Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog

Hi!

The late Trigunaji, a well-known Indian Ayurvedic doctor, once prescribed Rudraksha beads strung in gold. I have worn them since then, but I have wondered what that could have been a prescription for? Do you have some idea? I have been curious ever since.

Thanks

Vaidya replies:

Dear Jeffrey: the terms “rudraksha” comes from rudra which means shiva, and kasha which means eyes. So in general, if you consider the meaning of the name – eyes of Lord Shiva – you can understand that wearing or having a mala or necklace of these beads is considered very auspicious. Why? They are known to help keep an individual connected to their own inner balancing intelligence, and also to help enhance the effect of any yogic sadhana or practice – meditation, etc. In addition, it is believe that the vibration of the rudraksha bead supports the nervous system, as well as the rhythm of the heart. Since it is master Vaidya Trigunaji himself who recommended that you wear these beads strung in gold, he must have seen in your pulse that it would be additionally beneficial for you. This is great fortune, so keep on wearing them mindfully – remove when bathing or using the restroom, or sleeping at night.

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Good morning and Thank you for all the wonderful things you teach us, I really feel the difference!

My questions about Karela are; first I eat it at least 2 times a week but when I buy it I am not sure if it is supposed to have black spots on some of the bumps on the outside of it and then when I cut it open sometimes the inside is red and the seeds are not packed as tight? So is it okay to buy and eat Karela when it has the black spots on it or do I cut it off, and is the Karela still fine to eat when it is red inside, and do I still cook with the seeds when it is red?

Thank you again for all you do.

Respectfully

Jim

Vaidya replies:

Dear Jim: when you buy karela, make sure that it does NOT have any black spots on the outside. The black spots are an indication that the karela is not fresh. On the other hand, if you find red seeds inside, that is ok. Red seeds are a sign of the maturity of the karela. Nothing wrong with that. But I recommend that you de-seed it, take out the seeds before slicing and cooking. The seeds do have medicinal value but they are very hard on the intestinal wall. If you want to get their benefit though, you can cook with them but not eat them – take them out as you are eating, do not chew and swallow them.

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Hello. In Vaidya Mishra’s recent blog about hair loss, he suggested that his readers could email a request for the SVA Diet. Can you please send me a description of the SVA Diet? Thank you very much.

Lora D.

Vaidya replies:

SVA general dietary recommendations to optimize your body’s pH balance, supply more soma, reduce inflammatory tendencies:

Start your day with a stewed apple or pear with 2-3 cloves followed by unprocessed wholegrain cereal (oatmeal, quinoa etc)
Avoid nightshades: potato, tomato, bell pepper, eggplant.
Avoid large beans like lima, pinto, kidney, soy, etc.
Favor yellow mung dahl (green or split), french lentils (dupuy, brown or beluga), red lentil (masoor)
Avoid bananas
Avoid flax seeds and flax flour
Avoid winter squashes. Favor summer squashes instead (zucchini, yellow squash)
Try to avoid soy products and bi-products, such as tofu, soy milk, and any other derivatives. Avoid processed food. No leftovers (do not eat yesterday’s meal). May eat for dinner what you had for lunch. Avoid food with preservatives. Avoid canned foods.
Avoid sour acidic foods- avoid vinegar and bottled dressings. Favor lime.
Replace coffee with green or white tea or your herbal water recipe.

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Heal with Sound

Mana- mind

Yatra – there

Vidyate – already there (in existence)

Iti – that is

Mantraha – mantra

This is the literal meaning of each word, but what is the verse saying in plain english?! Vaidya explains: (a) mantra means/is that which already exists, that which is already there, present, in the mind. What does this mean?

If there were a sophisticated recording machine plugged in to register the budding vibrations at the cosmic dawn of time, it would record the sound OM, unfolding, according to the vedic puranas, and symbolizing the eternal cycle of creation and destruction. OM is the blueprint of all manifested life in the cosmos and of the cosmos itself because it vibrationally contains the cosmic impulses of silence and dynamism, the fabric of creation. Its creation is its own essence. OM is the primordial mantra, or vibrational sound.

From that primordial sound, all other sounds and mantras evolve. Within that original sound all sounds and all of creation resides. Everything we are, all that we seek, is already always within our reach and within us, as we are part of that creation that is still unfolding through time. This is why we can use mantra-s therapeutically.

Sound is therapeutic because deep down we are all made of vibrational frequencies. Dis-ease and optimal health are just the gross expression of sound frequencies that have either gone awry or are vibrating harmoniously. Sound vibrations re-align our entire vibrational frequency when used properly. Mantras are packets of sound vibrations identified by the Vedic rishis, Different mantras have different purposes and benefits and qualities.

Heal with Scents

The scent of flowers or plants, their aroma, is defined as being

made up of micro-molecules, extremely small and sharp and fast-moving, that travel into our physiology and brain center to procure instant bliss.
Based on the properties of the flower, or the plant, the aroma can be balancing, soothing, grounding, or more. Science does not quite yet understand this aspect of subtle healing that can occur through aromatherapy. Ayurveda has been using the art and science of aromatherapy for thousands of years. Discover how you can transform your mind-set within seconds through Vaidya’s specific flower and plant aromatic synergies!

Heal with Golden Light

This is a verse that’s recited during ritual ceremonies or “yagya”-s in general. It reminds us of the importance of light, and fire, for survival, sustenance, and enlightenment!

Jyoti or light refers to that which emanates from the source, which is Agni or fire, and the ultimate source of Agni is Surya, or the sun. The sun is the life-giver. Science acknowledges how life began on earth when the sun’s rays reached our planet. Light, or the emanation of Agni, carries transformative, cleansing, life-giving power. In the Vedic tradition, light emanating from a ghee lamp is said to be particularly auspicious, because ghee itself carries so many healing and balancing properties. The golden light emanating from a ghee lamp is good for the eyes, as well as the eyes of the soul!

You can recite the above verse every time you light your ghee lamp!

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“The universe is made of stories, not atoms!” as a poet once said. Think about it: don’t we all live through the stories we tell ou

rselves in our minds? Our stories make us who we are, and we evolve as our self-woven stories evolve!

Vedic culture acknolwedges the power of stories and their role in helping us live up to our potential. One of the most important stories is the story of Navaratri, the story of victory after a fierce battle fought for 9 nights, by Shakti Devi, to liberate us from our own “pragyaparadh” – the “mistake of the intellect,” that shadow of delusion that keeps us thinking we are separate from the All, we are mortal, we are

not here to share bliss, and have more bliss!

Vaidya Mishra has been celebrating Navaratri every year, as taught to him by his maternal grandparent, since he was 14 years old. Every year, he takes time off to complete this ancient ritual for 9 days, reciting all the chapters of the story in Sanskrit.

Tonight is the 8th night, it is the night of the final battle between Shakti Devi and the demons of delusion and self-deprecation. It is the night that concludes with joyful revelation. Tomorrow Friday is known as Vijayadashmi, the day of Victory.

Navaratri is a celebration of life and bliss! It reminds us that, despite any hardships or any challenges, we can always rise to the occasion and live in bliss, when we live life in accordance with the laws of Nature. How? Ayurveda teaches us what those laws are and how we can live in synch with the laws of Nature.

In celebration of this, and so many more wonderful vedic stories that enrich our lives, we invite you to change your story, and live up to your potential 200%!

Get inspired: watch Vaidya Mishra’s lecture from the 6th Ayurvedic SVA Cafe below.

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Temperatures are dropping, affecting the way we work, think, and sleep. We may find that our sleep is less deep, more animated with dreams; or our focus is sporadic and scattered; our thoughts are multitudinous and incessant – these are all symptoms of increased marut (air and space elements) resulting from the change of season that affect our vata dosha. Adjusting your routine is always recommended, but we can all get some help from herbs and spices. Vaidya Mishra has formulated special herbal synergies that can help you stay on track and accomplish more without getting frazzled and burnt out!
Try his Soma Nidra tea – drink it at night before bed to help you have deeper more blissful sleep, or during the day, to help you handle stress more efficiently. Or try the Shroto Shudhi tea to keep your channels open and your agni going so you garner all the energy you have to accomplish all you need to do!
If you need a little pick-me up, try Tripti tea that contains white tea leaves – a perfect blend that helps you transform any sugar you ingest into energy. Or if you are experiencing irritability and emotional roller-coasters (!) with high pitta still accumulated in your physiology due to the end of summer, try Vaidya’s Pitta Tea to help you cool off without freezing your channels or putting out your agni. Or you can try the SVA Tulsi tea – good for all 4 seasons – ideal for boosting your immunity and keeping your satwa going. Or the Moringa tea… Or the Garavisha tea… To read more about all these formulations visit www.chandika.com – your one-stop ayurvedic shop!

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Arjuna is yet another sacred plant gifted to us by Mother Nature in her great effulgence. In the vedic texts, it is categorized as a divya aushadhi: a plant that carries “divya”or divinity. As with Guduchi, Amalaki, Tulsi, Haritaki, and so many others, its sanctity is a concrete property and resides in the fact that it brings endless healing and balancing properties to so many aspects of the human physiology. Arjuna is holy through the use of all of its part – all parts of the tree -the bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit – are known to have medicinal value in Ayurveda, although the bark is most commonly used therapeutically. Vaidya Mishra explains that the sanctity of the Arjuna plant primarily resides in its vibrational make-up. The Sanskrit name, arjuna, literally means: everlasting vibration of “a” that never declines. We have heard that the sound, “a” in Sanskrit represents consciousness. Arjuna is full of this divine intelligence of nature. In the physiology, the “a” value of life (or consciousness), is seated in the heart, and it is through the heart that the body is connected to the soul – the amrit or eternal aspect of our identities that radiates everlasting bliss. Using the Arjuna plant as part of your daily routine is not only uplifting to the heart and mind, it supports the satwa, or the “light of the soul”as Vaidya Mishra calls it, but lessening the load of karmic impurities. In other terms, Arjuna can fast-forward us on the track of yogic evolution! Charak says that Arjuna is hridya, the very best herb for the heart. In ayurvedic terms, Arjuna is very good for pacifying pitta and kapha dosha, but it can be aggravating to vata dosha when it is consumed as a crude herb. But there are ways, with SVA, for you to use the Arjuna without aggravating vata dosha. How? In Ayurveda, the healing properties are explained in terms of guna-s. The gunas or physical qualities of Arjuna are:

ruksha -dry

sheetala -cool

lagu- light

All of these gunas or properties are known to aggravate vata dosha. This is when you use any parts of the tree in their crude form. But if you use the micro-molecules of Arjuna then you only absorb the prabhava – or most refined subtle energetic hridya properties of the plant that are fully balancing for the physiology inside and out. For example, one of the reasons why Vaidya Mishra has encapsulated the micromolecules of Arjuna in a transdermal shea butter base cream is to deliver the hridya prabhava or property without having to undergo vata aggravation. The shea butter base naturally balances vata by counteracting the ruksha (drying), sheetala (cooling) and laghu (light) properties of the herb with the sneha (unctuous), and guru (heavy) properties of the cream. In this way, the “samyog”(balanced combination) and samskar (balanced processing) of Arjuna yield a product that delivers strength to the physical, emotional, and vibrational heart without creating any imbalances in the process. Or you can try the transmucosal path with the Herbal-Memory Nectar drops that carry, as the name indicates, the “memory”or the plant’s intelligence without carrying the imbalancing physical properties. This way, you can again get the healing vibration of the Arjuna plant into your deeper tissues without having to experience any imbalances. If you need the actual physical plant, then Vaidya Mishra’s supplements are also balanced to give you the benefit without the vata aggravation. The Arjuna supplements contain 3 simple but powerful ingredients that work together as a balancing synergy:

1)Arjuna: supplies pranic energy to the heart for physical and vibrational nourishment

2)Rose petals: the heart is governed by Sadhak Pitta, Vyana Vata, Udana Vata, and Avalambaka Kapha. Rose petals are known to balance and nourish Sadhak pitta. When Sadhak pitta is in check, the vata and kapha doshas in the heart will also be more likely to stay in balance.

