Latest news with #Kapha
News18
2 days ago
- Health
- News18
Modern Minds, Ancient Fixes: Inside Ayurveda's Answer To Anxiety And Brain Fog
Last Updated: With its simple ingredients and lifestyle changes, Ayurveda can help you build calm and resilience amidst the daily chaos. Ever feel like your mind has 20 tabs open, and the real problem isn't the noise, but the fact that you can't tell which one task deserves your attention first? The chaos of modern life doesn't just overwhelm your calendar; it clouds your thinking, drains your focus, and makes even simple decisions feel heavier than they should. Long before therapy apps, trending hacks, or self-help podcasts entered the chat, Ayurveda had already laid out simple, time-tested ways to build calm and resilience. At the heart of this ancient wisdom lies Ashwagandha, a powerful herb that calms the mind and restores balance. Ashwagandha is more than just a natural supplement; in Ayurveda, it's classified as a Rasayana, a rejuvenator of both mind and body. It's known for supporting your nervous system, managing cortisol levels, and improving emotional stability – all without the crash that comes from caffeine or energy drinks. Dr. Govindarajan, Chief Innovation Officer at Kapiva explains what makes Ashwagandha special. He mentions that the benefit of this herb is its long-term effect: it strengthens your inner resilience, making you less reactive to daily stressors and more capable of handling emotional and physical demands with ease. He notes, 'In Ayurveda, stress isn't seen as something that lives only in your head – it's a signal that your entire system is out of sync. Small daily rituals, paired with nature's support, can help realign the mind, body, and spirit." Herbal Support Ashwagandha is often the go-to herb for stress, but Ayurveda also leans on other plant allies. Dr Govindarajan notes, 'Jatamansi helps promote deep relaxation, Brahmi sharpens mental clarity, and Shankhpushpi offers emotional grounding. Together, these herbs create a natural cushion for the nervous system, allowing you to face life's curveballs with calm." Ayurveda teaches that food is fuel for both the body and the mind. Eating in sync with your dosha – whether Vata, Pitta, or Kapha – creates emotional balance from within. Dr Govindarajan suggests, 'For Vata types, warm and grounding foods like stews, root vegetables, and hearty soups help stabilise the mind and body. Pitta types find relief with cooling options such as cucumber, coconut water, and leafy greens. Meanwhile, Kapha types feel lighter and more energised with spiced, light meals like mung bean soup, steamed vegetables, and warming spices such as ginger and turmeric. Adding Ashwagandha to your diet, either as a supplement or mixed into warm milk, can enhance this balance even further." Move, Breathe, and Release Yoga and pranayama (breathwork) are more than fitness – they're stress detox tools. Flows like Surya Namaskar, grounding postures like forward bends, and calming techniques like alternate nostril breathing help clear emotional clutter. Make Friends with Stillness When your mind is racing, sitting quietly can feel impossible. Ashwagandha helps ease the nervous system into a calmer state, making it easier to practice meditation, mindfulness, or even just conscious breathing, helping you reconnect to your centre. Align with Nature's Clock Ayurveda's daily rhythm practice, known as Dinacharya, is a gentle antidote to the high-speed pace of modern life. Rising with the sun, eating at regular intervals, and winding down before 10 p.m. help your body and mind fall into harmony with natural cycles. Create a Sleep Sanctuary Dr Govindarajan explains, 'One of Ayurveda's most nurturing rituals is Abhyanga – a warm oil self-massage before bed. Combine this with dimmed lights, unplugged gadgets, and a calming nighttime routine to signal your body that it's time to switch off. Ashwagandha supports this transition by calming the mind and preparing the body for restful sleep." While stress might be woven into the fabric of modern life, it doesn't have to define your days. Ayurveda offers more than quick fixes – it offers small, meaningful ways to steady yourself, even when the world around you isn't.
