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Ghee (Clarified Butter) Benefits: A Gold Mine of Nutrients for Weightloss and More


In India, Ghee (clarified butter) has always been a sacred and celebrated symbol of auspiciousness, nourishment and healing. It is not only used for daily cooking, but it is also used in rituals of worship! Ghee comes under a category of fats known as the good/healthy fats. Ghee (clarified butter) has numerous health benefits, which surprisingly also includes Weight Loss! Read on to know more about this gold mine of nutrition.

Ayurveda, the ancient medical science of India recognizes ghee as an essential part of a balanced diet, and considers it to be the best fat one can eat. Some Ayurvedic practices of body cleansing like Panchakarma (a fivefold detoxification treatment involving massage, herbal therapy, and other procedures) can’t be completed without ghee.

Ghee (clarified butter) has good/healthy fats and has numerous benefits. Helps in healthy digestion, Weight Loss, reduces inflammation, removes toxins, moisturizes body

Benefits of Ghee (Clarified Butter):

1. Weight Loss:

Ghee is not only rich in omega-3 fats (DHA) but also in omega-6 fats (CLA). Omega-6 fats have shown to help in increase of lean body mass, while reducing fatty mass. In addition, nutritionists also find that ghee helps in mobilizing fat cells to be burnt for energy. All that helps in weight loss and weight management. Ghee also helps in removing stubborn fats from the body.

2. Pulls toxins out of our body:

The ghee has a lipophilic effect on other fatty acids and fatty toxins in the body (lipophilic means these bodily fats are attracted to other fats like ghee). This pulls stored fat soluble toxins out of the body and back into the intestine for their removal from the body.

3. Healthy digestive tract:

Research has shown that patients with unhealthy digestive tract do not produce butyric acid, and have low levels of fatty acids or related oils in the gut. Ghee consists of Butyrate, an essential short chain fatty acid. It converts fibers into butyric acid, which is essential to intestinal bacteria. Ghee stimulates the secretion of gastric acid, thus aiding in the digestive process. Better digestion equals better health and weight loss.

4. Rich in vitamins:

Ghee is rich in healthy fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, E and K. These vitamins are important for promoting bone and brain health, and also for boosting the immune system.


5. Ghee reduces inflammation:

Butyrate in ghee plays a major role in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and throughout the body. Ghee benefits the body by creating a more alkaline system that overall reduces inflammation. It’s believed that inflammation is at the root of most diseases we face today including Alzheimer’s Disease, some types of cancer, high cholesterol levels, arthritis and asthma.

6. Higher smoking point:

Ghee has a smoke point of 450 degrees. Since it cooks at higher temperature than almost any other oil, it wont break into free radicals like other oils. Free radicals can potentially be harmful to one’s health, and when an oil smokes, it can be hazardous to a person’s respiratory system if constantly breathed in.

7. Promotes flexibility:

Ghee helps to lubricate the connective tissues in the body and promotes flexibility. That’s why many Yoga lovers consume ghee.

9. Natural moisturizer for inside and out:

Our skin, membranes have fats or phospholipids in them. By consuming essential fats found in ghee, you could ensure good skin health not just from the outside (you can apply ghee externally as moisturizer), but from the inside too.

10. Shelf life:

Ghee is incredibly shelf-stable. Ghee will last for months without refrigeration, though it’s recommended that you store it away from direct light and heat and only use clean, dry utensils to remove it from its jar. Also, keep it tightly covered when not in use.

Ghee clarified butter good healthy fat health benefits Helps digestion Weight Loss anti inflammation removes toxins moisturizes body


The best part about Ghee (clarified butter) is that you can make it yourself at home!

How to make Ghee (Clarified butter)?

Traditional way to make it at home:

In India, traditional process of making ghee starts with the culturing of cow’s full fat milk (or cream from boiled milk) with yogurt. The mixture is allowed to rest for 4-5 hours until it is completely fermented. Then the mixture is churned to separate the butter and buttermilk in it (this process is mostly done in the early morning hours when the temperature is cooler in India, which makes it easy for the butter to separate from buttermilk). This separated butter is then melted over medium-low heat until its simmering. As the water in the butter slowly evaporates, the milk solids sink to the bottom of the pan. After all the water has evaporated (the butter will stop making a sputtering sound), it’s removed from the heat, and poured through a cheesecloth-lined strainer to remove the milk solids. This filtered/clarified butter is pure Ghee.

How much ghee to consume:

Remember, excess of anything is bad! According to Ayurveda one teaspoon of ghee early morning with warm water will do wonders to you digestive as well as overall health. Nutritionist suggests restricting the use of ghee to 2 teaspoons a day. To get the best results from eating ghee, you should also see to it that you are controlling the other fatty/fried food consumption. Ghee should be a part of your balanced diet.