3)But to further keep vata and kapha in check, Vaidya has added sustainably harvested Ayurvedic coral calcium, to pacify vyan vata, udan vata, and support avalambak kapha. This is the specialty of Vaidya Mishra’s SVA formulations – to receive and integrate the intelligence of an herb or a plant as soon as you ingest it – whether it is in concentrated nectar drop form, cream form, or as the raw physical molecule. Otherwise, in mainstream Ayurveda, the physical bark of Arjuna has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for various cardiovascular diseases, and because cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become epidemic worldwide, it is likely for this reason that modern medicine has taken a recent interest in exploring Arjuna’s therapeutic potential in this area.

Science Says: Modern medical research has now shown that Arjuna contains anti-atherosclerotic (i.e., prevents coronary artery plaque buildup), antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant (i.e., preventing the oxidation which induces chronic inflammation and leads to hardening of the coronary arteries), antiplatelet (i.e., anticoagulant), antiulcer (gastric), antiviral, cardioprotective, cholesterol-lowering, hepatoprotective (i.e., protects the liver) properties, as well as wound healing activity (Hari & Gaikwad, 2011). However, In the past 20 years, clinical studies have demonstrated Arjuna’s antioxidant (i.e., preventing the oxidation which induces chronic inflammation and leads to atherosclerosis) and anti-platelet effects (i.e., inhibit blood clotting to prevent heart attack and stroke), as well as its effectiveness in cardiac conditions such as CHD, angina pectoris, CHF, heart attack, high cholesterol, hypertension, and others (Kaur et al., 2014; Seth, Dua, & Maulik, 2013). A major benefit seen in all of the clinical trials conducted is that no side effects from Arjuna were reported whatsoever in any of them – unheard of with most pharmaceutical medications used in cardiology today.

Make Arjuna part of your daily life!

Ayurveda teaches us how to heal holistically. SVA gives us even further additional methods and means to apply Ayurveda in our lives easily and practically with unique formulations that allow us to get healing benefit from plants we would otherwise not be able to use without side-effects. You can learn more about all of the other properties of this divine herb in Vaidya Mishra’s 21 minute audio lecture: Arjuna – Learn About the Best Herb for the Heart, available for instant download for $0.99.

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This is a 27-year-old female who presented to our office with MRSA infection of the entire body.

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infection is caused by a strain of staph bacteria that has become resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat staph infections, which are the most common infections on the skin.
She had the infection for 11 months before seeing us and was treating it with different types of of antibiotics. This is a very serious (and sometimes deadly) infection of the skin and in her case was even worse because she had it throughout her whole body, as opposed to just one small outbreak. She even tried some holistic remedies which failed as well.
Luckily, since studying with Vaidya Mishra for the past 15 years, I learned how to treat all skin conditions easily and effectively, even something as resistant as MRSA.
Most people know that the gut contains strains of friendly bacteria which prevent the growth of harmful pathogens, but few people realize that the skin also has a protective layer of probiotics on the surface of the skin. Like in the gut, they prevent infections from growing on the skin. So, when someone has any skin infection, the first thing we do is to regrow the friendly bacteria in the gut, then teach them how to regrow the friendly bacteria on the skin (as well as a few other things which I will mention here).
There is a whole new wave recently in the field of dermatology to possibly start treating skin infections such as these with PROBIOTICS instead of ANTIBIOTICS which will only destroy more of the friendly bacteria and create these new strains of antibiotic-resistant infections.
However, this is easier said than done. Companies around the world are trying desperately to figure out how to make probiotic creams — it is difficult to do since these friendly bacteria are very delicate and can die easily when processed into a skin-care product
Dr. Mishra’s family lineage of Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda (SVA) always treated skin conditions for the past 5,000 years — they even treated Lord Krishna’s son for leprosy! Thus, he comes from a long line of Vaidyas who knew how to correctly and effectively treat any kind of skin condition. His father always used prebiotic and probiotics on the skin. And about 5 years ago, Vaidya Mishra launched his line of prebiotics and probiotics for the skin.
So, in this case, we replenished the friendly bacteria in the gut and on the skin. We cooled down the heat in the liver, cleansed the blood, supported her overall immune system outside of the gut, used the special Yasad Bhasma (bhasma of zinc) to help kill the infection along with the probiotic, and used our great new Abhyanga oil which has turmeric in it to also help immunity in the skin (as well as daruharidra to stop histamine skin reactions).
And the results were fantastic! Within one month the infection started going down and now one year later, the infection is almost entirely gone!
I am so pleased to share this wonderful case history and hope that if other people out there are fighting with this potentially deadly infection, that they know they can seek out alternative help if their regimen of antibiotics are not working for them.
Thank you Vaidya Mishra and your family lineage of divine doctors who knew intuitively how to treat so many conditions so effectively.

Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum
Cinnaminson, New Jersey
856-786-3330

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Does your morning cup of coffee act as a tridoshic body and brain tonic? Is it rejuvenating to all your bodily tissues? Nourishing for your nerves? Calming for your mind, and supporting your daily detox through your kidneys and colon? Is it a good source of prebiotic that will nourish the friendly bacteria in your colon? If it is not, then you are starting your day on the wrong foot!

We all know the side-effects of caffeine, but we also know how hard it can be to let go of old habits… But now you can have your coffee and drink it too! Vaidya’s latest cutting edge SVA formulation is a delicious blend of ancient ayurvedic ingredients that will not only give your physiology an immediate boost, but will also give you balancing and bliss-enhancing benefits with long term use. He has put together

Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens)
Wild date seed
Root Chicory
Haritaki

to bring us a cup of the richest caffeine free coffee substitute. Why does ingredients in particular?

Ingredients:

Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens)

Wild date seed

Root Chicory

Haritaki

Mucuna pruriens beans are a natural rich source of L-Dopa: a chemical naturally produced in humans, some animals and plants via biosynthesis. L-Dopa is the precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline) that play important roles in the human brain and body. Dopamine is the bliss-giving neurotransmitter that our brains thrive on.

Unlike synthetic artificial Dopamine, the Dopamine contained in the Mucuna beans are free from side-effects, and they get secreted out of the body faster that synthetic dopamine. 1-3 cups a day are safe and ideal for regular consumption.

Health Benefits:

Your SVA Mucuna brew contains the following balancing and bliss-enhancing ingredients:

Mucuna: in Ayurveda, Mucuna has been recommended since the dawn of time as a brain and body tonic. It is particularly rejuvenating for the seven tissues and the reproductive fluid for men and women. It nourishes the nerves, and calms the mind. Mucuna also helps supports the kidneys in their overall functions.

Wild date seeds: recommended in Ayurveda for detoxing and nourishing the muscle tissue.

Root Chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) has been cultivated in Europe and the Mediterranean region as a coffee substitute, as well as used as a coffee additive in parts of Southeast Asia, South Africa and southern United States. The root contains up to 20% inulin – a great source of soluble dietary fiber and is thus added to yogurts as a prebiotic. Research finds that inulin may help with weight loss, constipation, improving bowel function, and general health. Chicory was found to potentially increase calcium absorption and bone density. It is a functional food. In Sanskrit, Chicory is called kashmard: that which helps the lungs through gentle detox, nurturing and supporting them by eliminating daily build-up from environmental pollution.

Haritaki is known to have so many healing and balancing properties in Ayurveda, including restorative properties for the colon. Haritaki is often compared to mother’s milk – full nourishing benefits and no harm! It is best known as a paatya plant – it helps us stay on the “path of health” by maintaining our body’s intelligence on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual.

Altogether, Vaidya Mishra has put together this delicious Mucuna blend to help ease the mind, support your nervous system against daily stress, pacify all three doshas; nurture your body and lungs.

You can brew this mixture like you would regular instant coffee, and enjoy it with or without milk, with or without a sweetener – depending on your preference. You will not believe how good it tastes! And how much instant waves of bliss it will procure, giving you immediate energy through better oxygenation to the brain and lungs. Regular consumption of this blend will have cumulative benefits for your nervous system and colon overall.

Help us name this newest SVA formulation. Join our naming contest, or Namkaran, by requesting your free sample of “Mucuna Coffee” (temporary name). Email us at info@prana-center.com to request your free sample and then email us back to give us your naming suggestions. Prizes will be announced shortly.

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I have a very dry condition and seems that hardly any product works for my constipation and I was wondering how effective the Triphala is for pitta?

Vaidya replies:

Dear Mark: in conditions of extreme constipation, there are extreme remedial measures, such as “senna” (SENNA OBTUSIFOLIA). But such measures are for single time emergency use, because they are very harsh on the colon and, worst of all, they are habit-forming. In SVA, we believe that there is no replacement for a good diet rich in fibre, as well as a daily dose of friendly bacteria from fresh yoghurt to support the colon and its intelligence.

Bowel movement involves and depends on many factors.

Try to correct your diet if it needs to: add fiber such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, all well cooked with proper balancing spices such as Mum’s Masala, Pitta Masala. Add Soma Salt to your food.

Making sure to add a glass of buttermilk (20% fresh homemade yoghurt blended with 80% water) with lunch only. After mixing, warm some ghee in a pan, add some dry fenugreek leaves, sauté and add to your buttermilk.

Do not skip meals – breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plan ahead.

When you eat, don’t engage your mind in anything else – reading, watching TV, listening to music, talking over the phone. Chew long and well.

Squeeze the juice of one lime over your lunch and dinner meals.

Try to go for a walk after dinner.

Daytime is a pitta time so I recommend 1 tablet of High Pitta Triphala be taken in the daytime, after lunch. This will be a first step, in addition to diet, towards helping your colon as well as pacifying pitta dosha.

