the teapot.
6. Cover the teapot and let the leaves steep for at least 5 minutes.
7. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste if desired.

The Sola Yoga Project in Afghanistan

The Sola Yoga Project is an initiative with the purpose of bringing yoga and meditation to Afghanistan and its surrounding region. By using these ancient methods of peace and wellbeing, Afghanistan's population will be able to create a sustainable model of non-violence for future generations.

Ayurvedic Spice Milk

Milk provides a unique nutritional value that cannot be derived from any other type of food. Milk, when digested properly, nourishes tissues, promotes balanced emotions, and helps to balance all the doshas. It is one of the most important foods to promote ojas.

Ojas been a refined substance the body produces from the most subtle level of proper digestion. Ojas brings strength, strong immunity, happiness, and contentment according to Ayurveda. Therefore milk is a very important food to include regularly in one's diet especially if you follow a vegetarian lifestyle.

In order to digest milk properly, one should avoid drinking cold milk right out of the refrigerator. Milk should be brought to a boil. Allow the milk to foam up and then bring the heat down so the milk is on a slow boil for about 5 to 10 minutes. Heating the milk changes the molecular structure of the milk so it is much easier for human consumption and it reduces kapha, making it lighter to digest. While cooking it you may add a pinch of ground turmeric, a pinch of ground black pepper, a cinnamon stick, or a few pinches of ginger to reduce the heaviness of the milk and reduce any mucous causing side effect.

Vedic Spice Milk Recipe
-whole organic milk
-turmeric
-saffron
-cinnamon
-black pepper
-powered ginger
-green cardamom
-sugar

In the Spring season I would boil 2 cups water with one cup milk ,add saffron as it is your most delicate flavour and then add a pinch of the rest of the ingredients. Slow boil for about 5-8 minutes. Great for kids.

Massage oils for Vata, Pita, Kapha

Medicated Oils for Dosha Type

* Vata (Air)–Carriers: sesame oil, almond oil. Ashwagandha, bala, dashamoola.
* Pitta (Fire)–Carriers: sunflower,sesame,coconut. Bhringaraj, neem,manjistha,white sandalwood.
* Kapha(Earth/Water) – Carriers: sesame, almond. Calamus (vaccha),red sandalwood, tulsi.

Food Medicine

Food is the chief of all material things. It is the medicine for all kinds of disease. From food all things are born.

~ Taittriya Upanishad

Ayurvedic Cooking Retreats - Govinda Valley Sydney

Health Benefits of Masala Chai

Difference between Chai and Ayurvedic Chai

About 10 years ago I started blending my own spices for Winter Chai
(A recipe from my Ayurvedic Teacher).

So what is the difference between Ayurvedic Chai and normal chai?.

The differences is the spices. When we boil the spices in water, it has a detoxifying and cleansing actions.

Sugar and milk provide nourishing and tissue building elements, while Assam black tea is invigorating when prepared in this way.

Ayurvedic Chai is detoxifying,rejuvenating, warming and mucus reducing.

Recipe -Winter Ayurvedic Chai

To 2 cups water

add

1/2 inch fresh grated Ginger

3 green Cardamom pods

1 Black Cardamom pod

1/2 ts Ajwain seeds

1/2 ts Cinnamon powder or 1/2 inch stick

1/4 ts Black pepper

boil for a few mins

add 2 ts raw sugar

add 1 1/2 ts Assam loose tea (not green tea)

immediately add non homogenised milk

let it boil for few mins

serve warm

Art of Chai

The best cup of chai is one that you make, as you will make it just the way you like it.

YOGAWOMAN FILM TRAILER

Treatment Menu

Jajute Ayurvedic Wellness embraces a holistic approach to your well-being. Inspired by India's ancient healing philosophy Ayurveda, our treatments are based upon the principle of restoring balance and harmony to the mind and body.

All Jajute treatments start with a welcome foot ritual to prepare you for a memorable experience into the world of Ancient Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Consultation
Improve your current health and well-being with an Ayurvedic consultation.
The consultation entails:
• A detailed health evaluation using traditional Ayurvedic assessment tools such as pulse and tongue analysis.
• An individual analysis of your own unique Doshic constitution.