Black Raisin Water: Blood purifier for Healthy Skin, Hair and Body


Raisins. Sweet delicious black raisins. We all have had our fair share of raisin cookies, raisin bread, or just raw raisins. Some of us even use them in our cooking. We just love them! Well, you will be surprised to know that your favorite fruit is a very good natural blood purifier. It can also improve your hemoglobin level. There are many benefits of black raisins for healthy skin, hair and body. To get maximum benefits out of black raisins, you need to use them in an Ayurvedic way.Raisin Water benefits for hair skin body

First, lets look at the Benefits of Black Raisins:

1. Purifies blood

Being an excellent source of natural antioxidants, they accelerate the functions of our liver and kidney. They also eliminate damaging free radicals from our body and detoxify it completely. All these are helpful for getting a clean and clear skin.

2. Improves hemoglobin level

The iron content of black raisin is known to be much more than several other iron-rich fruits and vegetables. It means, if you make eating black raisins a habit, you can easily meet the recommended daily intake of dietary iron and keep Anemia at bay.

3. Stay away from premature aging

Black raisins are high in antioxidants as well as essential Phytochemicals. Both these compounds are capable of protecting our skin cells from potential damage caused by long-term exposure to the sun, excessive pollution, and so on. Antioxidant properties combat free radicals. It also improves our immunity and also the elasticity of our muscle fibers gets boosted.

4. Anti hair-loss

These small yet powerful fruits are full of iron, which is a vital and essential nutrient for our body. Iron helps in maintaining our circulatory system healthy. A sound circulatory system is essential for maintaining the blood circulation throughout the scalp, stimulating the hair follicles, and preventing hair fall. Along with iron it is also rich source of vitamin C that facilitates the fast absorption of the minerals and provides proper nourishment to the hair.

5. Regulates blood pressure

Raisins are rich in potassium, an effective mineral which can lower the level of sodium in our body considerably. Sodium increases our blood pressure. Add black raisins to your daily intake of fruits to stay away from cardiovascular diseases.

6. Fights against bad cholesterol

Black raisins contain no cholesterol. Researchers have proved that black raisins comprise lots of soluble fiber, which is basically an anti-cholesterol compound. It transfers LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) from our bloodstream to our liver and facilitates its elimination from our body. Polyphenols, the special class of organic antioxidant present in black raisins, also help in bringing the levels of cholesterol down.

7. Good for bone health

Besides potassium, black raisins consist of fair amount of calcium. Calcium plays a key role in maintaining the health of our skeletal system. Lack of this mineral can result in severe bone disorders like osteoporosis. However, black raisins can increase the level of calcium in our body and help us against these diseases successfully.

8. Excellent for digestive system

Raisins contain in it both soluble and insoluble fibers. High fiber foods are excellent for our digestive health. Dry fruits might have more calories than fresh fruits, but they also have a higher amount of fiber. For example, one cup of grapes has one gram of fiber while one cup of raisins has seven grams of fiber. By adding raisins to your snacks and meals, you instantly up the fiber content of your food quickly and easily.

Ayurvedic benefits black raisin water healthy skin hair body

Have you ever heard about Raisin-Water?

Raisin water is an excellent addition to your diet, especially for promoting good liver health which leads to purification/detoxification of the blood stream. In Ayurveda, raisins are known to be very healing. Especially black raisins. Raisin soaked water has special benefits. Raisins are a natural source of vitamins and minerals, but those benefits are increased tremendously if you drink the water that they are soaked in. This is because very less sugar content of the raisins is released in the soaked water, but most of the vitamins and minerals get released in the water. This soaking method acts as an excellent medicinal remedy for our liver.

How to make Raisin Water?

– Try to get good quality/organic black raisins.

– Take 1 to 2 tablespoon of black raisins.

– Wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt.

– Soak them in 1 cup of water overnight.

– Next morning, strain the water out of raisins with a strainer. Slightly crush the raisins with your clean fingers to extract the juice completely and drink this water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

– That’s it. Trust me, this black raisin water tastes sooo good! 🙂

– You can also eat the strained raisins if you want to or use them in other food.

The American Dietetic Association lists raisins among ‘The Perfect Snack’. Foods that provide energy and also help meet nutritional needs. Along with raisin water you can include black raisins in your diet in many ways. Although the nutritional value of the raisins is very high, one should consume them in moderation.


Ayurvedic benefits black raisin soaked water healthy skin hair body

Sesame seeds: A Fountain of Youth for Winter!

Sesame seeds: A Fountain of Youth for Winter!

Cold and dry winter weather brings with it dryness, itching and peeling of our skin. This dry weather not only affects skin but also affects hair, lips, eyes, hands and feet. We can minimize this damage and seasonal discomfort by using this little fountain of youth called Sesame seeds! Create warmness/comfort in your body and look more beautiful this winter season!