At night, take one tablet of SVA Prakrit – this will support your colon detox, reestablishing its intelligence slowly and gently;

Transdermally delivered Magnesium with Pitta pacifying herbs (Pitta Massage oil with Magnesium) applied on the lower abdomen – below your stomach, below your navel area – will give your colon the energy to pacify Apan Vata or the downward movement that supports bowel evacuation. Apply this every night before bed. Warm the oil and apply a handful, gently massaging it.

Start with these things, and keep doing for 2-3 weeks. It may take some time as this is a gentle yet sure way of resetting your physiology. This is a true holistic approach that will support your colon without any long-term ill effects.

Note: If one capsule of High Pitta Triphala and 1 tablet of Prakrit are not enough for you , you can double the dose and let us know how you feel after 15 days.

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Immunity is our armor against invading micro-organisms that can bring disease and even death.

The environment we live in is organic – it is alive with thousands of millions of micro-organisms that thrive along us. Many of these are life-supporting and helpful for the human physiology. But many are not. We get sick when our immunity goes down and our body becomes prone to contracting bacterial infections. Boosting our immunity is the foremost thing you can do as a preventative step.

Immunity, and the science of bacteriology were long ago fully understood by the vedic seers or rishi-s. Just like the rishi-s knew all about the planets in our galaxy discussing their impact on the environment long before Galileo invented the telescope, in the same way, they knew all about the yogini-s, or the friendly bacteria that help us thrive in health as well as the krimi-s, or the un-friendly bacteria that attack our immunity and bring over disease and even death. The rishi-s not only knew of these microorganisms but they also knew how to take care of them!

According to the ayurvedic texts, there are 3 primary ways of boosting your immunity so it can combat bacteria that imbalances your health:

1) Herbs and essential oils that carry the jantughna or bactericidal effect: using such ingredients to eliminate infectious bacteria in your environment as well as your body, for example your oral cavity, to minimize the risk of infection or contamination.

2) Supporting the body’s immune system or vyadi kchamatwa: one can have either general support of the overall immune system, or targeted support of specific organs and systems, so as to strengthen the body to resist a take care-over by krimi-s or harmful bacteria.

3) Prakriti vi-ghat: creating a non-supportive environment in the body or specific organs and systems so that infectious bacteria or krimi-s cannot grow and thrive.

Many essential oils like: camphor, peppermint, ajwain, and tulsi are called krimigna and have known bactericidal effect that has been researched and confirmed by modern science. These are also called jantugna.

These 4 ingredients are commonly used in herbal formulations in Ayurveda, but interestingly they are also used copiously in Ancient Vedic rituals in temples and fire ceremonies meant for cleansing the environment due to their jantugna or krimigna effect.

Using these essential oils directly on the skin is not recommended as they can burn the Soma of our skin and have side-effects. Vaidya Mishra has put together all these ingredients in a unique formula that uses their crystal form rather than the essential oil molecules. Tribindu is a classical formula named for the 3 ingredients that make it up: Camphor (1), Peppermint(2), and Ajwain(3). To make it even more powerful he has added Tulsi(4), or Holy Basil. Tribindu with Tulsi has a powerful krimigna effect on the environment. Cleaning the environment we live and work in is a first precautionary step towards supporting and creating immunity in our bodies .

11 uses of tribindu.

1) Use it to help support your sinus pathways and discourage potential bacterial growth in your oral cavity - apply on a scarf, wrap around your mouth and nose and gently inhale

2) Spray it in your room – on your couch, pillows, carpet, desk, or just in the air, to clean and refresh the air. You can also use an essential oil diffuser and squirt 2-3 times into the water and then plug it in for sustained delivery

3) Apply a small amount on your feet and massage in: when you have fatigue, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, the Tribindu will warm you up right away, enhancing circulation and thermogenesis.

4) Apply on sore achy muscles before and also after exercise to mobilize and evacuate toxic build-up and ease blow flow for enhanced mobility

5) Support your overall circulation and thermo-genesis, specially in cold weather, when you have to go out – apply on hands and feet before putting on gloves and socks.

6) Use it to ease away tension and stress from your neck and shoulder areas – spray 2-3 times and massage in. You can also use it on your lower or upper back areas

7) Use it to ward off insect bites or to soothe itchiness from bites: spray on insect bites or mosquito bites and massage – do not spray on an open wound or bite.

8) Spray on joints – knees, elbows, wrists, ankles, finger joints, etc, morning and evening, to help maintain healthy joints free from toxic accumulation, and enhance mobility. Spray and gently massage.

9) Use it to relax: spray a few times into your bath water in the tub, dip in to relax.

10) Spray very little on your throat area when you feel you have an itchy throat and may be getting a cold. Or alternately spray onto a scarf, and inhale. If your skin gets itchy, wash off with warm/cool water right away.

11) You can also use the Tribindu to help ward off infections, for example, apply on your nails and fingers after clipping them.

Whichever way you use it, it is a great and safe household remedy to keep close by, rain or shine!

More ways of supporting and boosting your immunity

Another way of supporting your immune system is by increasing vyadi kchamatwa through eating a balanced alkalizing diet, such as the SVA diet. If you follow the SVA guidelines for diet and lifestyle,and then add immunity supporting herbs and spices such as Tulsi, Guduchi, Amla, Zinc (Yasad bhasma), then you maximize your chances of warding off bacterial infections.These can be taken in different ways: as tablets/capsules, or nectar drops, or roll-on applications. Vaidya has made it easy for us to choose from the delivery method that suits our needs best.

In the winter time, our physical channels shrink due to colder temperatures. Thus supporting the health of your channels is utmost in the Fall and the Winter. You can do many things to keep your detox pathways running as smoothly as possible to allow all the daily toxins to be evacuated from your body, and insuring that the nutrients you ingest reach their destination and support your immunity.

For this, consuming spices that support your channels is key. This is why Vaidya Mishra has put together the Shroto Shudhi tea and Shroto Shudhi Masala.

SVA daily protocol for vyadi kchamatwa

Here is what you can do:

For cooking, use Shroto Shudhi Masala in your meals (lunch and dinner).

At night, make and drink Shroto Shudhi tea after dinner.

In the mornings, start your day with Tulsi tea.

To keep your daily detox going smooth through bowel movements, add 1-2 tablets of Triphala or Prakrit or High Pitta Triphala – based on your preference or needs.

Do a daily massage with the Turmeric and Magnesium abhyanga oil – in the mornings at least on your limbs and lower back before shower.

Add to your daily drinking water: 2 drops of Immuno-Support, 2 drops of Amla, 2 drops of Guduchi, 2 drops of Zinc, and 2 drops of Tulsi.

Prakriti vighat is when one creates a targeted environment for the bacteria, for the krimi-s, to subdue and eliminate their growth. Vaidya Mishra explains that the best example for this is in the oral care he has formulated: his toothpastes and oral sprays. In these, he has brought together Gymnema, Neem, and Indian kino, along with other potent herbs, to cut the supply of sugar molecules to the bad bacteria that feed on it in. The SVADanta line contains these herbs to help support the mucus membrane and oral cavity, helping you also manage bad breath, and inflammation of the gums. Gymnema is called gurmar or literally sugar-killer. As soon as this herb reaches the oral cavity, it neutralizes all the residue of the sugar molecules, thus supporting the environment for the good bacteria to flourish. Once bad bacteria are deprived of sugar molecules to feed on, they die away. The result is a healthier oral cavity with fresh breath.

Be SVA-smart! Take the upper hand on krimi-s and boost your immunity with easy SVA protocols and products this winter. Write to us for more questions or comments!

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1. Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of leaf and twig extracts of stout camphor tree, Cinnamomum kanehirae, and the effects on immunity and disease resistance of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Yeh, Ruo-Yun, et al. “Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of leaf and twig extracts of stout camphor tree,< i> Cinnamomum kanehirae</i>, and the effects on immunity and disease resistance of white shrimp,< i> Litopenaeus vannamei</i>.” Fish & shellfish immunology 27.1 (2009): 26-32.

2. Inhibition by the essential oils of peppermint and spearmint of the growth of pathogenic bacteria.Imai H, Osawa K, Yasuda H, Hamashima H, Arai T, Sasatsu M
Functional Foods Section, Central Laboratory, Lotte Company Ltd, Urawa, Saitama, Japan.
Microbios [2001, 106 Suppl 1:31-39] (PMID:11549238)

3. Tariq Mobashshera, Gore Meghana, and K.Aruna. T “Antibacterial and synergistic activity of ethanol ajwain (trchyspermum ammi) extract onESBL and MBL producing uropathogens”" International Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences 6.6 (2014).

4.Essential oils are known to possess antimicrobial activity, which has been evaluated mainly in liquid medium. Systematic evaluation of the vapour activity was first reported by Maruzzella et al.7,8 and Kienholz9 in 1959. [...] We therefore investigated a potential role for these oils as inhalation therapy, and determined the antibacterial activity of a wide variety of them against five pathogens: Haemophilus influenzae, penicillin-susceptible and -resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, by gaseous contact in an airtight box. Escherichia coli was used as a control.
“Antibacterial activity of essential oils and their major constituents against respiratory tract pathogens by gaseous contact.” Shigeharu Inouyea, Toshio Takizawab and Hideyo Yamaguchia. a Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0395;
b Functional Foods R & D Laboratories, Meiji Seika Kaisha Ltd, Sakado, Saitama 350-0289, Japan

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Vaidya Mishra: “As and when the need arises, from time to time, I adopt safe and effective nutritional substances that have been researched and confirmed by modern science. For example, I have added the transdermal use of Magnesium, or Vit D3 to our SVA protocols and products. These things help our SVA followers and seekers of optimal health, as well as all the SVA experts and physicians helping out patients at large.

A year ago i heard about Alpha Lipoic Acid from a friend in the medical profession successfully using it to treat patients with neuropathy. Af

ter researching it thoroughly I decided to add it to our SVA protocols for many reasons. In general, I use the ayurvedic plants Sensitive Plant and Lakcha to nourish nerves, but there is not a specific ingredient that could help increase the supply of blood to the nerves. ALA, used in conjunction to the ayurvedic herbs have shown to magnify and optimize the results.

Most of the formulas I have made for addressing the health of the micro

and macro channels are thermogenic, they help increase and support circulation of detox and other pathways. However, they can be heating and have to be used in a balanced manner. So it can be challenging, for myself as well as all the other SVA experts and practitioners, to increase the blood supply to the different areas of the body when there is amavisha and garavisha accumulation. You will be familiar that in these situations, the body does not tolerate heating products or any thermogenic herbs or formulas. This is because the body is already acidic and hot and the channels or nerves and bone tissue are affected by the heating acidic toxicity. Alpha Lipoc Acid supports the supply of blood to those areas without further warming things up.