India Today
7 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Ashwagandha and Ayurveda: Natural ways to manage stress and boost mental clarity
Ever feel like your mind has 20 tabs open, and the real problem isn't the noise, but the fact that you can't tell which one task deserves your attention first? The chaos of modern life doesn't just overwhelm your calendar; it clouds your thinking, drains your focus, and makes even simple decisions feel heavier than they May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, it's the perfect reminder that stress does not have to be the default setting for modern living. Long before therapy apps, trending hacks, or self-help podcasts entered the chat, Ayurveda had already laid out simple, time-tested ways to build calm and resilience. At the heart of this ancient wisdom lies Ashwagandha, a powerful herb that calms the mind and restores is more than just a natural supplement; in Ayurveda, it's classified as a Rasayana, a rejuvenator of both mind and body. This adaptogenic herb helps your system stay balanced, even when life doesn't. It's known for supporting your nervous system, managing cortisol levels, and improving emotional stability — all without the crash that comes from caffeine or energy drinks. What makes Ashwagandha special is its long-game effect: it strengthens your inner resilience, making you less reactive to daily stressors and more capable of handling emotional and physical demands with ease, with inputs from Dr Govind, Chief Innovation Officer, Rituals That Calm the ChaosIn Ayurveda, stress isn't seen as something that lives only in your head — it's a signal that your entire system is out of sync. Small daily rituals, paired with nature's support, can help realign the mind, body, and spirit:advertisement1. Herbal SupportAshwagandha is often the go-to herb for stress, but Ayurveda also leans on other plant allies. Jatamansi helps promote deep relaxation, Brahmi sharpens mental clarity, and Shankhpushpi offers emotional grounding. Together, these herbs create a natural cushion for the nervous system, allowing you to face life's curveballs with calm.2. Eat to Soothe, Not Stress Ayurveda teaches that food is fuel for both the body and the mind. Eating in sync with your dosha — whether Vata, Pitta, or Kapha — creates emotional balance from within. For Vata types, warm and grounding foods like stews, root vegetables, and hearty soups help stabilise the mind and body. Pitta types find relief with cooling options such as cucumber, coconut water, and leafy greens. Meanwhile, Kapha types feel lighter and more energised with spiced, light meals like mung bean soup, steamed vegetables, and warming spices such as ginger and turmeric. Adding Ashwagandha to your diet, either as a supplement or mixed into warm milk, can enhance this balance even further.3. Move, Breathe, and ReleaseYoga and pranayama (breathwork) are more than fitness — they're stress detox tools. Flows like Surya Namaskar, grounding postures like forward bends, and calming techniques like alternate nostril breathing help clear emotional clutter. Ashwagandha can complement this by building endurance, supporting recovery, and promoting Make Friends with StillnessWhen your mind is racing, sitting quietly can feel impossible. Ashwagandha helps ease the nervous system into a calmer state, making it easier to practice meditation, mindfulness, or even just conscious breathing, helping you reconnect to your centre.5. Align with Nature's Clock Ayurveda's daily rhythm practice, known as Dinacharya, is a gentle antidote to the high-speed pace of modern life. Rising with the sun, eating at regular intervals, and winding down before 10 p.m. help your body and mind fall into harmony with natural cycles. Ashwagandha can support this routine by easing nighttime restlessness and promoting deep, restorative sleep.6. Create a Sleep SanctuaryOne of Ayurveda's most nurturing rituals is Abhyanga — a warm oil self-massage before bed. Combine this with dimmed lights, unplugged gadgets, and a calming nighttime routine to signal your body that it's time to switch off. Ashwagandha supports this transition by calming the mind and preparing the body for restful stress might be woven into the fabric of modern life, it doesn't have to define your days. Ayurveda offers more than quick fixes — it offers small, meaningful ways to steady yourself, even when the world around you isn't. When herbs like Ashwagandha meet mindful daily habits, the journey from feeling scattered to feeling centred becomes less about perfection and more about progress. One breath, one ritual, one moment at a time, you can choose calm.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Simple Indian khichdi can be ultimate detox meal for everyone: Nutritionist reveals 1 golden rule of Ayurveda it follows
The simplicity and versatility of khichdi make it a beloved dish in many Indian households, and its Ayurvedic significance adds to its appeal as a nourishing and healing food. In an interview with HT lifestyle, Shweta Shah, celebrity Ayurvedic nutritionist, and founder of Eatfit24/7, spoke about how when cooked the right way, khichdi 'can become the best medicine'. Also read | Recipe: Here's how to cook khichdi in north, east, west and south Indian styles She said, 'Khichdi is not just a bowl of rice and lentils. In Ayurveda, it is seen as one of the most powerful healing foods. When someone falls sick, feels tired all the time, or has a weak digestive system, the first food often recommended is khichdi. It's warm, soft, and full of nutrition. But more than that — it helps clean the body from inside.' Explaining why khichdi suits almost everyone, Shweta said, 'In Ayurveda, there are three energies or doshas in every body — vata, pitta, and kapha. If these doshas are not balanced, we fall sick or feel low in energy. Khichdi is special because it balances all three. It is warm for calming Vata, soft and gentle for Pitta, and light for Kapha. That's why it suits almost everyone.' When our stomach is weak or upset, we cannot digest heavy food, according to Shweta: 'Ayurveda says that the digestive fire (Agni) becomes slow during sickness. Khichdi is made using moong dal and rice, which are very easy to digest. It gives energy without putting too much load on the stomach.' In Ayurveda, toxins in the body are called 'ama'. Shweta said, 'These toxins make us feel tired, cause bloating, or make us fall sick often. Khichdi, especially when made with ghee, ginger, turmeric, and cumin, helps remove these toxins. It works like