Use Sesame seeds and sesame oil in winter. Sesame seeds and oil benefits uses in Winter

Sesame seeds can be red, white, black, brown, and yellow. The color difference is based on the plant variety within the species, Sesamum indicum.  Sesame is used in multiple forms – powder, paste, oil or whole seeds.

Why are Sesame seeds so special?

1. It’s a fountain of youth:

Based on scientific research, vitamin E has been shown to increase lifespan and promote healthy neurons. Sesame seeds contain tocopherols, the major “vitamers” of vitamin E.  The intake of natural vitamin E is anti-aging (helps against collagen cross linking and lipid peroxidation, which are both linked to aging of the skin).

2. Antioxidant properties:

Sesame seeds also have antioxidant properties (specially black sesame seeds). The scientific research done on  brown pigment of sesame seed shows that it possesses excellent antioxidant activity. These antioxidants fight with free radicals and slow down the aging process in the body.

3. Promote healthy and beautiful skin:

Sesame seeds are full of zinc, an essential mineral for producing collagen and giving skin more elasticity. Zinc also helps to repair damaged tissues in the body.

4. High in nutritional value:

Sesame seeds are a rich source of minerals, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper as well as Vitamin B1 & Vitamin E. Regular consumption of sesame seeds nourishes body internally.

Sesame seeds and oil should be used in winter only. Sesame seeds and oil benefits uses in Winter

5. Boosts immunity:

The antioxidants in sesame seeds fight free radicals, thereby strengthening the immune system.

6. Rich in calcium:

Sesame seeds are rich source of calcium. Calcium promotes healthy hair and nails. It is also essential for strong and healthy bones.

7. Improves digestion:

Being rich in dietary fibers, black sesame seeds supports healthy gut flora, and favor digestion. Healthy digestive system leads to healthy skin and body.

Sesame is one of the most widely used Ayurvedic medicines.  In India, sesame seeds have been a part of their culture since ancient civilization. In India the benefits of sesame seeds are widely recognized and integrated into daily lives, as part of tradition, festivals, rituals and food.

Benefits and ways you can use sesame seed ‘Oil’:

Sesame seeds and oil benefits uses in Winter

1. Skin conditioner:

Massage over your body with warm sesame oil before jumping in the shower. You won’t need to moisturize afterwards.

2. Scalp massage:

Regular scalp massage with warm sesame oil will nourish your hair. It also act as a natural conditioner. Leave the oil in overnight and then wash it out in morning shower. You can make combinations of healthy oils along with the sesame oil for scalp massage.

3. For better sleep:

Massaging your feet with warm sesame seed oil before going to sleep. It will improve your sleep quality. It will also remove roughness of the feet.

4. For oral health:

In Ayurveda, sesame seed oil is used for ‘Oil pulling’ (swishing of oil in mouth for some time). It has been said to prevent teeth decay, bleeding gums, dry throat. It also strengthens the teeth, gums and jaw.

Benefits and ways you can use sesame ‘Seeds’:

Sesame seeds nourish our organs and blood. Blood transfers the nutrition to skin and hair. Sesame seeds and oil will nourish and protect our body both internally and externally.

Sesame seeds and oil benefits uses in Winter

Sesame seeds can be used in a variety of ways for example:

– You can sprinkle sesame seeds on your salads.

– Add sesame seeds to your breakfast cereals, smoothies.

– Add sesame seeds to your soups.

– Bake in bread.

– Make paste and use as a dip (e.g. Tahini – a Mediterranean recipe).

– Tahini sauce can be used in burgers, sandwiches, etc.

– If you are a fan of nutty flavors, enjoy one teaspoon of sesame seeds raw or roasted everyday.

– You can make some sesame chutney (powdered roasted sesame seeds mixed with some Indian spices).

– In India, Ladoo (a dessert) is made with sesame seeds and jaggery in the winter season on the occasion of a festival called Makar Sankranti.


Ayurveda recommends use of sesame seeds and sesame oil only in winter season.

– Sesame seeds are warm in nature, that is they increase heat in our body. It is better to avoid use of sesame seeds and oil during warm seasons.

Note: If you have any allergy to nuts and seeds you should avoid the use of sesame seeds or sesame oil and consult your doctor before making any significant changes into your diet.


Lesser Known Lemon Peel Facts. Its Anti Cancerous!

Lesser Known Lemon Peel Facts. Its Anti Cancerous!

Did you know that Lemon peel is actually Anti-Cancerous ?! Most of us know that lemons are a rich source of vitamin C but this small citrus fruit when used as a whole along with its peel has numerous lesser known health benefits. I promise you that you won’t throw away the lemon peel after reading this blog 🙂

Lemon peel lesser known medicinal facts and benefits. Lemon peel facts benefits anti cancerous

Lesser known facts about lemon peel:

1. It is Anti-cancerous:

Lemon peels consists of components known as salvestrol Q40 ( natural phytochemical) and limonene, which are known to fight against cancerous cells in the body. Even though lemons are citrus/acidic in nature, once its juice has been fully metabolized and its minerals are dissociated in the bloodstream, its effect is alkalizing and cancer cells won’t grow in an alkaline environment.