In light of these 2 primary factors, I adopted Alpha Lipoic Acid in the SVA protocols. I made capsules with ALA by adding ayurvedic coral calcium (praval pisti) to further help alkalize things, and support the bone and nerves. The ALA massage oil for whole body massage supports the whole molecular level of the body as ALA is both water and lipid soluble. The ALA transdermal cream also with lipid shea butter can be used to be applied on specific areas like on the joints, to support detox in the fat tissue that may be affecting and inflaming the joints. The water based ALA cream I formulated in order to supply the water soluble efficiency when applying on sensitive areas, for example around the eyes or on the temples to increase blood supply to these areas.

In general, my SVA teaching and protocols proceed from sutra to science, as I take Ayurveda as the basis from which healing emanates. However, modern science also has much to offer, as consciousness of health and the body grows, and scientific tools are used to support our physiologies in preventative ways. The discovery of ALA is one of those instances. And that is why, I have adopted it in our ayurvedic SVA protocols, going from science to sutra, in this case! Thank you!”

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Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is made by the body and is found in every cell where it helps turn glucose into energy. Antioxidants attack and neutralize “free radicals.” Free radicals are waste bi-products created when the body turns food into energy. When they are not properly and fully evacuated, free radicals cause harmful chemical reactions that can damage cells in the body. Overtime, they can also damage organs and tissues.

Most antioxidants are only water soluble, meaning they dissolve and become active only in the water medium (such as Vitamin C); others are only fat or lipid soluble, they are only active in the fatty tissues (such as Vitamin E). However, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is both fat- and water-soluble, so it is active and effective throughout the body. Antioxidants in the body get used up as they attack and neutralize free radicals, but ALA can help regenerate these spent antioxidants and make them active again!

ALA can be naturally obtained from foods (especially spinach and broccoli), and the body also produces it naturally, but as we age, our bodies produce less and less of it.

Here are some common benefits and uses of lipoic acid:

1. ALA has been shown to reduce some harmful side effects of chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs can damage nerve cells in the body, which can lead to a condition called peripheral neuropathy, in which patients feel pain or other abnormal sensations, usually in the hands or feet. In a study from Austria, 8 of 15 patients who received lipoic acid after taking their chemotherapy reported improved symptoms.

2. One study suggests that ALA might help reduce heart muscle damage caused by some chemotherapy drugs.

3. A 2006 article reported that a combination of ALA and other antioxidants helped people with advanced cancer regain appetite and weight.

4. ALA has been shown to prevent accumulation of excess copper and iron in the cells due to its chelating (binding) capabilities.

5. Several studies suggest it may increase glutathione synthesis. Glutathione is the major detoxifying antioxidant. Other researchers have found that the numerous immunizations children receive damage the glutathione system, which can increase the risk of autism.

6. ALA has been shown to increase vasodilation of the blood vessels due to its effects on the inner lining (endothelium) of the vascular system. High levels of cortisol released from the adrenal glands under stress can create the opposite: vasoconstriction, where the blood vessels can tighten up, creating high blood pressure, both systemically and in the eyes, causing glaucoma. Thus, ALA shows promise for reducing the pressure in patients with both high blood pressure and glaucoma.

7. ALA fed to mice with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been found to slow the progression of the disease.

8. Another study showed ALA to be highly effective in reducing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. The inner lining of the cells (endothelium) in the brain are very tightly bound preventing toxins from entering the brain. This is nature’s way of protecting the brain from harm. Much research has now been done on the immunizations children receive – the aluminum adjuvant and formaldehyde used as preservatives in the shots weaken the endothelial cells, thus loosening the blood-brain barrier, making it easier for these toxins to enter the brain creating autism.

9. Overwhelming evidence in numerous studies now suggests that lipoic acid may be critical for not only maintaining optimal blood sugar levels by helping the body to use glucose, but also for supporting insulin sensitivity and key aspects of cardiovascular health, such as endothelial function. It can even help lower cholesterol.

10. ALA can amplify the positive effects of other important antioxidants in the body, such as glutathione and Coenzyme Q10 – two essential compounds in the fight against aging and disease.

11. ALA protects the mitochondria, the energy-producing factories of cells, from being damaged by oxidative stress, thus ensuring that energy production in the body remains efficient.

12. ALA promotes better eye health by increasing levels of essential antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, which will help prevent cataracts, glaucoma and retinal cell death.

13. ALA is able to pass readily into the brain and reach all parts of a nerve cell. Studies have shown that ALA reduced brain damage after a stroke, and that those animals who received ALA had a survival rate 3x greater than those that did not.

14. New evidence also suggests that lipoic acid may help guard against one of the most dreaded conditions associated with aging – Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have identified a series of mechanisms through which lipoic acid may work in helping prevent or manage Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists believe that lipoic acid may increase the production of acetylcholine, an essential nervous system messenger that is deficient in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease victims.

15. ALA appears to prevent migraines, due to its effects on dilating the blood vessels.

16. ALA suppresses the formation of osteoclast cells (they break down the bone) and thus prevent the loss of bone known as osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Clinically, have been using Vaidya Mishra’s ALA products for the past 9 months and I have been very pleased with the results. I have been prescribing it for a wide panoply of ailments to young and old alike with great success.

In many ways, this is a very unique SVA formulation to help address problems arising from toxic load in the body. In the SVA tradition, Vaidya and his ancestors pay a lot of attention to the detox pathways or micro and macro channels. In the presence of acidic toxins, the channels tend to shrink and hinder effective and safe detox. Vaidya has made many formulas that can dilate the channels, for example, his Sancharan transdermal Cream, which creates vasodilation by warming up and dilating the channels.

However, it is ideal to have a cooling, not heating or warming formulation, to support the dilation of channels. Sometimes if the accumulated toxins are too hot, one has to be very careful specially when using heating ingredients that are necessary for vasodilation.

With his ALA formulations, Vaidya has now made a vasodilator that can dilate channels and cools things down, without freezing them.

The SVA ALA products and remedies have become indispensable to my practice – from minor circulatory problems to chronic conditions: I even have our glaucoma patients apply it around the eyes and they get instant relief in their eye pressure; it helps my MS patients by dilating their channels so the nerve regenerating herbs like Sensitive plant and Laksha can penetrate deeper into the cells for healing.

The capsules are a great daily addition to anyone’s diet, as they are also alkalizing since Vaidya has added coral calcium to the formula.

References to Alpha Lipoic Acid Article

1. Androne, L., Gavan, NA, Veresiu IA, Orasan R. In vivo effect of lipoic acid on lipid peroxidation in patients with diabetic neuropathy. In Vivo. 2000; 14(2):327-330.

2. Clark WM< Rinker LG, Lessv NS, Lowery SL, Ciplla MJ. Efficacy of antioxidant therapies in transient focal ischemia in mice. Stroke. 2001; 32(4):1000-1004.

3. Faust A, Burkart V, Ulrich H, et al. Effect of lipoic acid on cyclophosphamide-induced diabetes and insulitis in non-obese diabetic mice. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1994; 16:61-66.

4. Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Alternative Medicine Review. 2001;6(2):141-166.

5. Lynch MA. Lipoic acid confers protection against oxidative injury in non-neuronal and neuronal tissue. Nutr. Neuroscience. 2001:4(6):419-438.

6. Melhem MF, Craven PA, Derubertis FR. Effects of dietary supplementation of alpha lipoic acid on early glomerular injury in diabetes mellitus. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2001;12:124-133.

7. Nagamatsu M, Nickander KK, Schmelzer JD, et al. Lipoic acid improves nerve blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and improves distal nerve conduction in experimental diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care. 1995;18:1160-1167.

8. Packer L, Kraemer K, Rimbach G. Molecular aspects of lipoic acid in the prevention of diabetes complications. Nutrition. 2001;17(10):888-895.

9. Packer L, Tritschler HJ, Wessel K. Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha lipoic acid. Free Radic Biol Med. 1997;22:359-37.

10. Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. Alpha lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Rad Bio Med. 1995;19(2):227-250.

11. Panigrahi M, Sadguna Y, Shivakumar BR, Kolluri SV, Roy S, Packer L, Ravindranath V. Alpha lipoic acid protects against reperfusion injury following cerebral ischemia in rats. Brain Res. 1996;717(1-2):184-188.

12. Ziegler D, Reljanovic M, Mehnert H, Gries FA. Alpha lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy in Germany: current evidence from clinical trials.Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1999;107:421-430.

13. Pershadsingh HA. Alpha lipoic acid: physiologic mechanism and indications for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2007 Mar; 16(3)291-302.

14. McMackin CJ, Widland=sky ME, HamburgNM, et al.Effect of combined treatment with l=alpha lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine on vascular function and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease.J Clin Hypertens. (Greenwich.). 2007 Apr; 9(4):249-55.

15. Maitra I, Serbinova E, Trischler H, Packer L. Alpha lipoic acid prevents buthionine sulfoximine-induced cataract formation in newborn rats. Free Radic Biol Med. 199a5 Apr; 18(4):823-9.

16. Filina AA, Davydova NG, Endrikhovskii SN< Shamshinova AM. Lipoic aid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma.Vestn Oftalmol. 1995 Oct; 111(4);6-8.

17. Komeima K, Rogers BS, Lu L, Campochiaro PA. Antioxidants reduce cone cell death in a model of retinitis pigmentosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2006 Jul 25; 103(30); 11300-5.

18. Holmquist L, Stuchbury G, Berbaum K, et al.Lipoic acid as a novel treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Pharmacol Ther. 2007 Jan; 113(1):154-64.

19. Shinto, L, Quinn, J, Montine, T, Dodge, HH, Woodward, W, Baldauf-Wagner, S, Waichunas, D, Bumgarner, L, Bourdette, D. et al. (2014). A Ranndomized placebo-controlled pilot trial of m=omega-e fatty acids and alpha lipoic acid in Alzheimer’s disease.J.Alzheimers Dis 38:111-120.

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The Rishi and The Princess

The intriguing story of Rishi Chyawan is documented in the ancient

epic tale of India, the Mahabharata. Rishi Chyawan was a great seer. He was fully enlightened and thus carried no desires in his heart, except for union with the cosmic divine. It is said that he sat immobile, his senses fully retracted into the silent self-referral bliss of meditation, for numerous years, until one day, Sukanya, the young and beautiful daughter of King Sharyati, found him and accidentally awoke him from his yogic trance. The aging rishi and the young princess were soon wed. However, their conjugal bliss was overshadowed by the rishi’s old ascetic body.

It is then told that the celestial twin physicians, the Ashvinis, came to the rishi’s help.Physicians to the gods, they had garnered the entirety of Ayurvedic knowledge for the benefit of mankind and the celestial realm. They prepared a mixture that contained the best of what Mother Nature offered in terms of divine healing, balancing, and rejuvenating altogether 52 herbs, and presented it to Rishi Chyawan. Rishi Chyawan ate it, and it restored his body to its original youthful glow and functionality in no time! And the rishi and the princess lived happily ever after….

The recipe became known as Chyawan’s Prash, or the herbal mixture of Chyawan, renown for its tonic and rejuvenative powers.

