Latest news with #Pitta
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Ayurvedic Summer Tips: These Foods Will Keep You Cool
With the scorching summer heat taking a toll on our bodies, Ayurveda offers time-tested wisdom to stay balanced, hydrated, and healthy. According to Ayurveda, summer is dominated by the Pitta dosha, a combination of fire and water elements. When this dosha becomes aggravated due to excessive heat, it can lead to acidity, skin issues, irritability, and dehydration. To counter this, Ayurvedic principles recommend cooling, hydrating, and naturally sweet foods that pacify Pitta and support digestion. Let's explore Ayurvedic-approved summer foods that help regulate body temperature and keep your energy high while keeping heat-induced ailments at bay. Why cooling foods matter in summer In summer, the body's internal heat rises, which can disrupt digestion and lead to imbalances in mood and metabolism. Ayurveda suggests including foods that are naturally cooling, sweet, liquid, and slightly oily to soothe the Pitta dosha and protect internal equilibrium. Here are Ayurvedic foods and drinks that will keep your body cool and refreshed. 1. Coconut water Known as naariyal paani, coconut water is naturally sweet, hydrating, and rich in electrolytes. It helps prevent dehydration, soothes the stomach, and reduces body heat. It's also excellent for skin health during summers. 2. Buttermilk (chaas) Buttermilk is a probiotic-rich summer drink that cools the gut and aids digestion. Add a pinch of roasted cumin (jeera), mint, and black salt for extra cooling effects and digestive benefits. 3. Cucumber This water-rich vegetable is a classic Pitta-pacifying food. Cucumber hydrates, detoxifies, and provides dietary fibre. Ayurveda considers it ideal for salads, raitas, or mid-meal snacks in hot months. 4. Watermelon and muskmelon These fruits are sweet, hydrating, and cooling, perfect for balancing Pitta. However, Ayurveda recommends not combining melons with other foods and eating them on an empty stomach for optimal digestion. 5. Sabja seeds (basil seeds) Soaked sabja seeds (also called tukmaria) are excellent natural coolants. They swell in water and can be added to lemon water or milk-based drinks. They also support digestion and reduce acidity. 6. Mint leaves (pudina) Mint is a powerful herb in Ayurveda known for its cooling and calming properties. Use it to flavour chaas, chutneys, lemonades, or even fresh salads. It also freshens breath and aids digestion. 7. Aloe vera juice Aloe vera is a well-known Pitta-soothing herb. Consuming small amounts of fresh aloe vera juice early in the morning can help cool the body and support liver and skin health. However, moderation is key. 8. Gulkand (rose petal preserve) Gulkand is a traditional Ayurvedic tonic made from rose petals and sugar. It is cooling, aromatic, and helps relieve acidity, skin inflammation, and heat-related fatigue. Add a spoon to milk or eat it plain. 9. Fennel (saunf) water Soak fennel seeds overnight and drink the strained water in the morning. This refreshing Ayurvedic remedy cools the system and improves digestion. Fennel is also good for eye health during dry summer days. What to avoid in summer To keep Pitta in check, Ayurveda advises reducing intake of spicy, salty, sour, fried, and fermented foods. Minimise alcohol, caffeine, red meat, onions, garlic, and excess sun exposure to avoid aggravating body heat and digestive distress. Ayurveda teaches us to eat with the seasons and stay in tune with nature. In summer, cooling foods like coconut water, cucumber, and buttermilk act as natural shields against the heat. By making mindful food choices rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom, you can stay energised, calm, and balanced, even when temperatures soar. Let food be your medicine this summer. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cataract surgery scaring you? Ayurveda has some non-invasive solutions
Cataract, a common ocular condition that happens with the opacification of the lens, is known in Ayurveda as Timira, and eventually can lead to Linganasa, or complete vision loss. And while modern medicine treats cataract primarily through surgical removal of the clouded lens, Ayurveda gives people a medical management of early and some moderate stages through treatments that are although centuries old, they still hold merit in clinical trials. These herbal remedies and procedures aim to restore vision and halt the degeneration of the lens naturally. Understanding Cataract in Ayurvedic terms In Ayurvedic ophthalmology, Timira is one of the earliest stages of vision deterioration. It is described as the vitiation of Doshas in the netra-mandala, or the eye structure, and it leads to dysfunction of the retinal zone and visual perception. When not treated early, Timira may progress to Linganasa. Cataract, in particular, is considered a Kapha-dominant Timira, where the Kapha dosha, along with medas accumulates over the lens, leading to opacity. The treatments for early stages as mentioned in Ayurveda Ayurvedic management of Cataract emphasises early intervention, and the treatment involves a combination of internal medicine (Aushadha), external therapies, dietary regulations, and lifestyle modifications. