Nagfani (in Hindi) commonly known as Prickly Pear or Opuntia in English is a cactus plant belonging to Cactaceae family. The most commonly used species of Nagfani is the Indian fig opuntia or Opuntia ficus-indica (botanical name). The name Nagfani is because the pad of this cactus resembles the face of a serpent. The plant is called Nagfada in...
Gond Katira is a crystalline herb that is extracted from the sap of the Gond/Locoweed plant. This herb is obtained from the stems and roots of the plant and is then dried to form crystal-like balls. It acts as a natural gum for all intents and purposes. Note that this ingredient is tasteless and odourless, and swells up on...
Did you know that one in eight women are at risk of developing thyroid problems during her lifetime? Thyroid issues typically present themselves post-pregnancy and during menopause. That said, one of the biggest misconceptions of bearing this disease is that it cannot be cured or can be only cured by popping pills. From yoga to Ayurvedic natural remedies, there's a...
Ever heard of an Ayurvedic herb that works as an ornamental plant and a medicinal boon? That's Vacha for you. Loosely translated, Vacha means to speak clearly. This makes sense as this ancient herb aids in boosting your memory, intelligence, and brings about a sense of focus and clarity. The Vacha plant is one of the most aromatic herbs you'll...
The next time you're walking on the street and see this absolutely gorgeous flower, don't brush it aside. What you've got at the soles of your feet is nature's best gift for treating chronic issues that plague us every day - from constipation and cough to ulcer and hair issues. Today, we'll be talking about the amazing Amaltas tree....
Did you know that the majority of the body’s mood-boosting hormone - serotonin - is present in the stomach lining and not the head, contrary to popular belief. This is why it is extremely important to take care of your digestive system which not only helps to digest food but is also responsible for cell repair and regeneration. This...
Did you know that there is one Ayurvedic herb that is present in most, if not all, Ayurvedic medicines with ingredients that can be easily sourced from your kitchen? Yes, you read that right. This all-important and extremely-beneficial herb that we're going to discuss today is called Trikatu or Trikatu Churna as it is commonly known. Loosely translated, Trikatu...
"Ayurveda recommends the use of plant based as well as mineral-based medicines for treating various disease conditions." - Anonymous If you're looking for a herbal kwatha (decoction) that aids in overall good health and well-being, you've come to the right place. Also known as Arogyavardhini Gutika Rasa, Arogyavardhini Vati is an Ayurvedic medicine formulated by Acharya Nagarjuna. It has been...
Udwarthanam massage is an Ayurvedic deep tissue massage. It involves rubbing oil and herbal powder on the body in a direction opposite to the direction in which the body hair is growing. The herbal powders are rubbed forcibly on the body. It is one of the most sought after therapies for...
Having its roots in ancient Ayurvedic medicine from Kerela, your grandmother's signature Kashayam, Kwath, or Kadha is primarily a water extract or decoction of a single/multiple herbs. Generally, readily-available kitchen spices and herbs like tulsi, ginger, neem, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, long pepper, and pepper are used in preparing this all-powerful liquid...