2. More vitamins than lemon juice:

Lemon peels contain as much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins, minerals and enzymes than the lemon juice itself. The lemon peel contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, vitamin P, fibers, lemonene, salvestrol Q40, polyphenol flavonoids, beta carotene, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium etc.

3. Lowers cholesterol levels:

Lemon peels helps to lower the LDL cholesterol, or the bad cholesterol.  Along with lowering of LDL cholesterol. Lemon peel has considerable quantities of vitamin C and potassium which helps clear clogged blood vessels. The peel is good for reducing the risk of  high blood pressure and heart diseases.

4. Good for bone health:

With good amount of calcium & vitamin C, lemon peel consumption helps prevent disorders like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures in the bone, inflammatory polyarthritis, and osteoarthritis.

Additional health benefits of lemon as a whole are as follows:

It is antibacterial

It is antiviral

It aids in digestion

It can be used to treat acne

It fights against parasites and worms

It possesses antidepressant qualities

It helps to reduce stress and anxiety

Connection between cancer and lemons isn’t something new, for decades, scientists have developed numerous studies to determine its validity. High-dose vitamin C has been studied as a treatment for cancer patients since the 1970s. Lemon extract can successfully destroy malignant cells in a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. Several research studies also make the claim that lemons can destroy cancer much more effectively than chemotherapy, I have given links of research done on the anti-cancerous effect of lemons at the end of this page.

As many researches are claiming that lemons are anti-cancerous, why not incorporate lemon as a whole in our daily diet and prevent diseases like cancer easily and naturally.

How to use lemon peel:

Lemon peel medicinal benefits. Lemon peel facts benefits anti cancerous

– Wash lemons well to remove dirt, pesticides and wax.

– Freeze them until they become frozen solid ( takes around 8 to 10 hours).

– Grate the lemon peel.

– You can also grate the lemon peel without freezing it.

– Enjoy the amazing flavor and benefits.

You can incorporate this lemon peel in your diet in many ways:

– Use it on vegetables, salads, soups, lentils, noodles, spaghetti, pasta, rice etc. It will give an amazing flavor to these dishes.

– You can also use grated or squeezed peel in your green tea or in any black tea.

You can always invent your own ways to incorporate lemon peel in your daily diet!


Clay Pot Cooking: Preserve And Enhance the Nutrition in Your Food

Clay Pot Cooking: Preserve And Enhance the Nutrition in Your Food


clay pan cookware clay pot cooking





Why is Clay Pot cooking better? 

clay pot pan cooking preserves food nutrition

1. Nutrients are preserved:

Clay is porous in nature. This quality makes clay pots / clay pans very unique and effective for cooking. Due to this porous texture of clay pot, moisture and heat circulates evenly through the pot while cooking. Clay pots take a longer time to heat than metal pots. This even and slow cooking plays very important role in retaining nutrients inside the food.


(If you cannot completely stop using a cooker, consider using a Clay Pot Cooker, check this out: Vitaclay Cookers )

2. Alkaline nature of clay:


3. Less oil/fat required for cooking:


4. Safe for food contact:

Clay is a natural material and it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals to react with the food. All it consist of is micro-nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, sulfur, etc. While other metal and non-stick utensils releases harmful chemical compounds in our food. These chemicals act as a slow poison in our body. In India, clay is considered as Pavitra (pure/ holy). Traditionally in every temple the Prasad (food offering to God) is made only in clay pots. The Prasad is eventually consumed by worshipers.

5. Environmental benefits:

Clay is an environment friendly substance. When taken care of these clay pots properly they can last quiet a long time. Even if the clay pots/pans get cracked or break, they are biodegradable. So no harm to our environment at all.

6. Retains heat for longer:


7. Flavorful and nutritious food:

Food cooked in a clay pot with a lid on it, gets an intense and rich flavor.

clay pot yogurt dahi curd

In our home, my mother still uses clay pots to prepare most of the food. Yogurt made by my mother, in a clay pot tastes absolutely amazing! The taste which comes from cooking food in clay pots is very unique and delicious, I can’t explain it in words.


Our ancestors had a much better overall health than us. As compared to today, number of cases of diabetes, blood pressure, heart attack, cancer etc. were very low a few decades ago. Just because their lifestyle was very close to nature and they were getting all the nutrients from the food they were eating.




You can buy clay pots/pans from these websites specializing in Clay Cookware:

You can also buy clay pots on etc.

[Short Video] Simple drink to flush out (cleanse) the pesticides from your body


Pesticides remain in Fruits and Vegetables even after washing them with water. Our Liver’s function is to flush out all the toxin out of the system, but there are some pesticides which liver cannot remove. As a result the get stored inside our body. Detox (Cleanse) your body with this simple and easy to make drink at home.