Vaidya’s Story

“The sweet taste and rich aroma of home-made chyawanprash infuses my early childhood memories spent in the village of Vaidyachak (“Vaidya’s village”) in Jharkand, NorthEast India. My father used to prepare Chyawanprash for our family members, as well as his patients, from scratch. I used to watch him select the herbs, prep them, and, finally cook them.

Years later, when I studied Ayurveda formally and learnt of the countless benefits of all the herbs that go into the Chyawanprash formula, I had the desire to share it with all my ayurvedic patients, specially after moving to the West. That’s how, several years ago, I initiated the process of sourcing and gathering the best quality wild-crafted herbs that would go into the preparation. I wanted to make sure that I incorporated every single ingredient that was mentioned in the original formula without compromise of quality.

Finally, a few months ago, everything came together, and I put together this “avaleha,” or “liquid preserve,” just the way my father used to make it! I am very happy to say It smells and tastes just as good as I remember it!

How does it work?

Chyawanprash is Ayurveda’s gift to us. It brings together the best of all the “divyaushadhi,” or divine herbs, in a recipe that is not only balancing, but is a delicious addition to daily diet. It’s no accident that it is considered India’s national tonic!

The preparation of these 52 herbs and plants involves seven stages and is complex because the herbs that are used have different properties that need to be prepared in distinct separate steps before being combined together, in order to get the full benefit. The original creators of this formula, the Ashwin Gods, taught the way of infusing the different groups of herbs together, based on how they can be categorized property-wise. The herbs that go into the mixture can be grouped into three:

rasayana or rejuvenative herbs
detoxifying and cleansing herbs
immuno-modulatory herbs

Deriving the lipid and water soluble fractions of these herbs, while

infusing their balancing properties into the base of the alma berry paste (amalaki) is thus a challenging process that has to go through different time-sensitive steps. But when it is done properly, when the powerful molecules have been duly prepared and mixed in with the organic sugar and honey, the formulation is fully potent and active, benefiting the body as soon as it touches the oral mucosa. Once in the stomach, it detoxifies traveling through the gaps of the tissues and nourishing all the aspects of the physiology.

Chyawanprash is a daily tonic that is good for all age groups all the time – except infants and children age 5 and under. The original formula contains ghee, cane sugar, and honey. Please note that the addition of ghee, honey, and sugar is necessary as they help coat the herbal molecules and deliver them to the deeper tissues. They are added as balancing ingredients because the original formula is very potent with its concentrated content of herbs and amla. They are

not flavoring agents. And since they are consumed in conjunction with the dozens of herbs that are in the formula, they body is able to process and metabolize them fully. You will not make ama from the ghee, the sugar, or the honey – no one should experience discomfort or imbalance from the sugar and fat content. However, if you have fat and sugar sensitivities or prefer to avoid consuming either or both, I have put together a Chyawanprash Syrup that contains no added fat (ghee) and no added sugar (honey or raw can sugar). For those who have concerns consuming fat and/or sugar, this will be the ideal way to get the rejuvenative benefit of all the rasayana and other herbs that are part of the original formula.

What do Charak Samhita Sutra-s say about Chyawanprash?

According to the Charak Samhita, verses 70-74, Chyawanprash has countless health benefits!

Verse 70 says that:

Chyawanprash is a great tonic for the lungs, it can take care of chronic cough, and helps alleviate breathing trouble. It supports and helps older physiologies, helps reverse aging, and it nourishes the growth of children and young adults.

Verse 71 says:

Chyawanprash supports the vocal chords; nurtures all seven tissues; nourishes the heart; pacifies Vata dosha; nourishes the blood; takes care of excessive thirst. It helps the urinary tract; nourishes the reproductive fluid, and pacifies the aggravated dosha-s in the urinary tract.

Verse 72 says:

It can be consumed as a food item, as a dessert, after your midday meal. Do not eat at night as it can be too energizing and may interfere with sleep. Consuming chyawanprash as part of your daily diet will rejuvenate all age groups, making the old young again, and the young stronger!

Verse 73 says:

Increases intelligence; boosts memory; enhances glow and complexion of the skin; keeps the body disease-free; lengthens the life-span; strengthens all five senses. Chyawanprash supports and promotes marital or conjugal bliss, strengthening both male and female physiologies! It also supports the digestive metabolic fire; increases overall radiance; pacifies apana vata.

Verse 74 says:

This verse tells us that chyawanprash could also be used as part of the “kayakalpa” protocol. “Kayakalpa” literally means restoring youth to the body inside and out! There are two kinds of kayakalpa mentioned the Charak Samhita. One is called “Kuti praveshik” which is a protocol that is carried out indoors, under strict supervision. The other is “vaat tapik” or outdoors. The indoors protocol is more efficient, and the consumption of Chyawanprash is recommended for this protocol. This verse says that whoever uses Chyawanprash as a rasayana for the reversal of aging, will get all the benefits of kayakalpa – removal of old age, rejuvenation, reclaiming beauty, strength, youthful skin, etc. This verse confirms that Chyawanprash can be used on a daily basis, safely and effectively, for daily rejuvenation; or as a clinical preparation taken under supervision with specific dosage requirements when conducting “kayakalpa” treatments for the ultimate cleansing and renewing protocol that Ayurveda can offer.

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Let’s face it – the holidays can be mentally and emotionally stressful! In addition to our ongoing daily professional or familial obligations, we may find ourselves carried away by the whirlwind of back-to-back parties; endless shopping lists; painfully crowded malls and supermarkets; under-the-gun baking, cleaning and entertaining; family obligations and traditions that may involve challenging emotional settings. So it’s very easy to lose sight of ourselves and get caught in dizzying activity, compromising our own health. By the time it’s finally time to celebrate, you’re probably already exhausted having tried to make things perfect for everybody, but your diet is off, your can’t seem to get a full night’s sleep, and you are mentally tense, emotionally fragile – in a word: you’re a wreck! True, you may not be able to change how things are going to unfold and how stressful they are going to be, but you can manage how you are going to go through and respond to the stress.

Do you know what happens in your body when you get stressed? Your brain and body release specific chemical toxins, such as cortisol, that create metabolic imbalances that trigger inflammatory conditions. Stress compromises your body’s acid-alkaline balance, bringing down your immunity and making you prone to ill-health, weight-gain, depression, and more. Did you know that you can correct your body’s response to stress? This involves more than a mind-over-matter trick – when stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup no matter what you tell yourself to do. However, with Ayurveda, and specifically SV Ayurveda, we learn that there are herbs and ingredients that can naturally boost our bliss, or “correct” our behavior by increasing the “happy chemicals” in our brain: serotonin; dopamine; endorphins. With Ayurveda, you can also help curb those undue holiday errings of the senses: the overeating; the hang-overs; unruly sleep, etc.

How can SV Ayurveda help us address the typical holiday hazards?

Emotionally Down?: it’s unsettling how holidays can magnify pain. They will highlight everything that may have recently changed in your lives — a divorce, a death in the family, estranged family members, etc. If you are missing someone special this holiday season, if someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, first thing is to tell yourself it’s ok to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry and express your feelings, to give yourself the space to work through your emotions instead of suppressing them. You should not force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season! But do not dwell on the sadness longer than you need to. Acknowledge it and release it. But isn’t that the tricky part?! How do you release sadness?

If you are feeling sad it means your sadhak pitta is off and needs to be balanced. You can cool off and balance your sadhak pitta by eating seasonal sweet juicy fruits – apples and pears are great this time of year. In addition, add more protein your diet, cooked with a nice pitta pacifying masala.

Herb-wise, add Ashoka Transdermal cream or roll-on your tala-hridiya marma points. You can also do the full Samadhi Set protocol 3-5 times a day.

Add Ashoka and Brahmi Nectar drops: 3 drops of each to a glass of water.

Drink “Bliss and Bliss tea”

Drink “Vaidya’s Cup!” Treat yourself with Chyawanprash, – it’s the best tridoshic dessert you can have and 1 tsp will be worth 10 slices of cake or 5 chocolate bars!

Listen to or chant the Heart Lotus Mantra.

Don’t skip or delay meals.

Use pitta masala. Use the soothing aroma essential oils of Rose, Neroli, Jasmine, and Sandalwood.

Add the non-alcoholic Celebration Nectar Drops to your celebrations! Formulated by Vaidya Mishra 3 years ago, the nectar drop “celebration drink” is a hit with SVA clients. You can add 5-10 drops to your glass of water during lunch or dinner.

Top of your meals with a cup of “Vaidya’s Cup.” You will be surprised by the shift in your mood. “Vaidya’s Cup” will boost the serotonin and the dopamine to enhance your bliss. You can have 3-5 cups a day.

Mentally stressed and Physical Drained? During the holiday season, obligations and errands run us down. Due to mental and physical over-activity prana and vyana vata go out of balance, leaving us feeling frazzled, unable to settle down, and constantly haunted by the feeling of “always more to do!”

Take a breather: literally take a few minutes to step out of a scene to sit down and breath. Do a quick alternate nostril pranayam exercise to regulate the flow of prana and keep things even in your Ida and Pingala channels. Clear your mind and restore inner calm by shifting your thoughts to the big picture.

If you are caught in the middle of frenzy, spray 4-5 squirts of Stress-Free Spray, breath, and relax. This water base formulations has been helping countless individuals since Vaidya Mishra launched it this year.

Drink Soma Nidra Tea: this rich blend will calm your mind and sooth your sadhak pitta as well.

Apply Soma Nidra Roll-on on your wrists, cervical area, and inhale the aroma.

At night, before the big day, or after the party is over, take a bath with the SVA “Relax and Detox Bath Pouches.”

Do a self-mssage with Vata Oil with Vit D and Magnesium – alternately you can treat yourself to a massage parlor, take your oil with you and ask them to use it on you for a richer relaxing experience.

Add Mucuna capsules to your dietary regimen (For Him for men, For Her for women)

Reclaim your vibrant energy with Chyawanprash: 1 tsp morning before or after breakfast, and 1 tsp after lunch daily.

Try to do at least 10-15 minutes of yoga or a brisk walk daily.

Could not Stop Eating? Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all by abandoning your healthy habits, knowing full well that overindulging will only add to your stress and guilt. But it’s easier said than done, right? Here’s the trick: by consuming food that contains all 6 tastes – sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, astringent, you maximize your chance of not getting carried away by temptation. Food that carries all 6 tastes helps us maintain psychological and mental balance – Ayurveda is very clear on this. But science also finds that chilies or the pungent taste, for example, release the endorphins already present in our brains; cumin, which is astringent, releases serotonin; black pepper increases oxygenation calming us down and taking away anxiety. When you eat a meal that contains all 6 possible tastes, the coordination between your stomach, brain, and heart is optimal, minimizing your craving for sweets or larger portions. This means that your pitta dosha stays cool and composed, then your emotions don’t go off. Meals that contain all 6 tastes are tridoshic. Eating all 6 tastes in each meal will help you not abandon healthy habits when you need them most.