A personally tailored programme will be created to suit your needs.
This will include:
- Diet, nutrition and lifestyle suggestions
- Suggestions as beneficial Ayurvedic herbs and spices
- Simple tips for everyday life to assist in improving your health and well-being
- Recommendations on healing Ayurvedic treatments and alternative therapies

1 hour Consultation $70
30 minutes Follow Up $30


Ayurvedic Body Treatments

Abhyanga (Full Body massage)

A full body massage using warm Organic Black Sesame Oil to sooth, calm and nurture the body. This massage detoxifies, stimulates the immune system and strengthens the nervous system. The skin is nourished and rejuvenated by the medicinal oils and leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and deeply relaxed.

Duration 1 hour Cost $70

Ayurvedic Massage with Marma point therapy

A traditional Ayurvedic massage using warm medicated oils, specific strokes and energy point work designed to suit your individual constitution. This invigorating massage will nourish the body's tissues, improve circulation and energy flow, restoring natural balance to your body, mind and spirit.

Duration 1 hour Cost $75


Rejuvenating Head and Shoulder massage

This ancient scalp, face, shoulder and upper back technique helps to stimulate the body's own natural healing mechanisms.

30 minutes $45

Kati Basti (Muscular skeletal back treatment)

A unique warm oil treatment for the lower back which can be helpful in treating all lower back ailments including acute and chronic pain, nerve disorders, and sciatica. A dam made of dough is placed over the affected area and filled with warm medicated oil which penetrates deep into the tissues and muscle. After the oil is removed a back and spinal massage is given.

Duration 50 minutes Cost $85


Ayurvedic Facial Treatments


Shirodhara- Forehead Oil Flow Treatment

A blissful treatment begins with a relaxing hand and foot massage, then a steady stream of warm oil is gently poured in a rhythmical movement over the central Chakra point on the forehead for approximately 20 minutes . This is then followed by an Indian head massage. Hair and scalp are deeply nourished by herbal infused and balancing oils. Great for those suffering from headaches, anxiety, stress, insomnia or depression.

Duration 1 hour Cost $95 or 3 treatment for $250



Mukhabhyanga - Traditional Ayurvedic Face Lift Massage

During this gentle facial massage and Ayurvedic herbal application, all of the 37 marma points on the head, neck and face will be awakened offering an increase of vital life force energy to the area. This awakening will promote clarity of the mind, shining eyes, clear senses and improved complexion.

Duration 1 hour - $70

“Variety is the spice of life”

Ayurveda, has been praising spices as "wonder-foods" for thousands of years.

Clove

Recently I read that City Council inspectors were advising home owners that were affected by the Brisbane floods, to use Clove oil to stop mould forming. He advised to keep away from chlorine bleaches to clean mould as it only 'bleaches' the colour out and does not kill the mould. "It'll be back in a few weeks," he said. "CLOVE OIL is the best!"
Clove has powerful antiseptic properties and should be used with care. Clove oil actually inhibits mould by attacking and killing the spores.

Cloves are definitely one of the most distinct herbs in most curries. In Ayurvedic medicine Cloves are used as an antiseptic, expectorant, aesthetic, working well on the kidneys, the spleen and the stomach.

Some make a combination of cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon, and marjoram for a hot tea that helps bronchitis, asthma, coughs, a tendency to infection, tuberculosis, altitude sickness, nervous stomach, nausea, diarrhoea, flatulence, indigestion, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, and depression. Sometimes people mix cloves with hot water, again making a tea and claim that it helps them get a good night’s sleep.

Cloves and ginger is a sure way to settle the stomach and stop vomiting. If you combine equal parts of cloves and basil it is supposed to detox meals from the body. Cloves have been used for failing eyesight and tooth problems. It was used for earaches very often throughout history as putting a little warmed oil of clove on a piece of cotton and in your ear was certain to rid any earache. Mostly, cloves are known for being warm and spicy but also have a strong relationship with pain relief, easing nausea and vomiting, and improving digestion. Cloves also kill intestinal parasites and act as an antimicrobial agent against fungi and bacteria. It has also been suggested that cloves have antihistamine properties as well.