Know your body type and personality – VATA, PITTA, KAPHA [PART2]


In the first part of this blog – VĀTA, PITTA AND KAPHA – THE 3 DOSHAS THAT DETERMINE YOUR PERSONALITY AND HEALTH [PART 1] , I wrote about what Doshas are (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), what basic elements are combined (Space, Air, Fire, Water, Earth)  to form each Dosha and how Doshas are spread out into our body. Please read that blog if you have not read it already. I am sure now you want to know what is your own Prakruti (body type). How are the Doshas influencing your personality and nature? You might also want to know what exactly are the different characteristics of these 3 Doshas? Lets talk about them now.

The Doshas are dynamic energies that constantly change in response to our bodily actions, thoughts, emotions, the food we eat, the seasons and any other changes that influence our mind and body. If the proportion of Dosha in your body is similar as you were born with, then you will be healthy and vibrant. If there is difference between these two states, it indicates the state of imbalance, which leads to various diseases in our body. In Ayurveda it is called as a Vikruti which is opposite of Prakruti.

There are three primary doshic states

Balanced- Influenced equally by Vata, Pitta, Kapha – is considered as the optimum state.

Increased- Particular Dosha is present in excess than its normal proportion.

Decreased- Particular Dosha is present in a less than normal proportion.

Know your body type and personality - VĀTA, PITTA, KAPHA. Characteristics, Qualities of doshas. How doshas influence and affect your nature?

1. Characteristics of Vata Dosha (Wind Energy)

According to the ancient Ayurvedic scripture Ashtāngahridayasaṃhitā (अष्टाङ्गहृदयसंहिता), following are the characteristics of Vata dosha:

Vata dosha shlok - VĀTA, PITTA, KAPHA - Know your body type and personality

Vata is predominantly composed of space and air elements.

A person with Vata dosha has the following body characteristics:

  1. Thin body frame, does not gain weight easily.
  2. Skin is dry, rough, dark complexion, cracked
  3. Hair are dry and splitting
  4. Is usually quick in doing any activities
  5. Has variable and/or poor appetite.
  6. Physical working capacity less, resistance to disease usually poor.
  7. Prefers warm or hot food and climate.
  8. Sweats less,  and has variable thirst.
  9. Tendency of constipation.
  10. Has light sleep with many dreams.
  11. Prone to anxiety, depression and has unpredictable nature.

2. Characteristics of Pitta Dosha (Fire Energy)

According to the ancient Ayurvedic scripture Ashtāngahridayasaṃhitā (अष्टाङ्गहृदयसंहिता), following are the characteristics of Pitta dosha:

Pitta dosha shlok - VĀTA, PITTA, KAPHA - Know your body type and personality

Pitta is predominantly composed of fire and water elements.

A person with Pitta dosha has the following body characteristics:

  1. Medium body frame.
  2. Skin is delicate, reddish complexion and warm to touch.
  3. Good or big appetite.
  4. Sensitive to warm temperature. Intolerance to hot food and climate.
  5. They prefer cold food and climate.
  6. Tendency of loose motions.
  7. Excessive sweating and often feel thirsty.
  8. Bright eyes, reddish sclera (the white outer layer of eyeball), yellow iris, sharp penetrating vision.
  9. Hair are soft, prone to premature graying and baldness.
  10. They are intelligent and have sharp memory.
  11. Hot tempered, brave, jealous, aggressive, commanding nature.

3.Characteristics of Kapha Dosha (Water Energy)

Kapha dosha shlok - VĀTA, PITTA, KAPHA - Know your body type and personality

Kapha is predominantly composed of water and earth elements.

A person with Kapha dosha has the following body characteristics:

  1. Large, board body frame, tendency to gain weight.
  2. Skin is thick, soft, smooth, firm, glossy, fair complexion.
  3. Has good stamina but is slow in physical activities.
  4. Deep and pleasant voice.
  5. Moderate appetite.
  6. Moderate sweating, low thirst.
  7. Deep and sound sleep.
  8. Large eyes, calm, stable with whitish sclera (the white outer layer of eyeball).
  9. Hair are thick, oily, wavy and dark-colored.
  10. Calm, cool, joyful, polite nature.

These are some of the characteristics of each dosha. By now you must have got an idea about the type of dosha your body belong to. But having said that, we all have complex personalities and body types. So its difficult to come to a conclusion about your correct Dosha based on a broad set of general characteristics. It will take a detailed evaluation by a professional Ayurvedic practitioner to know your exact body type. But never the less, these above guidelines will still give you a fair idea.

Vata, Pitta and Kapha are each essential to our physiology in some way or other, so no Dosha is better than or superior to any other dosha. Each one of them has a very specific set of functional roles to play in the body. When the doshas are out of balance, they can create various health problems in our body. Imbalance of doshas can be caused by stress, emotional trauma, as well as poor diet and lifestyle choices. All these disturbances cause an increase in one or more of the doshas, destroying the natural state of internal equilibrium of doshas represented by our body constitution.