No time to cook? Sprinkle Mum’s Masala on your meal – it’s balanced and tridoshic and delicious, giving you all possible 6 tastes.

Add chutneys to your meals – cilantro chutney and/or the Tamarind and Amla preserve, which will give you satiation by enhancing digestion and absorption of food.

In case you overeat and feel bloated, try the Pro-Pachak drops – 5 drops in a glass of 8oz of water. Drink this after lunch and dinner to support digestion and absorption.

Make and carry a mixture of dry toasted 80% fennel seeds and 20 % ajwain seeds. Chew 1/2 tsp after each meal.

Overdosed on Sugar?: during the holidays it is inevitable not to overdose on sugar. It may be that one time of the time where we allow ourselves to go for it! And it’s great to reward ourselves from time to time… But here’s what you can do to help metabolize that sugar you ate so that after the holidays your immunity is not compromised, and in order to avoid sugar-induced fatigue and post-celebratory depression:

make a tea with 16oz water: add 2 pinches of Gymnema, 2 pinches Indian kino, 2 pinches of Jamun seeds, a tiny cinnamon stick, boil 5-10 minutes, filter and sip. This tea will enhance your sugar metabolism, by converting the sugar molecules into energy.

*Caution: don’t drink this tea if you have not eaten sugar (or consumed carbs), because it will otherwise drive your blood glucose levels low. Do not drink this tea before eating sweets, only AFTER eating sweets, otherwise you will not enjoy the sweet taste.

Can’t Sleep? When our days are overly active, prana vata goes high, and it becomes hard for the mind to unwind and settles down at the end of the day, unable to induce deep restorative sleep. What can help?

Massage with warm Vata oil with Vit D and Magnesium will help balance all of vata dosha.

Take a warm bath with the “Relax and Detox Bath Pouches,”

Have a cup of Soma Nidra tea, or use the Soma Nidra oral spray, and Soma Nidra roll-on on the back of the neck and the shoulders.

Go to bed with “happy thoughts” – if your day was a mixed bag of events, let go of the ill-fitted episodes, as they were inevitable anyways, and linger on the brighter moments. You will be surprised to see how a conscious choice to prefer the positive over the negative will shift your mood and ease in blissful sleep.

In the end, holidays may be more stressful than fun, but the good thing is it’s predictable! You know it is going to happen, you see it coming, but also when it’s going to end, so you can do something about it. This year,you can be pro-active about it, and with SVA, you have a wide array of ayurvedic tips and stress-survival strategies, along with calming and mood-brightening formulations and recipes.

Happy Holidays!

The post Holiday Health Hazards and How to Avert Them – with SVA Tips, Recipes, and much more! appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Thousands of years ago the Vedic Rishis (enlightened sages or seers of ancient India), from which all Ayurvedic knowledge and wisdom was derived, identified and confirmed the existence of six tastes. Lavana, or salty taste is an important one, very commonly used, but the least understood. It contains a unique combination of both soma and agni, or in SVA terms, its properties are primarily nurturing (soma) and transformation (agni).
According to the SVA or Shaka Vansya Ayurveda lineage, the entire universe, nature, as well as our physiology thrives on prana, our life force. Prana’s three components; soma, agni, and marut are vibrational energies that occur in our natural environment. Soma is characterized as nurturing energy that carries lunar energy vibrations. Soma provides our bodies with stability, aids in lubrication, and supports optimum absorption of what we eat and drink. Agni aides in the transformation process including digestions (of both food and emotions), and carries the vibrational energies of the sun. Marut is associated with the air and space elements, and supports all movement in nature.
Ayurveda places great importance on the six rasas or the six tastes as they have a profound effect on the way we digest our food as well as how they affect our internal organs. Balancing the six tastes in our diets is a key principle for optimum health and wellness. The six rasa / tastes are:
Sweet – madhur
Sour – amla
Salty – lavana
Pungent – katu
Bitter – tikta
Astringent – kashaya
The salty (lavana) taste encompasses all foods that have a healthy salty taste to them. Today, salt often refers only to sodium chloride (NaCl.), yet salt is so much more than that. Based partly on observing the qualities of the salty taste, the Vedic Rishis understood that in addition to improving the flavor of foods, healthy and clean salt aids digestion and circulation, lubricates the stomach lining, enhances absorption, and helps open up blocked channels. The rishis also recognized that in excess or with improper use, the salty taste will cause imbalances. The rishis observed that salt exhibits the gunas or qualities of heaviness (guru), unctuousness (snaihika), and warmth (ushna).

Benefits of proper salt usage:
The Charak Samhita, the main Ayurvedic text and sutras of holistic medicine contains the laws of nature and guiding medical principles. This life manual provides us with beautiful verses of the actions of the salty taste on our body including:

Effects of Too Much Salt Use:
The Charak Samhita as documented by the vedic rishis also provides us with awareness about the misuse or overuse of salt. The following table lists complications and health problems that may be caused by excess or misuse of the salty taste.

What is Soma Salt?

Soma salt is a cooling rock salt, as the name “soma” suggests. Soma salt is a high grade salt extracted from the Himalayas in the historic land of Sindh. Soma salt undergoes a proprietary purification process, a technique that has been passed down in the Shaka Vansya Ayurvedic lineage. Salt that originate from the Himalayas develop as large rock and cluster deposits that contain agni (heating) minerals such as lead, sulphur, zinc, cadmium etc. The SVA salt purification process removes the agni metals and minerals producing an end result that is balanced, cooling and nurturing. Organic materials are used during the cleaning process, and no anti-caking agents or free-flowing agents are added.
In comparison to many other edible salts that are heating in nature, Soma salt is cooling as it carries lunar (cooling) soma intelligence thus providing a more nurturing effect on the body. Soma salt provides a more subtle salty taste, which draws out the flavor in foods without dominating them.
The Charak Samhita lists eight edible and beneficial kinds of salt coming from the Himalayas. It names the best among them as Soma Lavan, or Soma salt. This cooling variety of salt is said to give numerous benefits. Soma salt is described in Chapter 27, Verse 300 as: rochanam (tasty), deepanam (increasing the digestive fire, which supports all seven tissues), vrishyam (supporting shukra dhatu, or reproductive tissue), chakchushya (supporting the longevity of the eyes by cooling the liver), avidahi cha (not creating a digestive imbalance due to excess heating quality, and not causing retention of toxins as other salts do), tridoshagnam (pacifying all three doshas and having a somewhat sweet taste), lavanottamam (the best of all salts).
Soma salt also contains very little iodine. Iodine is a chemical element essential for the production of thyroid hormones that regular growth and metabolism. There is often a misconception that salt should be fortified with iodine to support the body. However, there are many foods that are naturally high in Iodine such as; dried seaweed, fish, potato peel, milk, shrimp, turkey, navy beans, and eggs. These natural sources are more bioavailable, which means the iodine can be absorbed and used by the body more intelligently without the risk of overdose or deficiency. NOTE: Please consult your Physician if you are low in iodine or have an iodine-related disease.
Soma salt also contains very little sodium chloride, whereas most table salt is over 95% sodium chloride. Sodium chloride has a heating effect on the body, which may cause various doshic imbalances.
A Salt Mineral Analysis: SVA vs. Standard Himalayan Salt:
Below is a spectral analysis of SVA Soma salt, which has gone through a purification process to remove heating minerals and metals, compared to a typical Himalayan salt.
The results below show the content per 100 g of each product.

As the chart above indicates, Soma Salt has less Sodium and more potassium which are highly desirable results. On the other hand, it is lower in calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper, as these elements are lost during the aluminum purification process – research has confirmed that aluminum is a highly toxic element unfit for human consumption.
Using Soma Salt:
Below are just a few ways to use Soma salt.
Cooking: Sauté Soma salt with other spices in ghee before adding your vegetables or protein. Mix Soma salt with Mum”s Masala, lime juice and some olive oil for a delicious dip or drizzle on salad as a healthy dressing.
Baking: Soma salt enhances the taste of sugar and aids in the proper absorption of the sweet taste. Please do not use Soma salt with milk or cream.
Sprinkling on food: Simply sprinkle Soma salt to taste over your food.
Improve appetite: Sprinkle a little Soma salt on a slice of ginger, add a squeeze of lime and eat. This will help un-cloud the kledaka kapha subdosha and increase the appetite.
Addressing salt cravings: Sprinkle a little Soma salt on a slice of lime and suck on it. Note: this should not follow a tequila shot!
Addressing dehydration: There are a number of SVA rehydration drink recipes to balance doshas and support the digestion system. Rehydration drink recipes can be found at: http://www.chandika.com/downloads/SVA-Summer-Protocol_Vaidya-Mishra_Aug2010.pdf

Recipes using Soma Salt:

The SVA Cooking team has prepared a multitude of tasty recipes using Soma salt. Happy browsing and cooking!  http://www.vaidyamishra.com/pages/Videos.html   http://www.chandika.com/pages/Recipes.html

Customer Testimonials:
There are thousands of happy users of Soma salt and here are a few of their testimonials:
Food Enhanced with Soma Salt (Posted on chandika.com by Mary McCoy on 23rd Oct 2009) “Soma salt has a ‘softer’ quality compared to other salts, so there isn’t any sharp edge. Food flavors seem to be enhanced from the inside making them taste fuller, more nourishing and more like the natural ingedient itself. That it helps calm my pitta is an extra bonus.
Great salt! (Posted on chandika.com by Laura – NYC on 2nd Sep 2009): “I have a high pitta constitution that tends to throw off my vata dosha which then makes me crave more salt then that throws off my pitta dosha more and so on! Soma Salt has been a life saver in this sense. It satisfies my vata without aggravating my pitta and putting me in an endless loop of one dosha aggravating the next. Plus I do not retain any toxins with this salt, being a woman, cellulite can be an issue for me! Thank you Vaidya for an amazing product and all the knowledge to help heal us!”
Delicious! (Posted on chandika.com by Greg – WI on 2nd Sep 2009): “Tastes really great. Salty taste but no biting sharpness. lovely after effect feeling. Thanks.”
and some more recent ones:

“I got used to Soma Salt but ran out one day and by the time I got it back I had to use regular table salt. My chronic problems (joint and ankle pain) came back immediately, and I knew it was the salt because I had not changed anything else in my diet or routine. Now I never run out of it!” (SR – SoCal)

“I started to use Soma Salt because I liked its taste, not to sharp yet salty enough. But with time I noticed how it made me feel lighter. Vaidya explains that my body likes to retain water and we know salt retains water. Having Soma Salt has been a boon for me, as I could now consume my salt without running the risk of feeling heavy, bloated, and gaining weight. I love this salt.” Melanie K. (CA)