All these great benefits from a little herb that looks like a nail.

Picture-plantguide.org

Curing a Cold

Winter months bring with it colds and flu, both are a kapha-vata disorders. The body builds up excess cold and moisture (kapha qualities), resulting in congestion, runny nose, and excess vata, which reduces agni, leading to chills, loss of appetite, and poor digestion.

Remedy:

Try ginger. It’s the best remedy for colds. Drink ginger tea, or try a ginger steam treatment. Boil one teaspoon powdered ginger in a pint of water. Turn off the stove, put a towel over your head, and inhale the steam through your nostrils for about 5 minutes. This will relieve congestion and help you feel much better.

Echinacea Tea can be used to treat the common cold, influenza outbreaks and mild to moderate infections of all kinds. This is due to echinacea's actions in boosting the immune system.

Take vitamin C.

Use natural nose drops- Lubricates the nasal passages and relieve the irritation.

Drink hot water. Drinking hot water several times a day removes toxins from the system and speeds up your recovery time.

Avoid dairy products. Strictly avoid dairy products, including yoghurt, cheese, milk, and ice cream, until your congestion clears up.

Why Is Your Appetite Stronger in the Winter?
In response to cold weather, the body constricts the skin pores,therefore preventing heat loss, which directs the heat away from the peripheral tissues and into the body’s core, including the stomach. Agni (therefore,your appetite) becomes stronger in winter. However, if kapha or vata are provoked, agni plummets, leaving you more susceptible to colds, poor circulation, joint pains, and negative emotions.

Vastra - Interview with David Wolfe

Ayurvedic Digestive Tea--Recipe

Digestive Tea for all dosha( body constitution)

1 finely sliced ginger
1 liquorice stick
1 cardamom
1 cinnamon stick
Put all ingredients to pot of boiling water and steep for 20 minutes on low heat

Tridosha Chai Tea

Recipe

Tridosha Chai Tea

A half to 1 teaspoon of each of the following:
Coriander – good for skin diseases, colic, rheumatism
Cardamom – reduces caffeine toxicity, helps coughs and asthma
Fennel – relieves heartburn and nausea
Cinnamon – good for circulation, nerves, joints, congestion
Spearmint – helps nausea and promotes sleep

Winter - Vata Season

Autumn /Winter are seasons where Vata dosha needs a little taking care of.

During this season the same qualities that characterize Vata: cold, dry, light, clear, and movement, are all present.

As long as these qualities are in balance, a person whose dosha is predominantly Vata will be healthy, creative, and exuberant. But when too much Vata accumulates in the body and mind, the imbalance may manifest as physical or emotional disorders, including insomnia, dry skin, arthritis, constipation, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.

Tips in staying balance-

- have frequent small meals.
- take plenty of hot soups
- Eat foods that are warming, fresh, and well cooked; avoid dry or uncooked foods (especially salads and raw fruits and vegetables).
- Drink lots of warming liquids such as hot water and herbal teas to prevent dehydration.
- Drink herbal tea eg ginger and tulsi.
- Eat more of the sweet, sour, and salty tastes and less of the bitter, astringent, and pungent ones. Avocados, bananas, mangoes, peaches, lemons, pumpkins, carrots, beets, asparagus, quinoa, rice, mung beans, almonds, sesame seeds, and ghee are a few excellent Vata-pacifying foods.
- Don’t worry if your appetite seems stronger than usual as this is a natural tendency in winter and helps pacify Vata.

Give yourself gentle self-massage in the morning or before bed. Use a nourishing, warming oil such as organic black sesame seed oil . You may also want to gently rub a drop of sesame oil inside your nasal passages, which tend to become dry during winter.
And lastly getting enough sleep is vital for vata, who tend to push themselves to the point of physical or mental exhaustion.