In my next blog I am going to focus on reasons of imbalances of Doshas in our body and how to balance these Doshas with the help of change in lifestyle and diet.

Heres the link to the next part : Balance Your Imbalanced Doshas (Vata, Pitta And Kapha) With These Diet And Lifestyle Changes

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[Short Video] Is drinking cold water making you ill ?

[Short Video] Is drinking cold water making you ill ?

Refrigerators were originally invented to store food and keep it edible over a longer time. They were created to minimize the impact of the outside climate on food. When refrigerators were invented and were getting widely advertised, drinking water became a commercial product in the form of chilled bottled water, and the consumer perception changed. Cold water sure feels refreshing, but do you know that it may be harming your body chronically?

Please read the blog for a detailed explanation, click here: IS DRINKING REFRESHING COLD WATER MAKING YOU ILL ?


Vata, Pitta and Kapha: The 3 Doshas that determine your personality and health [Part-1]


We all have different personalities and characteristics of our individual nature. But have you ever wondered what exactly makes each of our individual nature and personality unique and different from the other people? Why are some people hyperactive and fast, while others show calmness and stillness in their activities? Why do some people always feel naturally joyful, while others seem to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders? Why some people need more sleep than others? Why do some people feel hungry every couple of hours, while some don’t feel hungry so often? Ayurveda answers all of these questions with – Vāta, Pitta and Kapha – The 3 Doshas that determine your personality and health.

Ayurveda defines health as a state of physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being. It is based on the theory of Panchamahabhoota the five basic elements – Space (also called Ether), Air, Fire, Water and Earth, and Tridoshas the three biological natures – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are present in each and every cell of our body along with mind and spirit. All that exists in the universe, exists within us.

5 body elements

Our body contains these same five elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth) in different amounts, and this is responsible for our Prakruti (body type). With the combination of these 5 elements, our body gets categorized into Vāta, Pitta or Kapha Prakruti and this is how we get our unique personality types.

 vata pitta kapha

What are the Three Doshas?

The Doshas are biological energies that are found throughout the human body and mind. They perform all the physical and mental processes inside the body and provide every human being a blueprint for his physical and mental health.

Poison is natural and inherent to some snakes. Similarly, the Prakruti is inherent to humans. Our body type is decided during conception, based on qualities of sperm and ovum.

How Tridoshas are spread in the body?

The Tridoshas are present all over the body. But each of their presence is especially dominant in particular parts of our bodies.

If you divide our body into three parts:

  1. The top part, from head to chest (sinuses, nostrils, throat, bronchi) is dominated by Kapha Dosha.
  2. The middle part, between chest and naval/belly button (liver, spleen, gall bladder, stomach, duodenum, pancreas) is dominated by Pitta Dosha,
  3. The lower part, below naval/belly button (small intestine, large intestine) is dominated by Vāta Dosha.

body parts dominated by the 3 doshas

Depending on combination of the 5 elements in your body, the intensity of these Doshas vary. Which in turn makes up for your body type and personality.

I am sure, if you have read so far you must also want to know what is your own Prakruti / body type. How are the Doshas influencing your personality / nature? You might also want to know what exactly are the different characteristics of these 3 Doshas? 

I have explained all of this in detail in the next part of this blog, click here – KNOW YOUR BODY TYPE AND PERSONALITY – VĀTA, PITTA, KAPHA [PART2]

If you want to get notified about new posts, videos or updates, ‘Like’ my Facebook Page – Wholesome Ayurveda –  or subscribe by email (in the subscribe section here on the page) to get notified.

Aura – How to cleanse your Aura – [Part 2]

Aura – How to cleanse your Aura – [Part 2]

What if your Aura gets polluted? Can you protect or vitalize your Aura? Can you cleanse your Aura?

My earlier post on ‘Aura – Energy field that affects your emotions, can help detect diseases‘, talked about what Aura is and how it affects us. Our Aura also protects us by screening harmful physical, emotional and psychic energies from our environment. It connects us to the nourishing energies in our environment and transfer these energies to the Chakras (energy centers of the body) and further processes these energies, often resulting into the balancing of nervous, hormonal, vascular and the other activities into the physical body. It sends signals or energies out into our environment that communicates information about us and attracts specific types of energies to us.

Sounds great right? But what if your Aura gets polluted? Can you protect or vitalize your Aura? Yes! You can cleanse your Aura! Easily

1. Mantra Chanting:

Mantra chanting is a powerful tool for energizing and strengthening of our Aura. A Mantra is an instrument of the mind – a powerful sound or vibration that you can use to enter a deep state of meditation. The sounds of Mantras stimulates the energies around and within us. It sets up purifying and refining effect on our Auric field. There are many Mantras available with a very high vibrations, like Mahamritunjay mantra and Gayatri mantra. They have a  powerful effect on our mind and body. Out of all the mantras OM or A-U-M is considered most powerful mantra of all.  You can chant a mantra for any number of times but traditionally mantra chanting repetition is done 108 times which is considered to be a special/sacred number. I will definitely write a blog about why 108 is considered as a special/sacred number.