“While on a trip I had taken precautions to minimize and avoid the use of regular table salt, requesting fresh meals to be made without salt whenever possible. However, on a couple of occasions I had to submit and eat what was available. My body had an immediate response to the regular table salt. My feet became swollen and painful. The doctors could not see/understand anything. After a diet with regular Soma Salt everything is back to normal again. This salt is magical. More people should know about it…”
Raymond M., Canada

References:
Charak Samhita

Iodine Excess and Hyperthyroidism. Elio Roti and Ettore Degli Uberti and. Thyroid. May 2001, 11(5): 493-500. doi:10.1089/105072501300176453. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11396708

Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient information Center. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/iodine/

Fresenius Journal of Analytical Chemistry. Trace Elements — Analytical Methods. Iodine in different food articles and standard reference materials. M. Dermelj, Z. Šlejkovec, A. R. Byrne, P. Stegnar, V. Stibilj and M. Rossbach. http://www.springerlink.com/content/n4645956642x7357/

European Journal of Endocrinology. Correction of iodine deficiency: benefits and possible side effects. http://www.eje.org/content/132/5/542.short

Nutrition Reviews: Too Much Versus Too Little: The Implications of Current Iodine Intake in the United States. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1753-4887.1999.tb06940.x/abstract

Chemical Analysis of Natural Himalayan Pink Rock Salt. http://www.saltnews.com/chemical-analysis-natural-himalayan-pink-salt/

The post What’s in your Salt? appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Winter weather can be hard on our bodies and minds! Deep cold weather takes a toll on our skin, slow us down in general by shrinking our channels, but also ushers in the “winter blues” resulting from the gloom of grey skies and shorter days. Here are a few quick tips:

Keep a SVA diet and routine, with specific attention to your body type so as not to put-out agni; this is key to staying on top of your health. The SVA diet targets the health of your channels so you won’t put on or lose weight when you don’t need to.
Maintain a regular self-massage or abhyanga routine: this supports your winter-shrunk channels further but also keeps your skin moist and well lubricated, nourishing it transdermally
Use aromatherapy to chase away the winter blues! Scientists are not yet quite sure how the chemistry of aromatherapy works, but none questions its effects! Vaidya has put together new soap bars that can help you stay on top of things through aromatherapy, even as they nourish and balance your skin with a rich creamy base of organic Shea butter.

You know our skin is the largest organ of our bodies. The skin is not just a barrier between us and the world, it is an intelligent portal, governed by different ayurvedic principles. Ayurveda offers a lot of insight about the proper care of your skin during the different seasons of the

year. Keeping your skin moist and lubricated with regular daily – or at least weekly – self-massage is utmost; using massage oils that contain herbal synergies or nutrients is even better! Using a good toxin-free moisturizer to keep things balanced is of course recommended, but even if you do not heed regular massages or use moisturizers, what gets your skin most is the use of commercial soap bars.

Did you know that regular soaps strip your skin of its natural oil balance not only drying it out but also depleting its friendly bacteria, and delivering synthetic toxic chemicals -preservatives, and fragrances – transdermally to your entire physiology?

The majority of soaps on the market carry toxic foaming agents (SLS), or preservatives (Parabens), or many more coloring and aromatizing synthetic chemicals that reduce the natural lubrication of the skin. The skin is governed by 3 ayurvedic principles: shleshak kapha,vyana vata, and bhrajak pitta. Shleshak kapha helps maintain moisture levels and keeps the skin lubricated;Vyana vata keeps the balance of friendly bacteria and nutrients of the skin well distributed; and Bhrajak pittaprotects the skin by warding off unwanted particles and molecules from entering and going into the blood stream, while it invites and takes in all good molecules that are applied on the skin. When you use soaps and cleaning products with chemicals, you disrupt the balance established by these 3 ayurvedic principles one after another, and you can eventually develop chronic skin imbalances.

For example, regular soap bars dry your skin. This meansshleshak kapha goes off. When Shleshak kapha is off, thenvyana vata goes high, and this eventually brings downbhrajak pitta - the skin loses its intelligence as to what to absorb and what to reject. Using a drying

synthetic soap bar for prolonged periods of time will eventually bring in deeper imbalances.

Vaidya’s unique SVA aromatherapy soaps are made with the best organic Shea Butter, packed with the goodness of flower and plant essences, to achieve optimal therapeutic benefits.

What’s in the Aromatherapy Soaps

Energy

-Nutmeg energizes and balances the body, it is also known to support the nervous and endocrine system. Its sweet and musky aroma brings encouragement and spontaneity. Nutmeg has antiseptic properties.

-Sweet orange is an uplifting aroma whose properties also include: digestive, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, carminative.

Inspiration

-Neroli properties range from being a gentle antidepressant, aphrodisiac to being a soothing sedative and tonic substance amongst many other benefits.

-Tangerine is rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene. It also helps to release stress and occasional nervous irritability! Its fresh and citrus aroma is very calming to the mind and body.

Clarity

-Cedar wood properties: Cedar wood Essential Oil has an earthy aroma that is soothing and grounding. It is a well documented oil, used by the Sumerians, Egyptians and Tibetans.

It is also a known to have been used as a tonic, astringent, diuretic, insecticidal, sedative and fungicidal substance. Cedar-wood oil contains the highest amount of sesquiterpenes.

Sesquiterpenes are a hydrocarbon group that is found in essential oils. They stimulate the limbic system of the brain which helps to elevate our mood and helps us relax (overcome stress), hence Cedar wood’s potential in relaxing and helping with focus.

-Ylang-Ylang provides relief from stress, anger, expression and anxiety it strengthens the nervous system and helps maintain healthy skin.

Serenity

-Lavender can relieve nervous tension; it has been used to disinfect the scalp and skin,enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems.
-Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds- these are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Laboratory studies have shown rosemary to be rich in antioxidants, which play an important role in neutralizing harmful particles called free radicals. It is also known to enhance memory and concentration.

This Winter, luxuriate in the bounty of Mother Nature through SVA flower essence blends – calm your mind and heart and nurture and hydrate your skin with Vaidya’s unique soap bars.

The post Winter Body and Mind Care with Aromatherapy Soap Bars appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

Bitter detox oil

The ancient ayurvedic sages knew that a lot of toxins are lipid soluble. Without the availability of our modern technology they understood that many toxins settle their residence in the fat tissue and gets carried and dispersed through the fat molecules. In this sense, the fat tissue and fat molecules of the body easily become the host for these fat soluble toxins. When allowed to sit for extended periods of time, these toxins may cause irreversible damage.

When Vaidya formulates an herbal massage oil, he extracts the lipid soluble molecules of the herbs into the oil and couples them in such a way that they carry a detoxifying or “shodhana” effect along with the nurturing, “santharpana” and pacifying “shamana” properties.

This week we highlight the launch of Vaidya’s 3 new body massage oils: the Pitta with Magnesium, Turmeric with Magnesium, and Bitter Detox Massage oil.

Why Magnesium? Magnesium is an oil-soluble mineral which has all three desired properties that support the overall health of the body: shodhana santharpana and shamana. Vaidya’s new oils have been formulated to supply santharpana and shamana in order to avoid unbalanced uncontrolled detox or shodhana. Whenever you do a detox program and you pull out and evacuate toxins, you have to replace those toxins with nutrients in order to complete the process. In addition, you need to pacify the specific subdoshas that you may have imbalanced through that de-tox. These oils have been formulated to address your daily safe and effective detox through balanced herbal synergies.

These oils also contain a perfect selection of essential oils – all 100% natural. These essential oil act like “yog-vahi”s, they are the carriers that transport the herbal molecules into the nooks and crannies of your system faster and more effectively. turmeric with magnesium

It is best to use any of these massage oils in the morning. Warm a bottle up in your sink under running hot water, then apply in the palm of your hand and massage your extremities and body (if using the Bitter Detox oil, apply only below the knees and elbows, or only the feet). Leave on for 20 minutes then shower off.

The post Why Oil yourself for Detox? appeared first on Vaidya Mishra's Ayurveda Knowledge Blog.

An article running in the British The Guardian in December 2014 concluded that much: “detoxing – the idea that you can flush your system of impurities and leave your organs squeaky clean and raring to go – is a scam. It’s a pseudo-medical concept designed to sell you things.”

While it is true that over the past decade we have witnessed a proliferation of ineffective as well as harmful detox protocols and products on the market, it is also true that the article’s take on detoxification is elementary:

“There are two types of detox: one is respectable and the other isn’t. The respectable one [...] is the medical treatment of people with life-threatening drug addictions. The other is the word being hijacked by entrepreneurs, quacks and charlatans to sell a bogus treatment that allegedly detoxifies your body of toxins you’re supposed to have accumulated.”

The problem is simple: scientists want to measure and identify the toxic substances that are making us ill, but apparently they don’t seem to know where to start: “Much of the sales patter revolves around “toxins”: poisonous substances that you ingest or inhale. But it’s not clear exactly what these toxins are. If they were named they could be measured before and after treatment to test effectiveness.”

Well then we could put aside the good work done by NGO environmentalist groups and just revert back to the time-tested ayurvedic texts, but particularly SV Ayurveda, as taught by Vaidya Mishra, the only living tradition of Ayurveda that actually goes into a detailed explanation of the 4 different types of toxins that can accumulate in our physiology from different sources. SV Ayurveda has full protocols for identifying these toxins, as well as helping us eliminate them. In general, we know that detox is part and parcel of Ayurveda – one of the many synonyms of disease in Ayurveda is “amaya” – originating from ama. Taking care of ama, or toxins that accumulate daily, is the sure way of a healthy life according to Ayurveda.

We live in a toxic culture where our bodies are daily exposed to chemical fumes emanating from the environment we live and sleep in; a culture where we ingest highly processed foods and drinks; are driven to use personal care products that are laden with toxic preservatives, scents, and ingredients; use electric and magnetic devices that disrupt our body’s natural vibrational make-up; etc. Not to mention the acidic chemical toxic waste that our own

bodies produce on a daily basis as we struggle with stress.

Our bodies are naturally programmed to detox on a daily basis, and come equipped with detox pathways. As the article also mentions: “The healthy body has kidneys, a liver, skin, even lungs that are detoxifying as we speak, [...]There is no known way – certainly not through detox treatments – to make something that works perfectly well in a healthy body work better.” Ayurveda, however, offers a much more refined and holistic perspective on detox, as well as diet, daily regimens, and seasonal and other detox protocols that do and can help make a healthy body work better. And nothing, but nothing, beats daily detox! Daily detox through skin(sweating), urination, and bowel movements. Making sure you not only have at least one daily bowel movement (ideal is two!), but are also fully evacuating toxic buildup is key to your optimal health. In this sense, colon detox and colon health (though colonics, colon irrigation or flushing, etc) have also become very popular amongst the health-conscious population.

