CURD: A HEALTHY DELICACY FOR SUMMERS?????

Not really!!!

Curd is an integral part of Indian diet. Lassi, Chaach, Raitas, Yogurt etc. being its various forms. We use it vividly in summers to beat the heat but to add to your surprise, curd isn’t a summer commodity. It is basically to be consumed in winters.

 

Curd in DietsProperties of Curd:

Ayurveda attributes the following properties to dadhi or curd which will help you analyze when is the right time to consume curd:

  • Ushna (that which is heat generating): To us, curd appears to be cooling for body but the actual tendency of curd is ushna. In summers the bodily heat is added on by consumption of curd.
  • Guru (that which is heavy to digest): The digestion capacity reduces in summers. Hence, we demand usually liquids and light diet. Curd being heavy for digestion is therefore not advisable in summers.
  • Abhishyandi (that which blocks the fine channels of body): Curd, especially consumed in night hours, is not at all healthy. It blocks the fine channels of the body which over a period of time generates chronic ailments.

Therefore, looking into these basic properties of curd, its consumption is not advocated in Vasanta, Greeshma and Sharad Ritus (i.e. grossly from March till October).

Health Problems Due to Inappropriate Usage of Curd:

If the seasonal, combinational and time constraints are overlooked, it leads to various ailments. The mentioned ailments are:

  • Various skin problems (Kushta, Visarpa)
  • Fever (Jwara)
  • Bleeding disorders (Raktapitta)
  • Body swellings (Shotha) etc.

 

But knowing the fact that our palate enjoys curd and its derivatives in summers, you can always have it in a healthier form. There are a few guidelines on how to consume curd in summers which will reflect in my next article RIGHT TIPS TO HAVE CURD IN SUMMERS.

Till then eat healthy and live healthy. In case you have any personal queries regarding your health or diet practices, please feel free to contact me at vdshruti@gyanherbal.in.

Indian Spices: The Herbs That Heal

Indian culture has always been a center of attraction. From enthralling monuments to festivals, clothing to food; everything is so rich and interesting. Especially, the Indian cuisine that is so rich in flavors and health benefits. The traditional cuisine is extremely flavorsome and nutritious. It is cooked with some of the most amazing spices which not only tantalize your taste buds but they also bring wonderful benefits to your physical and mental health.

Indian Herbs That Heal

Here are some of these Indian herbal spices which promise to enrich your food with flavors and nourishment.

  • Black Pepper: Also known as KALIMIRCH in Hindi, it is a wonderful herb which makes your food spicy and also helps in digesting it with ease.
  • Cinnamon: Also known as DALCHINI in Hindi, it is an amazing anti-oxidant which comes with anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Cardamom: Also known as ELAICHI, it is a flavorsome herb which is good for digestion. It works beautifully in conditions like cold and cough.
  • Bay Leaf: Commonly known as TEJPATRA, it is good in conditions like infections and cold. This aromatic spice is also known to work in diabetes.
  • Clove: Popularly known as LAUNG, this herb is extremely helpful in respiratory problems. It is also very effective in digestion.
  • Long Pepper: Commonly known as PEEPAL, this is considered as a good medicine in fevers and bacterial infections.

These Indian spices work as amazing herbal medicines that make your food easy to digest and healthy. So make sure that when you are cooking your meal, you use them in your food to make it a diet that tastes awesome and also imparts strength and nourishment to your system. All these medicinal plants have been used in Ayurvedic medicines since ages.

So enjoy herbs that heal and consume food that has all these spices. Gyan Herbal Home is one place where you can find a vivacious range of all these plants in powdered form for quick and easy use.

GEAR UP FOR A GALA DIWALI

Here comes DIWALI – a 5-day long celebration. Although, Diwali is the major highlight but we have other important festivals too, which glorify this entire week and mark the beginning and the end of this delight.
• Oct 21,2014 (Day 1) : Dhanteras
It’s the birthday of Lord Dhavantari, the God of Ayurveda. Purchasing vessels especially in gold and silver marks this occasion. The significance lies in the fact that the food served in these vessels imparts good health and immunity.
• Oct 22,2014 (Day 2) : Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali / Roop Chaudas
This day is celebrated to abolish laziness and evil from our lives. On this day, one can pray for a healthy and beautiful body. Meditate for a sound soul and mind. Enjoy a lavish bath with uptan or other fragrant powders.
• Oct 23,2014 (Day 3) : Diwali and Lakshmi Poojan
It is the day which brings wealth and prosperity to all. Lighting the diyas not just signifies Goddess Lakshmi’s arrival but also imparts health.
• Oct 24,2014 (Day 4) : Balipratipada / Padwa / Govardhana (mostly in North India)
King Bali is worshipped on this day as he was bestowed this boon by Lord Vishnu who defeated him. In North, Lord Krishna is worshipped for he lifted the Govardhana hill to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and flood. Also, on this day of Balipratipada, the gambling game is played with the family members.
• Oct 25,2014 (Day 5) : Bhaiya Dooj
This day is celebrated with the same zeal of Rakshabandhan. It’s a day to strengthen the bond between the brothers and the sisters. On this day, Moon is worshipped.
A few important health tips which one must follow during these days are:
• Fragrant oil bath is advised which is later washed with the shikakai powder or soaps. This is vital for the purification of selfish desires.
• Rangoli should be made during this festive season.
• Women should decorate their hands with henna.
• Oil lamps should be lit as they purify the atmosphere of our homes.
For more health related tips, have a look at the link given below:https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=599801643400445&id=555532244494052

This was just a briefing about the most awaited festive season. I wish you all a very happy, healthy, safe and prosperous DIWALI!!!

gyan herbal
gyan herbal home

SHARAD RITU

The season from September mid to November mid is SHARAD RITU. This season causes increase in Pitta (the heat element of the body). Thus, to protect the body from episodes of skin rashes, pus formation, acidity, bleeding piles etc., we must follow the required diet and routine ideal for this season.
Diet
• Food dominant with bitter, sweet and astringent flavours should be consumed.
• Rice, green gram, sugar, amvala, honey and ghee should be incorporated in the diet.
• Avoid citric and spicy and sharp food articles, curd and oily preparations.
• Consume water which is exposed to sun and moon i.e. has been exposed to the natural light for 24 hours.
• Avoid alcoholic preparations.
Regimen
• Prefer sitting in the moonlight every night.
• Avoid afternoon nap and exposure to morning dew and sharp sunrays.
Follow these simple tips for this festive season to enjoy it to the most