a gentle detox, helping the body feel lighter and cleaner.' Even though khichdi is a simple dish, it has everything the body needs. Shweta explained, 'The dal gives protein, rice gives energy, and ghee helps in digestion and healing. When someone is recovering from illness or feels weak, khichdi gives strength without hurting the stomach.' She added, 'One of the best parts about khichdi is that it can be changed according to the season or body type. In winter, we can add warming spices like black pepper or dry ginger. In summer, we can keep it simple and cooling. You can also add vegetables or herbs to make it more healing.' Shweta further said that 'khichdi follows one golden Ayurvedic rule': 'Langhanam paramam aushadham (Light eating is the best medicine).' According to her, if your stomach is upset, you feel tired, or you just want to give your body a break — eat khichdi. She said, 'It is not fancy or modern, but it is time-tested. Simple food, when cooked the right way, becomes the best medicine.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
The treatments for Benign tumors and cysts, as prescribed in Ayurveda
Benign tumors and cysts are common health concerns today, often managed through surgical procedures or observation in modern medicine. Derived from the Sanskrit root "grantha," meaning knot or lump, Granthi refers to small, encapsulated, often slow-growing swellings that resemble cysts or benign tumors. These growths are typically painless, firm to the touch, and can occur anywhere in the body, be it on the skin, lymph nodes, or internal organs like the ovaries or the vocal cords. And as certain surgeries are feared by people, they opt for Ayurvedic practices for treatment, which are a mix of incisions, herbal pastes, Ayurvedic medicines, and more. What is Granthi in Ayurveda ? In Ayurvedic texts, Granthi is described as a condition caused by the vitiation of one or more of the Doshas, of the Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, and along with it comes the malfunctioning of bodily tissues like blood, muscle, or fat. The imbalance causes these tissues to aggregate and form localised lumps. And when it comes to treatment, Ayurveda emphasises a stage-wise and personalised approach to managing the Granthi. The treatment depends on the maturity of the cyst, its location, and the individual's constitution. Ama Granthi In the early or inflammatory phase, Ayurvedic management of the cyst or tumour focuses on detoxification and reducing swelling. In the book 'Holistic Health: Laws and Facts' by Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the duo mentions ancient techniques used by experts in Ayurveda, like Leech therapy, which is used to extract vitiated blood and reduce inflammation. There is also Fomentation therapy, where a warm, medicated decoction is used on the tumour to encourage blood flow. In some Doshas, experts suggest to not go for surgeries for the cyst or tumour, but rather balance the aggravated dosha. For example, Pittaja Granthi is treated with cooling and anti-inflammatory herbs like Draksa (grape), Madhuka, and Jambu. And Vataja Granthi is managed with nourishing herbs like Himsra, Kutaki, Guduki, Bilva, and more, and when they are ground to a paste and applied as a paste on the nodules, they can help lead to the destruction of the Granthi. But, one must make sure that any treatments, invasive or non-invasive, should only be done by an expert practitioner or an Ayurveda expert. Who should consider Ayurvedic treatment for cysts and tumors? If you do not wish to go under the knife, and rather manage the cyst (if it is not dangerous) with holistic, natural ways, you can consult an Ayurvedic doctor and expert to treat the slow-growing, non-malignant cysts. Plus, people with a sensitive constitution who do not tolerate antibiotics or invasive procedures well, can opt for Ayurvedic treatment after proper research by themselves and in a reputed space. Future-Proof Your Child with AI Skills | Limited Early Bird Seats – 33% OFF! | WhatsApp: 9560500838
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Ayurveda to treat baldness: How some remedies can stimulate hair growth
Baldness, also known as Khalitya in Ayurveda, has become an increasingly common problem owing to a number of factors. Be it the simple dietary changes that men and women have gone through, to the stress and sedentary lifestyles, all of them contribute in some while hair loss is often seen as a cosmetic issue, Ayurveda sees it as a reflection of deeper imbalances in the body, particularly involving the three doshas—Pitta, Vata, and Kapha, along with disturbances in to classical Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, Khalitya is usually triggered by an aggravated Pitta dosha, and the excess heat in the body can weaken hair roots, shrink follicles, and lead to various forms of alopecia, like patchy hair loss, total scalp hair loss, or full-body hair loss and baldnessHair loss in Ayurveda is often attributed to poor nutrition, toxin buildup, and stress—all of which disrupt the natural balance of doshas. The weakening of hair roots and shrinking of follicles results in thinning and bald spots, and over time, these imbalances can lead to chronic conditions unless corrected through natural treatment recommendedAnd while most experts would suggest transplants and surgeries when it comes to dealing with hair loss, Ayurveda treats it a tad bit to 'Holistic Health: Law and Facts', a book by Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, Khalitya (baldness and hair loss) can be treated by aiming to restore dosha balance, improve blood circulation to the scalp, and nourish the hair roots. And in Ayurveda, this is done by a mix of oral medications, herbal oils, detox therapies, and dietary to choose fromAccording to the book, some of the most commonly prescribed formulations to treat baldness are - Narasimha Rasayana, Ashwagandha Churna, Bhringraja Rasayana, Aarogya Vardhini Vati, and natural treatments help strengthen hair, promote regrowth, improve systemic balance, improve hair density, help in detoxifying the blood, and much are also natural oils like Bhringraja taila (oil), massaging which to the scalp daily helps reduce hair fall and improves follicular there is the Kesheraja taila, for which clinical studies have shown that using it consistently reduces symptoms like dandruff, dryness, and scalp irritation, and encourages some cases, as mentioned in the book, external therapies like Raktamokshana, which is basically bloodletting, is also used.