Vaidya Mishra’s stand on these is conclusive: you must not adopt any of these short-cut cleansingmethods because even as they may flush out accumulated toxins, they deplete our gut of its friendly bacteria. Our brains thrive on the health of our colons. Maintaining a healthy colon is key, as Vaidya Kameshwar Mishra, Vaidya Mishra’s father used to say: “the brain of our brain lies in our gut!” If we can take care of our daily bowel movements, making sure we are following a diet that suits our body types, then we can skip the confusing detox isles in the health food stores, heading straight to our happiness! In general, Triphala, made of 3 fruits as its name indicates, is a safe and effective daily non-habit forming supplement for supporting colon health. However, Ayurveda has much to offer in terms of colon health.

Vaidya Mishra explains that in Ayurveda, colons can be categorized into three types. A colon is called “kostha” in Sanskrit. Identifying your colon type will give you the advantage of managing it better, and improving your daily detox needs. See which type below best describes your bowel tendencies.

The three kinds of colons or “kostha“-s are:

mridu kostha: individuals who are usually not constipated, have a proper daily stool, softer (unless they eat salty, dry or drying, foods which absorb more water and result in increased absorption and there dryer stool). For people with this bowel tendency, Vaidya recommends only soft, gentle products to support the

bowel movements. For example, prune or tamarind chutney (recipes available in the detox booklet), taken at night with dinner, 1-2 tablespoons. In addition 1 tablet of Prakrit at night, along with DGL or Prakrit cream on the spine before bed will further support and help this bowel type.

madhya kostha: second category or type of bowel is called madhya kostha where a person can easily experience harder stools, has the tendency of getting harder stool due to stress, lack of sleep, not eating on time, eating drying foods, too salty or pungent food. These individuals need to maintain a proper SVA diet, consuming chutneys on a regular basis, as well as add 2-4 tablets of Prakrit at night. Sometimes Prakrit will not be enough, then they can add SVA LAX (mild) – 1 capsule before bed. Probiotic support is essential for a healthy colon. A mixture of 20% yogurt with 80% water, blended with a couple of pinches of Soma Salt in one glass of water will help. Add 1/4 tsp of Mums Masala for added support and flavor and drink only with lunch, never dinner. In addition, Prakrit Transdermal cream before bed on the spine, to connect the mind with the colon will help re-instate the intelligence of the colon even faster and more efficiently.

kroor kostha: the third type is called kroor kostha. Kroor means difficult. Individuals with this type of colon tend to experience hard stools, and when they eat dry or drying foods that may contain too much salt, or they sit for long periods of time, or they do not drink enough water, it makes their bowel movements even more difficult. The following protocol is good for them, and will not give them any side effects – such as Senna leaf, or Castor oil, or Cascara Sagrada.

All these ingredients, while they might help, are very habit forming and detrimental for the colon in the long-run. The colon loses its intelligence, it forgets to fulfill its own function and comes to depend on these plants. There are specific protocols for individuals who have this bowel tendency. The proper SVA diet, eating more cooked leafy greens, drinking extra water, consuming 2-4 tablespoons of prune and tamarind chutney at night, 4-6 tablets of Prakrit before bed, and applying Prakrit and Anushudhi Transdermal creams on the lower abdomen before bed. If Prakrit tablets do not help, they can try 1 capsule of SVA LAX.

Special note for high pitta individual: sometimes, when the individual is high pitta type, or the colon has accumulated more heat (this can be assessed through an ayurvedic consultations), regardless of the colon type or tendency, then along with the lunch yogurt drink (which is ideal for all 3 colon types), they should only use the High Pitta Triphala tablets to pacify the pitta of the body and pitta of the colon. Start with one capsule and go up to 4 capsules per night. In addition to the High Pitta Triphala Capsules, a pitta- pacifying diet (minimize sour, pungent, and salty foods) should be followed, while pitta masala and pitta tea would make a great addition. It is important to always use a good salt, such as Soma Salt. Consuming sweet lassi with 20% yogurt and 80% water, add a teaspoon of 1/2 tsp of rose petal jam, or toasted fennel in 1 glass of water is also recommended. In addition, applying DGL on the colon and the liver before bed will also help.

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Did you know that a rose not only pacifies your sadhak pitta – even as it balances your sadhak agni – but also carries a “somnasya jana” or bliss-enhancing property in its aroma? These properties bestow upon rose its supreme position in the flower kingdom. This is probably why our hearts open wide to love when we see or smell a rose, or when we eat its petals.

In Ayurveda, we know that sadhak pitta is the pitta subdosha that governs the emotions in the heart. It is aided by sadhak agni, the metabolic principle, sitting in the heart, that helps us “digest” and “process” emotions and thoughts. When sadhak pitta and sadhak agni are out of balance, we will tend to feel down and blue, unable to appreciate or enjoy anything. We may try hard as we can to chase away the blues, mentally listing things we know we are grateful for, our heart will not follow suit and allow us the liberating feeling of gratitude unless we balance sadhak pitta and re-ignite sadhak agni.

In life, many times even though things maybe be going great or smooth, if our sadhak pitta is aggravated due to external circumstances – stress from work; sleep deprivation; a fatigued overworked physiology; family pressures; etc, we may feel down and lack the readiness to tackle a new day, or our projects, with zest. Things can be even more challenging in conjugal life, if one partner’s sadhak pitta is off and the other just can’t understand why he or she is not able to enjoy or appreciate…

Aggravation of sadhak pitta is common. When sadhak pitta is aggravated, our outlook on life will remain grim and grey despite our best mental and other efforts. Or we may just not feel up to anything. Sadhak pitta aggravation takes the spark out of life.

Pacification of sadhak pitta with the proper food, or proper aroma therapy, can work wonders! By “proper” Vaidya Mishra means for us t

o make the best choices of least processed foods, non-synthetic scents, etc.

When sadhak pitta is aggravated, we will crave sweet and cool or cold foods. We usually reach for the freezer door and take out the ice cream tub! If your ice cream is made with white sugar (white sugar depletes our bodies of minerals and lowers our pH bringing in more sadness!) and contains processed ingredients, flavorings, the sweet taste may pacify your sadhak pitta temporarily, but at the same time it will put out the flame of your sadhak agni. Sadhak agni is the wick which helps to fuel your sadhak pitta so that your thoughts and emotions are processed. When you eat heavy, cold, clogging foods that are processed, your sadhak agni flame goes low, and in a little while, after eating the ice cream, you will experience a new low and even though you will feel immediate joy from eating the sweet and cold ice cream, after a little while, you will crash. You may then crave more ice cream, and then crash again. At the end of the day, your sadness will be coupled with guilt at eating so much ice cream!

We need to fan the sadhak agni flame and keep it up and running in order to maintain our daily joy. So when you are down and out, it’s important to not reach out for that chocolate bar or the ice cream, instead choose fresh juicy fruits. Or run yourself a nice hot water bath with rose essential oil. Or apply rose oil on your wrists and inhale. Or inhale the rose aroma with Vaidya’s portable aroma inhalers. Or have a spoonful of SVA rose petal preserve.

Making preserve out of rose petals is an old tradition in many cultures. In India, in the Middle East, as well as Europe. In India, rose preserve is very popular and is called: Gulkand.

Vaidya Mishra has carefully formulated his SVA Rose Petal Preserve according to his ancient ayurvedic family precepts, with Rosa centifolia and raw organic cane sugar. He uses natural ascorbic acid to balance the sugar molecules. In addition, he uses pectin which micro-encapsulates the sugar molecules, so that they do not rush into your blood stream and give you a sugar high. Pectin also modulates the sugar molecules to give sustained release into the body.

But you can introduce more rose into your life for other benefits as well. Rose does much more than sooth the emotions. Here is our list of the top 11 Properties of the queen of flowers:

1. Pacifies Vata and Pitta Dosha: Since it carries the sweet and unctuous properties, it pacifies Vata dosha – the sweet rasa, or taste, pacifies vata. The rose’s snigdha or unctuous property also balances vata, since vata that tends to be dry. Any dravya or item that has the unctuous lubricating guna or property is pacifying to vata. Then due to its cooling virya or potency, as well as bitter and astringent taste, it is pacifying for Pitta dosha.

2. Enhances brain health: rose is known to be a medhya, that is, it enhances dhi dritti smriti. These are the 3 primary functions of the brain for the actions of registering, storing and recalling knowledge and information. When they are operating in a balanced and coordinated manner, the brain is in a stress-free state of bliss.

3. Uplifts spiritually: A unique property rose has is called “Som Nasya Janana.” This means that rose creates good coordination between the mind and Satwa, the light of the soul, so it’s an instant bliss generator!

4. Strengthens the stomach: according to Ayurveda, rose is balakarika, meaning it strengthens the stomach, intestine and liver organ systems. Bala means strength. In addition, due to its deepana properties, it balances appetite. It is also pachana – it enhances overall metabolism.

5. It is anulomana: it helps pacify apana vata by making sure the downward movement of apana is maintained – make note, however, that it does not act as a laxative, unless you consume excessively large quantities of rose. When consumed in small but regular quantities, it enhances absorption of nutrients.

6. Balances the metabolism: consuming rose petal products is particularly beneficial when people have high pitta and high vata imbalances. These imbalances are also usually associated with low agni or low metabolic fire in the stomach and tissues. Low agni results in toxic build-up, weight gain, body aches and pains, etc. Eating rose will pacify these two doshas and help reset the physiology on its way to blissful balance.

7. Supports everlasting youth: Rose is also known by the name “taruni” – ever young. Because it pacifies pitta dosha, soothes our emotions, supports the metabolic fires, aids in elimination, and acts as a hridya – rasayana for the heart – it is commonly known to help keep us younger and healthier.

8. A Great Pitta Pacifier: Other specific ailments that Rose has been known to help with are amenorrhea (absence of menstrual flow), inflamed eyes, dizziness, headache due to Pitta aggravation, sore throat, enlarged tonsils, nervousness, grief, dullness of the skin and acne caused by Pitta imbalances.

9. Nurtures and Supports Beautiful Skin: Whether ingested orally or applied

transdermally, Rose is used in Ayurveda for individuals who experience heat or burning sensations in their limbs, or their body overall. This is one of the most important uses of rose for the skin. When taken internally, it purifies the sweat of hot acidic toxins that cause harm on the surface of the skin when a person sweats. Regular transdermal use of rose either in poultices or cream formulas cleans the sweat externally, by neutralizing the pH of the sweat, so that when it is released through the skin, it does not cause irritation.

10. Helps Heart Health: In Ayurveda, rose is also used as a remedy for the physical circulatory system. It is a cardio-tonic, called a “hridya.”

11. Enhances Romance: Rose is also known for its vajikarna properties: we find a lot of recipes in Ayurveda that use Rose to enhance as a remedy to support romantic conjugal life.

Rose is great for vata and pitta doshas. Kapha body types may feel they do not fare so well with too much rose. They can use less of it, however, if they want to enjoy the rose petal preserve, they can sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top.

Here’s to more of everything turning up roses in your life!

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