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo And in the book 'Holistic Health: Laws and Facts' by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the duo mentions different treatments that have been used for thousands of years to treat the condition. Certain preparations are used for the treatment that are considered beneficial for the eyes, and these include consuming medicated ghee, and using a mix of Triphala, and other herbs that nourish ocular tissues, pacify vitiated doshas, and halt the progression of lens opacity. There are also nasal therapies where medicated oils or powders are passed through the nose to clear the channels connecting the head and eyes. There are also certain detox therapies that purify the doshas, especially Pitta and Kapha, and purgation therapies are used to remove vision disorders. Ayurveda also recommends using and applying on the eyes, a paste of Copper, Triphala, conch shell dust, Kanta, and Vyosa. When prepared into a wick and applied like Kajal below the eyes, this can help treat certain conditions of vision loss. Apart from decoctions, herbs, and more Ayurveda has also always advocated for lifestyle changes to treat diseases and disorders, and Cataract is no different. It is advised by people to avoid exposure to excessive heat, dust, wind, and bright lights. People are also asked to practice Trataka meditation, where you gaze onto a single source of light, and when done under guidance and correctly, it helps to improve focus and ocular muscle strength. In which cases should one opt for Surgery? While Ayurveda gives substantial relief and reversal in early-to-moderate cataract stages, advanced stages, where the lens is fully opaque, may not respond to medical therapy alone. In such cases, surgery is advised, followed by Ayurvedic recovery protocols to preserve long-term ocular health. Future-Proof Your Child with AI Skills | Limited Early Bird Seats – 33% OFF! | WhatsApp: 9560500838
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Elixir praised for 'noticeably growing back hair within six weeks'
Balding and hair thinning is a common issue that affects men and women, and it can happen at any point in life It is a common misconception that hair thinning and balding are issues that only happen later on in life. Losing hair can happen at any age, with factors such as genetics, stress and even lifestyle choices having an impact. There are countless products on the market that claim to help reduce hair loss, from serums to shampoos and hair oils. There's one lesser-known product that beauty buffs have been praising for its 'noticeable results'. The Champo Pitta serum is £34. Champo claims its serum is 'clinically proven to reduce hair loss and shedding' as well as 'visibly improving hair's thickness and fullness'. Champo says 90% of users experienced less hair loss after use. The lightweight formula is non-greasy, and is meant to be used daily. Alternatively, haircare brand Grow Gorgeous offers a wide range of products, including its Hair Growth Intense Serum, £45. The ultra-concentrated serum promises to increase thickness of each strand by up to 13%. Champo hair growth serum £34 Champo Buy Now on Champo Product Description Another popular buy is the UK Lash Hair Grow serum, £40. The brand says the product has been formulated by biologists especially to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. The Pitta growth serum has almost 1,500 reviews, one customer has been using it for a year and said: "This is my second review. My hair was noticeably growing back within 6 weeks but now is much thicker and my hairdresser can't believe the change. Will continue to use." A second shopper liked the product, but had issues with the residue it leaves. They wrote: "Each time after use it leaves a white powdery residue on my hair and also foams up when massaging in." A third buyer has used the serum for four months, and says others have noticed a difference in the thickness of their locks, saying: "My colleagues have noticed how long it is getting, and the volume definitely feels thicker." A fourth buyer was struggling with hair loss for a few moths before buying the Champo serum, and noticed results quickly. They wrote: "Pretty much after the first or second time using it, the shedding has reduced right down!" They added: "Very excited to see if some growth starts happening. I bought the larger bottle and feel like it will last for several months at the rate I'm using it." Another user describes the serum as a ' miracle hair growth serum '. They added: I've just seen some photos of my hair from only a few months ago and I can't believe how much better it looks now, from then." Another customer, aged 71, began losing clumps of hair after developing heart problems and sought help from a dermatologist with no luck. She started using the Pitta serum four months ago, writing: "For the first time in years my hair loss is normal and I seem to have new hair growing (slowly). "My hair generally is looking fuller and healthier. I use quite a lot of serum to deal with the gaps, but I'm so relieved to have found something that helps."
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.