  • Gayatri Mantra:

Sanskrit-ॐ भू: भुवः स्वः ।तत्स॑वि॒तुर्वरेण्यं॒भर्गो॑ दे॒वस्य॑ धीमहि ।धियो॒ यो नः॑ प्रचो॒दया॑त् ॥

om bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥtát savitúr váreṇ i yaṃbhárgo devásya dhīmahidhíyo yó naḥ prachodayāt

  • Mahamritunjay mantra:

Sanskrit-ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्

tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanamurvārukamiva bandhanānmṛtyormukṣīya mā’mṛtāt

2. Meditation:

Along with mantra chanting, if you start meditation on a daily basis, you will see positive effects in all aspects of life. Recent studies have clearly shown the benefits of meditation to reduce stress, alleviate pain, relax muscle tension, improve mind-body coordination and achieve mental peace. Those who do not meditate regularly have Chakras (energy centers) that are not fully open, and as a result their Auras are much dimmer than those who meditate daily. You can do any type of meditation practice which resonates with you and which makes you feel peaceful.

3. Sunlight and Fresh Air

Sunlight is strengthening to the Auric field. Exposure to the sunlight stimulates the flow of your own energy. Some lower vibrations cannot exist with exposure to bright light. Take daily walk outside in the early morning sunlight or at the sunset time because during these time sunlight will be gentle. It will stimulate your Chakras and remove any negative low vibrations out of your Auric field. While fresh air will have cleansing effect as well as it will calm and refresh you.

4. Physical Exercise

Our body is like a machine. If it is not operating on a regular basis it will not be of any use. Physical activity is what keeps our body healthy and active. Daily exercises like Yoga, gym, running or a simple brisk walk is very beneficial for the healthy Aura which ultimately gives us a healthy body.

5. Connect with Nature:

Spending time outside amongst nature is incredibly healthy for our body, mind and soul. Nature nourishes our senses and grounds us. Going for trekking, hiking or just a walk in nature once in a week will be very beneficial.


6. Nourishing Food:

Eating foods with higher nutrient value like raw beans sprouts, fruits, vegetables, nuts and proper hydration with water will keep you feel light and vibrant internally. Also eating less food but more frequently has a more balanced effect upon the Aura.

These are some of the effective ways you can cleanse, protect and vitalize your Aura. It will keep your mind and body healthy and will keep diseases at bay.

Is drinking refreshing Cold Water making you ill ?

Is drinking refreshing Cold Water making you ill ?


drinking cold water is harmful for you


Today it is common for the people to drink cold water at home and also in restaurants.  We need to take charge of our health and listen to our body and provide it with its natural needs.

What does Cold Water do to harm your Body?

1. Your blood vessels shrink:

When you drink cold water it shrinks your blood vessels because it is the nature of the cold temperature to shrink everything. Because of that blood circulation in your body slows down. It leads to improper blood supply to the various organs of the body. It is like making your body a stagnant water pond. Because of shrinked blood vessels chances of blockages in arteries increases, which is not good for people with high cholesterol level.

2. Interference with Digestion:

Drinking chilled water leads to severe constipation. Cold water shrinks your large intestine causing various other complications related to the constipation and indigestion. Just think about it – if cold water can make your large intestine (which plays very important function of removing toxins and waste from your body) shrink, how it could be affecting your overall health?

3. Danger of organ failure:

When you drink chilled water it suddenly drops down the normal temperature of your stomach. At that temperature it’s very difficult for your stomach to digest the food. As a result stomach starts to raise the temperature of the water and bring it to the normal body temperature. To do this, stomach requires an excess amount of energy which comes from your blood. This causes blood from the other parts of the body to move towards the stomach, which causes shortage of blood supply to other organs. If this process continues like this multiple times everyday,  it might cause failure of those organs at some point in future.

4. Makes you Fat!

If you drink cold water with your food or immediately after eating food, the water’s cold temperature solidifies fats from the foods you have just eaten. The body in turn finds it hard to digest the unwanted fats from your food. Ultimately body stores that undigested fat in the various parts of our body.

5. Reduces your immunity:

Cold water interferes with the natural absorption of the nutrients inside the body, which ultimately makes body nutrient deficient and reduces our immunity. Our chances of getting sore throat and other viral infections increases.

Some people say that when you drink cold water it requires more energy to digest it and so it burns more calories. But it is very unnatural to force our digestive system to work hard.

We should always make things as easy as we can for our body then only it will function properly for longer period of the time.


So the next time someone offers you a glass of chilled water, just say NO!

P.S. If you can’t do without cold water, here’s something for you. Since childhood I have seen clay pots called Matka in my house to store drinking water. For generations, almost every household in India has clay pots or copper pots that have been used according to the weather/season. In hot weather, most people use clay pots and in cold weather copper pots. Clay pot keeps water naturally cooled at around 14 degrees Celsius depending on the weather, which is good for drinking – not too warm and not too cold and gives it refreshing flavor. These are the ancient methods based on the Vedic Science.

Read my other post similar to this for more information: Drinking Water Immediately After Eating Is Poisonous!


Water and Saliva: A No Exercise Weight Loss Technique

Water and Saliva: A No Exercise Weight Loss Technique

Want to lose weight without exercise using water and saliva?

Want to feel light and vibrant everyday?

Make one simple change to your water drinking technique and prepare to see transformation in your body like never before…

Saliva – Ever wondered how precious it is? Like many of us, I was unaware of all the benefits of this magical watery fluid secreted twenty-four hours continuously inside our mouth, until I discovered its magical benefits from an ancient Āyurveda book called Ashtānga hridayasamhitā  (Heart of Medicine) written by one of the most influential writer of ĀyurvedaMaharishi VāgbhataĀyurveda is a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. Āyurveda is one of the earliest branches of medical science, which is followed by a large number of people in India and all over the world, especially people who are into practicing Yoga.

After reading about how just changing the way we drink water can help us lose weight without exercise and address other common problems like bloating and acidity, I got very excited to experiment with it. My husband and I started following this method of drinking water and guess what only within few days of practicing both of us saw significant changes in our body. Bloating was gone, we lost few inches around our belly, felt very light as our stomach was happy!

lose weight drinking water and saliva


Drink Water one Sip at a time!

Our stomach is Acidic in nature because it has Hydrochloric acid in it which helps in the digestion of the food. Saliva in our mouth is Alkaline in nature and its job is to stabilize the acid in our stomach. When we gulp large amount of water at once very less saliva gets mixed with the water so the atmosphere inside the stomach remains acidic. This causes acidity, indigestion, bloating, gases, etc. and ultimately it causes weight gain and increase in the cholesterol levels, because stomach fails to absorb essential nutrients from the food that we eat and remove unwanted material out of the body. In short by drinking water in a wrong way, we are disturbing the natural process of the digestive system.

Change The Habit

When we drink water one sip at a time, more saliva gets mixed with the water which makes water alkaline and when it reaches the stomach – which is acidic in nature – it creates Neutral atmosphere inside the stomach which is an ideal state for our stomach which eases and aides the entire digestive process.

Nature is The Best Teacher

Have you ever noticed how birds and animals drink water? If not then observe the next time you get a chance and you will notice that they take one sip at a time and drink it. In this way every time their tongue gets wet their saliva mixes with the water. Nature is smarter than we think!

Scientific Research is also in Motion

In the late 19th century, researchers had already learnt that saliva had digestive powers. Studies in the early 20th century had also shown some evidence of the dietary effect of saliva, and now a recent study has confirmed on the medicinal properties of the saliva. Some researchers have found that a simple saliva test is capable of diagnosing diabetes and cancer at an early stage, and perhaps neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases too because saliva contains many of the same disease-revealing molecules that are contained in our blood!

So now, it’s a time to take our Saliva seriously because we often don’t realize how important something is, until its too late.

Let That Holy Liquid Flow Inside Your Body!

Now you must be wondering how exactly should I drink  water?

You probably already know that it is very important that you should drink enough water everyday, to keep your body hydrated and remove toxins out of your body. You should always drink water at room temperature or lukewarm water. Never drink cold water. (Why? I am going to write about that very soon. Maybe I already have, please check my other posts).

This is what you should do:

First, take one sip of water at a time in your mouth. Rinse and swish the water in your mouth (as if you are using mouthwash) and let the saliva in your mouth mix with the water, and then drink it. Repeat the process until you finish your glass of water and do this every time you drink water. Pretend like you are drinking hot tea or coffee and drink your water sip by sip. Remember that “Slow and Steady Wins the Race”. It will be difficult and even a bit frustrating (yes, it was for my husband) when you first start to do this. It took about a week for me to get used to this technique.

What transformation will you see within a month?

  1. Your waistline will be reduced by few inches.
  2. Bloating will be completely gone.
  3. Your digestion will be improved.
  4. No acidity.
  5. Your bowel movements will be smoother.
  6. You will feel lighter and more energetic.
  7. Overall fat deposition tendency of your body will reduce over time.

Please do read my other post talking about why we shoud never drink cold water: Is Drinking Refreshing Cold Water Making You ill / Sick ?  It also has a short video too, hope you like it.

Now that you know all the benefits of drinking water ‘One Sip at a Time’,  start following it and you will see your overall health improve drastically in a very short time.

Sources for research: